Every July, Kemptown fills with fur, flags and good humour, and this year was no exception. Brighton Bear Weekend returned for its sixteenth edition, running from Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 July, with the Garden Party at the heart of it. Dorset Gardens turned into a proper community gathering for the day: stalls, food vans, a crowd that spans decades and body types, and the Brighton Bear competition with its usual mix of theatre and self-deprecation. Huge congratulations to Matteo who triumphed in a stiff line-up (no pun intended). And a side congratulation to Mayor of Brighton & Hove Cllr Theresa Fowler who took on the role of Goldilocks and managed to escape the clutches of no less than 8 sash holders!
A fabulous volunteer-run event that directly feeds back into the city’s LGBTQ+ charities. It’s a fundraiser wearing a party’s clothes, and Brighton is better for it.
Winner Matteo (R) with Chair Bear Alan (L) and Mayor of Brighton & Hove Cllr Theresa Fowler (centre)