Brighton & Hove Pride, one of the UK’s most cherished and vibrant LGBTQ+ celebrations, is set to mark its 35th anniversary in spectacular style this summer with a pair of powerhouse headliners: the legendary Diana Ross and the chart-dominating RAYE. Organizers confirmed this week that the festival, returning to Preston Park on the weekend of August 1 and 2, 2026, will feature Ross in a rare UK live show exclusive on Sunday and RAYE taking center stage on Saturday. For fans and allies alike, the milestone promises a Pride weekend to remember, brimming with musical history, community solidarity, and a celebration of love in all its forms.
According to Attitude, the announcement of Diana Ross and RAYE as Brighton Pride’s headline acts has already sent waves of excitement through the city and beyond. Ross, 81, will make her long-awaited debut at the festival, closing out Sunday, August 2, with a setlist packed with timeless anthems. Attendees can expect to be swept up by classics like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Endless Love,” “Stop! In the Name of Love,” and, of course, “I’m Coming Out”—a song that has become a staple of queer celebration worldwide. As Brighton & Hove Pride managing director Paul Kemp put it, “Her legendary voice and catalogue of hits will be an unforgettable moment in Brighton Pride history.”
Ross’s appearance is not only a coup for the festival but also a nod to her status as a global LGBTQ+ icon. Over her storied career, Ross has amassed more than 75 charting singles and garnered over 19 major awards, including two Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards, a Golden Globe, a Tony Award, and seven American Music Awards. She holds a Guinness World Record for the most hits on the charts by a female artist, and her influence spans generations and genres. The festival organizers highlighted that Ross has also been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and she is one of the few celebrities with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “Welcoming the incomparable Diana Ross as our Sunday headliner as a UK live show exclusive is a dream come true,” Kemp said, echoing the sentiment of many fans who have waited decades for such a moment.
On Saturday, August 1, RAYE will take over the main stage, marking her first time headlining Brighton Pride after memorable performances in 2018 and 2022. RAYE’s ascent has been nothing short of meteoric. As reported by the BBC, she made history at the 2024 BRIT Awards, winning six trophies in a single night—the most ever achieved by any artist. Her music, characterized by a blend of jazz-infused soul, brassy R&B, and raw lyricism, has resonated with audiences worldwide. Her debut album, My 21st Century Blues, reached number two on the UK Album Charts and topped Spotify’s Top Albums Debut, while her sophomore effort, This Music May Contain Hope, is set for release just ahead of Pride, offering fans a chance to hear new material live for the first time.
RAYE’s set promises to be a high-energy affair, featuring viral hits like “Escapism,” the UK number one “Where Is My Husband!,” and fan favorites such as “Prada,” “Hard Out Here,” and “The Thrill Is Gone.” Her career accolades extend beyond the BRITs: she boasts over 10 billion global streams, a Mercury Prize nomination, three Grammy nods, and the 2024 Ivor Novello Songwriter of the Year award. “Having first graced our stage in 2018, RAYE’s journey over the past nine years has been nothing short of extraordinary,” Kemp remarked. “We are beyond thrilled to welcome the phenomenal RAYE and the iconic Ms. Ross as our Pride on the Park 2026 headliners.”
The 35th anniversary of Brighton & Hove Pride is more than just an occasion for music. As outlined by The Brighton & Hove News, the festival’s roots stretch back to 1991, when the community rallied in defiance of Section 28—a UK law that prohibited the “promotion” of homosexuality by local authorities. This year’s theme, “The Power of Love,” will be front and center in the LGBTQ+ Community Parade, which pays tribute to the original activists of the Sussex Gay Liberation Front. The group, formed in 1971, organized the city’s first “Gay Day” in 1972 and Brighton’s inaugural Pride march in 1973. Although Pride did not return until 1991, the legacy of those early activists continues to inspire the event’s mission of solidarity, resistance, and community.
“This anniversary invites us to remember the courage it took to be visible, during years when showing up at all was an act of resistance,” the organizers stated. “Pride grew because people stood together—united, determined, and unapologetic. We honor those early activists and acknowledge how their bravery and unity carried us all forward.”
Brighton Pride has become a vital fundraiser for LGBTQ+ charities and community projects, distributing more than £1.5 million to date through its Pride Social Impact Fund, Pride Cultural Development Fund, and Pride Solidarity Fund. The event’s impact reaches far beyond the city, supporting grassroots initiatives and amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard. As Clash Music noted, Brighton Pride remains a key fixture for the LGBTQ+ community both locally and nationwide, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year.
The 2026 edition is shaping up to be one of the festival’s most ambitious yet. Organizers have hinted at further artist announcements and a lineup that will span multiple stages and dance tents, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Previous headliners have included the likes of Mariah Carey, Girls Aloud, Mika, the Black Eyed Peas, Steps, Kylie Minogue, and Britney Spears—testament to the event’s stature on the international music calendar.
Tickets for Brighton Pride 2026 are expected to be in exceptionally high demand, given the milestone anniversary and the allure of Ross’s exclusive performance. Fans are encouraged to sign up for pre-sale access via the official website, with general sales typically following shortly after the headline reveal. If past years are any indication, the festival is likely to sell out quickly.
For those planning to attend, this year’s Brighton & Hove Pride promises more than just world-class entertainment. It’s a chance to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a future built on acceptance, unity, and—most of all—love. With Diana Ross and RAYE leading the charge, the 35th anniversary is set to be a truly unforgettable chapter in the festival’s storied history.