Names on the buses

401 Phil Starr
919 Phil Starr
439 Phill Starr

Connections with Brighton and Hove : Brighton was a natural home for the drag queen Phil Starr who died aged 72 in 2005 shortly after his last show. He performed on stages across the world for more than 50 years and also raised thousands of pounds for charity. Shortly before his death, he took over managing the hotel and piano bar at Starr's Hotel and Bar in New Steine, Brighton. He also worked several nights a week in bars and hotels throughout Brighton and Hove as a drag artist, singing and telling jokes. His last show was at the cabaret bar Legends, in the New Europe Hotel, Marine Parade, Brighton. He had been the first performer there 14 years earlier. His final number was We’ll Meet Again. Phil Starr worked throughout the UK and in Thailand to raise money following the tsunami for an orphanage he supported. He often performed with fellow Brighton drag artist David Raven, known as Maisie Trollette, at the Queen's Arms, Kemp Town, as the duo Arsenic and Old Lace. Phil Starr also was one of the main supporters of the annual Pride event in Brighton and Hove.

  

401 Scania Omnidekka - carried name since delivery in May 2006. Renumbered 919 in January 2011. Name removed as bus was converted to Open Top in October 2014. Name reappeared on 439 Volvo Gemini Pride bus in July 2015. Brighton & Hove added to front June 2016. Revised design for Diversity done in May 2017.