Brighton parties to the sights and sounds of annual Pride

Wet weather early on did little to deter the crowds from flocking to the Brighton event regarded as the biggest festival of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender culture in Britain.

With its Out of this World theme, more than 50 entrants including businesses and emergency services took part in the parade, the highlight of the week-long festival's finale weekend.

The parade arrived at Preston Park where former X Factor winners Alexandra Burke and Joe McElderry were performing at the main party, which has been ticketed for the first time.

One reveller said the event was a "glorious antidote following the riots, while another party-goer held a placard reading: "Let's rave, not riot."

Sussex Police were also out in force to support the campaign to kick hate, including homophobia and transphobia, out of football.

Lesbian and gay liaison officer Joe Finch said: "We're getting involved with the Kick It Out and the Justin Fashanu campaigns both of which are dedicated to promoting respect among players and fans in sport.

"Five of the south's teams are playing together in the Championship this season, including Portsmouth and Brighton and we're aiming to reach many of our local football supporters.

"No-one should have to put up with being called names in the street or made to feel intimidated because of who they are, so why is it any different on the terraces?"

The event, which first started in 1992, celebrates the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.