Train given rainbow makeover for Brighton Pride

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A train has been given a special rainbow livery in celebration of Brighton and Hove Pride.

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has unveiled the makeover of a 12-carriage train that will form part of its fleet running to and from the city on the south coast from 2 to 4 August.

The “trainbow”, as it’s been dubbed, was designed by GTR apprentice Maggie Luckhurst and celebrates the company’s LGBT+ community.

“This was a really special project to work on for me,” said Luckhurst. “Whether you’re a member of the LGBT+ community or not, I hope that the train brings joy to everyone who sees it and that it also raises awareness of LGBT+ issues.”

The rainbow design will also be used on GTR’s first ever float in the Pride parade, which will carry members of the company’s LGBT+ network, accompanied by the motto: “Our people bring out our best colours."

“We are absolutely delighted to see the train out in passenger service,” said GTR’s train services director Stuart Meek, who also chairs the company’s LGBT+ network.

“This symbol of support shows how everyone is welcome on our services and celebrates our LGBT+ colleagues.”

The operator, which runs Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services out of Brighton, will also be offering an enhanced service during Pride weekend.

Extra trains will be running late into the night on Saturday 3 August to transport revellers home following the Pride in the Park concert, this year headlined by Kylie.

Pride organisers and partners have worked closely with GTR to create a queueing system to direct passengers leaving the event into the appropriate queue for their train before they get to Brighton station.

The company has been planning for the event since January, working closely with the Brighton and Hove Pride organisers, Sussex Police, Brighton and Hove City Council and other local partners.

“We are really proud to play our part in making sure travellers can get to and from this year’s Pride, which promises to be another dazzling celebration of inclusivity,” said Angie Doll, passenger services director for Southern and Gatwick Express.

She added that, although extra services are being provided, passengers are advised to plan ahead and allow plenty of time to get home due to the popularity of the event.

Other Pride events over the weekend include the Community Parade, which this year celebrates the theme: “Generations of Love – Celebrating 50 years of campaigning with Pride”.