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Gay Pride News: More than 160,000 people took part in this year's Brighton Pride, making it the biggest in its eighteen year history.
By: Nigel Robinson
160,000 came to Brighton Pride
The police, who also led the Parade from Madeira Drive, said the event had passed with little incident, although there had been twenty arrests for drug and public order offences.
160,000 came to Brighton Pride
Brighton holds its biggest gay Pride ever
Revellers came not just from Brighton but from all around the country, with an estimated 56,000 people arriving in Brighton by train.
Following Brighton Pride’s financial difficulties last year, Brighton & Hove Council loaned Pride £20,000 to ensure its future as a free event.
It costs over £250,000 to produce Pride and people were encouraged to donate money at the main event in Preston Park.
The police, who also led the Parade from Madeira Drive, said the event had passed with little incident, although there had been twenty arrests for drug and public order offences.
A suspected drug dealer was arrested on the eve of Pride, and 7kg of a substance believed to have been ketamine was confiscated. People believed that it was intended for distribution at Pride.
Judith Manson of Brighton Pride told the Argus: “It has been the most amazing day, we couldn't have asked for a better Pride 2010.
“Thanks to everyone involved and for coming to what has been the best Brighton Pride ever.
“The parade and park have exceeded all of our expectations.”
Other Prides were celebrated around the world over the weekend.
The very first Liverpool Pride was a great success, attracting 21,000 people. In Amsterdam half a million people celebrated with a boat parade down the Prinsengracht canal, while in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik the city’s mayor showed his support by leading the parade in drag.
