Suspect package delays Brighton Pride Parade

Guests at the two day Brighton and Hove Pride march, which kicked off today, were “not in any immediate danger” but faced delays as organisers and police agreed a new route.

An area by a bandstand was evacuated and cordoned off before an army bomb disposal unit carried out a controlled explosion this afternoon.

Sussex Police confirmed expert explosive officers are dealing with it.

There is no immediate risk to the public but the police have asked people to respect the cordon while officers deal with the incident. “We want everyone to continue to enjoy the Pride celebrations”.

The disruption came after organisers of the parade, which attracts around 160,000 performers and spectators every year, planned a new “high-profile” route for this year to begin near the city’s peace statue.

The parade has reached St Peter’s Church area and is continuing on its route to Preston Park, said a spokesman at 3.25pm.

The discovery saw the scheduled 11am start for the parade delayed, but it is now making its way around the city after its route was diverted away from Marine Parade and along Western Road.

Acts including Fatboy Slim, Ella Henderson and The Human League will be performing and a candlelit sunset event is being held as a “unique celebration of love and life” and to remember friends and loved ones from the LGBT community.