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Month: September 2016

PREVIEW: Brighton Early Music Festival: Nature & Science

Posted on by Eric Page

bremf2016BREMF 2016: Nature & Science

OBSERVATION, DISCOVERY, INVENTION, CREATION

28th October to 13th November

Brighton Early Music Festival, known as BREMF, is a world leader in pioneering dynamic events which make music from the last 1000 years and from many parts of the world, relevant and exciting to modern audiences of all ages, they use venues across the city to bring this exciting program of music to as wide a group of people as possible and this years programme is as full of wonders and oddities as always. It’s breadth of engagements and musical styles is always one of the great strengths of the  BREMF,  here’s just a few of the highlights of the festival but check our their Website for the full line up,  free, family orientated, stand up and dance even ancient multi media yoga mash up, there’s no dust on this lot. They even have a sublime nights music in the Sea life centre; Neptune’s Song featuring Telemann ‘Water Music’ suite and JS Bach Orchestral Suites.

brightonearlymusic_2388644bGalileo is one of the highlights of this years festival.  Galileo is a brand new play with music about the life of Galileo, and actor Roger Watkins  will play the role of Galileo, in a superb venue this musical drama will pack a punch.   Gaia is a modern take on the great intermedi spectaculars of the Renaissance, with 16th and 17th century music linked to modern film and dance, it’s a proper retake on this but with digital multi -media addictions to widen the impact of this music. It  has a real community element, involving the BREMF Community Choir and BREMF Consort of Voices, alongside professional singers and instrumentalists.

vbremfOther  events which have excited me are Handel and Vivaldi with L’Avventura London (also to be broadcast on BBC Radio 3) with the superb soprano Grace Davidson taking the lead, her voice is a triumph, book for this now.  Purcell and Locke with the BREMF Players & Singers aims to be an evening of classic perfect harmonic bliss and a lot less formal is the Society of Ancient Instruments’ Sound House exploring Francis Bacon’s experiments with sound,  including some really weird and wacky instruments, which they will demonstrate and play. This  event: MEDICINE AND MORTALITY. Life, death and beyond with music by Marais & Rameau is at the Friends Meeting House on the 5th.

If a sit-down concert isn’t your thing, don’t miss the BREMF Clubnight on Saturday 5th November at 9pm. This lively performance by up and coming artists takes place in The Devil’s Disco, upstairs at The Joker (Preston Circus), and the bar will be open throughout.
For families there are two shows for all ages – OAE TOTS: Going on a Journey for pre-school aged children on 1st October, and Dr Dee’s Daughter and the Philosopher’s Stone – a brand new family show aimed at slightly older children with recorders and puppetry on 12th November.

BREMF is a lot more than a festival. They offer year round concerts and workshops, and information on other early music events in the area.

See the website here for more information and a full program of the up and coming events or you can book tickets for events here

28th October to 13th November

 

 

Tickets go on sale for Royal Pavilion ice rink Winter season

Posted on by Graham Robson

Ice skating tickets will go on sale on Saturday (October 1) for the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink, which will open for its seventh year from November 5 to January 15 on the Royal Pavilion’s East Lawn in Brighton.

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With the former Royal pleasure palace as the backdrop and huge rink side bar and restaurant with a 40 metre terrace, this hidden gem

of a rink is beautifully lit at night and is a great choice for those who want to skate in a twinkling setting as well as sit down to eat après ice.

Situated just 50 minutes from Victoria by train, all of Brighton’s gorgeous independent shops are on its doorstep so visitors can get a little Christmas shopping in too.

The rink is a huge 880 square metres plus an additional beginners’ area and offers penguin skate aids and skate sizes from ‘just walking’ to adult. There’s no charge for spectating for those who prefer to sit and soak up the atmosphere and the stunning rink side Bar & Kitchen offers mouth-watering patisserie snacks, Christmas treats, a quick drink with the best view in the City and scrumptious sharing platters for families and friends to enjoy.

Tickets cost from £10 for adults (aged 12 and over), £7 for juniors (children under 12) and the one-hour skate times run from 10am to 10.15pm daily.

Club Rinkidinks (10am – 11am daily) offers children under five the chance to skate for free when accompanied on the ice by an adult paying full price.

There are also season tickets for those who want to learn to skate (check website for details) and great concessions for students.

The box office is open from 9.45am to 9.45pm, but it is advisable to book tickets in advance.

To book tickets online, click here:

 

Right Said Fred celebrate 25 year at the top being ‘Too Sexy’

Posted on by Besi

Right Said Fred celebrate the 25th Anniversary of their 1991 chart topping hit single I’m Too Sexy this year.

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To celebrate, brothers Fred and Richard Fairbrass will be releasing a 25th Anniversary EP of I’m Too Sexy plus a brand new album via Pledge.

As part of their Pledge campaign, they’re inviting fans to join them in the studio and record a new track for the album as well as an opportunity to perform on a new recording of I’m Too Sexy, both of which will be filmed.

The anniversary marks an important milestone for the brother’s career – not only is this a celebration of the single but also 25 years of global success.

I’m Too Sexy spent in excess of 6 weeks at the top of the charts and then a further 4-months in the UK top 10, charting at No.1 in 32 countries around the world including the US. Their second single Don’t Talk Just Kiss reached number 3 in 1991 at Christmas time and number 1 on the US dance chart. It was their third single though, Deeply Dippy, that gave them their first UK number 1 with their debut album Up landing in at the top spot as well.

In the 25 years since I’m Too Sexy’s release, the brothers have sold in excess of 7 million copies of Up worldwide, receiving two Ivor Novello’s for I’m Too Sexy and Deeply Dippy as well as a Brit Award nomination for Best British Act.

Fred and Richard have played The Royal Variety Performance, met the Queen, released a track for Comic Relief (Stick It Out) and, most importantly, Richard was voted Rear of the Year by Smash Hits Magazine.

By the dawn of the noughties, the brothers continued their success with their first number 1 in Japan for album Stand Up, with the single Stand Up (For The Champions) consequently used by a number of NFL teams en route to Super Bowl glory. This wasn’t their first foray with the sports world, You’re My Mate was also the official song for the South African Rugby team in 2000.

One of the most hardworking and enduring duos in pop, Right Said Fred continue to appear at various special events and TV shows all over the world performing in front of 200,000 people at the 2006 World Cup opening ceremony and 300 million people for the Bollywood Awards plus guest appearances on Good Morning America, Big Brother’s Bit On The Side, The Wright Stuff, Lorraine Kelly, Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, Pointless and Jamie Oliver’s Last Week Tonight.

However, after 25 years, the brothers remain true to their spirit – they don’t follow trends, they follow their instincts and have fun along the way. Doing music the ‘Right Said Fred’ way has always been the right way and their track record and continued success is testament to that. Long live Right Said Fred!

Labour campaign for education not segregation

Posted on by Besi

Labour activists will hold a series of campaign events this Saturday, October 1, opposing the Government’s plans to reintroduce selective education.

 

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Comprehensive schools enrol an average of 17% of children from poorer family backgrounds, whereas grammar schools take a mere 2.7%, leading to further social divisions within society. Labour maintain Grammar schools are divisive and harm social mobility.

Cllr Tom Bewick
Cllr Tom Bewick

Cllr Tom Bewick, Labour’s lead on education at Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “How on earth can such a divisive policy last introduced in the 1950s provide any real answers to the gross inequalities or social polarisation of today?”

Cllr Lloyd Russell-Moyle
Cllr Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Cllr Lloyd Russell-Moyle, acting chair of the District Labour Party, added: “The introduction of segregation in education will lead to poor quality Secondary Moderns, destroy links between schools and communities, and is a step back into the past. We will fight for good schools for all children and young people.”

 

The events will be at four locations across the city between 10:30am and 3:30pm.

♦ New Rd, Brighton BN1 1SD

♦ New Steine, Brighton BN2 1PA

♦ George Street, Hove, BN3 3YA

♦ 19-20 Boundary Road, Portslade BN41 1GB

Did you see a serious motorcycle collision in Ottershaw?

Posted on by Gary Hart

Surrey Police appeal for witnesses following a serious collision involving a motorcycle on Thursday, September 29.

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The collision involved a red Yamaha motorbike at around 4.30pm in Murray Road by Clarendon Gate between Ottershaw and Addlestone.

The motorcyclist, in his 20s, was taken to St George’s Hospital in Tooting with serious injuries.

At this stage officers are investigating whether or not another vehicle was involved.

Officers would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision, or the events leading up to it.

If you can help, please call Surrey Police on 101, quoting incident reference P16222729.

‘Hating Peter Tatchell’ Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign launched

Posted on by Graham Robson

A Kickstarter campaign to fund the production of a new 90-minute documentary, Hating Peter Tatchell, has been launched by Chrysaor Productions.

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Narrated by film actor and human rights campaigner Sir Ian McKellen, Hating Peter Tatchell is the inspiring true story of world-renowned human rights activist Peter Tatchell, his 50 years of human rights activism and the resulting immense personal price he has paid.

Peter Tatchell, Director of the human rights organisation the Peter Tatchell Foundation, said: “This documentary is not just my story, it is also a snapshot of the struggle for human rights over the last half century. Your support in getting this film made is greatly appreciated.”

Filmmaker Chris Amos, Director of Hating Peter Tatchell, added: “Having known Peter for 15 years, I have come to appreciate Peter’s eccentricities, his meticulous organisational detail and bravery defending human rights and witnessed his passion working around the clock on campaigns. Despite his efforts, he has come under severe criticism. He is the person who for decades the media and critics loved to hate. Through this documentary you have the chance to meet the real man and hear the true story.”

The Kickstarter campaign aims to raise at least £10,000 of the £80,000 budget.

To get involved with the Kickstarter campaign, click here:

For more information about the documentary, click here: 

Twitter: #TatchellMovie

Facebook:

‘Autumn Leaves’ Fete raises over £1,300 for The Sussex Beacon

Posted on by Besi

The Sussex Beacon ‘Autumn Leaves’ fete on Saturday, September 24, raised over £1,300 for the charity.

Mayor of Brighton & Hove opens the new Sussex Beacon summer house
Mayor of Brighton & Hove opens the new Sussex Beacon summer house

The Mayor and Mayoress of Brighton and Hove joined Dame Margaret Bamford, Deputy Lord Lieutenant (West Sussex) and Mrs Caroline Nicholls, Deputy Lord Lieutenant (West Sussex), supporters, families and staff at the event, held in the garden of the Beacon, on Bevendean Road, Brighton.

There was entertainment throughout the day with performances from David Raven, Krissie du Cann, Molly Scott and David Hill  as well as traditional stalls including a coconut shy, hook a duck, a tombola and a raffle.

The mayor officially opened a new summer-house funded through supporter Danny Dwyer’s generous request for donations rather than presents for his 41st birthday and a donation from Brighton and Hove Sea Serpents, a rugby team for gay and bisexual men.

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Simon Dowe, Chief Executive of The Sussex Beacon, said: “The fete was fantastic! The sun was shining and we had an excellent turnout. I’d like to thank the Mayor and Mayoress, everyone who helped to organise the event and all those who attended and dug deep to support us on the day. The funds raised will go directly to helping people living with HIV in Sussex.”

The ‘Autumn Leaves” fete was supported by E3 entertainment agency and production company.

The Sussex Beacon provides specialist support and care for people living with HIV. The charity provides both inpatient and outpatient services to promote independence and improve health.

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For more information about the Sussex Beacon, click here: 

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Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus join Alan Cumming on stage

Posted on by Graham Robson

Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus (BGMC) will join iconic stage actor and performer Alan Cumming on stage for two numbers at the Brighton Dome in October.

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On top of his myriad of accomplishments and accolades, Alan Cumming has been hailed by Time Magazine as one of the most fun people in show business!

On Friday, October 7, Brighton audiences will have the opportunity to see the full range of this Renaissance man’s talents when he brings his award-winning show Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs to Brighton Dome Concert Hall.

Inspired by his infamous post-show dressing room parties during his Broadway run in Cabaret, Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs premiered at New York’s legendary Café Carlyle and recently sold out Carnegie Hall.

Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus is extremely excited to jointly perform two of Alan’s favourite songs rearranged specially for the Chorus.

The Chorus will also return to the Dome Concert Hall for their own Christmas show, Pull A Cracker, on December 10.

For details and booking for both shows, click here:

Seeking Brightonians for new BBC documentary

Posted on by Gary Hart

Brighton-based TV company Factory Films are producing a documentary to be shown on BBC South East in 2017 about Brighton’s role in the fight for LGBT+ equality.

web-600Broadcaster, comedian and gay rights activist, Simon Fanshawe, will reveal the extraordinary story of the fight for equality over the last 50 years, through the colourful history of his home town and its community.

The producers are looking for people to help with their research and/or to take part in the programme, especially same-sex couples with children, or couples due to marry in the next couple of years. Although if neither of these applies to you but you have some interesting or evocative stories you’d like to share, or photos, footage, memories, diary entries etc, they would also very much love to hear from you!

Filming takes place mid October so they need to hear from you soon! Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Please contact Megan on megan@factoryfilms.tv 

 

London Assembly to improve engagement with non-binary, intersex and transgender people.

Posted on by Gary Hart

London Assembly Green Member Sian Berry has welcomed a commitment from City Hall to make their public engagement procedures more inclusive for non-binary, intersex and transgender people.

Sian Berry
Sian Berry

In a response to a question from Sian about why the recent City Hall clean air consultation only included male and female gender options, the Mayor of London committed City Hall to reviewing the wording of the gender question when collecting data from Londoners, and promised that City Hall would change its wording ‘shortly.’

The response also noted that the Office for National Statistics will test new wording on its own gender question next year, ahead of including it on the 2021 Census, but that City Hall would review their wording ahead of this.

 Sian said: “It’s great that the Mayor has responded positively to making gender questions more inclusive. This follows his previous commitment to support my proposal to phase in ‘gender-blind’ processes for recruitment across the whole Greater London Authority and to allow the inclusion of gender-neutral titles.”  

“People shouldn’t have to choose between male and female when giving their personal details to public bodies. I want everyone in society to be able to engage with City Hall’s work, so this is a positive step.”

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