Hundreds Gather for Emotional HIV Vigil in Brighton
Hundreds turned out at New Steine Gardens last night to honour those lost to HIV in Brighton and worldwide. The candlelit Vigil remembered lives taken and raised awareness in a heartfelt community event.
Local Leaders Join in Remembering
Brighton’s own MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle, Mayor Lizzie Deane, and Ian Green, CEO of the Terrence Higgins Trust, attended the Vigil. Green delivered a stirring speech that touched everyone present.
Annual Event Brings Community Together
The Community World AIDS Day Partnership, active since 2009, organised the Vigil. They also held the Reading of Names ceremony, remembering local people who have died with HIV. The Partnership coordinates the event around the Brighton AIDS Memorial in New Steine Gardens, an emotional focal point draped in red fabric and accompanied by moving classical music.
Local Support Keeps the Vigil Burning Bright
The Brighton & Hove Rainbow Fund helps fund the event through a gate collection, covering equipment and staging costs. Partners in the event include:
- Brighton AIDS Memorial Project
- Brighton & Hove City Council
- Frontline AIDS
- Ledward Centre
- Lunch Positive
- Martin Fisher Foundation
- More to Me Than HIV project
- Peer Action
- Rainbow Hub
- Romany Mark Bruce
- Sussex Beacon
- Sussex HIV Ecumenical Chaplaincy
- Terrence Higgins Trust South
This annual gathering continues to be a powerful tribute and rallying point for those fighting HIV stigma and remembering loved ones lost. Brighton’s community spirit shone brightly once again.
