‘VARIOUS ARTISTS’ – ‘BRIGHTON & HOVE PRIDE’, PRESTON PARK, BRIGHTON 2.8.24 (DAY ONE)
‘Brighton & Hove Pride’ 2025 felt like a different beast compared to 2024. This year, the ‘Brighton Pride Street Party’ took place at Marine Parade for the first time. It is a smarter choice now that Pride has evolved from the original protest to a grassroots event and now a CIC. ‘The Pride Parade’ wound its way from the seafront street party to ‘Party On The Park,’ aiming to attract visitors, sponsors, and community participants to the third part of the three events.
As with past years, a range of fundraising events took place in the city in the run-up to Brighton Pride. Brighton Trans Pride started the run-up to the main event on the 19th July with fundraising events under the ‘United in Pride’ theme running right up until the 2nd of August. Trans Pride featured local artists and performers, as well as a surprise performance by Kate Nash, who we reviewed last year.
Saturday 3rd August:
Upon arrival at Preston Park after watching the parade wind its colourful way along an overcast London Road, I was struck by the number of people still outside the site with congestion and long queues causing some frustration. This prompted organisers to issue an apology, make adjustments to Sunday’s entry arrangements and promise a full review to make things better next year.
It’s a shame that more people didn’t get in to see the early acts as they were worth seeing, the day having been carefully curated with a broad variety of music on offer.
Thankfully we had two reviewers and two photographers in action at the Brighton Pride live music events held at Preston Park this year. Whilst photographers Sara-Louise Bowrey and Mike Burnell whizzed about, reviewers Martin J Fuller and Jess Kemp selected the acts that they particularly wished to see. We inevitably ended up with all the team present for some of the acts, but they were still very keen to photograph and review them. So without further ado lets get in amongst the action……
ABSNT MIND (Main Stage 13:30 – 14:00)
First up were UK 5 piece Absnt Mind, championed as a “boy band for the modern era” and very much in touch with things that are important to Gen Z-ers as reflected in their music. They quickly drew the attention of the early arrivals, engaging them with their infectious energy. Their singles ‘Simpatico’ and ‘Special’ were notable, while ‘Wardrobe’ showcased their bold, eclectic style. Perfectly embodying Pride’s spirit of joy and inclusivity, they owned the stage and got things off to a flying start. A very good opening to proceedings, though unfortunately not many people to witness them due to large queues outside.
(Martin J Fuller)
SISTER SLEDGE FEATURING KATHY SLEDGE (Main Stage 14:30 – 15:20)
Next up were 70s & 80s legends Sister Sledge which featured original member Kathy Sledge on lead vocals, an excellent band and an array of backing singers. This performance was a joyous celebration of disco’s enduring spirit. The group, led by Kathy ignited the crowd with a string of timeless hits high on quality. ‘Lost In Music’ enveloped the audience in its funky groove, while ‘Frankie’ brought nostalgic charm. ‘He’s The Greatest Dancer’ showcased their signature choreography, and ‘Thinking Of You’ radiated summery warmth.
There were a couple of great Chic covers ‘Everybody Dance’ and ‘Good Times’ which fitted the flow of the set and were well received. The anthem ‘We Are Family’ united the diverse crowd in a powerful moment of inclusivity. With soulful harmonies and infectious energy, Sister Sledge proved their disco legacy remains as vital and uplifting as ever.
(Martin J Fuller)
SISTER SLEDGE FEATURING KATHY SLEDGE (Main Stage 14:30 – 15:20)
Kathy Sledge is the first of two artists in the ‘Icons’ slot for 2025. It was her first time on the Pride main stage following her sisters 2016 performance. The iconic beat of Sister Sledge filled the air after an effusive intro from the compere. Arriving on stage after her backing singers and dancers Kathy asked the crowd if they were ready to get “Lost in music”.This classic disco track kicked off the set. Resplendent in pink sequins, Kathy took the lead in belting out the sisters’ hits. Energised by the crowd’s excitement, she invited them to join in on Chic’s classic ‘Everybody Dance’. After that, she played ‘He’s The Greatest Dancer’ and asked security to bring up two audience members to dance along. The complete set featured classic disco staples in quick succession, creating a feel-good atmosphere that warmed up the steadily arriving crowd for the rest of the day.
(Jess Kemp)
$LAYYYTER (Main Stage 15:45 – 16:15)
Although it’s hard to follow legends, US singer-songwriter and rapper $layyyter pulled it off. Taking to the stage in a striking white tutu, turquoise sunglasses and a gold bag strapped to her ankle, $layyyter’s performance was a dazzling display of hedonistic pop.
Commanding the stage with ferocious energy, she delivered electrifying renditions of ‘Beat Up The Chanel$’, ‘Starf*cker’ and ‘Daddy AF’, each pulsing with her signature provocative flair. ‘No Comma’ brought raw, unapologetic attitude, while ‘Purr’ had a playful vibe. Her theatrical presence and cinematic ‘80s-inspired sound created a euphoric set that cemented her as a pop powerhouse.
(Martin J Fuller)
$LAYYYTER (Main Stage 15:45 – 16:15)
Staying firmly on the dance floor, the next performer had come all the way from Hollywood to entertain the crowd. The American singer, songwriter, and rapper has infiltrated the UK music scene via the dance floor and film soundtracks. An electric ball of platinum energy, the singer brought a little fire with a smattering of raunch as she took the main stage alone. Cranking up the volume, $layyyter opened with her current single ‘Beat Up The Chanel$’ from her third studio album. Effortlessly filling the stage with a presence bigger than the park itself. Introducing herself officially after enjoying rapturous applause from the Pride audience, she thanked them for their enthusiasm and wished everyone a “Happy Pride!” Next up was ‘Daddy AF’ featured on the soundtrack for the horror film ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ which was greatly appreciated by the Pride audience. ‘Erotic Electronic’ set the pace for the rest of the set as $layyyter owned the stage, keeping the enthusiasm up from start to finish.
(Jess Kemp)
ASHNIKKO (Main Stage 16:45 – 17:35)
I was looking forward to North Carolina native Ashnikko who we first encountered supporting Girli at Brighton’s now-defunct Haunt in 2019 (Review HERE) and it’s clear that her sound, stage presence and following have all skyrocketed during the intervening years.
Dressed in a striking alternative ensemble and flanked by two intermittent dynamic dancers, their sharp choreography amplified her fierce energy, perfectly syncing with the rebellious spirit of ‘Working Bitch’. The dystopian ‘Weedkiller’ immersed the crowd in her sci-fi universe, while ‘Slumber Party’ brought sultry, queer celebration with its cheeky explicit lyricism.
A couple of unreleased tracks went down well, including ‘Chichinya’ which I think could be a hit, Ashnikko telling the audience it was the best reaction she’s ever had to a new track.
As the sun finally came out, Ashnikko’s commanding stage persona, daring dance moves and vocal intensity held the audience captive, culminating in a powerful finish with two belters – 2019 release ‘Manners’ and closing out with the 2020 hit ‘Daisy’, my personal favourite, its confident swagger igniting the crowd. Her raw authenticity and fearless activism, including a poignant Gaza statement, made for an absolutely blistering set.
(Martin J Fuller)
ASHNIKKO (Main Stage 16:45 – 17:35)
Starting as she meant to go on, Ashnikko arrived with a bang, opening with ‘Chokehold Cherry Python’, no messing around, this was a statement of intent as the beat thumped out over the park. This was not a filler set; it was a full-on stadium set from an artist more usually seen at Reading and Leeds festivals or a variety of venues in London in the UK. Making her breakthrough on the track Boss Bitch with Doja Cat, they have also recorded with artists including Kelis, Grimes and Princess Nokia. The latter on ‘Slumber Party’ which has long been a clubbing and soundtrack staple. It was at some point in the first track that one of the dancers burst the balloons on Ashnikko’s stage ensemble, leaving them only the balloon crown and a fringe of burst balloons hanging from their tartan bra and pants.
They dove right into last year’s hit, ‘Cheerleader’. Only pausing to connect with the audience after they were sure they had fully captured their attention. They greeted the audience and shared a story about their first Brighton experience nearly a decade ago, correctly noting, “…crazy how time flies.” After checking to see if any of their hardcore fans were in the audience, they continued to build on Peter Tatchell’s earlier Pro Palestine and Trans rights speech. They showed their support for both issues and reminded the audience that Pride began as a protest. One of the few artists to reference this year’s Pride theme, ‘Ravishing Rage’ purely by chance they invited the audience to ‘Rage’. She and her dancers brought the audience into ‘You Make Me Sick’, as if to underline a point made in their speech. After five songs, Ashnikko finally introduced themself and their tireless dancers, Gretel and Alica, to the audience. The lively and engaging set did not hold back. It showcased bold, athletic choreography, along with plenty of flames and smoke, no costume changes needed.
(Jess Kemp)
KATY B (Live PA) (False Idols Stage 17:00 – 17:30)
We stepped away from the main stage briefly to catch what we could in the false idols tent. Packed to the rafters, we managed to catch some of Katy B’s set. We arrived at her hit ‘Broken Record’, one of her live set staples. The False Idols dancers surrounded Katy B. They were clearly enjoying the set. The excited audience went wild at the end of the track. Next up was ‘Avalanche’, another of her staple tracks. The singer herself had not changed a bit from her earlier heights, trademark red hair accompanied by lime green and sunglasses in the tent as she strutted the catwalk. She captivated the crowd, who sang along with gusto. She made the False Idols tent as lively as the Revenge tent had been.
(Jess Kemp)
CONFIDENCE MAN (Main Stage 18:05 – 18:55)
Having witnessed Brisbane four-piece Confidence Man rise to fame from their 2017 appearance at The Great Escape in Brighton’s now-demolished and much lamented ‘Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar’ and on at least 8 occasions since, including their appearance on the ‘Other’ stage at ‘Glastonbury’ last year, I pretty much knew what to expect, and as usual, they didn’t disappoint. This is a band made for Pride festivals combining camp visual spectacle with original techno and house bangers.
This high-energy spectacle once again ignited Preston Park (having previously played it in 2023). The Australian quartet, led by Janet Planet and Sugar Bones, delivered a set brimming with cheeky charisma and infectious dance moves. Tracks from their 2024 album ‘3AM (LA LA LA)’, like the euphoric ‘I Can’t Lose You’ and the pulsating ‘Now U Do’, had the crowd at the front bouncing with reckless abandon. Their 2018 classic ‘C.O.O.L Party’ brought nostalgic party vibes, while newer cuts showcased their dive into 90s rave sounds. Closing with the sun-soaked ‘Holiday’ from 2022’s ‘Tilt’ album, they left the audience in a joyous frenzy. Confidence Man proved once again why they’re festival faves, blending pop-dance chaos with unapologetic fun.
(Martin J Fuller)
LOREEN (Main Stage 19:25 – 20:15)
Dual Eurovision winner Loreen dressed in a striking black and silver-trimmed outfit delivered a mesmerising performance, enthralling the now-capacity park with her signature spiritual pop sound. The Swedish-Moroccan star, the first woman to win Eurovision twice (2012 with ‘Euphoria’ and 2023 with ‘Tattoo’), really showcased her transcendent artistry.
Highlights included the pulsating set-opener ‘Jupiter Drive’, its nostalgic electronic beats setting a cosmic tone. ‘Gravity’ elevated the energy with its soaring tempo, while ‘Warning Signs’ blended introspective lyrics with trance-like production and ‘Is It Love’ with its haunting vocals and Berber influences was another cracking track The audience erupted for ‘Euphoria’, its enduring power igniting a singalong with all those standing around me.
Loreen’s connection with fans is clear, declaring her love for them and for thanking the LGBTQ community for their welcoming acceptance of her music.
The crowd had been anticipating it and so it proved, the performance duly closing out with the rapturous ‘Tattoo’, Loreen’s powerful and emotive vocals left those gathered in awe, prompting the chorus to sweep across the park via the crowd, for me it was the best track of the entire day and I can say that as someone who doesn’t watch the Eurovision song contest. An awesome performance.
(Martin J Fuller)
MARIAH CAREY (Main Stage 20:55 – 22:25)
There was a palpable buzz around the assembled hordes for the arrival of diva Mariah Carey and she certainly didn’t disappoint, the 90 minute set proving to be a triumph for the Pride organisers, the tradition of booking global superstars in the headline slot once again proving a resounding success.
The 90-minute set at Preston Park was a vibrant celebration of Pride culture, opening with the sultry ‘Thirsty’ boomed out from the stage to set the tone. Throughout the performance, Carey’s vocal range was demonstrated to still be breathtakingly intact (although seemingly slightly less powerful as her younger days, but this may have been park acoustics) as she soared through classics like ‘Emotions’, ‘Make It Happen’, ‘Vision Of Love’, ‘Dream Lover’ and ‘Touch My Body’, each delivered with her signature melismatic flair.
The live debut of ‘Sugar Sweet’ from her forthcoming album ‘Here For It All’ went down well with fans, its infectious energy proving she’s still at the top of her game. A heartfelt cover of The Jackson 5’s ‘I’ll Be There’ had the crowd singing along, creating a unifying moment, while ‘I Know What You Want’ which was originally a 2003 collaboration with Busta Rhymes was all-too-brief.
Carey’s three costume changes were a spectacle, starting with a sparkling mini-dress, and another in Trans pride colours—pink, white, and blue—paired with a “Protect the Dolls” bomber jacket, a bold nod to the Trans community and a final glittering gold gown and high boots which kept the visual stimulation high.
Throughout the whole 24-song show, backing singers amplified her harmonies, while a crew of male dancers, including some standout breakdancing moves, added dynamic flair throughout the entire performance.
The set closed with ‘Fly Like A Bird’, a soaring testament to Carey’s enduring vocal prowess and emotional depth, leaving the audience standing around me quite awestruck and rounding off what had proved to be a fabulous Pride Saturday of quality music.
(Martin J Fuller)
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The reviews of the second day of Pride celebrations can be located HERE.
