Before the glitter hits the streets and the parade takes over the city, you might want to check out these pre-Pride happenings to get warmed up for the wild weekend ahead. Whether you’re after sequins, sass, or even a little sweat, these are our top picks to get you in the mood.
Legendary line-dancing
Dig out your cowboy boots because Shelter Hall is turning Pride Eve into a yee-haw spectacular with a full evening of riotous line-dancing. The dance-challenged are just as welcome – teacher Lee Miller’s routines are easy to follow so even two-left-feet legends will have a blast. Probably the only place in town where you can two-step to ‘We Are Family’ while sporting a rainbow bandana (you’ll get one for free) and eating street-food tacos.
Thursday 31st July; from 7pm (starts at 8pm); £10.30
Book tickets
Cool clothes-swapping
If your wardrobe is crying out for a Pride-worthy transformation, you’re in luck as Kindly of Brighton is hosting the Big Kindly Pride clothes swap (at their York Place shop) on Thursday. Last year was such a hit, they’re bringing the swap back with more sass, sequins and sustainable style than ever. There are only a few rules: bring your old (clean and in good condition, people!) clothes, but no underwear, socks, nightwear or shoes and get swapping! It’s the thrifty pre-party we’ve been waiting for, especially because we hear there are going to be some very tasty Cat Burglar Dough Co’s Pride doughnuts available, too.
Thursday 31st July; 5pm – 8pm; free
Kindly Brighton
Bonkers bingo
Brighton’s own bawdy raconteur Boogaloo Stu is bringing his riotous Big Quiffy Bingo to the George Payne in Hove on Thursday. Think bingo chaos, glitter, giggles and cheeky shenanigans galore. If you’ve not experienced Stu in full comedic action before [read our Fringe review here], you’re in for a full-on sensory treat that starts as soon as the glittery platforms and crazy catsuits come into view. It’s the hilarious, campy warm-up to Pride you didn’t know you needed.
Thursday 31st July; from 6.30pm (starts at 7.30pm)
Call 01273 329563 to book a table
thegeorgepayne.co.uk
Regal razzle-dazzle
If if it’s sparkly ballroom dreams you’re after, then check out the Royal Pavilion’s pre-Pride event on Thursday. Get transported to a rainbow-hued party in this iconic spot complete with gourmet food, sparkling Sussex wine and joyful performances from the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus and local drag legend Portia. But it’s not just about the fun and the fizz, the event’s also raising money for the Brighton Pride Community Foundation and Brighton & Hove museums via a silent auction, with prizes like Pavilion roof tours, spa days and yacht charters up for grabs.
Thursday 31st July; 6.30pm – 9.30pm; £60
Book tickets
Fiesta fun
Get the party started Mexican style at Hi Cacti, which has had a bit of a switcheroo recently, turning the Seven Dials lifestyle store into a haven of cacti, coffee, cocktails and community. On Friday, they’re serving up good vibes, frozen margs, jarritos cocktails, boozy coffees, Mexican beers and dirty horchatas from 3pm – 8pm. It’s the perfect way to welcome in the Pride weekend
Friday 1st August; 3pm – 8pm; free
Hi Cacti
Run, rainbow, run
This is one of our favourite ways to to start off the Pride weekend. If you, too, feel in the mood to get in some exercise via the medium of sporty fun and games before a weekend of hard partying, then sign up for the magical Brighton and Hove Rainbow Run (skipping, walking and dancing are entirely ok, too). The colourful Hove Park fun is hosted by drag queens and there’s a live DJ set from Gaydio to spur you on, with the reward of a limited-edition medal at the end and special prizes for the best fancy dress. Plus, all proceeds from their merch, raffle tickets and donations go to LGBTQ+ charity Allsorts Youth Project. And, don’t tell everyone, but if you enter the run, you can get a free pizza and drink at Fatto a Mano and Unbarred Brewery (afterwards, obviously).
Friday 1st August; 7pm; from £17
Book tickets
Cabaret chaos
Slip into the darker, glitzier side of cabaret on Friday as the inimitable Joe Black takes over Komedia, turning the comedy club into a wildly decadent Kabarett Club for one night only. Expect less stand-up and more debauchery, drag, burlesque, clowning and circus oddity acts, all hosted by Joe, Brighton’s own dark vaudeville misfit. Camp, chaos and queer creativity? We’re in.
Friday 1st August; 7pm (starts at 8pm); from £17
komedia.co.uk
