Yahoo catwalk goes down a treat at Brighton Pride

The Yahoo catwalk caused much hilarity at Brighton Pride 2022. The weekend, running from Saturday 6 August to Sunday 7 August, is jam-packed with performances from artists including Christina Aguilera, Paloma Faith, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Ella Henderson and Bimini, as well as the LGBTQ+ Community Parade, the Pride Village Party in Kemptown, the Pride Community Dog Show and much more.

Yahoo is the official headline sponsor for the event’s (delayed) 30th anniversary this year, called ‘We Are Fabuloso’. This is part of a long-term commitment to both celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and to help raise awareness of the prejudice still faced.

To add to the fun of the weekend, members of the public got the chance to get glammed-up, nab some free swag and walk the purple catwalk on the Yahoo stand – the perfect photo-op of course.

Read more: Christina Aguilera uses Pride show to highlight Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill

Those stepping into the spotlight were in great company with the legendary House of Suarez dancers (everyone’s highlight from the official Pride Parade).

The purple, shimmering stage set the mood and helped to turn ordinary people into runway superstars with the best entrance possible.

Read more: Brighton & Hove Pride: Meet Darren Suarez whose dancers are joining the Yahoo stage

Sean Blyth, (drag queen name: Dicky Minaj), from Stratford-upon-avon, said: “It’s amazing, there’s something so special about being at Pride. It’s the only event where you go and everyone’s there to celebrate love. It’s the best atmosphere, everyone’s so happy and it’s a gorgeous feeling.”

It seems Blyth didn’t exactly plan the appearance on the runway, but gave the people what they wanted, in a pink ball gown, adorned in dazzling jewels.

“I was dragged in from the crowd and I thought, ‘What is going on?’ and then I was like…I’m gonna work a catwalk for you!”

Read more: Kiss FM presenter Harriet Rose: ‘My first ever Pride’

Ellie, Jasmine, and Katrina were introduced by the compere as the ‘Bondi Bitches’ as they hit the catwalk. So how has their Pride been?

Ellie, from East Grinstead, wearing heart-shaped sunglasses, told us, “It’s been epic, just watching everybody in their really cool outfits and everybody being so confident in who they are is awesome.

“The catwalk was great, we had no idea that’s what we were signing up for but we’re very happy we went and nailed it.”

Jasmine, from Brighton, in top to toe pink, said, “It’s been epic, it’s been really nice to see everyone going for it and being themselves.

Katrina, from Belfast, adding some sass with a purple fan, said: “[Pride is] absolutely splendid, the weather is fantastic, all the activities are really good, really awesome… apart from the tenner on a burger!”

Read more: Brighton Pride festival finally back after pandemic

Tiago, who is from Portugal, but lives in London, shared a personal highlight of the day, “The Yahoo place – catwalking for tons of people was amazing.”

Brighton Pride’s big return after being cancelled for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic was also a major stand-out.

“Being a part of a community means a lot, especially after so much time away from everyone, so it feels good to celebrate together again,” Tiago told us, dressed in a cropped-purple T and colourful headband, smiling from ear to ear.

Watch: Kiss FM's Harriet Rose: My first ever Pride parade