The first time ever, Brighton and Hove Black History in collaboration with Spectrum - LGBT, is invited to take part in Pride festival on Saturday 9th August 2003.

We were in Preston Park in the People of Colour Tent, where the Brighton and Hove Black History exhibited its display. Hundreds of people saw the the exhibition.

An estimated 25,000 people took part in the colourful parade, with a further 50,000 joining in the fun along the route and at Preston Park.

The Mardi Gras-style parade will consist of about 40 floats, marching bands and a sea of partygoers in flamboyant costumes.

This year theme will be The Greatest Show On Earth, based loosely on Cecil B DeMille's 1952 movie of the same name.

With stars Betty Hutton, Dorothy Lamour, James Stewart and Charlton Heston acting out their dramas under the Big Top.

This year, for the first time, there will be a People of Colour tent.

Other attractions in the park will be a cabaret tent, women's tent, dance tent, funfair, food outlets and shopping village.

The procession start at Madeira Drive at 11am and wind along London Road. The first floats are expected to arrive at the park at about 12.30pm, with the tail end getting there about an hour later.

As always, everyone just wants to have fun and the behaviour of the crowd is always good natured, making the event safe and fun for the family.