Ahead of Pride 2026, take a look at our top tips for staying healthy and safe over the weekend.
Choose the right service
Look after each other
- Decide on a meeting point in a quieter area in case you get separated.
- Let someone know if you’re going to leave the group or head home.
- If you see someone struggling, ask if they’re ok and direct them to support.
- Stewards and security staff will be around Pride venues to help you.
Keep cool and stay hydrated
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, overheating and a bad hangover.
- Take an empty refillable water bottle into Pride events
- Know where the water points are in the park and in the city centre, or ask for water from bars.
- Be prepared for hot weather.
- Use sun cream and look out for sunburn or heat exhaustion in yourself and friends.
Pace yourself and know your limits
- Have a good time but know when to stop drinking or call it a night.
- Avoid mixing drugs with other drugs, alcohol or prescription medication.
- Do not go in the sea when you’ve been drinking alcohol or taken drugs.
Protect yourself from STIs
- Cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are increasing.
- Use protection and get tested regularly, even if you are not showing any symptoms.
- Free condoms are available at the park or in LGBTQ+ venues in the city.
Don’t feel pressured into doing something you don’t want to
- Alcohol and drugs can impair your judgement
- Don’t feel pressured into drinking, taking drugs, having sex or going somewhere you don’t feel comfortable.
If you need first aid or medical help
First aid teams and medical centres are provided through St John’s Ambulance in Preston Park and Epione Medical Services at the Pride Street Party.
A steward can direct you or assist you to get to them.
For medical support:
- Visit a pharmacy for advice and over the counter medicines for minor health concerns such as sunburn, stomach pain, a headache or hay fever.
- Call NHS 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk for 24/7 medical advice or information about which local services to use.
- Walk-in at Brighton Station Health Centre for urgent treatment. Open 8am to 8pm every day and you don’t need to be a registered patient.
- Call the Samaritans on 116 123 if you are experiencing distress or want to talk to someone.
If you need to talk to someone
Safe Space
A quiet space with support for anyone who is feeling distressed, intoxicated, injured, has lost friends, needs to charge a phone or is unable to get home.
Open Friday and Saturday from 10.30pm to 5am at St Paul’s Church, West Street BN1 2RQ.
Ru-ok?
Free drop-in clinics for young people under 18 at the Adolescent Service office at 1 Regency Road
Open Friday from 12 noon to 4pm and on Tuesday 4 August from 12 noon to 4pm.
TDC service and youth bus
A youth-friendly space outside of the Pride festival grounds at Preston Park from 12 noon to 5pm on Saturday.
TDC’s Youth Bus will be based on the southern end of Preston Road, providing food, drink, condoms, sun cream, phone charging and other items, all free of charge to 11 to 19-year-olds.
After the festival
Free HIV or STI test kits are easily available:
If you need sexual health & HIV support or advice:
If you need drugs or alcohol support, visit our help with alcohol or drug misuse information.
