Brighton Pride is an annual LGBT pride event that promotes equality and diversity in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Black Eyed Peas and Steps have been announced as the headliners for this year’s event.
The US band the Black Eyed Peas have sold an estimated 80 million records, making them one of the best-selling groups of all time. They are renowned for hits such as I’ve Gotta Feeling and Where Is The Love?
The British dance-pop group Steps were formed in 1997 and have sold more than 22 million records worldwide. These include hits such as Tragedy and Love’s Got a Hold of My Heart.
Multi-Brit award-winner and former Spice Girl Melanie C will also be performing at the UK’s biggest pride festival.
When is Brighton Pride?
Brighton Pride takes place at Preston Park on Saturday, August 5 and Sunday, August 6.
Black Eyed Peas — comprising Will.i.am, Apl.de.ap and Taboo after lead singer Fergie left in 2017 — will perform on the opening day, with Steps playing on the second.
Who else will be performing at Brighton Pride 2023?
The stellar line-up also includes Zara Larsson, Steps, Jax Jones, B*Witched, Mae Muller, Dylan, The Vivienne, Harley Moon Kemp and Bellah Mae.
More than 100 LGBTQ+ artists will also play across the weekend, organisers say.
We are SUPER excited to announce that we'll be headlining the main stage at @PrideBrighton 🏳️🌈 It's been our dream to perform at this legendary event and it's our only UK show this year. Get your tickets now at https://t.co/K1OymmijjF #FabulosoInThePark #BrightonPride pic.twitter.com/6cZULvS9ii
— Steps (@OfficialSteps) February 27, 2023
Brighton Pride 2023
The theme of this year’s Pride parade was recently revealed, with participants urged to “dare to be different”.
Brighton Pride attracts around half a million people to the seaside city each year.
It has raised more than £1.2 million for the Brighton Rainbow Fund, Pride Cultural Development Fund and Pride Social Impact Fund for several LGBTQ+ issues.
The Brighton Rainbow Fund has used the donations to give grants to LGBT and HIV groups and organisations in Brighton and Hove.
Previous artists headlining the festival have included Christina Aguilera, who played last year, Britney Spears, Mariah Carey and Kylie Minogue in 2019.
How to get tickets for Brighton Pride 2023
Tickets to the festival are available via the Brighton Pride website.
The event is the UK’s biggest Pride festival, with all ticket revenue going directly towards community fundraising and operational costs.
Black Eyed Peas Qatar controversy
Some fans are angry that the band are supporting a LGBTQ+ event. This follows their performance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a country in which homosexuality is illegal.
“The Black Eyed Peas, a band that played at the Qatar World Cup, a country which openly discriminates against LGBTQ+ people, headlining @PrideBrighton? Seriously? What great allies to the community. What a disappointment,” one person tweeted.
Another asked: “How could you chose a headliner that played at the Qatar World Cup? Absolutely awful.”
However, the BBC reported that the Brighton Pride organisers had described Black Eyed Peas as “staunch allies of the LBGTQ+ community”.
A spokesperson added: “Five UK number ones, 13 top 10s and over 80 million record sales have made the Black Eyed Peas one of the most popular and successful groups of all time.”
