Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee
Subject: Evolution of Pride in Kemptown
Date of meeting: 14th October 2025
Report of: Chair of Place Overview & Scrutiny
Contact Officer: Name: Natalie Sacks-Hammond
Email: Natalie.sacks-hammond@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Ward(s) affected: (All Wards);
Key Decision: No
1.1 This report was sought by Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee following concerns voiced by some community groups and businesses around the relocation of the Pride Street party in summer 2025 away from St James’ Street where it has typically taken place for a number of years.
1.2 Appendix 1[VS1] presents an overview of the changes made and a review of how the event went in order to inform future planning.
2.1 That Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee note the report.
3.1 Brighton & Hove Pride is significant in terms of the city’s identity, community and economy. In December 2023, members approved a 5 year plan (2023-2028) for Pride with promise of a review of the Village Party in 2024 with changes to be introduced from 2025 onwards.
3.2 A period of extensive consultation took place in 2024 as part of this review. In 2025, the Kemptown “Pride Village Party” became the “Pride Street Party” with the location changing to Marine Parade only, in response to the concerns of local residents, mainly around access.
3.3 The changes included:
• Focusing the site was around 6 key LGBTQIA+ venues on Marine Parade and side streets
• Reinstating traffic where safe to do so on St James Street to minimise disruption to bus routes
• Offering a family-friendly atmosphere at New Steine Gardens party with improved accessibility facilities.
3.4 Following the event, feedback has been largely positive; there were no significant reports of antisocial behaviour, there was a reduction in public urination, and people enjoyed having increased access to St James’ Street.
3.5 Further feedback will be gathered at an all agencies debrief and with residents in the coming weeks. This will inform future planning for the event.
4.1 Not specifically for this scrutiny report.
5.1 Not specifically for this scrutiny report. However, significant consultation has
taken place through surveys and in-person meetings.
6.1 There are no direct financial implications arising from the recommendations
of this report which is for noting.
Name of finance officer consulted: John Lack Date consulted: 01/10/2025
7.1 No legal implications have been identified as arising from this ‘for noting’ report.
Name of lawyer consulted: Victoria Simpson Date consulted 1/10/2025
8.1 The events which fall under the Brighton & Hove Pride umbrella aim to promote good relations between the communities which live and work in the city, including those with relevant protected characteristics. The changes made to the Pride Village Party were made to, amongst other things, improve access to differently-abled Pride attendees, while minimising the adverse impacts on other road users, including those with protected characteristics.
9.1 Not specifically for this scrutiny report.
10. Health and Wellbeing Implications:
10.1 Not specifically for this scrutiny report.
11.1 Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee to note the report and make any
comments to inform future planning of this event.
Supporting Documentation
1. Evolution of Pride in Kemptown
[VS1]Have provided legal imps although would normally only do so with sight of the Appx