Slow Dating Becomes an Official Supporter of Brighton Pride

We’e excited to share the news with you that Slow Dating has become an official supporter of Brighton Pride. As one of the local businesses to be joining forces with Pride City Angels, we’re delighted — and of course, very proud — to be playing a part in the action. Read on to find out more about this year’s Pride and the City Angels initiative.

Pride City Angels

The City Angels themselves have been volunteering at this mega-event since 2009. Together they ensure the safety and well-being of those attending Brighton Pride; anyone who needs hlp can seek out an Angel, whether it be for lost property, directions, first-aid, or simply a friendly face for those feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed. While Pride is famously a place of acceptance and love, if anyone does experience harassment or intimidation, the Angels are on hand to help. Each volunteer receives training, so they can be effective and knowledgeable and understand what to do in any given scenario.

If you’re reading this and feel like you’d be a good fit, you can find out how to get involved on the website, We Are City Angels. You must be over 18, able to commit to training and a minimum number of hours during the event itself. It’s a rewarding and meaningful way to engage in pride and a super method of meeting people too.

Pride City Angels partners

Back in 2019 Brighton Pride launched a scheme to foster a closer ongoing collaboration. Pride City Angels is a partnership between the annual Pride celebrations and Brighton’s retailers, restauranteurs, hoteliers and other indie businesses in the area. With over £20 million spent in Brighton over Pride weekend, it made total sense to bring the commercial community into the action and encourage involvement in the Pride City Angels initiative.

Those of us who’ve signed up to support the City Angels recognise the massive value in the work they do to make sure Pride is a safe, welcoming, gloriously diverse and fun experience for all who attend, regardless of age, gender and sexuality. We stand behind the ethos of inclusivity and can’t wait to meet more of the Angels in 2023!

Respect – Pride – Unity

Let’s talk a little bit more about Brighton and Hove Pride itself. Classed as a not-for-profit community interest organisation (it received charitable status in 2013), all of the money made from the event goes back into staging the annual Pride Festival, LGBTQ+ Pride Community Parade, Pride Village Party, the Rainbow Fund and Social Impact Fund and other programmes that support the community. Indeed, charity work is integral to the organisation. But it’s also renowned for the top pop and drag acts that headline the stages each year, colourful, joyful parades and carnival floats on a range of themes. And of course, where better to fiesta than on the UK’s gorgeous south coast, beside the sea and among one of the most vibrant areas in the country.

A history of Brighton and Hove pride

The roots of Brighton Pride can be traced back to the early gay rights movement of the 1970s. A demonstration in Brighton, known as the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) March, took place in 1973, then in the 1980s, the event evolved into the Brighton Pride Carnival, initially organised by the Sussex Gay Liberation Front. However, over the years, the event faced challenges and obstacles, including opposition from local authorities and some members of the community. Yet, it continued to grow and gain momentum, becoming an important celebration for the LGBTQ+ community in Brighton.

In 2003, Brighton Pride was officially rebranded as the Brighton & Hove Pride Festival. At the same time, the event expanded its scope, incorporating various elements such as a parade, live performances, music stages, community events and a Pride Village Party in Preston Park. Now, it’s grown to become one of the largest Pride events in the United Kingdom, attracting both local residents and visitors from around the world.

There’s still time to get your tickets for Brighton & Hove Pride, which will take place on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th August 2023. And if you’re a Sussex local, why not check out our speed dating events and brand new EVERYONE Singles parties in Brighton. We’d love to see you there. Or take a look at these ideas for fun date nights in Brighton.

Related Questions

Why is Brighton famous for pride?
A front-runner in the movement, Brighton’s Pride began in 1973, when a small group of activists organised a march through the city. It grew exponentially in size and scope, with more participants and a wider range of activities and events. In 1991, the first official Brighton Pride event was held, with a parade through the city followed by a festival.

Who will headline Brighton Pride in 2023?
The Black Eyed Peas will top the bill on Saturday 6 August with Steps headlining on the following night. Other big-name acts to appear in the 2023 line-up are Zara Larsson and Melanie C. Around half a million people in total are expected to attend Brighton Pride as a whole this year.

Where is the Pride Village Party in Brighton?
The Pride Village Party takes place in the coastal Kemptown area, located east of Brighton’s centre. The main hub of the party is centred around St James's Street, a lively and vibrant area that is home to many of the city's LGBTQ+ bars, clubs and businesses.