Friday, August 2, 2024
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During Brighton’s Pride celebrations, train services operating in and out of Brighton station are set to be enhanced. This move aims to facilitate the smooth transportation of attendees to and from the city’s vibrant festivities. Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates Southern, Thameslink, and Gatwick Express services to and from Brighton, announced that stations and trains would be extremely busy.
Pre-Booking and Travel Advice
In light of the anticipated high demand, GTR advises all attendees traveling by rail to pre-book their tickets ahead of time. Additionally, travelers should allocate extra time for their journey to accommodate potential delays due to the large crowds. This advice is crucial, given that last year’s Pride weekend saw no train services to Brighton due to industrial action and Storm Antoni.
Expanded Services and Safety Measures
To enhance safety and efficiency, more trains and additional carriages will be added to services throughout the weekend. This measure aims to ensure that people can travel safely to and from the city. Additionally, a queuing system will be implemented at Brighton station. The system will be color-coded based on the routes people need to take:
- Green: Services on the East Coastway route to Lewes, Seaford, and Eastbourne.
- Blue: Services on the Brighton Main Line to Haywards Heath, Gatwick Airport, and London.
- Purple: Services on the West Coastway route to Shoreham-by-Sea, Worthing, and Chichester.
Late-Night Services and Station Closures
Passengers should note that there will be a limited service on the East and West Coastway routes late at night. Therefore, it is essential to check the last train times and ensure sufficient time to reach the station. Additionally, Preston Park and London Road (Brighton) stations will be closed for the entire weekend, impacting travel plans for some attendees.
Statements from Key Stakeholders
Paul Kemp, Managing Director of Brighton & Hove Pride, expressed his appreciation for the strengthened train services and resilience planning. He emphasized the importance of train services for tourism in the city throughout the year and for the future success of Pride. Chris Fowler, Head of Network Operations at GTR, echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about bringing people to and from the city for the celebrations. He highlighted the myriad of fantastic activities and events planned for the weekend, reinforcing the importance of efficient and reliable transportation.
Public Transport Recommendations and Road Closures
Brighton Pride organizers strongly recommend using public transport to navigate the city during the festivities. They cautioned about significant road closures on the day of Pride, which will affect parking availability. Specifically, no parking will be available at Preston Park and its surrounding areas, and parking restrictions will be in place on a large section of Madeira Drive. The following roads around the Pride Village Party will be closed:
- St James’s Street
- Madeira Place
Additional road closures will be implemented for the festival in Preston Park, including:
- Preston Road between New England Road and Stanford Avenue
- Stanford Avenue between Preston Road and Beaconsfield Road
Potential Additional Road Closures
The police may close additional roads during the weekend if deemed necessary for public safety. These closures are part of comprehensive efforts to ensure a safe and enjoyable Pride weekend for all attendees.
Bus Diversions and Shuttle Services
From August 1 to August 5, there will be some bus diversions and timetable changes. Over Pride weekend, Brighton & Hove Buses will operate a shuttle service (routes 500 and 600) to and from Preston Park from the Old Steine and the Waterhall Campsite. This service aims to provide additional transportation options for attendees, further emphasizing the importance of public transport during the event.
