"Keep Brighton Tidy!" Urges Council Ahead Of Pride

With a very busy weekend expected as the city hosts its first full Pride celebrations since 2019, they’re asking everyone to play their part in keeping Brighton & Hove tidy.

As well as asking the public to make use of bins and make sure cups are taken back to cafes and pubs, the council is asking volunteers to sign up for a beach clean in return for a ticket to the Preston Park party on Sunday.

With extra cleaning staff on hand to keep on top of littering, the council also wants to remind people of the £150 fine for being caught dropping litter in the city and they'll have Environmental Enforcement officers out on patrol over the weekend.

They will also be in St James Street and Valley Gardens on Saturday and Sunday handing out free pocket ashtrays for disposing cigarette ends and chewing gum.

Pride pays for the clean-up operations in the footprint of their event sites, including the route after the parade, in Preston Park and the area of the Pride Village Party in Kemp Town. 

They're asking residents to be patient as the clean-up will probably run into the beginning of next week.

"If you see anywhere that needs attention, please let us know using our online request a clean-up form."

After the events, Pride will be working hard to get Preston Park and the Pride Village Party area open and back to full use as soon as possible.

They anticipate the majority of visitors will have cleared Preston Park by 11pm on Saturday and 10pm on Sunday, and work to try to keep disruption for residents to a minimum.

Visit Pride’s Preston Park resident information and Pride Village Party resident information for more details.

PSPOs for BBQs, balloons and lanterns

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) are in place to stop the use of single-use, disposable barbecues and the release of lanterns and balloons in council-owned parks, open spaces and along the seafront. 

The PSPOs have been brought in to tackle the environmental issues and risk to wildlife and nature these cause, including fire risk – a particularly significant issue following the recent dry weather.

Love our city

Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, leader of the council, said:

“Like so many, I’m really looking forward to welcoming Pride in-person back this weekend. It’s a vital celebration of our city’s identity, when Brighton & Hove is at our bubbly, bohemian best as we see visitors return from near and far. 

“Dedicated council teams will be hard at work throughout the weekend to keep the streets as clean as possible and we are thankful for their and many volunteers’ efforts. 

“We also need you to play your part too. Help look after the city by recycling what you can, disposing of litter responsibly and returning any plastic cups to venues. If you can’t find space in a bin, find another or bring your litter home. 

“For months we’ve been planning for the event alongside Pride, Sussex police, local health and transport. 

“After a 2-year absence, let’s ensure we’re all able to enjoy a proud and safe weekend – and do our bit to help keep Brighton & Hove tidy!”