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Diana Ross pens ‘special song’ for Pride crowd
Motown legend Diana Ross performed a newly written "special song" as the headline act at Brighton and Hove Pride, marking the event's 35th anniversary. The 82-year-old dedicated the track, featuring lyrics such as "Joy, joy, joy, freedom, always be you", to the crowd during a set that drew on her decades-long career, underlining Pride's continued draw of major music stars to the city.
Her performance on Sunday also included classics such as Chain Reaction, Ain't No Mountain High Enough and Stop! In the Name Of Love, alongside several costume changes, while Saturday's headliner was Raye and reunited band Five also performed. Organisers said this year's event honoured the activists behind the first Brighton Pride march in 1973, noting Pride did not return to the city until 1991. Around 300,000 people were expected at Saturday's parade, with up to 450,000 estimated to attend across the city over the weekend.
In short
- Diana Ross headlined Brighton Pride's 35th event, debuting a new song
- Set included hits like Ain't No Mountain High Enough and Stop! In The Name Of Love
- Up to 450,000 people expected across the Pride weekend
Explained simply
Brighton and Hove Pride is an annual celebration and protest for LGBTQ+ people and their allies. It brings a large parade and music events to the city, and has become a major date in its cultural calendar.
The event looks back to an early Pride march in Brighton in 1973, led by activists; Pride did not return to the city until 1991. Its history reflects the wider LGBTQ+ movement’s efforts to gain visibility and equal rights.
Big-name performers have become part of Pride’s draw, alongside its community and campaigning roots. The crowds also bring a substantial influx of visitors to Brighton and Hove.