Brighton Pride: Thousands turn out for colourful parade

Crowds gather for "biggest ever" Brighton Pride

Thousands of people gathered in Brighton for the city's annual Pride celebrations.

Britney Spears headlined a festival in Preston Park that promised "a dazzling display of inclusivity".

The American pop superstar performed in front of a crowd of 40,000 - her first UK performance since 2011.

Other acts appearing at the ticketed festival include Ella Eyre, Pixie Lott, former Eternal singer Louise and Nile Rodgers with Chic.

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A small group of protesters criticised sponsor British Airways for its co-operation over government-ordered deportations.

The firm said it was bound by law to deport people when asked to do so by the government.

The airline had a float in the parade featuring someone dressed in an air hostess outfit in tribute to Britney's Toxic music video. Their arrival was also met with cheers from the crowd.

Britney is bringing her Piece of Me tour to the UK, starting with Pride

Getty Images Britney Spears opened her Piece of Me tour at The Theater at MGM National Harbor, Maryland — Britney is bringing her Piece of Me tour to the UK, starting with Pride

The parade made its way through the streets of Brighton to a festival at Preston Park

Eddie Mitchell The parade — The parade made its way through the streets of Brighton to a festival at Preston Park

During the event, Sussex Police warned of a "potentially dangerous" batch of "contaminated" drugs - called "Chupa Chups" or "Chompa Chumps" - that may be sold.

The pills, in a shape similar to the the logo of the children's lollipops, have been linked to a number of recent deaths, according to the city's drugs and alcohol service Pavilions.

Police urged revellers to act responsibly, follow safety advice and report any suspicious behaviour.

Ch Supt Neil Honnor said armed officers would be working in the city during the parade with "public safety the main priority".

"The weekend weather is due to be very hot and sunny so we would also like to remind people to stay hydrated and wear sun cream," he added.

The parade began at Hove Lawns and worked its way along the seafront

Revellers at the parade — The parade began at Hove Lawns and worked its way along the seafront

The theme for this year's event is "Colour My World"

The BA protest came after activist group Lesbians and Gays Support the Migrants wrote an open letter to the Guardian newspaper on Friday, to call for the airline to "stop being complicit" in working with the government on deportations

The open letter was signed by MPs and other public figures.

BA said it was never told about personal details of anyone it is asked to deport, including their sexuality, and was a proud supporter of Pride.

As ever, some went to great lengths dressing to impress

Getty Images Geishas at Brighton Pride — As ever, some went to great lengths dressing to impress

Brighton Pride: Thousands turn out for colourful parade

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Crowds gather for Brighton Pride