We’re not going to let a train strike hold us back, are we?
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY SAM MELLISH
Pride is one of the LGBTQIA community’s highlights of the year. Rainbow flags paint the streets multicolour, glitter gets stuck to every surface, and the laughs and cheers of LGBTQIA festival goers flood the streets. Brighton & Hove Pride is one of the UK’s most popular and highly-anticipated events of the year. People flock from all over the country (and sometimes from overseas) to join in the celebration.
This year, however, getting to Brighton & Hove Pride on 5 August is going to be slightly trickier. Why? The Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has announced that no trains will be running in or out of Brighton on Saturday 5 August. For many, this blocks any access to joining in the celebrations.
So, how can you still attend Brighton & Hove Pride?
(Please note: We will be updating this list as more information comes through)
Paul Kemp, the managing director of Pride, advises that where possible you arrive in Brighton on Friday 4 August when the trains are still running. If you are able, book a hotel or AirBnB which will allow you to check in on Friday and leave on Sunday 6 August (after you’ve fulfilled your rainbow flag quota for the day).
However, we know that this is not an option for everyone. If you have any friends or family in Brighton or the surrounding area, now would be the time to call them up.
If you are able to get to a nearby train station such as Three Bridges (44 minutes from Brighton), consider booking a taxi which you can split with friends. Other nearby areas include Worthing (39 minutes), Eastbourne (55 minutes), and Haywards Heath (36 minutes).
Brighton & Hove Pride organisers still advise that you DO NOT attempt to drive to the site as parking will be very restricted in Brighton Centre. The National Express Bus company will be running buses between Brighton and London throughout the day.
In a time where it feels as though homophobia and transphobia are infiltrating our government, our media, and our society, it’s important that we show up for events like Brighton & Hove Pride. These events are much more than dancing and singing along to Steps’ iconic hits (although that is a huge bonus of the day). They are spaces for so many people to feel heard, loved, and understood.
Brighton & Hove Pride is a powerful reminder that we cannot afford to remain complacent. Homophobia and transphobia seek to sow division, but we stand firm, proclaiming that we will not be silenced or marginalised. Despite facing travel disruptions due to the train strike, we will not be deterred. Our commitment to embracing unity and love is unwavering.
The first Pride parade in the UK was held in 1972. They marched for the rights that we are still fighting for today. And we’re not going to let a train strike hold us back, are we?
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