Event Dates
From: Thursday, July 11, 2024
To: Sunday, July 14, 2024
Brighton Bear Weekend is an annual event for bears, cubs and friends in Brighton.
Brighton Bear Weekend is an annual event for bears, cubs and friends in Brighton on the south coast of England. The Weekend is the UK south coast’s legendary bear event, with four days of fur and fun in the sun!
- Brighton is a busy year-round destination, but especially so in the Summer. July is peak season, so plan ahead. Discover the top 10 hotels and book your stay.
Bear Weekend Events
- July 11th to 14th 2024 – The following is an outline of regular events from last year. Use it as a guide. The 2024 event program will be published early in 2024.
- Thursday – Test your wits at the Quiz Night at Camelford Arms from 7pm-11pm. Bring your thinking cap, and remember to book ahead! Just £2 entry.
- Friday – Kick off the weekend at Dorset Gardens with a Welcome Party, including the Mr. Brighton Bear Contest, cabaret, and delicious eats from Lunch Positive. Wear that BBW Wristband for a tasty 10% discount on food and drinks. Later, choose between Bear the Bully at Bulldog or Bear Kingdom at Legends, each promising lively atmospheres, DJs, and drink discounts.
- Saturday (Daytime) – Dance away your morning blues with a Silent Disco in Brighton, but keep the energy up, because the Garden Party awaits at Dorset Gardens. An afternoon filled with entertainment, vendors, and more, all under the iconic BBW Marquee!
- Saturday 8th (Evening) – Unleash your inner star with Bear-a-oke at Legends followed by a memorable evening at Legends Bear Affair, filled with cabaret, DJs, and drinks.
- Sunday 9th – Satisfy your foodie side with a delightful Sunday brunch at Legends or Arcobaleno, both offering tempting Sunday roasts with discounts for BBW Wristband holders. Don’t miss the cabaret and jazz, and donate if you can to support good causes. Wrap it up with Underbears at Legends Den – dance, relax, or explore, but remember: doors close at 10pm!
- Upgrade your bear weekend experience at The Grand Brighton, a Renaissance Style hotel with luxurious rooms and beautiful views of the seafront.
The Venues
- Camelford Arms – Popular pub wood floors and modern decor, quirky Moroccan-style patio, plus classic food and ales. Offering cocktails, cream teas, Italian coffees and light meals, an interesting atmosphere and diverse programme of events. Hosts the annual quiz night from 7 pm ’till late.
- Dorset Gardens – Dorset Gardens is a public garden in Kemp Town, the area of central Brighton containing most of the other Brighton Bear Weekend venues. It is a very short walk from St. James’s Street, which is the main street running through the area. Home to the BBQ Marquee and Mr Brighton Bear Contest and Garden Party.
- Bulldog – Landmark LGBT pub & hangout known for lively karaoke nights & a laid-back atmosphere.
- Legends – Contemporary gay hotel, 3-minutes walk from gay nightclubs and an 8-minute walk from Brighton Pier and the beach and home to the Legends nightclub. Hosts the Bear-a-oke, Bear Kingdom, Bear Affair and Underbear parties.
The Rainbow Fund
- The first BBW was in 2009 and since then has raised more than £15,000 for the Rainbow Fund, who make grants to LGBT and HIV organisations who deliver effective front line services to LGBT people in Brighton and Hove.
Where to stay in Gay Brighton
The following hotels are close to Brighton’s compact but busy gay scene and the Bear Weekend events:
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Our editors have been to Brighton
many times and stay at Drakes
For further information and advice on
Brighton Bear Weekender The Website
Most of the Brighton gay bars and pubs are located in the city’s ‘Gay Quarter’ in Brighton’s Kemp Town – a compact strip of pubs and clubs just moments from the seafront.
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We have chosen hotels in Brighton that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Sophie Cook at the Brighton Bear Weekend 2016