Pride
2008 Set for Success
Tens of thousands of people are expected to take to
the streets of Brighton on Saturday 2nd August to celebrate Pride 2008.
The
theme of this year's event is Pride Around The World and the event promises
to be the best one yet.
Pride attracts visitors to Brighton & Hove from across the world and
is a great showcase for the city. It is one of the biggest events in the
city's calendar, and helps to bring money into the local economy.
The parade begins at Madeira Drive at 11.00am before moving to Preston
Park where it is expected to arrive at around 1.00pm. Festivities will
continue in the park until 8pm.
Sussex Police Chief Constable Martin Richards will join over 100 police
officers and staff from across the UK, including members of the national
Gay Police Association (GPA), leading the carnival parade for the fifth
year running along a route of two miles through the city on to Preston
Park.
Mr Richards said: 'Pride is important because it helps not only to raise
awareness around all that is good about a diverse and fascinating community
but also plays a real part in educating a minority who still feel that
homophobic and transphobic behaviour is acceptable. I am delighted to
be taking part in this year's Pride. This is a significant event for the
city and it is wonderful to be a part of it.'
In Preston Park, the Sussex Police stand will showcase the Sussex Police
liveried Gem Car, an eco-frinedly, electric car which has been trialled
in the city by the neighbourhood officers. There will also be information
available about joining Sussex Police and officers and staff will be on
hand to offer any advice.
Dozens of officers from across Sussex along with around 80 stewards will
also be deployed to ensure the safety of participants and spectators alike.
City Commander Chief Supt Paul Pearce said: 'As with previous years, we
are expecting huge numbers of people to attend Pride. The policing of
Pride involves a substantial amount of preparation, planning, consultation
and enthusiasm for what is the biggest operational policing commitment
to the city. Each year the emergency services, the city council, the health
service and numerous other agencies meet regularly with Pride organisers
throughout the year in order to build on previous plans already in place
and develop new ideas based on past experiences and feedback from last
year's Pride.'
