Diana Ross and Raye are to headline Brighton and Hove Pride on the first weekend in August, it was announced this morning (Wednesday 4 February).
The organisers said: “Global superstar Diana Ross has been confirmed to headline and close the weekend for Brighton and Hove Pride’s 35-year anniversary extravaganza on Sunday 2 August.
“The two-day community fundraiser will take place at Preston Park on Saturday 1 August and Sunday 2 August.
“Having performed at Brighton Pride in 2018 and 2022, Raye is making her triumphant return to dominate the festival as a headliner on the iconic main stage for 2026.”
The organisers also said: “This year is a huge moment as Brighton and Hove Pride turns 35. The annual and much-loved LGBTQ+ Community Parade will once again kickstart Pride weekend under this year’s theme, the Power of Love.
“The Power of Love will bring us together in solidarity, resistance and community as we strive for equality for all.
“This special 35-year celebration is a chance to look back at where our march first began. Brighton’s first Gay Pride took place in 1973, organised by the Sussex Gay Liberation Front, formed in 1971 by students and local LGBTQ+ activists.
“The group even staged a Gay Day in 1972 to test the waters. Brighton was ready but only just. Only a small part of our community felt safe enough to march in 1973 and Pride did not return again until 1991.
“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.
“Pride grew because people stood together – united, determined and unapologetic. We honour those early activists and acknowledge how their bravery and unity carried us all forward.”
Brighton and Hove Pride managing director Paul Kemp said: “We are beyond thrilled to welcome the phenomenal Raye and the iconic Ms Ross as our Pride on the Park 2026 headliners.
“Having first graced our stage in 2018, Raye’s journey over the past nine years has been nothing short of extraordinary.
“Welcoming the incomparable Diana Ross as our Sunday headliner as a UK live show exclusive is a dream come true.
“Her legendary voice and catalogue of hits will be an unforgettable moment in Brighton Pride history.
“As we proudly celebrate 35 years of Brighton and Hove Pride, we look ahead to an unforgettable weekend that honours the power of love in all its forms.
“This year promises to be truly momentous – a joyous celebration of inclusivity, unity and pride and one we cannot wait to share with you.”
The organisers said: “In a UK live show exclusive global superstar Diana Ross will turn the park Upside Down, making her Brighton Pride debut and headlining the main stage on Sunday 2 August.
“Celebrating a career-spanning journey through her greatest moments, this highly anticipated show from the legendary performer is one not to be missed.
“Expect timeless classics from her wide-ranging iconic repertoire including anthems such as Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Endless Love, Stop In The Name of Love and Queer disco anthem I’m Coming Out.
“During her unprecedented career, the fierce LGBTQ+ icon has acquired over 100 million streams, downloads and sales around the world.
“Ms Ross has also been granted over 19 major awards, including two Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards, a Golden Globe, a Tony Award, seven American Music Awards and a Guiness World Record for having more hits than any other female artist on the charts, with a career total of over 75 hit singles.
“The musical legend was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, has achieved the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Hero Award, NAACP Entertainer Award, the Billboard’s Female Entertainer of the Century Award and the Soul Train Legend Award.
“Ms Ross is also one of the few celebrities to have two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.”
The organisers added: “Raye is heading to Brighton this summer to provide us with the perfect Escapism, as we all rise for the pop queen of the moment and, rest assured, she will make your visit completely Worth It.
“The Where Is My Husband! singer is set to bring all of her fierce hits to the Pride stage such as Prada, Hard Out Here and The Thrill Is Gone, alongside a glimpse of her highly anticipated new album, This Music May Contain Hope.
“Having performed at Brighton Pride in 2018 and 2022, Raye is making her triumphant return to dominate the festival as a headliner on the iconic main stage for 2026.
“Raye has achieved over 10 billion streams globally, making history in 2024 winning six BRIT Awards, the most ever in one year.
“She has also garnered a Mercury Prize nomination and three Grammy nominations while also winning the Ivor Novello Songwriter of the Year in 2024.
“Her debut album. My 21st Century Blues, a decade in the making and her first as an independent artist topped Spotify’s Top Albums Debut and achieved international success.
“Her most recent release Where Is My Husband! hit No 1 in the UK official chart in January 2026.
“Brighton and Hove Pride, it’s time to COME OUT!”
