Promising a "day of curated queer chaos"

The Power of Love promises a “bold, immersive and joyfully unapologetic post-Trans Pride and pre-Pride celebration” from 201 Dance Company, bringing together some of Brighton’s most magnetic LGBTQ+ artists, performers, creatives and audiences for a full-day programme at The Old Market.

It all happens on Friday, July 24, billed as “a day of curated queer chaos.”

A spokesman said: “To keep the party going after Trans Pride Brighton 2026 in the countdown to Brighton Pride 2026, The Old Market will be transformed into a combustible engine room of queer creativity, connection and celebration.

“Across the day, audiences are invited to move between sharp conversation, purposeful networking, electric live performance and late-night club energy, culminating in an immersive experience that syncs dance, drag, visuals and community with the city’s Pride history: magnificent, political and alive.

“A Brighton Pride partner for eight years, 201 Dance Company explores what Pride means across the city and within its LGBTQ+ community through dance, activism and film, all culminating in one spectacular night of protest, joy, beauty and magnificently curated chaos. “Expect unforgettable imagery, iconic drag performances, live soloists and choreography, all underscored by the gloriously queer sounds of DJ collective HIVE.

“Drop in for an hour or stay the whole day: from first conversation to full-throttle celebration.”

Andrea Walker, founder and artistic director of 201 Dance Company, said: “Pride has always been about more than a weekend or a month. It's about the people who make our community extraordinary every day.

“The Power of Love brings together inspiring LGBTQ+ voices before transforming The Old Market into an immersive celebration of queer joy, with 360° projections, drag artists, incredible go-go dancers and a euphoric soundtrack curated by Brighton's queer collective HIVE. It's our love letter to Brighton's queer community and to the creativity, resilience and joy that make it unlike anywhere else.”

Andrea and 201 Dance Company will also be creating the official Brighton Pride film once again this year, bringing together hundreds of LGBTQ+ performers and allies to celebrate visibility, joy and community.

Having collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry including Kylie Minogue and Girls Aloud in previous years, they will be taking their inspiration from RAYE’s Click Clack Symphony this year.

It will be filmed in several locations around the city and will celebrate the whole of Brighton’s LGBTQ+ community including, making their debut appearance, the South’s first gay-inclusive rugby team, The Sea Serpents.

On the day:

11am to 1pm – LGBTQ+ Creatives Market and Networking. Taking place in TOM’s Bar. Tickets: Free, but must be booked in advance. Age: 16+ (recommended), under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. A relaxed space, facilitated by 201 Dance Company for LGBTQ+ artists, makers, producers and creative professionals to meet, share ideas and discover local talent. Whether you’re just starting out, building your next project or already working in the industry, drop in to connect, showcase your work and enjoy a cup of ambition with peers.

6pm to 7pm – The Art of Being seen: Trans Icons and LGBTQ+ voices In Conversation. In The Box - unreserved seating. Tickets: £9.50 (plus £2 venue levy). Age: 12+ (recommended), under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Hosted by Kate Wildblood with guests including Ophelia Payne, Sarah Savage and Andrea Walker. From the stage to the archive, this visually supported conversation explores how trailblazing LGBTQ+ voices from our community shape culture, challenge institutions and leave lasting marks on our collective history.

7.30pm to 10.30pm – The Power of Love Takeover: 201 Dance Company In The Box. Tickets: £18.50 (plus venue levy). Age: Strictly 16+ only (alcohol and bar service 18+ only). Please note: Contains flashing lights and strong language. An immersive evening of drag, dance, DJs and visuals curated by 201 Dance Company, underscored by queer DJ collective HIVE.

201 Dance Company is a Brighton-based, queer-led dance theatre company creating bold, cinematic productions that blend physical theatre and powerful storytelling. Founded in 2014 by artistic director and choreographer Andrea Walker, the company creates original work rooted in lived experience, exploring themes of identity, grief, mental health and social justice.