Pride Month takes place every June to celebrate the lives and achievements of our LGBTQ+ communities. As the month comes to a close, our commitment to celebrating and supporting our communities continues throughout the Summer and beyond.
Attending Pride events is not just about taking part in a parade, or waving a flag, these are community events and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service takes part, not only as an inclusive employer, but as a public service who supports all our communities.
We encourage members of the public to cheer us on along the parade routes and show their support, standing in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ communities. Take a look at the Eastbourne, Brighton and Hastings events we will be attending below!
Our Pride Events Schedule includes:
Tuesday, 15th July – Rainbow Flag Raising
We will be attending the East Sussex County Council annual flag raising event. The rainbow flag will proudly fly above County Hall, marking the start of Pride celebrations.
Saturday 19th July – Eastbourne
Starting from Eastbourne Pier, BN21 3EL at 11am, the Parade takes just over an hour.
For more information about the event visit: Pride Parade 2025 | Eastbourne Pride
UPDATE 2/7 - The parade is now starting at 10am from Eastbourne Pier.
Saturday 2nd August – Brighton
Starting from Hove Lawns, BN3 2FR at 11am, due to the scale of this event, it can take several hours to complete the Parade, so may not be suitable for everyone.
For more information about the event visit: Pride Parade – Brighton & Hove Pride
Sunday 24th August – Hastings
Starting from the Stade, TN34 3FJ at 11am, the Parade takes just over an hour.
For more information about the event visit: Pride 2025 - Hastings Pride
Supporting these events demonstrate visibility and celebrating the strength and solidarity of the LGBTQ+ community to show our commitment to an inclusive society.
Fire Out Staff Network
Our joint Staff Network with West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Fire Out, provides helpful support and advice, about all aspects and sexual orientation and gender identity with membership open to all colleagues across the organisation.
Fire Out’s mission is to support LGBTQ+ colleagues from both ESFRS and WSFRS, enhance awareness of LGBTQ+ experiences and challenges, and improve community engagement for both Services.
Promoting Water Safety – here come the Ducks!
We want everyone to enjoy the celebrations safely by connecting with and supporting our communities, especially around Pride events where pedestrians may be mixing with moving vehicles or gathering near open water.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service are regularly called out to water rescue incidents and some of the people involved accidentally fall in when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
According to latest figures from the National Water Safety Forum’s (NWSF) Water Incident Database, from 2019 to 2024 in the UK, 333 accidental drowning fatality reports noted the presence or potential presence of drugs and/or alcohol.
We want people to have fun at Pride events but also take care of themselves. Using the hashtag #dontdrinkanddrown, we aim to raise awareness with the aim of preventing such tragic incidents.
For more information about staying safe around water, visit: Water Safety & Drowning Prevention | East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service
We look forward to celebrating Pride safely with our communities and continuing to champion equality, visibility, and inclusion.