Eastbourne Pride is the town’s colourful, warm-hearted celebration of the LGBT+ community — a summer day of parade, live music and community spirit that fills the seafront with colour. Family-friendly, inclusive and welcoming to all, it’s become one of Eastbourne‘s best-loved annual events. Here’s what to expect and how to take part.
What is Eastbourne Pride?
Eastbourne Pride is an award-winning, family-friendly celebration of the town’s LGBT+ community and its allies, presented by the local charity BourneOut LGBT. Everyone is welcome, whatever their background, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender or race — the day is all about celebrating diversity, embracing individuality and creating a joyful, supportive space by the sea. It’s typically held on a Saturday in the summer (usually July, occasionally early August), forming part of a wider season of Pride events across East Sussex. Each year the celebration takes on a new theme, adding to the colour and creativity of the parade and party.
The parade
The heart of the day is the Pride parade, a vibrant, flag-waving procession that sets off from Eastbourne Pier and travels along the seafront to Princes Park at the eastern end — a route of just over a mile. It’s a wonderful spectacle to watch from anywhere along the promenade, and the atmosphere is friendly and celebratory throughout. Taking part isn’t limited to the LGBT+ community — anyone who wants to show their support is welcome to join in — but marchers do need to register with the organisers in advance rather than simply turning up on the day.
Good to know: if you’d like to walk in the parade, sign up through the Eastbourne Pride website ahead of time — participation is open to all, but places need to be confirmed with the organisers beforehand.
The Pride party and street party
Once the parade arrives, the celebrations continue with the Pride Party in Princes Park — a festival of live music on the main stage, entertainment, market stalls and a mix of family-friendly and adult-focused spaces. There’s usually a lively street party too, centred on Grove Road and South Street — the town’s LGBT+ friendly quarter — with live music through the afternoon and local venues keeping the party going into the evening. It’s a brilliant, welcoming atmosphere, and a great excuse to explore some of Eastbourne’s most characterful bars, including a couple of long-standing LGBTQ+ pubs in the area.
Tips for the day
It can be a long day out with little shade on the seafront, so bring sun cream, a hat and water, and take some cash or card for stalls and refreshments. The seafront and Princes Park are an easy walk or short bus ride from the town centre — see our guide to getting around Eastbourne. It’s worth checking the latest details before you go, as the format changes from year to year: the street celebrations are generally free, while entry to the Princes Park party has in some years been ticketed (with free entry for children), so check ahead and book if needed.
Please note: dates, the theme, the parade timings and whether the park is ticketed all vary between years — always check the official Eastbourne Pride website for the current year’s details before planning your visit.
Eastbourne Pride: FAQs
When is Eastbourne Pride?
Eastbourne Pride is usually held on a Saturday in the summer, most often in July and occasionally in early August. Exact dates change each year, so check the official website for the current year.
Where is the Eastbourne Pride parade?
The parade travels along the seafront from Eastbourne Pier to Princes Park at the eastern end — a route of just over a mile. It’s easy to watch from anywhere along the promenade.
Is Eastbourne Pride free?
The parade and street celebrations are generally free to enjoy. Entry to the Pride Party in Princes Park has in some years been ticketed, usually with free entry for children, so it’s best to check the current year’s arrangements.
Can anyone take part in the parade?
Yes — the parade welcomes everyone, whether or not you’re part of the LGBT+ community. Marchers need to register with the organisers in advance through the Eastbourne Pride website rather than turning up on the day.
More to enjoy: see what’s on in Eastbourne, the Beach Life Festival, and the town’s best parks.