THE MAG PRIDE SPECIAL
Introduction
Welcome to THE MAG PRIDE SPECIAL. It's going to be a busy few weeks in Brighton & Hove with so much going on.. Anyone who lives in this city will be used to the LGBTQ+ Pride event at the start of August but a week beforehand, an important event is taking place for our community.
Autistic Pride/Craft Fair takes place at the Unitarian Church and Puzzle Bored on Saturday July 25. Only having been officially diagnosed with autism in May (and ADHD on July 1), this event is something that wouldn't really have mattered to me before I was first told that it was a possibility and eventually a reality that I was a member of the neurodiverse community. Now it is an event that means everything to me and I can't wait to attend on the 25th.
This special Pride edition will include the most comprehensive preview of the Autistic Pride/Craft Fair event that you can see. Please spread the word about this totally free, non-profit blog. As every day goes by I realise just how important a blog like this is to the community.
Also in this edition, there is a preview of the Brighton & Hove Pride event that will take over the city on August 1 and 2. At least I won't have buses stopping outside my home for a while, though coping with the Community Parade going past and all the noise that entails is a real problem.
Both of the Pride events are so important. I hope you enjoy this edition. Thank you to those who have helped with this issue, including AIM, Bubblegum Zines, NeuroHub and Grace Eyre.
THE MAG will return in the final week of July with even more listings for Brighton & Hove plus some new features I've been keeping up my sleeve. If you want to write for THE MAG, just email me at mageditoruk@gmail.com. Don't forget to look at the other blogs that have already been published.
Contents
- Introduction
- Autistic Pride and Craft Fair - details about AIM
- Puzzle Bored
- What's On at the Autistic Pride and Craft Fair?
- Speaker profiles
- Author profiles
- Craft Fair profiles
- Brighton & Hove Pride
- Grace Eyre
- Community Parade
- Party on the Park
- Brighton Streetparty
- Other upcoming events in Brighton & Hove
The Brighton Squawk
If you want to keep in touch with the many events that are taking place in Brighton & Hove, subscribe to
The Brighton Squawk. Their newsletter is packed with information with a Brighton Bulletin, Community Corner, Worth a Bite, Property Pick, a lengthy What's On Guide, and a Trivia Titbit all completely free. It's sent out every Tuesday and Friday.
Autistic Pride and Craft Fair
The Autistic Pride and Craft Fair is being organised by Autistic Inclusive Meets (AIM). The event in Brighton will be their second such event of the month.also held one in London on July 11 and now they head to the south coast on Saturday July 25. The craft fair will be at the Unitarian Church in New Road, Brighton between 12pm and 5pm. At Puzzle Bored, there will be speakers and poetry between 2pm and 4pm.
I contacted AIM to find out more about what will take place on the 25th and how they help our community. Their CEO Emma Dalmayne (more about later in this edition) said that they are an autistic led grassroots organisation and "campaign and protest for the rights of autistic people."
The Pride and Craft Fairs were started because of 'autism awareness month." AIM believes that they are "critically important to the autistic community" Emma made the decision to introduce an event with "platform speakers and sellers." That saw them making money from the events and not "some autism charity which is not working in their interests anyway."
They have been "hugely successful' and not just financially. For the sellers and speakers, their social connections have improved. "Feeling comfortable and heard in an accepting space is hugely important." More information about AIM on their Facebook page. Puzzle Bored
Puzzle Bored at 27 New Street, Brighton (just opposite the Unitarian Church.) holds BANG (Brighton Adult Neurodivergent Group) on the first Friday of each month from 6pm to 8pm. The venue has three floors and really is a welcoming place for members of our community. Their site explains how they realised there was "a need for more quiet social spaces especially for the neurodivergent community and those that have noise sensitivity issues or just need a place of calm to relax and unwind."
Food and drink is available and you have the opportunity to play board games, puzzles and jigsaws. The venue also holds several other events and workshops throughout the month. These range from a creative writers group to quiz nights and a brand new group for chess players every Thursday from 4pm to 6pm. Puzzle Bored is available for hire and also sells their own range of jigsaw puzzles.
What's On at the Autistic Pride and Craft Fair?
This event is described by AIM as "a celebration of autistic culture, history and our wonderful neurodivergent families."
Speakers at this Pride event will be:
- Author of 'Queerly Autistic' Erin Ekins.
- David Gray-Hammond, from NeuroHub Community Ltd and author.
There is also the chance to buy crafts such as jewelry, art, books, sensory goods and clothing. This includes:
- Books being sold and signed by Erin Ekins, David-Gray Hammond and Emma Dalmayne
- Brighton Neurodivergent Community (BNC)
We have more details about the speakers and traders in this preview.
Everyone is welcome to attend, whether they be by themselves, with your family or friends. Those who are pre-diagnosed are also more than welcome to attend.
The local Adhoc Autistic Activities Group will be attending the event, meeting outside Puzzle Bored just before midday.
Adults who attend will find themselves around peers and no social demands will be placed upon them. There is no problem if you want to stimm. Above all, you will "know you are wanted." For families who come along, the event is described by AIM as "a wonderful opportunity to fully immerse yourself into our culture, our history and hear from OUR side." They add that this is a chance for children to "meet autistic adults, to see their community and know we are there, loud and proud."
One concern that you may have is that this might all get a little bit noisy. The organisers have told me that they advise attendees that have noise sensitivity to bring ear defenders. There will also be quiet spaces that can be used. A quick trip over to Puzzle Bored sounds like a good idea.
Aida H Dee
Just announced on Monday July 20 is the new that AIM Patron Aida H Dee, the Story Time Drag Queen will be performing at Autistic Pride. Head to Puzzle Bored between 2 and 2.45pm. Ada is the founder of DragQueenStoryHourUK and is also an award winning children's author and cabaret artist. Three years ago, Ada won the Top Contributor to LGBT Life in the British LGBT Awards.Dean Beadle
Above all, Dean Beadle says that he is "proud to be autistic." His first talk was given at the age of 15 and he has been working as a speaker since 2004.
You can read and hear more from Dean in his interview with Autism Employment. David also has a YouTube page with just over 200 videos and is also on Facebook and Instagram.
He is a man of many talents and is a singer too. His song 'Me and your normal are done' is about "dismissing the negative attitudes society often has about autistic people and celebrating who we are." His talks see him "sharing my personal experiences of being autistic." You can find his tour dates here.
David Gray-Hammond/NeuroHub Community
It's a busy time for David Gray-Hammond as we are only a few weeks away from the autistic mental health conference. That is being held from August 14-16 with an in-person event in Coldean on the 15th.
Before that though David will be at the Autistic Pride/Craft Fair event. He will be representing NeuroHub Community and also selling/signing copies of his books.
David's work has included running a neurodivergence consultancy both for individuals and organisations. His time was spent peer mentoring and going around the world giving talks on neurodivergence, autism and his many life experiences. Training was also given to organizations about neurocompetence.
Towards the end of last year, he pulled them together to start the NeuroHub Community thus creating one large resource. He was also busy on Substack writing blogs.
His main interest is in the intersection of addiction, neurodivergence and mental health. Last year saw him be a finalist in the National Diversity Awards and he is on the 2025/26 honours list for the Diversity Power List.
NeuroHub has the aim of creating “a community world wide of neurodivergent people and those who wish to understand more about neurodivergence.” They want to “increase knowledge, visibility, acceptance and empower neurodivergent people.”
Seeing people thrive and support each other via inclusiveness, compassion, honesty and the creation of safe spaces is another key belief for NeuroHub. They aim to become a CIC this year and hope that secure funding will be received so they can begin to be an employer of neurodivergent people. That will see them being able to offer more support to their community members, offer more resources and deliver more training to organisations around the globe.
A community app was set up on the heartbeat platform, allowing the discussion of various subjects. Support, friendship and shared information was also provided. NeuroHub currently has over 400 members and is available for those officially diagnosed or self-identified. Membership is free but there are paid tiers that allow members to access other resources.that would otherwise need to be paid for individually through the NeuroHub website. More information on ther Facebook page.
The NeuroHub site includes a book store where you can buy and download David’s books. Each month sees a book raffle take place with the prize being signed copies of two of his books.
His published work includes ‘The New Normal,’ ‘Unusual Medicine - Essays on Autistic Identity and drug addiction’ and ‘The Little Book of Madness.’
Also available is the Ebook and video course ‘Re-Storying Autism’ produced with Helen Edgar. This is “a framework for families, parents and carers” and re-imagines support for autistic people.Also available is the Ebook and video course ‘Re-Storying Autism’ produced with Helen Edgar.
This is “a framework for families, parents and carers” and re-imagines support for autistic people.collaborative course book and workbook for families, parents, and carers supporting Autistic people.
Neurodivergent Joy
Neurodivergent Joy was founded by Ed Shearer with the mission to “create understanding and acceptance through honest dialogue, educational speaking engagements and steadfast community support.” All this is aimed at uplifting neurodiverse voices.
Ed didn’t receive his autism diagnosis until six years ago at the age of 47 and he also has ADHD. After being diagnosed, he realised that there was “little or no support for older people.” The past few years have seen him fighting the system “from within and without.”
He now works as an involvement rep with the NHS and other improvement projects. Ed also gives talks and presentations including some training for health professionals. His talks see him share the realities of autism via his lived experience.
Emma Dalmayne
We've already heard from Emma in the introduction to this Autistic Pride/Craft Fair. Emma is certainly a busy lady being everything from a campaigner to an author and mother to autistic children, two of whom she home educates.
This talented lady is herself autistic so the campaigning she carries out is of great personal interest to her. Her campaigning has the aim of putting an end to “autistic mistreatment.” Emma has a strong belief in inclusion and acceptance and has worked with the police, BBC and other prominent members of the media. In addition to all of this, Emma also has a blog and is in charge of the playgroups run by AIM.
Emma has published four books to date. 'Trigger Warning' and 'But We're All a Little Bit Autistic' (her collected works) are both recommended and will be available to purchase this weekend.
You will also be able to buy her book ‘It’s An Autism Thing…I’ll Help You Understand It’ is described as a “valuable teaching and learning resource.” A specific topic is covered in each chapter and split into ‘My Experiences,’ ‘Information.’ and ‘Advice.’ It also gives an insight into “some of the potential trials and challenges of daily life for an autistic person.”
Emma’s other book is entitled ‘Susie Spins’ which is most suitable for pre-school and children aged between the ages of five and seven. It gives the reader information “in the form of a story to enable therapists and teachers to help children in their class to understand their autistic peers.”
Susie Spins provides information in the form of a story to enable therapists and teachers to help children in their class to understand their autistic peers. The book is most suitable for pre-school and children aged 5-7 (Key Stage 1).
Speaking about her e-book, Emma says that it “shows how Susie has the same hobbies, passions and dreams as any other child.” While the other children may be different to her, “Susie is not and never should be perceived as less!” The story has 18 colourful pages and it's a family affair as her books are illustrated by her daughter Ella.
Erin Ekins
%20(1).jpg)
Also selling and signing copies of her books will be Erin Ekin. Queerly Autistic: The Ultimate Guide For LGBTQIA+ Teens On The Spectrum was longlisted for the Polari Children’s & Ya Book Prize. It was described by Charlotte Amelia Poe as “One of the most important books in autism literature.” Her book covers everything from coming out to staying safe in relationships, practicing safe-sex and coping with the bullying that sadly still exists.
Erin shares her lived experiences of what she calls being “queerly autistic.” It is difficult enough coming to terms with your sexuality but doubly so if dealing with being autistic. It makes you wonder what it is like for those who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community but are late diagnosed and have no idea that they are also autistic. Don’t think that never crosses my mind.
The author says that “Many of us simply need support and safety in order to properly understand ourselves and our feelings.” Her closing words are: “Be proudly autistic, be proudly queer, and be proudly you.” This book will be reviewed in THE MAG EXTRA due out in the first half of August.
Also available is ‘The Queerly Autistic Workbook: The Ultimate Workbook and Journal for LGBTQIA+ Teens on the Spectrum.’ This is described as the “perfect companion” to her first book. It empowers its readers to “take a hands-on approach to figuring out” how topics such as gender, sexuality, relationships and exploring your identity as a queer autistic “relate to you.” It includes games, quizzes, journal prompts and other creative activities.
Aut Couture
Aut Couture was founded by Callum Brazzo who says that he is “proudly autistic” and “wanted to develop a brand that represented that passion.”
This is “an autistic-led fashion and lifestyle brand that celebrates neurodiversity.” It all began in a coffee shop and being stuck in a queue. That’s not the easiest of experiences for someone who is autistic. He decided that something was needed to express how being autistic, he needed “a bit of space.”
Therefore, he designed a one-off T-shirt that he hoped would “help people understand more about more about my and others’ experiences.” That led to the birth of Aut Couture. As he writes: “Remember: a ‘normal’ brain is not fit for purpose…but our clothes are!”
Brighton Neurodivergent Community
This is a social group for those in the neurodivergent community that are aged between 18 and 40.
Brighton Neurodivergent Community has been created and by Bill and Leigh and it is an "inclusive hub where a neurodiverse community of young adults can meet virtually to chat, make friends and to plan and arrange meet-ups.
This includes going to gigs, clubs, the cinema, cafes, online events via Discord and more. To sign-up go to this
page. There's also pages on
Facebook,
Instagram and the
Discord Server.
On July 25, they will be selling a mix of different items handmade by their members. This will include art prints, upcycled denim tote bags, crotcheted fashion, plushies and original artwork.
Bubblegum Zines
Next up we have some news from Alison at Bubblegum Zines and a special offer for Autistic Pride on July 25. Unique hand-finished zines are created by the Ex-Zine editor. They are "equal parts gothic and girly."
The zines blend "graveyard and ghoul imagery with cutesy fake-fur hearts, colouring book pages, and hand-sewn spine charms. Also in stock are screen-printed sew-on patches and button badges.
Alison told THE MAG: "As the Ex-Zine Editor, I create unique, hand-finished confessional perzines, focusing on late diagnosis and personal experience of navigating a neurotypical world, as well as special interests in millennial nostalgia, libraries and literature.
My signature moves are tactile covers; my zines sport hand-sewn spine charms, googly eyes, and fake fur patches, prompting one reader to point out that I'd been making adult sensory books since long before the diagnosis.
For AIM's Brighton event, I'll be offering a special bundle - including all my autism-themed themes and a badge/patch - for £11."
Cheeky Duck Design
Where did Katie Teale get the inspiration for Cheeky Duck Design? Well, it came from her son Dexter. Why? It’s simple really because he is an animal lover, particularly ducks and even calls himself a Cheeky Duck.
Katie designs hand painted press on nails and handmade jewellery. After many struggles with her mental health during her life, Katie now realises that “making pretty things makes me happy and calms my mind.” I guess it’s the same for me but with writing. Her son has also taught Katie to “live in the moment and really enjoy the good times.”
Make sure you pay a visit to her stall on August 25. You can find out more about Cheeky Duck Design on TikTok and Etsy.
Snail Valley
Five years after being a Creative Technologist at Kano Computing, Leah Thomas (who is based in Maidenhead) created Snail Valley. That’s the name of her studio and shop and she sells a variety of products such as greetings cards, stickers and accessories.
‘Snail Valley’ has the motto “Live Slow. Have Fun!” Originally from Wales, Leah simply adores creating colourful illustrations that are full of “cute characters.” Her aim is to “bring joy to everything I make.” For more information, email hello@snailvalley.com. You can also go to her Instagram account, TikTok and visit the Snail Valley page on Etsy.
Brighton & Hove Pride
It's not going to be a quiet weekend on August 1 and 2. That's when the annual Brighton & Hove Pride celebration is taking place. There is the usual mix of the Community Parade, two Preston Park events and the Street Party in Marina Parade. Of course, there will be shops and pubs aplenty who will enjoy a boost in takings over the weekend but never consider making a donation towards the cost of staging Pride.
There is so much going on in the lead up to Pride and the weekend itself. Recovering from it all will probably take most of the following week! It's time now to preview the event. This will include a look at how local charity Grace Eyre have been ensuring they will have a great Pride.
There was a time when Pride didn't charge entry to Preston Park. One crazy year actually saw the Pride event in Southsea charge an entry fee and Brighton was still free. Even crazier, both events took place on the same day. Brighton & Hove Pride has come through its financial woes and is now rightly seen as the UK's number one Pride celebration.
We can't expect free entry when you look at the level of performers the event now attracts. It used to be a Kylie tribute, not the real deal. It can be an expensive weekend though if you want to attend the Park and Street Party on both days. We will be giving details of those events but also take a look at some Pride events taking place that aren't quite so expensive
Grace Eyre Get Ready to Party
Grace Eyre is a charity that supports those with autism and also a learning disability. Their vision is "a society where happiness, rights and inclusion are felt everyday by people with a learning disability, autistic people and everyone we support." Their three keywords are "Ability, Equality and Independence."
Their Pride celebrations got off to an early start. They certainly didn't want to wait until August and on July 21, held their pre-Brighton & Hove Pride Party. Jenny from Grace Eyre sent THE MAG the following report of how the evening went.
"Purple Productions just had a fabulous pre-pride party at Carousels on the seafront where clubgoers danced the night away. And we had some special performances featuring Rainboy, Daniel Wakeford and the debut of new drag queen Taurean who was channeling Nina Simone!"
Brighton & Hove Pride LGBTQ+ Community Parade
The Pride event gets underway with the Community Parade on Saturday August 1 and Grace Eyre will be part of it this year just as they were in 2025.
Jenny from Grace Eyre told THE MAG: "Grace Eyre will be marching in the Brighton Pride parade along with partners: Team Domenica, Heart Venture and Speak Out. Our theme will be "Still Fighting to Be Me!" as there are still so many challenges both the LGBTQIA and neurodivergent communities face."
More Information about Brighton & Hove Pride
The events on Saturday August 1 probably begin for many with a hangover from a Friday night spent in the gay bars situated around the city.
2026 is a special year for the Pride event as the event turns 35.The first ever Gay Pride event in the city was held in 1973 but there wasn’t another one until 1991. A lot has changed since the 1970s that is for sure.
Managing Director Paul Kemp says: “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.”
Community Parade
The Community Parade begins at Hove Lawns around 11am. It then makes its way through the city all the way to Preston Park. I could be selfish and ask for the participants to be a bit quieter as they go past my home in Preston Road, but there's little chance of that happening.
This year's Parade has the theme of 'The Power of Love.' A rather suitable one with a certain singer appearing in Preston Park on Sunday.
Now as promised, let's take a look at other events taking place at the end of July and start of August.
It is important to remember the political side to the Parade. That's why Pride events began and the Parade isn't just about taking photos of those taking part, however fabulous they may look.
Brighton & Hove Buses
Brighton & Hove Buses will be taking part in the Community Parade. They are partners of the Pride event and founding members of City Angels. Representatives from local pride events in Crawley and Seahaven will be joining them as well as BourneOut Cafe and Drop-in Centre plus the partner of the late George Montague who was known as the 'oldest gay in the village.'
The Pride bus will be parked close to the Peace Statue in Hove in partnership with mASCot. This will provide a safe and quiet space for the families and their children who have autism. Later the bus will be one of the shuttle buses that will transport people to Preston Park.
Over the weekend, there will be a special timetable in place due to all the disruption caused by the event.
Pride on the Park
Recent years have seen the main stage at Pride feature some massive names. Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue, Mariah Carey, Black Eyed Peas and Steps have all thrilled the crowds. This year is no exception and on Saturday, RAYE will be the headline act. The following night will see Diana Ross hopefully put on a supreme performance on the main stage in a UK festival exclusive appearance. The year that Pride began in this city, Ross headlined the Royal Variety Performance.
Also appearing on Saturday will be Jessie J, Self Esteem, Gok Wan in the Icons Slot, G FLIP, Leigh-Anne and Moonchild Sanelly. There will also be a DJ set by RuPaul. Sunday will see FIVE, there’s a DJ set by newly-married Mel C (that should be spicy). Paris Hilton in the Icons slot and there’ll be no chance to relax when Holly Johnson performs in the Sunday afternoon Legends slot.
That’s just a small part of what lies in store if you go to Preston Park on the 1st and 2nd. A particular favourite is the drag tent where the performers who appear in local venues throughout the year will be on top form.
It's Not All About Partying
The Pride celebration isn't just about having a good time and trying to get a political message across. Thousands of pounds are raised for good causes and the work of the Pride Community Foundation really should be given more publicity by the local media. Having worked with a local LGBTQ+ group, I know how important the funding that can be received is.
Brighton Street Party
Last year saw changes made to the Street Party that is held on Saturday and Sunday. It began to be held on Marina Parade and was a huge success. The Street Party returns again this year and performers include: Gok Wan, Baga Chipz, West End performer Kerry Ellis, Rozalla and tributes to Madonna and Britney Spears. There will be drag acts galore, including Davina Sparkle, Dave Lynn, The Madame, Rose Garden and Mary O'Kart.
The Street Party will be hosted by drag acts Sally Vate and Pixie Polite, plus singer Billie Gold. Running times are 3-11pm on Saturday and 2-9pm on Sunday. This is a ticketed event with the option to buy tickets for either day or a weekend ticket. For queries about access, email access@brightonstreetparty.co.uk. The event is being staged by R-Bar, Charles Street, Patterns, Legends and the Camelford Arms.
Have a Safe Pride
There are PA and carer tickets available for eligible customers. At the park, there will be viewing platforms and areas with accessible toilets available. There will be welfare spaces at the park where you can take some time out if it all starts to get a little bit overwhelming for you.
Brighton & Hove Pride sent THE MAG the following information about acess at the event:
"We put considerable time and effort into making Brighton & Hove Pride an accessible and inclusive place for all. We want everyone to have a safe and happy Pride. We offer support in advance of the Pride weekend and details of the accessibility provision are published on our website.
We provide three areas for people with additional needs: A wheelchair platform, a seated platform at ground level, and a standing area. We also have a BSL Zone next to the main stage for hearing impaired people. The provision provided, and the accessibility criteria for booking a place, are in line with similar temporary festival sites.
For those who are neurodiverse, Pride can be a noisy and stimulating environment. Quieter areas are available furthest from the stage. We also can offer support and advice at the Access tent, located at the back of the park away from the stage." Full details about access here. Now as promised, let's take a look at other events taking place at the end of July and start of August.
Kemptown Village Community Pride
This event is being held at St George's Church in Kemptown from July 30 to August 2. It is described as "a fantastic free weekend celebrating love, respect, inclusion and togetherness."
On Thursday July 30, it's FILMPRIDE which is "a curated showcase of queer short films. The rest of the celebraion will see live music, cabaret, arts and crafts and community stalls. There will be an on-site bar and even ice-cream.
The event will be hosted by top drag queen Sally Vate. There will also be drag from the wonderfully named Portia De Posse. Also appearing will be Gabriella Parrish, The Velvettes and music from DJ Ecstara. The event is being sponsored by Brighton College, Kemptown Klub and Unite the Union
All proceeds will be donated to the Sussex Beacon. Pop along to their shop in St James's Street to get your hands on their Pride stock. This includes Pride face painting and glitter faces.
Breakfast Time
Pride weekend is going to be a long affair for many people. You therefore need to get the day off to a good start with a hearty breakfast and we're not talking just a few croissants here.
At the Bedford Tavern at 30 Western Street, Brighton, BN1 2PG, you can enjoy some bubbly and bacon baps from 10am on Saturday August 1. Then you can pop down to the sea front and watch the Parade.
Breakfast is also being served at the Crown and Anchor at 213 Preston Road, BN1 6SA (just up the road from Preston Park) between 10 and 12pm. Then from 12-pm there's a garden party and party food.
The Regency Tavern are also serving a Pride Breakfast between 9am and 11am. You need to book on 01273 325652.
After a massive Pride event on Saturday, you can pop to Legends, 31-34 Marine Parade, BN2 1TR for a Fry Up N Fizz on Sunday from 11am to 1pm. This includes a full English breakfast, some Bucks Fizz and cabaret from Cosmic, all costing £25.
Yet More Food
It wouldn't be the weekend without a roast dinner. The Crown and Anchor will be serving Recovery Roasts on Sunday August 2 from 12 to 6pm.
At the Bedford Tavern, there will be Pride Recovery Roasts served from 12pm. Booking is definitly advisable.
Cabaret Galore
There will be stacks of cabaret in Brighton and Hove in the week leading up to Pride and the weekend itself. Here's just a selection of what is on offer and there are no admittance charges.
The Bedford Tavern have four cabaret spots on August 1. At 3pm, there's Ophelia Payne, Sam Solace follows at 4.30pm and it's Marsha Mellow (don't you just love these names?) at 7pm. Finally, at 9pm there's a cabaret spot from The Madame. On Sunday, you can enjoy Bonkers and Musical Bingo and Snow White Trash at 6pm.
There are plenty of venues in and around Kemptown that are open over Pride weekend and not part of the ticketed Street Party. They form the Village Pride Community CIC which is a collaboration of local LGBTQ+ businesses and supporters that are based in Kemptown.
These are: Affinity Bar, Bar Broadway, Brighton Cruising Bar, the Brighton Sauna, Bulldog, Marine Tavern, Queens Arms and The Zone. There will be plenty going on but if it's anything like last year, it will be very busy so please take care and try not to get overwhelmed by everything.
Legends have cabaret from Mary O'Kart on July 29 an it's Cosmic's Seaside Sauce on the 30th. There's a Pride Party on the 31st and an all-day Cabaret Marathon on August 2 raising funds for the Sussex Beacon and Lunch Positive.
At the i360 Terrace on July 31, Don't Tell Mama are holding their Brighton Pride Summer Party from 6pm to 11.30pm. Appearing will be the Dolly Parton Experience, Buoys Ahoy, featuring Allan Jay. Emma Lindars, DJ Ida Down and the party will be hosted by Eileen Dover. Tickets cost £19.14.
On August 1st, it's the free Pride Terrace Party at the i360 and Drift Bar & Kitchen between 11.30am and 4pm. It will be headlined by RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Tomara Thomas. The event will be hosted by Polly Glamorous and special guests are Queen Queef and Gabriella Parish.
The following day from 12pm to 2pm the Drift Bar & Kitchen hosts the Ain't No Buzzballz High Enough Bottomless Brunch. There will be bottomless cocktails. Madri, Prosecco and an exclusive BuzzBallz sharing tower. Drag entertainment comes from Eileen Dover and the Queen of Canal Street, Angel Delight. Tickets cost from £39.05.
35 Years of Pride at the Jubilee Library
‘Proud Brighton - We Are Community’ is a new photographic exhibition by Chris Jepson at the Jubilee Library. This is from Proud Studios CIC and Brighton Pride CIC and opens on Monday July 27 and will run until August 15
It has been commissioned by Brighton Pride CIC as part of United in Pride. The exhibition brings together portraits not just from previous Brighton & Hove Pride events, but also Trans Pride Brighton and the Brighton Bear Weekend. Each of the photos has a single line from the sitter on what Pride means to them.
This includes portraits of older members of the community and disabled LGBTQIA+ people. There are also those who are part of the trans and non-binary community and people of colour. Chris Jepson has spent over thirty years photographing LGBTQIA+ lives. He says his work has "centred on visibility, authorship and who gets to be seen." Talking about this new exhibition, he says: "These portraits are a reminder that our community has never been a single story – and that Pride belongs to everyone who shows up.”
Some of the portraits will also appear on lamp post banners across the city in July/August 2026.
Drag in the Park at the Brighton Open Air Theatre
It will be hosted by Jamie Heward and also appearing will be drag queen Son-of-a-Tutu along wth a circus workshop from Chi-Chi Revolver and the chance to sing-a-long with Pride anthems. Tickets cost £15 for adults, £14 for a child and a family of four ticket costs £45.
It gets a bit more adult at 7pm when it's Drag in the Park: Adult Edition. This is the fifth year of this great event and brilliant way to warm yourself up for what lies ahead at the weekend.
Appearing will be Mary O'Kart, Drag Idol UK semi-finalist Carmel Fleur, Son-Of-A-Tutu,stand-up comedian Jamie-Diane Rajaram and Just May. Tickets cost £19 and £17.50 for concessions.
Full details about access to the venue are available here.
It Doesn't End on August 2
You may well be a bit partied out by the end of August 2 but there's still one more Pride celebration on its way.
There is always the danger with Pride that the older members of the community feel a little left out. All that action in the dance tent and acts on the main stage that older music lovers might never have heard of, with the exception of Diana Ross of course.
The La Di Da Society are an LGBTQ+ led charity that run "lively daytime cabaret events" for people that are over 60. Ther annual Pride event takes place at Ralli Hall 81 Denmark Villas, Station Approach, Hove BN3 3TH on Tuesday August 4th between 12pm and 3pm.
It'll include an afternoon tea of cakes, sandwiches, scones and hot drinks. There will also be a glass of bubbly, a raffle and live entertainment. Their events are proving to be very popular so it is best to book. Either go to this link or call 07848 827806. Tickets cost £12 but they are offering a £2 discount for the local LGBTQ+ community if you use the code pride26 at checkout.
Ralli Hall is fully accessible with a hearing loop system, carers are welcome and dietary requirements can be catered for.
Other Upcoming Events in Brighton & Hove
Neurodiverse-city
Friday August 7 sees the first ever Neurodiverse-city event being held by local charity Grace Eyre and partners. It's a day/night event which the organisers describe as "a celebration and education of neurodiversity in Brighton." In the daytime, there is a free festival for all ages on New Road between Puzzle Bored and the Unitarian Church.
Then in the evening between 5pm and 9pm, the church will be holding a 18+ ticketed show that will include comedy. music and dance performances with Strenuous, Daniel Wakeford and Rainboy confirmed.
Jenny Good from Grace Eyre told THE MAG more about the work that they and Purple Productions carry out and Neurodiverse-city
"Purple Productions are an events team by and for adults with learning disabilities and autistic people in the charity Grace Eyre. Our biggest mission is to become independent equals in our own community, with the same treatment and access as everyone else.
We put on events all over Brighton, our biggest being a festival because there is such limited access to festivals for our community.
But this year, we're going a little bigger than just putting on a festival. This year we have a purpose: to celebrate and educate Brighton on neurodiversity. The reason we say neurodiversity and not just neurodivergence, is that neurodiversity includes everyone. And hopefully makes everyone stop and think about the fact that we all have different minds. "
The daytime event runs from 12 pm to 5pm and it's going to be action-packed. There will be games and activities with face painting also available. Local vendors will be there and it promises to be a great afternoon.
The vendors at Neurodiverse-city are: Hand in Hand Holidays, Connect and Do, Outlook Foundation, Grace Eyre Art House, Brighton and Hove Albion, Carousel, Speak Out, Echo Performing Arts, Team Domenica, Amaze, Edge Activities, Gloji, Tomobola, Cotton Candy, Fantastic Facepaints, Games stall, Silent Disco, Puzzle Bored chill space and three art and badges stalls.
We'll have tons more about the event in our special edition of THE MAG out at the end of July.
Grace Eyre Celebrating Awards Success
Grace Eyre recently won the prestigious Employer of People with a Disability Award at the National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards. They were also named runners-up in the Supported Housing Award category. That saw recognition of their innovative Peer-to-Peer Tenancy Support Project.
The national awards recognise "excellence in supporting people with a learning disability and autistic people, highlighting organisations that demonstrate outstanding commitment, innovation and person-centred practice."
Autistic Mental Health Conference
August will see an Autistic Mental Health Conference being held. This is being organised by NeuroHub Community Ltd in association with Autistic Inclusive Meets (AIM) and runs over three days from August 14 to 16. Two of the days are being held online but on the 15th, people can attend the conference in-person at St Mary Magdalen Church Hall in Coldean. That will also include stalls, food and entertainment.
The national awards recognise excellence in supporting people with a learning disability and autistic people, highlighting organisations that demonstrate outstanding commitment, innovation and person-centred practice.
The conference is for members of the neurodivergent community, whether they have been diagnosed, are self-identified or uncertain. Also welcome to attend are parents and family members, professionals who work with neurodivergent people, eductors, therapists and support workers and anyone that wants to have a more inclusive understanding of neurodiversity.
Included in the conference will be "keynote talks from leading voices in the neurodiversity space." There will also be "live and pre recorded accounts of lived experience from members of the autistic community." The three days will cover "Ecosystemic Causes of Mental Health Issues”—examining how environments, systems, and societal structures shape neurodivergent wellbeing."
A single day online ticket costs £50 but a 15% Early Bird Discount is available until the final line-up of speakers is confirmed, reducing that to £42.50. An online Full Weekend Pass is £120 (£102 with the discount).
An In-Person ticket for the Coldean event on August 15 is £80, £68 with the discount. A full weekend pass including attending the in-person event is £150, £127.50 if you get the Early Bird discount. NeuroHub members can receive a 33% discount.
%20(1).jpg)
.jpg)
Comments
Post a Comment