As we get ready to host Pride 2025, remember to plan ahead and enjoy the event safely and responsibly.
As one of the largest and most popular Pride events in the country, it’s expected to be a busy weekend in the city.
Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet member for Communities, Equalities, Public Health and Adult Social Care, said: “Pride is a time to celebrate our amazing LGBTQ+ communities and the strong values of equality that define our inclusive city. Brighton & Hove is proud to be welcoming to each and every person, and we want all residents and visitors to have a joyful, safe and respectful Pride 2025.
“Please take care of yourselves and keep an eye out for others too – particularly those who may be distressed or appear vulnerable.”
A range of health and wellbeing services will be offering support over the weekend, but residents are reminded to choose the right service for their needs so the NHS can care for those that need it.
Please only dial 999 or use A&E if it’s a serious or life-threatening emergency. Medical support is available at Preston Park, the Pride Street Party, pharmacies, Safe Space and Brighton Station Medical Centre.
Decide on a meeting point in a quieter area in case you get separated and let someone know if you’re going to leave the group or head home.
If you see someone who looks like they are struggling, ask if they’re ok and direct them to support if they need it. Stewards and security staff will be around Pride venues to help you.
Avoid dehydration, overheating and a bad hangover by drinking plenty of water.
You can take an empty refillable water bottle into Pride events and there are water points in the park and in the city centre, or ask for water from bars.
The forecast is currently mixed, so be prepared for all weather.
Bring warm and waterproof clothing, and if the sun does come out, use suncream 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.
To reduce your risk of overdose, avoid mixing drugs with other drugs, alcohol or prescription medication.
Remember that it’s never safe to go into the sea when you’ve been drinking alcohol or taken drugs.
Protect yourself from STIs
Cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are increasing.
The best way to look after your sexual health and avoid getting an STI is to 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’re not interested in doing something your friends are doing, remember that you don’t have to.
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. Most problems can be dealt with on site. A steward can direct you or assist you to get to them.
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 from 11.30pm to 4am and Saturday 10.30pm to 5am at St Paul’s Church, West Street BN1 2RQ.
Ru-ok?
ru-ok? will run free drop-in clinics for young people under 18 at the Adolescent Service office at 1 Regency Road on Friday from 12pm to 4pm and on Tuesday 5th August from 12 noon to 4pm.
TDC service and youth bus
Trust for Developing Communities (TDC) will run a Youth Welfare service outside of the Pride festival grounds at Preston Park from 12pm to 5pm on Saturday and TDC’s Youth Bus will be based on the southern end of Preston Road, providing food, drink, condoms, suncream, phone charging and other items, all free of charge to 11- to 19-year-olds.
You can also:
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.
