Brighton Pride Announces Historic Headliners for 35th Anniversary Celebration
Brighton Pride is preparing for its most spectacular celebration yet as the festival marks its 35th anniversary with two extraordinary headlining acts that have fans declaring this year's lineup the best in the event's history. The legendary Diana Ross is set to make her Brighton Pride debut, while Brit Award sensation Raye returns to the stage where she first performed nearly a decade ago.
Diana Ross Creates Pride History
At 81 years young, the iconic Diana Ross will become the oldest ever headliner for Pride on the Park when she takes to the main stage on Sunday, August 2, 2026. This performance represents a UK live show exclusive for the festival, with Ross bringing her legendary voice and career-spanning catalogue of hits to Brighton's biggest LGBTQ+ celebration.
Audiences can expect to hear classic anthems including Ain't No Mountain High Enough, Endless Love, and the particularly fitting I'm Coming Out. Ross last performed in the UK at London's O2 Arena in July, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, raising speculation that Brighton Pride attendees might experience a similarly grand production.
Raye Returns After Brit Awards Triumph
Saturday's headline slot will be filled by the unforgettable Raye, who first graced the Brighton Pride stage in 2018. Her journey over the intervening nine years has been nothing short of extraordinary, culminating in her historic sweep of six Brit Awards in a single night earlier this year.
The independent artist's performance will follow the release of her highly anticipated new album, This Music May Contain Hope, scheduled for March 27. Known for her perfectionism, Raye has reportedly been returning to the studio to refine the album, even reworking her number one hit Where Is My Husband for the new release.
Festival-goers can anticipate a spectacular show featuring Raye's signature big brass band arrangements, powerful vocal performances, and almost certainly some of her renowned scatting improvisations.
Festival Director's Enthusiasm
Paul Kemp, Brighton Pride's managing director, expressed overwhelming excitement about the 2026 lineup. "We are beyond thrilled to welcome the phenomenal Raye and the iconic Ms. Ross as our Pride on the Park 2026 headliners," he stated.
"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."
Fan Reactions and Festival Legacy
Social media has erupted with excitement following the announcement, with one fan declaring "Brighton Pride have well and truly outdone themselves" while another celebrated "Diana Ross at Brighton Pride ohhhh I won." Additional comments praised the lineup as "pretty iconic" with others simply stating "see u there."
This year's headliners join an impressive roster of previous performers including Mika, Girls Aloud, Paloma Faith, Sugababes, and Mariah Carey. The festival's origins trace back to a gay demonstration in 1972, with the first official headliner being Alexandra Burke in 2012.
From its contemporary launch in 1991, Brighton Pride has grown exponentially, now attracting over 500,000 attendees annually. As Kemp reflected on the milestone anniversary: "As we proudly celebrate 35 years of Brighton & 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."
