'Let's throw it on': Total self-expression rules at Brighton Pride
Visitors have well and truly been making the most of Brighton Pride with it finally being able to return after two years of cancellations due to COVID-19 – and Preston Park is the place to be for fun and maximum self-expression.
While Sunday is the more family-friendly day of the festival, the antics on Saturday can get more X-rated with near-naked bodies routinely on display, often in the wildest of costumes, and couples enjoying various PDAs, knowing no one will ever bat an eyelid.
A crowd of around 80,000 people came to the park this year and enjoyed going all out, whether it was dressing to impress, partying in the various tents, or feeling the love. Think cages, bondage outfits, Maleficent costumes and disco moves.
Jamilla, 24, from Brighton (soon to move to London) and Lucia, 30, from London, turned heads on the Yahoo catwalk and took Preston Park by storm in matching leather outfits, complete with whips and buckles.
“It’s been fantastic, Pride is such a wicked event," Jamilla told us. "I don’t think you’ll find anywhere else like it."
Both of them, as with many others, were most excited about Christina Aguilera's headline performance.
And the inspo for their looks? "From each other really, our lives," said Lucia, 30.
Jamilla elaborated, "We both had it in the cupboard already and we were both like, 'Let's wear it'" Smiling in agreement, Lucia added, "Let's throw it on!"
Ryan, from Stroud in the Cotswolds, un-missable with bright orange hair and multi-coloured flares and Ismael, from Spain, with Maleficent horns that speak for themselves, both live together in Bristol.
Ryan said their day so far had been "beautiful, absolutely beautiful," but that they'd only just got there. "We're late arrivals, fashionably late."
Apparently Christina Aguilera was also the main excitement of the day. "That's why I'm here, darling," added Ryan.
Ismael said, ‘It’s my first time in Brighton… Brighton, Pride, sunny day… just chillax, enjoy and dance.”
"We’re having a summer of Pride," added Ryan. "We did London, we did Bristol, and now we’re here for Brighton, so it’s been a magical summer.”
'Rosacea Blemish', from London, told Yahoo that Pride was an "opportunity to show who I am and where I want to be." And the attire, made up of a sparkling cowboy hat, black waistcoat and black leather trousers? “My outfit makes me feel powerful and free!”
Aside from the whips, horns and cages, many also simply just let loose, with glorified dance-offs in every corner, echoes of crowds screaming out song lyrics and making new connections.
With it being Brighton Pride's (delayed) 30th anniversary, there was even more of a reason for celebration, with an air of festivity filling the park.
While the LGBTQ+ Community Parade and the Pride Village Party in Kemptown, also being key parts of the weekend, Preston Park oozed a special feeling of freedom across the lawns. One thing's for sure, Pride was back with a bang this year.
Watch: Kiss FM's Harriet Rose: My first ever Pride parade
