Rainbow Flags fly on Town Halls and the Pavilion lit up in pink to celebrate Pride

11.38.35am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 6th Aug 2004

The Rainbow Flag is flying at Town Halls in Brighton and Hove and the Pavilion is lit up in pink to celebrate Pride Week.

Brighton's Royal Pavilion lit up for Pride

Councillor Paul Elgood, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, demanded that the Council took this action to highlight the success of Pride in the City.

This is already done in many other cities throughout the world with large gay populations, including Paris, San Francisco and Sydney.

Paul said: "Turning the Pavilion pink is very exciting. It would be a strong symbol showing that we are an open and tolerant city. It would also show the support Pride has in the city.

"A pink Pavilion would reflect the large and diverse population our city has. There would be no better statement for Pride week.

"Internationally the use of coloured lighting on buildings such as the Empire State Building in New York has had a major impact.

"It is a bold move reflective of the kind of event Pride should be. A pink Pavilion would have massive impact for the city.'

On Rainbow flags, Paul added: 'We have fought a long battle on this and I am delighted that this is going ahead. The rainbow flag should fly proudly from council buildings to show the significance of the event.'