Brighton hosts ‘Hand in Hand’ LGBT Choir Festival in June

Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus and the Rainbow Chorus are hosting the Hand in Hand UK and Ireland LGBT Choir Festival this summer over the weekend of June 12-14.

Hand in Hand LGBT Choir Festival: Photo: Pete Stean — Photo: Pete Stean

THE Festival will bring together LGBT choirs from all over the UK and Ireland to sing, socialise and celebrate, whilst helping raise funds for a number of local charities, including the Sussex Beacon and Lunch Positive.

On Saturday June 13, there will be workshops and performances and a number of the choirs will be performing at the Hand In Hand LGBT Choir Festival Concert at 7.30 p.m. in Brighton Dome Concert Hall, with tickets available to the general public.

On Sunday June 14, musical directors, chairs and committee members from the choirs will be offered the opportunity to network, brainstorm, and share issues in a number of short meetings.

Other delegates will take part in seaside ‘flashmobs’ in nearby venues including the seafront itself. By lunchtime, everyone will get together again for a leisurely LGBT picnic in the park before bidding their fond farewells.

The Co-Chairs for the Hand In Hand Festival, Paul Charlton (Chairman of Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus), and Finola Brophy (Chair of Rainbow Chorus), said: “We are delighted to be organising this unique event, bringing together the best LGBT choirs from all over the UK and Ireland. Don’t miss the ‘Hand in Hand’ Concert at Brighton Dome – your chance to be part of an amazing choral experience never seen before here in Brighton. Singing classical and traditional music through to classic gay anthems, the high standard and diversity of the music and the choirs will astound and impress you. We’re raising money for local charities too, so come and join us for a thrilling evening.”