Celebrate with Pride, help keep A&E free for emergencies this weekend
As Brighton & Hove prepares to welcome thousands of residents and visitors for Pride this weekend, NHS Surrey and Sussex is encouraging everyone to plan ahead, stay well and choose the right NHS service if they need medical help.
The Pride 2026 celebrations on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August are expected to attract large crowds across the city.
While local NHS teams continue to manage high demand across health services, everyone can play a part in helping keep urgent and emergency care available for those who need it most by using NHS services appropriately.
By choosing the right service for your needs, you can get the care you need more quickly and help ensure A&E is available for people who are seriously ill or injured.
Before you attend…
To help you enjoy the weekend safely, NHS Surrey and Sussex is advising people to think ahead and come prepared to manage any minor health needs:
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast - it has been a hot summer so far, and so bring plenty of water, sunscreen and layers to cover up during the hottest part of the day to stay safe and hydrated.
- Drink alcohol responsibly and look after your friends - it’s a good idea to have a planned meeting point in case you get separated.
- Familiarise yourself with local healthcare services available during your visit.
- Plan ahead if you take regular medications - to make sure you have what you need for the weekend.
If you need medical help during Pride
- Use walk-in services for minor illness and injuries such as sprains, burns, insect bites and cuts.
- Visit a pharmacy for advice and treatment for common conditions such as sore throats, rashes, coughs, infections, stomach upsets and minor ailments.
- Use NHS 111 online or call 111 for urgent medical advice and help finding the right local service.
- Only attend A&E or call 999 for life-threatening emergencies, such as severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of stroke, serious injuries or loss of consciousness.
Brighton Station Health Centre, at 84-87 Queens Road (BN1 3XE), is open every day from 8.00am to 8.00pm. The centre offers walk-in care for minor injuries and illnesses, with telephone triage also available on 0333 321 0946. No registration is required.
Community pharmacies are an important first point of contact for common health concerns. Through the NHS Pharmacy First service, pharmacists can provide advice, treatment for a range of conditions and, where appropriate, supply certain prescription-only medicines without the need to see a GP.
NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service can advise on the most appropriate care, direct people to local services, help with prescriptions and self-care, and in some cases book arrival times at urgent treatment centres or minor injury units.
Support on-site
Medical facilities will also be available on-site at Preston Park and the Pride Village Party throughout the weekend.
A Safe Space will also be open at St Paul's Church, West Street (BN1 2RQ), from 10.30pm to 5.00am on Friday and Saturday nights for anyone feeling unwell, distressed, separated from friends or needing support to get home.
Professor Andrew Rhodes, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Sussex, said:
Brighton & Hove Pride is one of the biggest and most vibrant events in the local calendar, and we're proud to support it. We want everyone to enjoy the weekend safely, while helping ensure NHS services remain available for those who need them most.
A little planning can make a big difference. Whether that's thinking ahead for the medicines you may need over the weekend, taking steps to look after yourself in warm weather, knowing where to go for NHS help if you need it - or simply checking in on friends, everyone can help make Pride a safe and enjoyable weekend for all.