Brighton Pride Gears Up for Milestone 35th Anniversary with Star-Studded Line-up
Brighton’s iconic Pride festival is poised to deliver its most spectacular celebration yet, marking 35 years of vibrant festivity. The full line-up has been unveiled, promising an unforgettable weekend of music, performance, and community spirit. This year’s event is set to make history, with legendary songstress Diana Ross, at 81 years young, becoming the oldest headliner ever for Pride on the Park. She will grace the main stage on the opening weekend of August, treating the crowd to timeless hits that have defined generations.
Fans can expect an electrifying performance from Ms. Ross as she belts out beloved classics such as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Endless Love,” and, fittingly for the occasion, “I’m Coming Out.” Her appearance marks a significant moment, adding another illustrious chapter to Brighton Pride’s rich history.
However, the vocal prowess doesn’t end with Diana Ross. Saturday’s headline slot will be dominated by the sensational RAYE. Fresh off the release of her highly anticipated new album, RAYE is expected to bring a dynamic show featuring a full brass band, powerful renditions of her chart-topping hits, and her signature independent artistry. Her performance is sure to be a highlight, showcasing her evolution as a formidable force in the music industry.
Joining RAYE on Saturday is pop sensation Jessie J, who has also been confirmed to perform. Adding to the star power, RuPaul will be commanding the “Icons” slot, making their highly anticipated debut at the festival. No stranger to commanding a stage, RuPaul’s presence is guaranteed to bring glamour and charisma.
The weekend’s line-up continues to impress with a diverse array of talent. On Sunday, attendees will have the pleasure of watching Self Esteem, the moniker of Rebecca Lucy Taylor. Known for her critically acclaimed, candid pop music and a notable stint in the West End’s production of Cabaret, Self Esteem is set to deliver a performance that is both introspective and empowering.
Also gracing the stage on Sunday is the much-loved pop group Five, who made a triumphant return to the music scene last year with a long-awaited comeback. Their performance is sure to evoke nostalgia and energise the crowd.
Further notable acts set to entertain include Leigh-Anne, G-Flip, and RuPaul, who will also be showcasing their DJing skills, adding another dimension to the festival’s offerings. The announcement of the full line-up has already generated significant buzz, with fans taking to social media to declare it “insanely good.”
When and Where: Brighton Pride 2026 Dates and Location
Brighton Pride is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 1st, and Sunday, August 2nd, 2026. The festival will be held in Brighton & Hove, a city renowned for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community and its welcoming atmosphere. The main events, including the headline performances, will take place at “Pride on the Park.”
RAYE’s performance is particularly anticipated following the release of her new album, This Music May Contain Hope, slated for March 27th. RAYE has been meticulously refining her work, even re-recording her number-one hit “Where Is My Husband” in her pursuit of perfection. This dedication to her craft suggests a truly polished and impactful performance.
Paul Kemp, the festival’s managing director, expressed his elation at the headliners. “We are beyond thrilled to welcome the phenomenal RAYE and the iconic Ms. Ross as our Pride on the Park 2026 headliners,” he stated. “Having first graced our stage in 2018, RAYE’s journey over the past nine years has been nothing short of extraordinary. Welcoming the incomparable Diana Ross as our Sunday headliner, as a UK live show exclusive, is a dream come true. Her legendary voice and catalogue of hits will be an unforgettable moment in Brighton Pride history.”
The Full Brighton Pride 2026 Line-up (Confirmed Acts)
While the full roster is extensive and more acts are expected to be announced closer to the festival dates, the confirmed headliners and key performers include:
- Sunday, August 2nd: Diana Ross (Headliner)
- Saturday, August 1st: RAYE (Headliner)
- Saturday Line-up also includes: Jessie J, RuPaul (Icons Slot)
- Sunday Line-up also includes: Self Esteem
- Other confirmed acts: Paris Hilton (Icons Slot), Five, Leigh-Anne, G-Flip, RuPaul (DJ Set)
- Spotlight Show: Peaches
Ticket Information and Pricing for Brighton Pride 2026
Official ticket prices for Brighton Pride 2026 have not yet been released, but they are expected to align with recent years. Historically, single-day tickets have ranged from approximately £58 to £64, with weekend tickets in the final release tier estimated to be around £89. Fans are advised to monitor the official Brighton Pride website for the most up-to-date information on ticket sales and pricing.
Diana Ross’s recent UK performance at London’s O2 showcased her enduring talent, performing hits from her 65-year career alongside the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. This suggests attendees at Brighton Pride can anticipate a similarly dazzling and career-spanning performance.
The excitement from fans is palpable. Social media has been abuzz with positive reactions, with users like AaronSpencer 98 on X declaring, “Brighton Pride have well and truly outdone themselves,” and Selyoncerry adding, “Diana Ross at Brighton Pride ohhhh I won.” D Huelin commented that the line-up was “pretty iconic,” even with just the headliners confirmed so far. Ellielikesmedia echoed the sentiment, tweeting, “Raye and Diana Ross headlining Brighton Pride??! see u there.”
A Legacy of Pride: The History of Brighton Pride
Brighton Pride boasts a rich history, extending far beyond its contemporary festival format. While the first official headliner was Alexandra Burke in 2012, the roots of Brighton & Hove Pride trace back to a gay demonstration in 1972, followed by a full march the subsequent year. The first contemporary Pride event was launched in 1991, steadily growing in popularity. Today, it is estimated that over 500,000 people attend the festival annually, making it one of the UK’s largest and most significant Pride celebrations.
Paul Kemp further reflected on the significance of the anniversary: “As we proudly celebrate 35 years of Brighton & Hove Pride, we look ahead to an unforgettable weekend that honours the power of love in all its forms. This year promises to be truly momentous – a joyous celebration of inclusivity, unity, and pride, and one we cannot wait to share with you.”
This article was originally published on February 5, 2026.
