Brighton Pride has long been considered one of the most vibrant and significant LGBTQ+ events in the UK. With its roots in activism and celebration of queer identity, it has grown into a massive cultural and commercial event that attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees each year. But as the rainbow flags become increasingly entangled with corporate logos, and ticket prices rise alongside crowd numbers, many are beginning to question: is Brighton Pride still meaningful, or has it become just big business?
A Brief History of Brighton Pride
To understand this debate, it’s important to start with where Brighton Pride began. The first official Pride event in Brighton took place in 1991, with a clear political focus. It was a protest march against the discrimination and marginalization faced by LGBTQ+ people, including issues such as police harassment, HIV/AIDS stigma, and the notorious Section 28 legislation, which prohibited the “promotion” of homosexuality in schools.
The early years of Brighton Pride were about visibility, solidarity, and fighting for rights in a climate of widespread intolerance. It was a grassroots movement powered by activists and community volunteers. Over the decades, as societal acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities improved, Pride events across the world began to shift from protests to parades—and Brighton was no exception.
The Rise of the Commercial Machine
Today, Brighton Pride is a massive weekend-long festival. With headline acts like Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue, and Christina Aguilera gracing the main stage in recent years, it’s easy to see how the event has transformed. Pride in the Park, the main ticketed event, generates millions in revenue, contributing to Brighton’s local economy and attracting global attention.
Sponsorships from major brands have also become a staple. Banks, tech giants, alcoholic beverage companies, and fashion labels all want a piece of the Pride pie. Their logos feature prominently on banners, floats, and merchandise. There are corporate tents and VIP areas. Ticket prices have soared, and the event has become a major operation involving security, event planners, and public relations firms.
From a business perspective, Brighton Pride is a huge success. But from a community standpoint, this commercialization has led to disillusionment among some LGBTQ+ individuals and grassroots activists. They argue that the event has lost its soul—its political edge and inclusivity—becoming more about profit than protest.
Inclusivity vs. Exclusivity
One of the major criticisms of Brighton Pride’s commercial turn is that it risks excluding the very people it was meant to serve. Ticket prices for Pride in the Park can be prohibitively expensive for those on lower incomes, including young queer people, trans individuals, and those from marginalized ethnic backgrounds. As a result, access to the “main” Pride experience may feel limited to those who can afford it.
Furthermore, the corporate involvement often raises questions about authenticity. Many of the companies that sponsor Pride events are accused of “rainbow-washing”—a term used to describe brands that publicly support LGBTQ+ causes during Pride Month but fail to back that support with meaningful policies or actions. When the festival becomes more about marketing opportunities than genuine allyship, its message risks being diluted.
The Spirit of Protest Still Lingers
Despite the glossy surface, it would be unfair to say that Brighton Pride has lost all meaning. The parade itself remains free and open to all, and still carries a political message. Themes often focus on current issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, such as the rise in transphobia, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation abroad, and the need for better healthcare access for queer individuals.
Local charities and activist groups still march alongside the floats, and community-run events continue throughout the city. Brighton also holds a Pride Village Party and a Community Parade that celebrate queer culture in a more accessible and localized way. Moreover, a portion of the proceeds from the ticketed events does go back into the community through grants and support for local LGBTQ+ services.
In other words, while the surface may appear more commercial than ever, the roots of activism and community support are not entirely lost. But they must be actively protected.
Navigating the Balance
The core question, then, is whether Brighton Pride can continue to be both a major commercial event and a meaningful expression of LGBTQ+ identity and solidarity. This balancing act is delicate. On one hand, large-scale events need funding to be successful and safe. On the other, if commercial interests outweigh the voices of the community, Pride risks becoming a hollow celebration.
One solution may lie in transparency and accountability. Organizers could ensure that sponsors are genuinely committed to LGBTQ+ rights year-round and that proceeds from commercial events are clearly and generously reinvested in the community. Making more events free and inclusive, and keeping political advocacy at the heart of the programming, can help preserve Pride’s original purpose.
Conclusion
Brighton Pride stands at a crossroads. It is undoubtedly a celebration of progress and diversity, but it is also a lucrative commercial enterprise. Whether it remains meaningful depends on the continued involvement and leadership of the LGBTQ+ community itself, not just brands and ticket holders. Pride began as a protest, and while it can and should be a celebration, it must never lose sight of its roots. Brighton Pride still has the power to be both a joyful party and a force for change—but only if the community remains its heart.
