Why Are St James’s Street Side Streets Closed for Pride 2025?

As Brighton & Hove gears up for another spectacular Pride weekend, locals have been left wondering why several side streets off St James’s Street are being closed — even though the official Pride Street Party is happening over on Madeira Drive.

At first glance, it might seem unnecessary. But there’s more to these closures than meets the eye.

Although the seafront is now the designated space for the street party — complete with ticketed zones, stages, bars, and security — St James’s Street continues to be one of the city’s busiest Pride spots. It’s still home to some of Brighton’s most iconic LGBTQ+ venues, including The Bulldog, Legends, and Bar Broadway. And during Pride weekend, these venues attract thousands of visitors, regardless of where the official event is happening.

That’s the heart of the issue: the party may have moved, but the people haven’t. Even without fencing or wristbands, the St James’s area remains a key social hub. As one bar manager put it, “It doesn’t matter where the fences go — St James’s will always be where people come to celebrate.”

The decision to close roads like Rock Place, Manchester Street, and Steine Gardens is based largely on crowd safety. Brighton & Hove City Council, working alongside Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire & Rescue, has said the closures are necessary to manage the sheer volume of footfall, keep pedestrians safe, and ensure emergency vehicles can get through if needed.

A council spokesperson explained that previous years have shown how easily the area can become overcrowded, especially with people spilling out of bars and gathering in the streets. By temporarily closing the smaller roads, they hope to prevent dangerous crowding, reduce risk, and keep access routes clear.

Not everyone is happy about the decision. Some residents feel the closures are excessive, especially when their roads aren’t part of the official event footprint. One local told us, “We’re basically locked in all weekend, even though the actual party is down the hill. It doesn’t feel fair.”

Business owners have also expressed concern. While pubs and clubs may thrive during Pride, smaller shops and services often find it harder to operate, especially with early closures, blocked access, and limited deliveries.

Still, most people understand that Pride weekend brings exceptional circumstances — and exceptional crowds. Organisers are asking attendees to be respectful of residents, plan their travel ahead of time, and make the most of the official event zones at Preston Park and Madeira Drive.

In the end, it comes down to Brighton’s unique Pride geography. St James’s Street isn’t just a road — it’s a landmark, a gathering point, and a living reminder of the city’s LGBTQ+ identity. Even if the stage and wristbands are elsewhere, the atmosphere lives on in Kemptown’s heart.

So while the barriers might frustrate some, they’re also a sign of just how vital this part of town remains to the Pride experience — official or not.