2009-07-03 05:15:34 Brighton News tag:brightonlife.com tag:brightonlife.com/3046

Cossette Productions and Paul Lucas Productions announces a special performance of the Argus Angel Award-winning hit Woody Sez The Words, Music & Spirit of Woody Guthrie, the brainchild of David Lutken, Broadway veteran, storyteller and guitar theatre legend, at Komedia Brighton on Tuesday 14 July. Woody Sez celebrates the spirit of American folk legend Woody Guthrie, Americas greatest ballad maker, whose music continues to inspire todays finest storytelling songwriters including Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, the Indigo Girls and Billy Bragg. Charismatic Broadway and recording artist David Lutken, who plays the title role, is joined by three multi-talented folk musicians collected from the four corners of America who bring Guthries music to life with twin fiddles, guitars, bass, harmonica, banjo, mandolin, dulcimer, dobro and beautiful folk harmonies.Part music, part words, Woody Sez weaves together Guthries songs with excerpts from articles he wrote for the leftist newspaper The Peoples World to create a portrait of a true American hero, a man who would always be there whenever working folks fight for their rights. As author John Steinbeck wrote There is nothing sweet about Woody, and there is nothing sweet about the songs he sings. But there is something more important for those willing to listen. Woody wrote and sang the songs of common folks, songs that lifted the spirits of people beaten down by the corporations and the banks. David Lutken returns to the U.K. following the American Premiere of Woody Sez at Lyric Theatre in Oklahoma City. Prior to that he served as Musical Supervisor and leader of the gospel quartet for the 2007 Broadway revival of Inherit the Wind, starring Christopher Plummer and Brian Dennehy. In 2006, he was notably featured in the Broadway production of Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical and has also appeared on Broadway in The Civil War and as another American legend, Will Rogers, in The Will Rogers Follies.Woody Sez has also temporarily robbed Lyric Theatre in Oklahoma of their new Artistic Director Nick Corley, himself a veteran Broadway actor. The Woody Sez cast is rounded out by Darcie Deaville (fiddling/ songwriting folk singer extraordinaire from Austin, Texas), Andy Teirstein (a highly-regarded composer/playwright/performer), and Helen Russell (singer/bass player and heartbeat of the band), to provide a highly enjoyable hour, suitable for all ages. From the first beat to the final coda, the relevance then and now of Guthries works drives the quartet to one of the stand out musical performances of the year. Recommended without hesitation. The Edinburgh Fringe ShowWOODY SEZ visits Komedia Brighton on Tuesday 14 July at 8pm. Tickets are 12/10 conc. available on-line at www.komedia.co.uk/brighton or from the Box Office on 0845 293 8480.

2009-07-03 05:15:34 http://www.brightonlife.com/images/news/3046.jpg brightonlife.com Komedia 2009-07-02 tag:brightonlife.com/3024

This summer, from 7th June to 1st August, Carluccio’s in Brighton will take you back to the ancient vineyards of Sicily with a season of Vini di Famiglia (wines from families) as they celebrate their annual wine festival. The eight week festival will see Carluccio’s feature some of Sicily’s best wines, conduct special wine tastings and serve authentic Sicilian produce and seasonal delicacies.THE WINESCarluccio’s will showcase 11 fantastic wines from the hottest names in Sicilian wine-making with whom they have worked closely with for many years. The family-run Planeta winery and the Cantine Settesoli co-operative is located in one of the most important wine producing areas in Sicily, Menfi. For three generations thousands of Sicilian families have devoted their lives to perfecting the art of traditional wine cultivation – thanks to Diego Planeta, whose daughter Francesca Planeta now runs the Planeta winery, and whose vision has inspired a new generation of premium Sicilian wines with rich exotic varietal blends. From soil to glass, when you taste the finished article of these local wines, you’ll also taste the love, labour and devotion that have gone into this historic local trade.Whilst the Planeta family is well known for producing some of Italy’s best wines, Settesoli, with its 2,300 growers, is an exception to the general belief that co-operatives can produce anything but commodity wines. Settesoli is relentlessly focused on quality with a whole stream of awards under its various labels a testament to this. In 2006, Settesoli was awarded Winery of the Year in L’Almanacco del Berebene (Italy’s Good Drinkers Guide).Exclusive to Carluccio’s in the UK, is Planeta’s Alastro (£12.50), which blends native Grecanico grapes with chardonnay to create a rich, fruity and easy drinking wine that’s perfect with fresh fish and risotto. New wines sourced specially for the Vini Di Famiglia Wine Festival include Settesoli’s Carthago Mandrarossa 2008 (£15.95), recipient of Italian wine’s highest prize, the Gambero Rosso’s coveted Tre Bicchierie (Three Glasses Award). This tantalising red, made from Nero D’Avalo grapes, is intense and spicy with hints of plum, cherry, liquorice and black pepper and is fantastic paired with red meats - particularly great with lasagne. For a truly summery wine, Planeta’s rosé (£10.50) is a light, fresh syrah with subtle flavours of strawberry and pomegranate, making it ideal as an aperitivo or with light pasta dishes.Whichever of the 11 Sicilian wine you choose, all deliver on quality and taste whilst being fantastically priced, from £8.95 to £19.50 perbottle.TRY BEFORE YOU BUYCarluccio’s invites wine lovers to discover the wines of Settesoli and Planeta at their complimentary tastings. Every Thursday from 6pm-8pm, between 11th June and 30th July, guests can sample these sensational Sicilian wines.> More information

2009-07-03 05:15:34 brightonlife.com Jo Aspin 2009-06-02 tag:brightonlife.com/3022

Al Duomo is 30 years old this year and we don't think you can have too many friends, so we though we say a big thank you to you all for supporting is and help is celebrate 30 years of holding the Italian banner in Brighton.We are offering all our customers past, present and future the opportunity to try our scrumptious food and delicious cocktails.2-4-1 Cocktail from 14.00hrs till 19.00hrs Monday to Friday.2-4-1 on Main Courses Sunday from 17.00hrs till close, Monday to Thursday All Day. ( Cheapest main Course free)Come and taste a little bit of Italy. Print off this voucher and bring it with you when you come and celebrate with us!Buon Appetito!» For complete info including photos and reviews of Al Doumo please click here. 

2009-07-03 05:15:34 http://www.brightonlife.com/images/news/3022.jpg brightonlife.com Alberto Taverna 2009-06-01 tag:brightonlife.com/3029

At last! A night dedicated to the over 25's. Brighton and its surrounding area has been crying out for a club night dedicated to the socializing needs of the over 25's. Every Saturday, starting on Saturday 6th June 2009 we will be holding Good Times at Brighton’s friendliest nightclub, Belushi’s Below. A friendly intimate space, to party and mix with your friends, Belushi’s Below has long been regarded as Brighton’s hidden secret. If you are looking for a customer friendly nightclub, then look no further. Good Times are purely about playing music from back when clubbing was FUN, putting on dance parties for the sole purpose of having a good time and building on that friendly vibe. If you’re into Luther Vandross, Change, Gladys Knight, Alexander O’Neal, Fatback Band, Earth Wind & Fire, Kool & The Gang, Chic, Roy Ayers, Shalamar, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Sister Sledge, Michael Jackson, George Benson and the rest of the soul, funk & disco greats, then this is the place to be! Music that you'll love to dance to! Like minded people in your age group! All for just a fiver! These are the GOOD TIMES!SoulShyne presents GOOD TIMESEvery Saturday@ Belushi’s BelowGrand Junction RoadNext to Pool Valley)BrightonDoors will be open from 10pmEntrance £5.00Dress - Smart CasualFor information regarding Good Times nights please call Michele on 07989 642715 or e-mail brightonsoul@tiscali.co.uk http://www.goodtimes.moonfruit.com

2009-07-03 05:15:34 http://www.brightonlife.com/images/news/3029.jpg brightonlife.com Mick Fuller 2009-06-09 tag:brightonlife.com/3017

Greg Wilson returns for another Brighton gig, following the sell out success at the Loft in February we have decided to move to a slightly bigger venue this time around.We had a good think about where would best suit the party, and decided to put him on at Audio on Friday July 17th.'Greg Wilson stamps his own personality into the mix, offering up audacious splices and atmospheric washes of sound played straight off his trusty REVOX reel to reel that sees him blur the boundary between mere DJ and live performer. If only other modern DJs, with their laptops and CD mixers, could spice a mix with such maverick personality. Little worry for Wilson, though – it simply means he still sounds like he's in a class of his own.'Artists that Greg Wilson has remixed and edited include Chaka Khan, Kool & the Gang, Yello, Human League, Chic, Talking Heads, Rockers Revenge, Brenda Taylor, Scritti Politti, Chicken Lips, Groove Armada and Grace Jones, to name but a few.If you are familiar with Greg’s work or have had the pleasure of seeing him DJ, then we are sure you would love to join us from 10:30pm on Friday 17th July at Audio, Brighton.Alternatively, if you haven’t already had the fortune of seeing the legend that is Greg Wilson, then why not come along and see the master at work. If you like an 80’s butt wiggling bass line and funky vocals then you’ll have a ball.Pablo Contraband & Danny Webb will be warming things up before Greg Wilson treats us to a 3 hour set - you can expect excellence.Tickets will be on sale £8 in advance from:Rounder, Brighton sq 01273 325440Dance 2, Western rd 01273 329459412 Fashion, Middle st 01273 325336Or online fromhttp://www.residentadvisor.net/gregwilsonWe sold out completely, well in advance last time and had to turn lots of people away on the night, so you are advised to grab your tickets early.£8 in advance / £10 doorReally looking forward to this one!

2009-07-03 05:15:34 http://www.brightonlife.com/images/news/3017.jpg brightonlife.com Paul B 2009-05-23 tag:brightonlife.com/3038

Lovers of good music will be beating a path to Hove when Uptight Records opened for business on Saturday 20th June. From the hottest soul and latin to the coolest jazz, renowned DJ Bob "Bloodhound" Smith is putting his 25 years’ experience to good use, tracking down and serving up the very finest music around.Bob explained what it’s all about:"I’ve been a DJ watching people dance, chill and fall in love to these songs for 25 years and it’s simply the most amazing music you’ll ever hear. "I’m opening Uptight Records because there just isn’t anything like it on the south coast and these songs are the perfect soundtrack for life in our city." The shop stocks everything from the big names such as James Brown, Bobby Womack and Miles Davis, to lesser known gems such as Sam Dees, Mongo Santamaria and John Patton.And because music is such a personal thing, that’s precisely the sort of service Bob’s offering his customers. "I’ve made Uptight Records into exactly the kind of shop I love: you can come in, pick stuff out, have a listen and take your time. "If you tell me what you’re into, I’ll put you on to tracks you’ve probably never heard before but which you’ll want to hear again and again."Keeping the Uptight Records stocked with the very best vinyl is a labour of love that takes Bob across the world."I’ve been on buying trips right across the U.S. and used all my contacts from years of buying and DJ-ing to fill Uptight Records with all the best records, from the chartbusters to the rare and collectable."Uptight Records also provide a wants lists service – leave a list of what you’re after with Bob and he’ll use his network of contacts to see if it can be found. And that’s where the "Bloodhound" nickname comes in:"If there’s a special record you’re after, let me know and I’ll track it down." Uptight Records can be found at 178 Sackville Road, Hove, BN3 7AL. Regular opening hours are Monday – Saturday 10-4. Every record can also be found on the web at www.uptightrecords.co.uk 

2009-07-03 05:15:34 brightonlife.com Bob Smith 2009-06-28 tag:brightonlife.com/3020

Keeping up with the latest fashion trends can be expensive, plus it can result in some cringe worthy moments in hindsight. Franck Charlebois is a leading fashion stylist and a big advocate in creating what he calls the ‘ever-lasting wardrobe’ to avoid fashion fiascos.Franck who is the personal stylist to Brighton's Churchill Square shopping centre has styled fashion divas and fashionistas including singer Sinitta and actress Patsy Palmer urges anyone who cares about fashion and looking good, to consider creating the ever-lasting wardrobe. By following his tips clothes become an investment, not-an impulse buy and ensure that there’s the perfect outfit for every occasion.1. Care for your clothesMost people don’t put enough time into caring for their clothes, but with the right attention, clothes should last years. Franck suggests hand-washing underwear, only using wooden hangers and steaming all garments rather than ironing them. As Franck says: “Fashion stores like Ted Baker and Jaeger rely on steam to get out creases and make fabric look amazing. It really is one of the tricks of the trade that we can learn from.” Franck also suggests cleaning out wardrobes at least once a year as dust easily gathers in dark corners and can attract moths.2. Invest in the classicsFranck says: “A fitted white shirt can be worn with an eternally chic pencil skirt or pair of dark denim straight leg jeans. The essential LBD is always needed for dates and parties and can be updated by the shoes, handbag and accessories. A neat fitting cashmere cardigan in a neutral colour is the smart girls cover up for evening dresses or t-shirts. A range of well cut t-shirts in all colours are also great wardrobe basics. The secret is to invest and not to skimp on these classics, so they will look chic and not cheap.”3. The finishing touches“I always look at a woman’s shoes first, they make a real impression,” says Franck. “Having a great pair of shoes and jewellery can create that stylish finished look. Cheap shoes don’t last, that’s a fact. Invest in shoes that you can wear day and night, and can mix and match with all your clothes so you get your money’s worth.” Franck also suggests topping off an outfit with a gorgeous jacket or two, which can be easily matched with dresses, trousers and skirts for different occasions.4. Get the gear- A hanging rail – keep your clothes on show; it is a great way for planning outfits. You can pick up hanging rails or even tailor’s mannequins from ebay.- A fabric steamer – ditch the iron and keep a steamer to hand, which can be used on any fabric including silk, cashmere, leather, even delicate beaded and sequined materials. Try Propress Steamers, the fashion industry’s choice www.propress.co.uk.- Cedar blocks – moths are the enemy of good clothes! The smell of mothballs is horrible, but cedar blocks smell great and can discourage them. Try your local hardware or home store.

2009-07-03 05:15:34 http://www.brightonlife.com/images/news/3020.jpg brightonlife.com Vicky Stoakes 2009-05-26 tag:brightonlife.com/3047

Komedia’s award-winning comedy night Krater Comedy Club turns 10 years old this weekend! On Friday 3 – Sunday 5 July a line-up including Jarred Christmas, Reginald D. Hunter and Dan Nightingale, with Stephen Grant and Tiffany Stevenson on MC duties, get together to celebrate a decade of giggles and guffaws in four very special shows! Eat, drink, watch and get ready to laugh in an unforgettable evening of celebration!To celebrate the fact that Krater Comedy Club shows no sign of growing old gracefully, Komedia is dedicating the shows across its 10th birthday weekend to you – the very punters that made the club so successful. Each individual show (Friday’s 7.30pm show, Saturday’s 7pm and 10.30pm shows and Sunday’s 8.30pm show on the weekend of 3 – 5 July) will be held in honour of a previous customer. You’ll receive four tickets to a personalised Krater, four meals and a personalised table, your favourite songs played as each comedian’s intro, a group photo with all acts, your name printed on all Krater tickets sold that evening, a signed, personalised ‘Krater Comedy Club’ t-shirt... plus your picture will be on stage throughout the night! It’s your opportunity to be part of comic history – and if you’ve ever been to the club, you have already been entered into the draw as the four lucky winners will all be picked from past bookers! Jarred Christmas has a unique style that deftly mixes gags with storytelling. He has a dynamic onstage persona and the ability to improvise and roll with anything that’s thrown his way, making his comedy sizzle with originality. Give him a room above a pub with an audience of 8, or an audience of 3000 at Glastonbury Festival and he will shineIn just a very short time Reginald D Hunter has become firmly established himself as one of the most sought after headline comedians on the comedy circuit. Audiences everywhere have been enthralled by his straight-talking, no-holds-barred approach to some of the most contentious issues of contemporary society.From humble beginnings, (called the Krater - because when the club was being planned in Brighton, the stage space was just a crater in the ground), the Krater Comedy Club has gone from strength to strength, featuring top acts such as Catherine Tate, Ross Noble, Omid Djalili and Gina Yashere. Described as ‘THE place in Brighton to catch stand-up comedy’ by The Independent, and winner of the ‘Best Comedy Venue in the South’ for a record-breaking seven times by chortle.co.uk, the night kicked off in Brighton back in 1999. The night was co-founded by Brighton comedy genius (and winner of the Chortle Award for Best Compère 2008) Stephen Grant, who places the secret of the night’s success at the quality of the acts, “it’s such a quality night as we get the best acts on the circuit to perform. In the past we’ve had Jimmy Carr doing spots and Ricky Gervais filling in! It’s also down to the audience: the crowds we get are great and really respectful to the acts.” KRATER COMEDY CLUB takes place at Komedia Brighton from Friday 3 – Sunday 5 July at 7.30pm (Fri), 7pm & 10pm (Sat) and 8pm (Sun). Tickets are £12.50/£10 (Fri), £16.50 (Sat), £10/£6 (Sun) available on-line at www.komedia.co.uk/brighton or from the Box Office on 0845 293 8480.

2009-07-03 05:15:34 http://www.brightonlife.com/images/news/3047.jpg brightonlife.com Komedia 2009-07-02 tag:brightonlife.com/3045

The famed Komedia Comedy Double Bill season continues on Thursday 23 July with Russell Kane and Simon Brodkin. Expect giggles galore as two headlining comedians collaborate for an evening of top quality mirth!Acclaimed as a stand-up, writer and performer, 2008 if.comedy nominee (for his show Gaping Flaws) Russell Kane has firmly established himself as one of most hotly tipped comics in the UK. Nominated for an if.comedy Best Newcomer Award - the Edinburgh Festival Fringe's highest accolade - with his debut solo show in 2006, he has completed three sell-out runs at the Fringe, performed in the prestigious Comedy Zone, compered the legendary Late and Live and toured nationwide, twice, with the Paramount Edinburgh and Beyond Tour. So impressive and funny, the potential to join the likes of Al Murray ChortleA regular on our TV and radio, Russell hosted series 4 and 5 of Out To Lunch on BBC Radio 2, presented a week-long residency on Big Brother's Big Mouth (Channel 4 & E4); and travelled across the US filming a series of travelogues and celebrity interviews for Five US. He has recently appeared on panel shows Celebrity Juice (BBC Three), What the Dickens (Sky Arts), Act Your Age (Radio 4) and BBC One's flagship stand-up show Live At The Apollo alongside host Al Murray. In addition, Russell wrote and performed in his new play Fakespeare: The Lamentable Tragedie of Yatess Wine Lodge at the Edinburgh festival this year, which was followed by a performance on the main stage of the Courtyard Theatre, home of the Royal Shakespeare Company, in Stratford upon Avon. Simon Brodkin is one of the country's most exciting comedians, with a huge talent for creating and portraying an array of instantly recognisable and hilarious characters from chav to trustafarian to holiday rep. Building in popularity, he has made regular contributions to BBC Threes The Wall, and will be appearing as a core cast member of Al Murray's brand new Sketch show for ITV1, Al Murray's Multiple Personality Disorder, which broadcasts in later in 2009.Simon performed his first solo show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2006. This sold out every night, and won the Writer's Guild Award for Best Newcomer. He took his latest show, Simon Brodkin is Lee Nelson to the 2008 Edinburgh festival which was praised for Simons sharp, quick-fire verbal sparring (The Scotsman) as well as his solid gold material (Chortle). His other credits include Absolutely Fabulous (BBC One), 4Radio Weekly (Channel 4 Radio), The Morning After Show with Simon Amstell (Channel 4) and more.RUSSELL KANE and SIMON BRODKIN visit Komedia Brighton on Thursday 23 July at 8pm. Tickets are 12/10 conc. available on-line at www.komedia.co.uk/brighton or from the Box Office on 0845 293 8480.

2009-07-03 05:15:34 http://www.brightonlife.com/images/news/3045.jpg brightonlife.com Komedia 2009-07-02 tag:brightonlife.com/2843

Brighton residents will maintain that their city is delightful all year round, but there’s no doubt that it’s best seen in the summer. If you’re keen to escape from the Big Smoke when the weather gets steamy, the seaside city is the perfect destination.If you’re arriving at Brighton Station, head straight down the main road towards the seafront. Here, you’ll find yourself between Brighton’s two piers – the Palace Pier, with its casinos, fairground rides and doughnut stalls; and the West Pier, which was once the pride of the city until a storm and a fire left it as little more than a seaweed-encrusted scaffold. Wander along the seafront, taking in the beach umbrellas, the souvenir shops and the beach bars, then stop for a coffee and a chat in one of the lounges underneath the arches. Kids will love the Palace Pier rides – like the helter-skelter, the rollercoaster and the ghost train – while the arcades just back from the beach boulevard offer a range of entertainment for the whole family.If the beach becomes too crowded for you, why not head off to one of Brighton’s beautiful parks? Prestion Park  is ideal for snoozing in a shady spot or taking your dog for a brisk walk, while the racecourse just above the city is a great hike for the more adventurous. Shopping in Brighton is also a fun experience during the summer months. Stay away from the malls and super stalls, and head to the famous Laines, where a jumble of boutiques, charity shops and produce stalls await you. Here, you’ll find out where Brightonians get their unique style; there are more vintage and classy charity outlets here than in London’s famous Portobello Market.When night falls, there are plenty of parties going on along Brighton Beach. If this impromptu-style fun doesn’t appeal to you, though, consider booking tickets for the Theatre Royal or the Komedia, where you’ll discover Brighton’s unique brand of comedy. Down a drink at a nearby pub (the city has almost too many to count) before heading to a club like Digital, Honeyclob or the Funky Buddha to party until dawn.

2009-07-03 05:15:34 http://www.brightonlife.com/images/news/2843.jpg brightonlife.com Tom Duffin 2008-11-17 tag:brightonlife.com/3018

Loop Festival are delighted to announce that the mysterious, unpredictable lady of the dance Fever Ray has been added to the already stellar line-up for this year’s event. Fever Ray is perhaps better known as Karin Dreijer Andersson, one half of Sweden’s enigmatic and globally adored electro duo, The Knife. She will perform a very special show featuring music from her critically acclaimed, eponymous new album. Expect a unique live performance with full band, intricate costumes and stunning visuals.Her appearance highlights the distinctly Scandinavian feel to this year's event which already features new additions múm (Iceland), alongside previously announced artists The Field (Sweden), Datarock (Norway), Casiokids (Norway) and Emiliana Torinni (Iceland).As if that wasn't enough, also joining this year's bill - easily the best of any Loop Festival so far - are NYC wunderkinds Telepathe, DFA mainstays The Juan Maclean, dubstep's class clown and creator of one of last year's best albums Zomby, local drum and bass heroes The Qemists and clubland favourite Riton.Loop Festival, which takes place from 10th to 12th July 2009 at Victoria Gardens, Brighton, has previously announced pioneering producer, musician and contemporary composer, Squarepusher and restless innovators Matthew Herbert Big Band as its headline acts.Also confirmed to appear are irrepressible Norwegian party band, Datarock, Godfather of French electro and remixer extraordinaire, Joakim and the Disco and Krautrock technoheads Fujiya & Miyagi.Showcasing the best in new and emerging talent, Loop are also pleased to welcome the infectious and beautifully orchestrated indie pop of Fanfarlo, new XL signings and one of the most exciting new bands in the UK The XX, London indie darlings Hatcham Social.Loop Festival further expands its commitment to digital art and culture in 2009 with the unveiling of Loop films, installations and an audiovisual programme developed in conjunction with OneDotZero, the critically acclaimed contemporary digital arts organization responsible for producing the world’s most innovative audio-visual festival OneDotZero Adventures in Motion Festival. Even more acts will be confirmed over the following weeks, so keep your eyes peeled and sign up at www.loopbrighton.com for up-to-the minute new announcements. Friday 10th to Sunday 12th July 2009 12.00 – 03.00Tickets:Tickets are available as part of an overall Loop ticket package from the following Loop and eTickets as well as physical outlets throughout Brighton. www.loopbrighton.comwww.etickets.to/buy/?e=2308Tickets on sale now!Loop Live Saturday 12.00 - 22.00 - £26.50Loop Live Sunday 12.00 -19.00 - £16.50Loop Late 22.00 - 04.00 - £11.50Loop Live + Loop Late (Saturday Only) - £35Loop Live 2 day - £40Loop Live 2 day + Loop Late - £50Weekend Ticket (All Loop events Including Matthew Herbert) - £65Tickets are also available separately for the Loop Launch featuring an UK exclusive performance by Matthew Herbert Big Band featuring Eska - £18.50

2009-07-03 05:15:34 http://www.brightonlife.com/images/news/3018.jpg brightonlife.com Jason Clarke 2009-05-24 tag:brightonlife.com/2993

Brighton Carnival 2009 will take place between 2 – 7pm on Sunday 12 July when it will parade from Middle Street to Madeira Drive. An expected 15,000 people will line the city streets and dance along with the 600-plus paraders from local community groups, secondary schools and businesses. The carnival is a celebration of everyone who makes up Brighton & Hove and features spectacular and fantastical costumes, steel pan, soca, Brazilian samba and energetic dance plus special appearances from renowned carnival bands from across the UK.People wanting the best view of the action should gather before 2pm at Middle Street where the groups warm up and prepare before bursting out and dancing through the historic Lanes down to the Brighton Carnival Village on Madeira Drive. The Brighton Carnival Village becomes a festival site as the parade arrives and live music and activities for the whole family are laid out for everyone’s enjoyment right next to the beach. Revellers and paraders refuel from the Caribbean barbeques, refresh with cool drinks before moving inside at 7pm to the Official Carnival Afterparty at Concorde 2. Brighton Carnival Association is a Community Interest Company and each year raises money to support community groups and businesses to learn the skills to make a spectacular and colourful parade entry. The idea of the parade is to join together on the streets and have one big, loud and exciting day in celebration of everyone who makes up Brighton & Hove. Groups taking part include Sunshine Crew African Caribbean Group, Sons of Sudan Club, R.A.S.P. Refugee and Asylum Project, City Synergy social group for people with sight loss, four youth clubs from across the town, Studioscape youth singing group from Woodingdean, Young Carers Project, plus samba bands, steel bands and soundsystems galore!A unique aspect of Brighton Carnival is that it is the first low-carbon carnival parade in the UK. The aim is to see people dancing and active on the streets and not on the back of a truck. The vehicles that are on parade will be fuelled by plant oil mixes, electric, solar and pedal-power only. Brighton Carnival 2009, Sunday 12 July, Middle Street from 2pm - Madeira Drive 7pmFor up-to-date programme information see www.brightoncarnival.co.uk

2009-07-03 05:15:34 http://www.brightonlife.com/images/news/2993.jpg brightonlife.com Rachel Lackie 2009-04-27 tag:brightonlife.com/2844

Brighton is known for its flamboyant style, vibrant residents and lively atmosphere, which translates several times every year into some fantastically fun festivals. Even if you don’t live there, the seaside city is easy enough to reach by rail or road, being less than an hour from London.There are plenty of events in Brighton to choose from year-round, but if you’re only planning to visit Brighton a few times then here are the ones that you simply can’t miss. Brighton Festival: The biggest and best known of the city’s many festivals (and indeed the biggest arts festival in England), Brighton Festival is a colourful extravaganza of theatre, art and music which takes place throughout May. Many Edinburgh acts see it as a dress rehearsal, so you’ll find a great deal of experimental performances as well as some established acts. Pride in Brighton and Hove: Brighton is often referred to as ‘Britain’s gayest city’, so it will come as no surprise that it has one of the biggest Pride events in the country. Thousands gather every year to march through the streets in support of gay rights, and cars are banned from much of the city for a full day. In 2009, the theme of the event will be ‘Pride Beside the Seaside’, which follows 2008’s ‘Pride Around the World’. Brighton Food Festival: Pick up plenty of delicious freebies at this celebration of the best food and drink in Sussex. The Food Festival takes place in Brighton and the surrounding area throughout September, and features hundreds of local producers. Over 50,000 people visited the event last year. Lewes Bonfire Night: If you thought that a few fireworks were enough to make the 5h November special, then think again. The little town of Lewes, a few miles from Brighton, features a huge, gloriously politically incorrect celebration every year, which involves gigantic bonfires, torch-lit processions and games. This is supposedly a Christian festival, but be prepared for some truly Pagan-style fun. You’ll see thousands of processing Lewisians, dressed as everything from Zulus to pirates; a 15-foot tall ‘Guy’, which is wheeled through the streets as the crowds shriek ‘burn him!’, and firework displays that rival Sydney New Year. Great fun for kids and adults alike - if you go to just one festival this year, make it Lewes Bonfire Night.  

2009-07-03 05:15:34 http://www.brightonlife.com/images/news/2844.jpg brightonlife.com Matt Costello 2008-11-17 tag:brightonlife.com/2863

In recent years, Brighton has gained a growing reputation for being a lively city, never short of action, particularly for the young. Whether it be a romantic weekend, a stag do, or simply a convenient escape from London, Brighton has so much to offer. Just an hour’s train ride away from central London, visit Brighton and you won’t go home disappointed. But where to stay? Here’s a look at some of the best hotels Brighton has to offer, to suit all budgets...The Lansdowne Place Hotel on the Hove seafront has all the class and elegance you expect from a hotel built in 1854. Sitting grandly on the Sussex shore, Lansdowne Place has recently undergone major refurbishment to restore it to it’s former glory, creating an atmosphere of regal splendour for a truly luxurious break.Situated on Kings Road, the DeVere Brighton Grand Hotel was built in 1864. Its superlative accommodation, haute-cuisine and Leisure Club have earned it a 5-star rating that shows. The majestic building, modelled on Italian Renaissance architecture, lends an evocative atmosphere in which to enjoy your stay. With so much on offer to spoil you in the hotel, the only thing you’ll have to worry about is whether you’ll actually go out and explore Brighton!The fabulously named Gulliver’s Hotel in Kemp Town is a 4 diamond luxury boutique hotel with incredible attention to detail and an extremely personal and friendly service. Gulliver’s has everything you want in a trendy, modern hotel – ice sculptures in the lobby, modern works of art adorning the walls, and an exclusive cocktail bar. For a slice of Brighton chic, look no further. In a similar vein to Gulliver’s, the New Steine Hotel is housed in a splendid Georgian building. A luxurious haven of elegance and peacefulness, located in an unrivalled central part of Brighton.For these hotels and more, check out our directory of Brighton Hotels for some incredible deals, and go see the beautiful Sussex shore for yourself.

2009-07-03 05:15:34 http://www.brightonlife.com/images/news/2863.jpg brightonlife.com Matt Costello 2008-12-01