Train company bosses have promised to put on extra services for Brighton Pride to prevent a repeat of the chaos last year.
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) said this morning that it would also provide longer trains on Saturday 3 August.
Last year Sussex Police ordered the gates to be closed at Brighton station but blamed rail staff for the problems.
Today GTR, which runs Southern, Thameslink and the Gatwick Express, said that it would “bolster capacity throughout the weekend”.
Big crowds are again expected, with an improved queuing system promised.
Kylie Minogue is the headline act in Preston Park. Last year it was Britney Spears.
GTR said: “As the countdown to the most colourful weekend on the south coast continues, rail provider Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has confirmed plans for extra Saturday train services to help visitors to the city get home from Brighton and Hove Pride 2019 weekend this summer.
“A highlight in Brighton’s calendar, Pride takes place from Friday 2 August to Sunday 4 August, with Kylie Minogue headlining the main LGBTQ Pride fundraising event at Preston Park on Saturday 3 August.
“The operator, which runs Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services out of Brighton, is adding and lengthening services to bolster capacity throughout the weekend, particularly after the main Pride in the Park event finishes on Saturday evening when additional services will run late into the night.
“GTR has been planning for the event since January, working closely with the Brighton and Hove Pride organisers, Sussex Police, Brighton and Hove City Council and other local partners.
“In the spirit of Pride, the organisers and partners have worked closely with GTR to extend the train station’s rainbow queuing system outside, to direct passengers leaving the event into the appropriate queue for their train before they get to the station.”
Angie Doll, passenger services director for Southern and Gatwick Express, said: “We are really proud to play our part in making sure travellers can get to and from this year’s Pride which promises to be another dazzling celebration of inclusivity.
“This year we are really pleased to have supported the organisers and partner agencies in an enhanced queuing system which will really help get people safely away from the event towards the train station.
“We are providing extra services but, as you would expect for such a popular event, it will be very busy so I would ask everyone coming to the event to plan ahead and allow plenty of time to get home.”
Paul Kemp, managing director of Brighton and Hove Pride, said: “Pride is an important event for our city with visitors coming in from across the UK and worldwide.
“We are extremely heartened by the positive working partnership and support over Pride weekend and the enthusiasm from all at GTR.”
Further details on trains, transport and travel can be found at brighton-pride.org/travel.
…. Pity they don’t take this action for November 5th at Lewes!!!
The last 5 years have been a disaster train wise for Brighton Pride, it’s about time Southern took responsibility and ran extra trains, longer carriages on trains and organised people flow at stations i.e do their job!
It’s not a surprise, they have plenty of time to organise but they can’t cope with daily service nevermind a large scale event. Would love to know how they have the gall to change their logo to a Rainbow for June?