Sussex Euro-MP and the Greens' parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavilion constituency Caroline Lucas, is to join this year's Brighton Pride parade on Saturday (2 August).

A highlight of the event will be Brighton and Hove Green Party’s carbon-free float depicting the Brighton Pavilion.

The oriental style of this symbol of Brighton & Hove reflects this year’s theme of Pride Across the World, and pays tribute to the first ever India Rainbow Pride held in Calcutta on June 29, just a month ago.

The float also features the logos of various Prides Under Pressure to depict a “Euro-Vision” of violence-free Pride events across the continent. All the different logos incorporate the rainbow colours, celebrating the wealth of creativity of LGBT people, even when facing homophobia and violence.

Dr Caroline Lucas, who is a member of the European Parliament's cross-party LGBT group, said: "Like the Pavilion, Pride is an essential part of Brighton's identity, and is a festival celebrated by everyone.

"I'm really looking forward to a fun weekend of events."

Also paying tribute to LGBT people who have braved considerable risk of violence and retribution in places such as Lativa, Poland and Croatia, Caroline Lucas added: "Brighton has played a special role in the LGBT history of this country, and in the UK's role of spreading tolerance and respect for diversity around the world.

"I am particularly proud that Green Party floats were seen in Pride Parades across Europe.”

Continuing the international flavour of Pride this year, Brighton & Hove Green Party will be offering free Thai head massage taster sessions at the Preston Park festival from 12.00-6.00pm following the Parade.

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Notes to Editors

Earlier this year, Dr Lucas wrote to the Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, calling on him to encourage British Embassies around Europe to “fly the flag”, the rainbow flag for Pride, in cities across Eastern Europe and take other actions to support Pride Parades across the Accession States.

History was made when the rainbow flag was raised over the British Embassies in Riga (Latvia) and Warsaw (Poland) and at British Council offices in Zagreb (Croatia).

Following this successful campaign a number of British Ambassadors sent messages of support to Pride organising committees.

The endorsement of British Ambassadors went a long way in reassuring LGBT people and ensuring that Accession State governments and police understand their responsibility under European law to protect the human right to parade for Pride.

Green councillors in Brighton and Hove have been liaising with police and local residents to ensure in all festivities - both in Preston Park and the St James's Street area - any negative impacts of the celebrations on local residents and the environment are kept to a minimum, and that as many people as possible can enjoy the fun.

For interviews, or pictures of Dr Lucas , Green Councillors and the float, please contact Lizzie Dean Brighton and Hove Green Party Press Officer on 07931 231390