The rhythm of live in Brighton and Hove is set by many events and happenings and each one helps to create an aspect of the cities character. We have high days such as Pride and the Burning of the Clocks along with seasons such as the arrival of the University Students and then as they depart the arrival of other visitors who use the teaching rooms for other purposes. This year for the first time we will have Disability Pride which is taking place in July which I am very excited about. However for me today, the children’s parade is unquestionably the most important day in our calendar. I am grateful that my own children are no longer involved as dressing up and keeping costumes clean and ready for the day was never something I found easy, but to allow primary school and pre school aged children to bring the city to a standstill is something that we should be immensely proud of and deserves to be the set piece opening of the Brighton Festival. Well done to Same Sky for all of their immensely hard work and for keeping us with our feet firmly on the ground each year.