[19 September 2007]

PRIDE

On Saturday 4^th August, East & West Sussex Fire Services participated in the annual Gay Pride event held in Brighton. Two fire engines took part in the parade and fire crews from across the country, including vast numbers of representatives from London Fire Brigade and our own Chief Executive & Chief Fire Officer, Des Prichard and Assistant Chief Officer, Cheryl Rolph, all walked the mile long route from Maderia Drive to Preston Park.

The Parade this year was the most colourful and biggest to date with hundreds of wonderful floats and walking tablets representing nearly every well known musical. Thousands of people from within the City of Brighton & Hove lined the streets to cheer the procession on.

Every year, the charity is overwhelmed by the incredible support it receives from the statutory authorities and this year was no exception. Brighton and Hove City Council pulled out all the stops, as did Sussex Police as well as East & West Sussex Fire Services. Everyone was keen to get involved and give their full support to Pride. Hundreds of stalls were set up in Preston Park and East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service promoted fire safety advice and awareness.

Pride in Brighton & Hove promotes equality and diversity, and advances education to eliminate discrimination against the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. It raises awareness of associated issues and develops an environment in favour of LGBT equality by providing information, advice and support.

Brighton Pride encouraged over 150,000 to celebrate LGBT diversity in the city over the weekend and an estimated £7.5 million additional revenue was brought to the city?s hotels, restaurants, bars and shops.