Latest news with #BirgitMiller
BBC News
15-04-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Brighton Pride: Concerns street party plans will cause 'bedlam'
Businesses have voiced their concerns about the relocation of Brighton Pride's street party. It was announced in April that the Brighton & Hove Pride Village Party will no longer be held in St James's Street after complaints from some residents. But business owners on the street say they are worried about safety and public order, as crowds will still come to the area on 2 and 3 August without security, toilets and certain traffic control measures. Birgit Miller, cabinet member for culture, heritage & tourism at Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC), said the local authority was working with organisers to address any safety concerns, including on traffic management and potential road closures. She told BBC Radio Sussex holding the party on St James's Street was "no longer" possible due to government measures to protect public events from terrorism. Craig Harwood, co-owner of the Marine Tavern, warned of "potential serious injury or worse with buses and traffic", suggesting people would still go to St James's Street as they might be unaware of the change. Jack Wiley, manager of Affinity Bar, claimed "everyone is annoyed" by the changes. He said business owners had "massive concerns" about underage drinking, who would clean the street up afterwards, and an absence of portable toilets. "People [are going to be] urinating everywhere and defecating. It's not going to be a nice environment," he said. Flash Bezuidenhout, a Kempton resident, told BBC Radio Sussex the lack of security and number of drunk people in the streets would cause "absolute bedlam". "I am going to be sitting in Starbucks watching the chaos that unfolds," they added. Brighton and Hove City Council agreed with Pride organisers to relocate the street party to Marine Parade, where there will be outside bars and entertainment stages for a ticketed event. Councillor Miller told BBC Radio Sussex people causing a nuisance on St James Street could be arrested, though not those enjoying themselves and having a drink. More announcements will be made next week in conjunction with Pride organisers, said Ms Miller.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Brighton Pride street party moves to new location
Brighton & Hove Pride's Village Party will be held on the seafront this year, instead of St James's Street as normal. Thousands of ticketholders usually pack into St James's Street and the surrounding roads to watch outside DJs, performers and other live events over Pride weekend. But this year, the roads will remain open to vehicles and the event will be moved to Madeira Drive. Brighton & Hove City Council said the event had been moved because some residents raised concerns during a consultation around access, safety and locals feeling excluded. "As a result, we have adapted this year's event, putting residents' needs at the forefront and supporting our local businesses," said Councillor Birgit Miller, cabinet member for culture, heritage and tourism at the council. Venues are instead being invited to create "pop-up" bars in Madeira Drive for this year's Pride, held on the first weekend in August. The council said it would continue consultations with businesses in St James's Street in the coming months. Plans for two weekends of acts at Pride in the Park have also been scaled back to just one weekend, as in previous years, after concerns from residents living near Preston Park. A spokesperson for Brighton & Hove Pride said: "Pride remains committed to working closely with local LGBTQ+ venues to foster a safer, more inclusive space for the community to celebrate with friends and allies in the new location. "Venues outside the new event footprint will be invited to participate and we are committed to supporting them in making this a thriving Pride weekend." Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Natalie Imbruglia and Will Young to sing at Pride Pictures: Brighton Pride parade bursts with emotion Brighton & Hove Pride Brighton & Hove City Council
BBC News
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Brighton Pride street party moves to new location
Brighton & Hove Pride's Village Party will be held on the seafront this year, instead of St James's Street as of ticketholders usually pack into St James's Street and the surrounding roads to watch outside DJs, performers and other live events over Pride this year, the roads will remain open to vehicles and the event will be moved to Madeira & Hove City Council said the event had been moved because some residents raised concerns around access, safety and locals feeling excluded. "As a result, we have adapted this year's event, putting residents' needs at the forefront and supporting our local businesses," said Councillor Birgit Miller, cabinet member for culture, heritage and tourism at the are instead being invited to create "pop-up" bars in Madeira Drive for this year's Pride, held on the first weekend in council said it would continue consultations with businesses in St James's Street in the coming for two weekends of acts at Pride in the Park have also been scaled back to just one weekend, as in previous years, after concerns from residents living near Preston & Hove Hove Pride was contacted for comment.
