25 of the most adorable, colorful pictures of Brighton Pride parade 2018

Brighton Pride parade is one of the biggest LGBTI celebration in the UK. | Photo: @littleredroamer/Instagram

300,000 took to the streets of Brighton today (4 August) to take part in the annual Pride parade.

Despite the high temperature, floats and marchers waving rainbow flags invaded the maritime town on an incredibly sunny Saturday.

Brighton and Hove Pride, now in its 27th year, is one of the biggest LGBTI celebrations in the UK.

This year’s theme is Colour My World, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the creation of the rainbow flag.

As usual, the Carnival of Diversity Community Parade started at Hove Lawns at 11am. It traveled through the city center, passing Brighton’s landmarks such as the Royal Pavilion.

Brighton Pride parade took place despite the controversies

The 2018 march in the LGBTI capital of England was controversial. Many are claiming the event has become more of a music festival, losing its true significance.

Others are enthusiastic about the event, which is now sold out. Moreover, those who bought tickets via secondary sales websites, such as Viagogo, are likely to be denied entry to the concert.

Brighton Pride, in fact, has a ‘no resale, no refund’ policy for the annual concert. They have also stated on multiple occasions that concert-goers must only purchase tickets through their website.

Activists protested British Airways

Furthermore, some activists have targeted British Airways, one of Brighton Pride’s sponsors.

They protested the airline at today’s parade, accusing them to sponsor Pride to ‘polish their image’ while co-operating with deportations on the ground of sexual orientation.

On the other hand, the company said it is bound by law to do so when asked by the Government.

‘It is a legal requirement according to the Immigration Act 1971 for all airlines to deport people when asked to do so by the Home Office,’ a spokesperson for BA said.

‘Not fulfilling this obligation amounts to breaking the law,’ they also said.

They also explained they don’t have ‘any personal information about the individual being deported, including their sexuality, or why they are being deported.’

A proud supporter of Pride, BA also said: ‘Over 100 colleagues from our LGBTI network Flying Proud will be taking part in the events of the weekend and flying the flag for modern Britain.’

One of the most anticipated events in Europe

The annual concert at Preston Park has now become a crucial event for the community. This year’s Pride will see Britney Spears headline.

The Baby One More Time singer will take the main stage alongside Ella Eyre and Pixie Lott. Mnek, Mabel, and Louise will also perform.

Britney will bring her award-winning Las Vegas residency show Piece of Me to the UK. This will also be the first time she performs in England ever since 2011.

Before tonight’s concert, take a look at Brighton Pride pictures below: