Two railway stations to close during Brighton Pride

Brighton Pride parade (Photograph: Eddie Mitchell)

With hundreds of thousands of people expected to celebrate Pride in Brighton and Hove, Southern Rail said it would close two stations closest to the festival, and advised that services would be '˜extremely busy' at the weekend (August 3 to 5).

Southern Rail announced that Preston Park station, the closest station to the Pride Festival, will close on Saturday and Sunday.

Nearby London Road station will also close from midday on Saturday for the weekend.

Govia Thameslink, which runs Southern Rail, said: “We are proud to be working with Brighton and Hove Pride to help get people to/from the spectacular event.

“Services are expected to be extremely busy during the festival and queuing systems maybe in place, so do allow extra time to travel and plan to travel outside peak times.

“Please purchase your tickets in advance as there may be long queues to purchase tickets, particularly at Brighton. As always, we advise you to check before you travel in case there are any short notice alterations due to disruption.

“Please check the time of your last trains by using the journey planner. Late trains from Brighton are expected to be very busy, so please allow plenty of time to catch your train. It is essential that you also re-check your journey immediately before you travel for any on-the-day alterations.

“From all of us at Govia Thameslink Railway, we wish you a wonderful pride!”

Brighton Pride said the last direct trains advertised online for Saturday (August 4) are:

23:24 – Brighton to London Victoria

00:04 – Brighton to London Bridge

00:04 – Brighton to London St Pancras

23:41 – Brighton to Eastbourne

00:04 – Brighton to Worthing

To plan your journey to Brighton Pride, visit: www.southernrailway.com/travel-information/plan-your-journey/live-departures-and-arrivals