Police said this morning that 25 people were arrested and 130 given medical treatment at Brighton and Hove Pride yesterday (Saturday 6 August).
Up to 200,000 people packed into Brighton as the sun shone for the parade, the event in Preston Park and the party in the St James’s Street area. About 78,000 of them travelled through Brighton Station.
Chief Superintendent Nev Kemp praised the behaviour of police and public. He said: “The overwhelming majority of people who have come to Pride have been brilliant.”
Extra security measures were taken for this year’s event – the biggest single event in the Brighton and Hove’s calendar. There were some concerns about public safety after the shootings in Orlando and the carnage in France and Germany.
Pride coincided with the first weekend for the i360, Brighton’s newest tourist attraction, which also drew crowds.
Sussex Police said that the 25 arrests were for assault, having drugs, being drunk and disorderly and for public order offences.
The force added: “St John Ambulance treated approximately 130 people at the three Pride sites.”
Great pic by @eyejewels of the rainbow BAi360 for @PrideBrighton weekend. On again tonight if you missed it pic.twitter.com/IyJeasxIuP
— British Airways i360 (@BA_i360) August 7, 2016
Chief Superintendent Kemp, Brighton and Hove divisional commander, said: “This is one of the biggest policing operations we manage and it could not happen without the support and hard work from all those involved and the thousands of people who travel from far and wide to attend it and help make it an amazing and fun event.
“I was delighted to be able to march in the Parade again this year, which has to be one of the most enjoyable opportunities I have each year as the city’s policing commander.
“I am also hugely proud of the officers who have been policing Pride this year, many of whom worked very long and busy shifts in the hot weather but remained positive and professional throughout.
“The overwhelming majority of people who have come to Pride have been brilliant but officers have made a number of arrests today for a variety of offences, which can be expected at such a large event.
“Officers also quickly closed down a rave at Black Rock car park in Madeira Drive on Saturday night when 30 people began playing loud music.
“As the weekend continues I would urge people to please take care of themselves and each other. If you have come to the city with friends then stick together, have fun but make sure you all go home together – I don’t want anyone to end up with not so pleasant memories of their Pride weekend.
“A visible presence of officers will remain throughout the city with plenty on hand to help if you need it. So, please do not hesitate to approach an officer if you have any concerns or need to report a crime.”
Had a great time at Brigton Pride this year and this was MAINY due to the overt difference in the policing… It was VERY clear from the second I stept off the train from Hassocks to Brighton that the armed police were in total control unlike many many years of observation. They were kind and friendly and egar to help and prevent trouble, unlike many events I have been to over the last fifteen years the police have always been eager to act like thugs and act as bad as the people they are supposed to be protecting the majority from… This year at Brighton Pride EVERY police officer I observed were preventing violence & stupidity with control through firm but kindness which was a pleasant shock to me… Let’s hope this continues as it clearly works 🙂