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We were very lucky to catch up with Saffron Sprackling, lead singer of legendary band Republica,
and Mel Sanson, Q Alternative Stage organiser and front person, as well as lead singer for Brighton rock band Kenelis right before they rocked the stage at Brighton Pride.
Planet London (PL): What's been the vibe for you at Brighton Pride today and what have you enjoyed so far?
Saffron Sprackling (SS): Well it's been such an amazing day. To be here with Mel Sanson and Vicky from Kenelis who are co-ordinating the Q Stage, and seeing their dream realised... with the crowd being amazing, going crazy for all the bands, especially Lucy Spraggan earlier in the day, it's going to be fantastic to see Kenelis perform and then go on stage oursevles.
Mel Sanson (MS): Joan of Arc played a Guns N Roses cover ealier, that I managed to catch in between working, and that was amazing as well.
PL: Will you be partying after the Park?
Both: Hell yeah!
PL: What's been your favourite performance today then?
MS: I can't really pick a favourite, it wouldn't be fair!
SS: Lucy Spraggan!
PL: Why did you introduce the Q Stage and why is it important for Brighton Pride?
MS: I just think it's important to have alternative music in the park, not just the main stage, main stream singers with backing vocals. Brighton Pride want to make the event more like a festival... I was previously involved with the women's live performance stage but this year I thought, "Why limit it to women?"
So the Q Stage is about live music, it doesn't matter what your gender or sexuality is, it's about playing live music at Pride.
PL: If you could be in a girl band of your choice who would you choose to join you?
SS: I'd be in TLC because that's my favourite girl band of all time. If I could make my own... then Courtney Love, Mel Sanson, PJ Harvey, Shirley Manson, Gwen Stefani...
PL: Can we join?
PL: What music is your guilty pleasure?
MS: Example. I like it. Not cool for a rocker but I like it.
SS: Supertramp and the BeeGees.
PL: Tell us a secret about yourself...
Both: There really aren't any. Everything's out there already.
PL: Is there any song out there you wish you had written?
SS: Waterfall by TLC. But there's so many really, like Read my Mind by Gordon Lightfoot. Beatles songs.
MS: Drop Dead Gorgeous.
PL: Who would be your ultimate person to cover your songs?
SS: Kenelis!
MS: Republica!
By Naomi & Katie
Brighton Pride is going even bigger this year with extended park hours and a pedestrianised Kemp Town street party.
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| Get your tickets now! |
The theme for this year's parade, which begins at 11am along the sea front up to Preston Park, is #FreedomToLive.
As always the Preston park event is the flagship of Brighton Pride, and this year there are a few changes to the programme, compared to last year, including the inclusion of the Q Alternative Stage featuring Republica and Lucy Spraggan.
Confirmed for the main stage are: the ever handsome boy band Blue, Pussycat Doll
Kimberly Wyatt, the poptastic Neon Jungle, disco legend Martha Wash and
the divine singer songwriter Heather Peace.
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Full map available at
www.brighton-pride.org/brighton_pride_map_2014.php |
Alongside these great music acts, there are a number of party & community tents in the park including The Wild Fruit Dance Tent,
Legends Cabaret tent, Girls Dance big tent, Calabash Tent, Men's Area /
Bears Tent, Funfair, the Literature tent, Community Village with over 20 community stalls
along side Lunch Positive cafe, Mind Out and the new Access tent
delivered by the Community safety forum, all combining to deliver a proud
day out like no other.
All the information about the Village Party is available here. With a massive area around St James Street closed off to cars, what safer, more affordable way is there to enjoy Brighton Pride after the parade?
For the first time ever, Brighton and Hove Council have allowed the Pride Village Party to extend to the seafront road. Marine Parade will be closed to traffic for the event, creating a larger Pride Village Party for everyone to enjoy.
The Pride Village Party* takes place from 6pm on Saturday 2nd August and extends until 12.30am after the Preston Park festival.
Pledge bands or residents access bands will be required for entry to secure zone during village party hours and to purchase alcohol in venues and outlets on Saturday 2nd August 4pm - 12.30am and Sunday 3rd August 2pm - 8pm.
*No Alcohol can be brought into the secure zone during Village party hours.
Our advice - get your tickets in advance to get the quickest entry into the Park.
Read our review of last year & check out our photos to help plan your own personal schedule
