The people of Brighton (and Hove) love any excuse to dress up, particularly if it’s for a good cause. When March of the Mermaids crashed upon our shores in 2011, there were 100 participants, swelling to 700 last year, all raising ‘fins’ for The World Cetacean Alliance.

Organiser Hannah Chilton was inspired by New York’s Coney Island Mermaid Parade, and similarly her version is for all ages. The parade commences at 3pm, followed by a family-friendly event at Patterns, where little sea urchins are in with a chance of winning prizes for their crustaceous costumes. Those fancying themselves as the next Poseidon or Ariel are directed to FunFair for the costume judging and adult after-party. Pulling motion from the ocean will be The Sophisticated Mischief DJs (Lucky Voice, Torture Garden), burlesque performer Sirona Thorneycroft, and Twisted Nymph contortionists.

The Peace Statue, Hove Lawns, Saturday 23rd July 2016
Words by Karen McDermott
Photo by Daniel Cook