Brighton Pride is gearing up for a monumental celebration of its 35th anniversary in 2026, with organisers unveiling what they describe as the best headliners ever for the iconic event. The festival, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and commitment to inclusivity, has secured legendary performer Diana Ross and critically acclaimed artist Self Esteem to top the bill, promising an unforgettable weekend of music and celebration.
Historic Headliners for a Milestone Year
At 81 years old, Diana Ross will make her Brighton Pride debut as the oldest ever headliner for Pride on the Park, taking to the main stage on Sunday, August 2. The iconic singer, whose career spans over six decades, is expected to deliver a powerhouse performance featuring classic hits such as Ain't No Mountain High Enough, Endless Love, and the anthem I'm Coming Out. Her appearance marks a UK live show exclusive, adding significant prestige to the anniversary celebrations.
Joining her as a headliner is Self Esteem, the stage name of musician Rebecca Lucy Taylor, who will perform on Saturday, August 1. Known for her candid and critically acclaimed pop music, Self Esteem brings a contemporary edge to the lineup. She will be accompanied by fellow independent artist Raye, who is anticipated to showcase material from her highly anticipated new album, This Music May Contain Hope, set for release on March 27. Raye's performance is likely to feature a big brass band and her distinctive vocal style, including elements of scatting.
Festival Details and Ticket Information
Brighton Pride 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2. While the full lineup is still being finalised, with further acts expected to be announced closer to the event, the confirmed headliners have already generated significant excitement. Ticket prices have not been officially released but are projected to align with recent years, typically ranging from approximately £58 to £64 for a single day, with weekend tickets around £89 in their final release tier.
Paul Kemp, the festival's managing director, expressed immense enthusiasm for the headliners, stating, 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 is a dream come true. Her legendary voice and catalogue of hits will be an unforgettable moment in Brighton Pride history.
Community Reaction and Historical Context
The announcement has been met with widespread acclaim from fans and the LGBTQ+ community. Social media responses have highlighted the lineup's iconic nature, with one user noting, Brighton Pride have well and truly outdone themselves, while another celebrated, Diana Ross at Brighton Pride ohhhh I won. This enthusiasm underscores the event's role as a cornerstone of pride celebrations in the UK.
Brighton Pride traces its origins to a gay demonstration in 1972, with the first contemporary festival launched in 1991. Over the years, it has grown exponentially, now attracting over 500,000 attendees. Previous headliners have included notable artists such as Mika, Girls Aloud, Paloma Faith, Sugababes, and Mariah Carey, with Alexandra Burke serving as the first official headliner in 2012. The 2026 edition aims to build on this legacy, offering a joyous celebration of love, inclusivity, and unity.
As the festival approaches, organisers are focused on creating a momentous weekend that honours 35 years of progress and community spirit. With Diana Ross and Self Esteem leading the charge, Brighton Pride 2026 is poised to be a historic and unforgettable event, reinforcing its status as one of the UK's premier pride celebrations.
