Brighton and Hove Pride parade brought joy to city

The much-loved event opened the weekend’s festivities under this year’s theme of joy and the procession certainly brought the feeling to the city’s streets.

Colourful floats and their joyous passengers set off from Hove Lawns at 11am sharp and wound through the city passing by the i360 and the Brighton Centre, going up West Street and then down North Street, where crowds swelled as they partied to the likes of Kylie Minogue, Abba and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

People enjoying the parade outside the Royal Pavilion (Image: The Argus/Andrew Gardner)

The annual event showcases over 100 charities, community groups, emergency services, representatives from the NHS and other Pride organisations and small businesses.

Thousands draped in Pride flags turned out to watch the parade in cowboy hats, angel wings and lots of glitter.

People had a great time (Image: The Argus/Andrew Gardner)

People could be seen watching from the balconies of their flats, from shop doorways and even from colourful beach huts decorated for the occasion.

A couple outside their beach hut decorated for Pride (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

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There were plenty of canine supporters too with one labrador sporting a Pride coat.

A labrador in a fetching Pride coat (Image: The Argus)

Dance troupes and musicians brought the party atmosphere and crowds enjoyed pop tunes, drums and samba bands before the display continued up to Preston Park for the beginning of Pride’s festival Fabuloso.

The parade started from Hove Lawns (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

There were also some familiar faces in the parade including Diane Carson, star of the second series of BBC hit show The Traitors which aired earlier this year.

Diane of BBC hit show The Traitors on a float (Image: The Argus)

And former Great British Bake Off contestant Janusz Domagala was once again in the parade after taking part for the first time last year.

It was not all plain sailing though.

Police had to deal with protesters demonstrating against Cocoa-Cola’s inclusion in the parade.

The company is facing consumer boycotts amid the conflict in Gaza.

Protesters stopped the Coca-Cola bus (Image: The Argus)

The parade was paused in West Street only a few minutes after its start and again a few hours later near the Royal Pavilion when the group surrounded the Coca-Cola bus.

Protesters in West Street (Image: The Argus/Andrew Gardner)

The bus had to be left behind and the rest of the parade diverted around east of Victoria Gardens.

Police blocking protesters near the Royal Pavilion (Image: The Argus)

Police created a protective ring around the vehicle and helped passengers off while the protesters chanted “boycott”.

The protesters eventually left and the bus was removed.

The rest of the parade was able to make its way up to Preston Park unhindered.