At the close of a weekend that marked the 35th anniversary of Brighton and Hove Pride, Diana Ross brought the main stage to life with a sequence of classic hits and a personal dedication to the audience. The Motown star, now 82, performed a string of familiar numbers and showcased a series of glamorous looks across her headline slot on Sunday evening.
Setlist and staging
Backed by a live band and supporting vocalists, the singer moved through a catalogue of well-known songs that had the crowd singing and dancing. Highlights included Upside Down, Baby Love, Chain Reaction, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and Stop! In the Name Of Love. Video footage spanning her decades-long career ran behind the performers, reinforcing the retrospective feel of the set.
“always be you”
At one point Ross addressed the audience directly and dedicated what she described as a “special song” to those gathered, urging listeners to heed its lyrics which included the refrain:
“Joy joy joy freedom, always be you.”
Costumes, crowd and context
Costume changes were a notable element of the performance. The star opened in a silver gown adorned with white feathers, later switching to a red glitter dress with ruffles before appearing in a neon yellow raincoat paired with black trousers and top. The visual choices accompanied the musical through-line, underlining the celebratory atmosphere of Pride.
- Event: Brighton and Hove Pride, 35th anniversary
- Headline: Diana Ross (closing act, Sunday)
- Other acts: Boy band Five performed earlier on Sunday
Anniversary and attendance
Organisers used this milestone year to honour early activists and reflect on the progression of Pride in the city. The first march took place in July 1973 but, according to event organisers, it did not become an annual fixture until the early 1990s.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| First Pride march | July 1973 |
| Event return | 1991 |
| Estimated parade turnout | ~300,000 |
| Estimated city-wide attendance | Up to 450,000 |
Organisers described the weekend’s theme as “the power of love”, and paid public tribute to early campaigners whose visibility came at considerable personal risk. The weekend’s line-up — described by event staff as bridging generations of performers — also featured contemporary names alongside legacy acts, reflecting Pride’s evolving cultural reach.
For many in Brighton and Hove, the weekend was an affirmation of community and continuity: a large-scale public celebration that combined music, history and activism in the heart of the city.
