Photo from: westbrightonbeach.net

So the police have finally done it – they stopped one of the last remaining free parties on Brighton beach, Black Rock. That is except Fatboy Slims’, which I don’t think is happening either.

Black Rock was the alternative party to all the Pride after hour clubs and bars, running every year for a number of years. It utilised Brighton’s beach when the city is at its warmest, running on voluntary soundsystems, usually providing up to 5 or 6 soundsystems throughout the night.

Everyone came down, and usually without much problem. In the past few years, the party has attracted a lot of younger, rowdy kids than usual and I heard that last year someone got stabbed. However, the Sussex Police commented that there was no real problems at 2009 Black Rock party, as reported in The Argus. So why was Black Rock 2010 stopped?

It wasn’t for security reasons. Stabbings happen with more regularity at clubs where there’s ramped up security, such as Concorde2 and other seafront clubs. Security in the city is a serious concern. Black Rock, just down the road from C2 and far from residential areas, has always been a place where the party can happen and there’s a general sense of safety for the whole night.

In fact, every year there is always police presence. They usually arrive to turn the soundsystems off, but through diplomatic and reasonable negotiations, the parties are allowed to continue. If there was ever any safety threat or environmental complaint, they were on hand the whole night to sort it out.  This never was the case.

I honestly don’t know why this year’s Black Rock Party was cancelled. Last night my friends heard that the police had fenced off the road so we went down there at 1am to check it out with our own eyes.

Indeed Maderia Drive looked like a war zone – they police had fenced off the entire road and were manning a doorway, stopping people and cars, and we heard that they were arresting people who tried to go past.

Have the police taken extreme measures because the Conservatives are in power? Or is it just because they want to have a final go at maintaining the licensing issue? For a night where no one really profits in a commercial sense, it could appear that they’re simply killjoys.

Photo from: westbrightonbeach.net/

Have a look for a nice selection of Brighton related images.

With Kachings reminisent to the beginning of Pink Floyd’s 1973 hit Money, it’s time for another new years even in Brighton. This list is a work in progress and will be updated with any changes up till new years day.

Our backings with Life, Supercharged and the Slackers Convention.

£32 to go to Digital?? Two words… blow me.

Happy New Year

The choice’s for this year are…

Venue: Audio

Featuring: 1920’s Secret Speakeasy – Support from Minimal Kids, Riva Star, Cagedbaby

Sold As: Our NYE parties are the stuff of Brighton legend, and this year we’re going all out with a celebration of the most decadent and debauched of all decades – the 1920s. With THREE separate arenas decked out in full ’20s style, and of course a killer line-up, it promises to be the biggest and best Audio NYE yet.

Above Audio // Step back in time to a roaring 1920’s speakeasy bar at Above Audio this NYE, replete with all the glamour and excess that the decade was famed for. The venue will be completely transformed with full 20’s decor, including decadent private booths, luxury full length drapes, and the legendary Above Audio cocktail bar in full effect. Hosting the speakeasy’s turntables, we’re honoured to welcome veteran Audio DJ Mex (Black Grass), who’ll be spinning his peerless selection of deep soul, hip-hop, disco and quality party anthems.

Terrace // Heading outside, our terrace hosts a very special 1920’s Cigar & Liqour Bar, where a full live jazz band will be on hand to entertain guests while they sample premium spirits and enjoy fine cigars at our walk-in art deco humidor. Whatever the weather, our fully-heated marquee ensures that the Above Audio Liqour & Cigar Bar will be the classiest smoking area in town this NYE.

Audio // As you’d expect, we’ve put together a killer line-up for the downstairs club. Local hero Cagedbaby takes a break from touring, remixing and producing Fatboy Slim (among many others) to drop one of his killer electro-disco-house sets. He’s joined by Riva Starr, one of the most talked-about talents in house right now, whose releases for Jesse Rose’s Frontroom label and Fatboy Slim’s Southern Fried have catapulted him to club stardom. Support comes from Enzo Siffredi, whose cutting edge tech-house and signature minimal has made Audio clubnight Minimal Kids one of the biggest new parties of the year. Accompanying the sounds, we’ve commissioned some unique old-school video footage, including live real-time manipulation of video shot at the party itself.

Time: late etc…

Cost: £18 early bird tickets http://tinyurl.com/audionyetickets

Web: www.audiobrighton.com

Email: info@audiobrighton.com

Venue: Volks

Featuring: The Slackers Convention: Far Too Loud + Pav + LuQas + Dirtbomb + Pook + Mary Miss Fairy + Loop De Ville + Sidius + Stebo + Cut Loose DJs

Sold As: A dirty mix og breaks, beats and party nonsense.

Time: 11:00pm until 5:00am

Cost: £10.00 / £8.00 advance

Tickets: Advance tickets available from Flawless Clothing (Kensington Gardens, N Laines, Brighton) 01273 688484 / Rounder Records (S Laines, Brighton) 01273 325440 / Slackers Direct 07790030275.

Web: www.slackersconvention.com

Venue: Ocean Rooms

Featuring: Switch and Herve. Support from JAMES BRADY AND CASPER G’DAY, JAMES MOSS, CHRIS NATURAL (LUNARCY), JAMES D’LEY, FACEMAN, MATT POOK

Time: Doors 10 till 10

Cost: £17 early, £20 after

Sold As: NYE is the best night of the year and the biggest party not to be missed. Every year we have bought you something special including justice, hot chip, yoda, tiefschwarz and kenny dope some of these shows you don’t get to see again and this year is no different! We will completely decorate the club and this years theme is a white party! Transforming the venue with white 4 poster beds, a complete uv rave room with floods, strobes and extra sound. Wear white to join in the white carnival atmosphere. we will have the white hotel with the 4 poster beds, white performers, surgeons and nurses will keep you entertained!!!!!

Web: www.oceanrooms.co.uk

Tickets: ocean rooms 01273699069, Rounder Records Brighton Square, Resident Records Kensington Gardens, Dome Box Office 01273 709709. www.ticketweb.co.uk

Venue: Digital

Featuring: Pussycat Club New Years Eve – Fabulous Las Vegas: Nippa Downey + Audio Pimps + DJ Al Outram

Sold As: WANNA PARTY ALL NIGHT LONG? You can buy a combination ticket for a measly extra £7.50 which includes entry to the infamous DIGITAL NYE AFTERPARTY Once Pussycat draws to a close you will be whisked to the VIP ARCH whilst the venue is transformed for THE Afterparty with special guests BRODINSKI & Blah Blah Blah DJs – the after party runs till sun up least.

Time: 10:00pm

Cost: £32.50

Tickets: ents24

Web: www.yourfutureisdigital.com

Venue: Komedia

Featuring: Trailer Trash ! Presents: Pirates Of The Caribbean

Sold As: Cult movie-themed club extravaganza, featuring fire, aerial and burlesque live acts, plus rum-fuelled, raucous pirate bands and rock ‘n’ roll, neo-swing, dirty electro, soundtracks & classic hits from our resident DJs, to roll you giddy and uproarious into the unchartered waters of 2010. Dress shipshape – Win prizes!

From: 9:30pm until 2:00am

Cost: £14.00 / £16.50

Tickets: http://komediabrighton.ticketsolve.com/

Venue: The Funky Buddha

Featuring: Tru Thoughts New Years Eve Party: Robert Luis + Hint + Flevans

Sold As: For New Years Eve admission will be £12, Robert Luis and Hint will be joined by Flevans, but overall this night is about the music and having a regular quality party in Brighton, so from 21st January onwards this it will be FREE. Upcoming DJ guests include Quantic, Zed Bias, Nostalgia 77 and TM Juke.

Cost:Tickets available now for £11 exclusively at www.etchshop.co.uk or £15 on the night

Time: 10:00pm until 5:00am

Tickets: www.etchshop.co.uk

Venue: Jam

Featuring: Don’t stop Believing

Cost: £12 + Booking Fee

Sold As: We have brought together a line up of djs who are used to rockin’ parties around town into a collective playing a selection of their guiltiest pleasures for your NYE pleasure.

Venue: Concorde 2

Featuring: Supercharged: DJ Zinc + Loefah (DMZ) + DJ Nero + Brookes Brothers + The Qemists

Time: 9pm

Cost: £15.00 advance

Sold As: Supercharged presents a New Years Eve party like no other… the only place to see in 2010 @ Brightons legendary Concorde 2! With DJ Zinc, Loefah, Nero, Brookes Brothers, The Qemists, 2 Bit thugs and much more! Early bird tickets are only £15, on sale now!

Web: www.concorde2.co.uk

Web: www.againstthegrainrecords.com

Email: hello@concorde2.co.uk

Venue: The Old Market

Featuring: Holdup!

Sold As: Holdup! will be holding its 6th New years eve party in the sumptious surroundings of the Old Market Hove this year. (our regular venue Life will be holding a dance/house music new years eve party). The night will begin at 9pm and roll on through midnight and our usual wild indie celebrations all the way through to 3am . All our favourite indie tunes will be banged out by our resident djs and a top night is guaranteed! If you have never been to the old market before you are in for a treat as its a beautiful venue, we will of course add our own touches with a balloon net and the like. ace .

Time: 9pm

Cost: £12

Tickets: www.ticketweb.co.uk or next week at rounder or the old market itself, plus there is a 24 hour telephone booking line on 08444771000

Venue: Life

Featuring: Maxxi Soundsystem / Kliks / Schtumm / She Likes Parties - IDJUT BOYS, MAXXI SOUNDSYSTEM, JOHNNY ROCKS, ALI BROADCAST, SENOR MICK, AFFY, PAN/TONE Live (Sender/Cereal Killers), LEE SMITH, ANWAR, TOM RIDSDALE, Little Miss Bicks, Dr Dreidal (Popstarz / Shibby Shabblers)

Sold As: This is LIFE’s first NYE party and we have been working hard to make sure it will be the best way to seen in the next decade. In brief we will have 4 seperate areas incorporating 3 programmed events with their own artist line up and decor. Some of the event will be in spaces adjacent to the LIFE club itself but all our guests will be fully protected from the elements as the entire front of the venue will be covered in a huge heated marquee!

Time: 10pm – 6am

Cost: Early Bird Tickets £17.50

Tickets: http://www.wegottickets.com/event/64946

Major Lazer aka Diplo and Switch

Just before I was going to do a shameless plug for my gritty short story night at Red Roaster (which is on tonight!), it did occur to me that I happened to pick a pretty spectacular night for my event.

Not only were there two other literary events happening (Space, Hammer & Tongue), but more importantly, Goldie, Major Lazer Soundsystem and Herbaliser were all in Brighton TONIGHT.

Plus there’s a new techno/psy-trance night called Sicknote down at the Volks, which I was planning to make my final destination after getting drunk at St James.

Being a fair person, I decided to feature all of them, instead of my own night. I’ll let you make up your own mind regarding music tastes, but whatever you do, don’t stay in.

If you were a kid in the ’80s or a true short story lover, come down to Kemptown’s Red Roaster for Grit Lit, featuring Isabel Ashdown, Jake Kennedy, Emma Gray, Tim Lay, Chris Callard, Ed Siegle, and me.

We’ve got gangsters, black artists, Brazillian favelas, drugs, raves, alcoholic mums, pretty much the whole gritty deck. It’s a fiver to get in, licensed bar, nice people and we kick out at 10pm (doors 7.45pm). Facebook holds all the answers.

Music fiends

• Major Lazer Soundsystem, Mumdance, Blah Blah Blah DJs – Digital
• Sicknote: D.A.V.E. the Drummer, Julian Liberator, Antispin, 11pm £5/4 – Volks
• Herbaliser, Tinroots, 7.30pm – Concorde 2

Culture vultures

• Studio Hammer & Tongue 2009 Grand Slam Final Performance poetry, 7.30pm £5 – Komedia
• The Space: Goldie, Ian Rankin, 8pm, £6/4 – Latest Music Bar
• Wayne McGregor/Random Dance: Entity Dance and multimedia performance with a soundtrack from Jon Hopkins and Joby Talbot, 8pm £17.50/15/10 – Corn Exchange

Home is where the heart is... Work by: Pranksy's Art (http://www.flickr.com/photos/pranksy/)

Want to see your artwork blown up as a three-story art installation?

Art Republic is launching a  national art competition called ‘Street Art’ in association with StreetSmart – the homeless charity.  The winning piece will be displayed large style in Brighton and London.

Along with some fab prizes (and a little fame and glory thrown in for good measure), you’ll also have the nice feeling that you’ve helped people sleeping rough.

As well as looking sharp, your piece should be about raising awareness of the homeless situation in the UK. A panel including Pure Evil, Inkie and Ben Eine and Static will be the judges of fashion+function=winner. You never know, it might not ever happen.

As big as this

And oh yeah, the winning artwork would be on this scale…

How to enter

Email your image (it must be an original piece, created by you) to artwork@artrepublic.com, please enter ‘Street Art Competition’ in the subject line.

Or if you are a member of Flickr, images can be uploaded through our ‘Street Art competition with StreetSmart’ group: http://www.flickr.com/groups/artrepublic-street-art-competition/

The competition closes on Friday 8th January 2010.

What you’ll win…
The winning artwork will be displayed as a massive art installation (the size of a three-storey building) for all to see and enjoy. It will appear on buildings in London and Brighton in early 2010.

The winning image will also be sold worldwide as a limited edition print through the artrepublic website, with all proceeds going to StreetSmart. The winner will also receive a meal for two at PINTCHOtapas in London and a night’s stay at Myhotel Bloomsbury.

The competition coincides with this year’s campaign by StreetSmart and their restaurant partners to raise money for the homeless during the festive season.

“Street art is experienced by everyone and therefore creates a bond between those who live on the streets and those who have a roof over their heads. This is a unique opportunity for an aspiring or established artist to express themselves, with the winner’s message being exposed to the world”. Lawrence Alkin, CEO, artrepublic.

For more info, check out the competition site.

Subsource 'The Reason' Video Shoot

Breakbeat/drum n bass influenced band Subsource are sharing the stage with legendary reggae act Dreadzone tonight at a totally sold out gig at the Komedia, which should prove to be a fruitful night for ticketholders.

Subsource, if you’ve never heard of them, have been an awesome player in the breakbeat scene and this year were nominated as best live act at Breakspoll International awards in London. They are like a cross between a world music act and a dance music cross-over band, but with some attitude in the same vein as bands like Asian Dub Foundation.

The band have just finished work on their first album, “Tales from the Doombox”, bringing in mastering engineer John Davis (The Prodigy, Pendulum). The tracks are less cheesy than I’d expect from a cross-over band and a few tracks where I even forget I’m listening to live music. “New Bones” for instance, where the Muse-sounding vocals are dropped for a deep dubby rumble. Nice.

The album’s due for release in 2010, so keep an eye out for it.  Komedia have added a second night to the billing for Subsource and Dreadzone, and tickets are now on sale for 4 June show – if you’re a bit of an early bird !

We’ve got a Subsource t-shirt and track for anyone who can name of the band members – email us at contribute@brightonfusion.co.uk with SUBSOURCE in the header.

In the meantime, check out this remix from Raffertie.

http://files.me.com/getinltd/tvwmhk.mp3 (right-click to download)

Ableton Live

Ableton and Novation are on tour throughout November with dates in UK cities from Brighton to Glasgow. Product specialists will be demonstrating the latest version of Live, demonstrating tips and tricks for beginners and advanced users and showcasing Launchpad, Novation’s brand new controller for Ableton Live.

The Brighton event takes place at GAK (Guitar Amp and Keyboard Centre) on Tuesday the 24th of November at 7pm.

The middle of the tour (Saturday, 14th November) will be marked by a FREE Launchpad launch-party at Cafe1001 on London’s Brick Lane, with performances from The Bays and Freerange Records’ Matt Masters. For more details, visit: www.novationmusic.com/innovations

Here’s the agenda, it’s the same for every event:

Ableton Live for beginners
DJing with Live
Performing with Live
Recording with Live
Q&A for advanced users
The tour team will be giving away tons of Ableton goodies: stickers, badges, T-shirts, demo disks and sample disks.

To get involved and book your place, visit the Ableton Tour pages of the Novation web site: www.novationmusic.com/abletontour. These events have always been oversubscribed in the past, so be sure to book your place in good time.

Guitar Amp and Keyboard Centre

Tuesday 24th November 7pm
Guitar Amp and Keyboard Center,
79-81 North Road The Lanes,
Brighton BN1 1YD

Brap FM

If you’ve never heard of Brap FM and you like breakbeat, drum n bass or any broken beat off spin, you’re in for a treat. For the past three years, Brighton’s played host to the internet radio station which is all about these genre. The station features great radio shows and shows how much dedicated believers can do together, which is all about keeping this music alive for fans.

This November, Brap FM are 3 and it goes without saying that a part-ay is in order.It’s being held on Saturday 14 November, from 8pm to 4am at Tom’s Bar over on Princes Street, which I thought had been closed by the council due to noise complaints – a sweaty small venue that’s not without its charms and perfect for ruining you and your mates on this occasion.

The night features eight hours (yes, eight) of back to back sets from their DJs (running order below). It’s going to be a good un.  Small entrance fee of 3 pounds, which, let’s face it, even in a recession isn’t going to break the bank.

What they have to say for themselves:

We’re playing everything from House to DNB and god knows what inbetween. You might want to book Monday off work!

Brap FM bday party lineup:

8 till 9 – Rapid [88 Shizzle / House]
9 till 10 – Leedmellow [Tech House / Techno]
10 till 11 – POoK [House / Breaks / Techno]
11 till 12 – OneUP / Miles [DNB]
12 till 1 – Che / Maria B / Omegared [DNB]
1 till 2 – Moif [DNB / House]
2 till 3 – Bvial [House / Techno]
3 till 4 – Cockneynutjob / Mishima [House / Breaks / Techno]

Saturday November 14th.
8PM till 4AM

Damage is £3 on the door. All night. For a Saturday. Bargain.

Venue Location: http://is.gd/4lffk

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kriebel/

After the huge success of last year’s Art of Hope competition, artrepublic has launched its second nationwide competition, Street Art. The graffiti art campaign, in association with the homeless charity StreetSmart, intends to raise the profile of not only the organisation, but street artists across the UK.

The competition coincides with this year’s campaign by StreetSmart and their restaurant partners to raise money for the homeless during the festive season. The charity, which is supported by celebrities such as Stephen Fry, and with the help of artrepublic, hopes to create widespread awareness of the homeless endemic on our streets. The competition is open to everyone and artists will need to follow a simple, but inspiring brief: to create an original ‘Street Art’ image that makes a positive contribution to the urban environment.

“Street art is experienced by everyone and therefore creates a bond between those who live on the streets and those who have a roof over their heads,” says Lawrence Alkin, CEO of artrepublic. This is a unique opportunity for an aspiring or established artist to express themselves, with the winner’s message being exposed to the world”.

The winning image will also be sold worldwide as a limited edition print through the artrepublic website, with all proceeds going to StreetSmart. The winner will also receive a meal for two at PINTCHOtapas in London and a night’s stay at Myhotel Bloomsbury. This is a one in a lifetime opportunity for aspiring or established street artists to express their style and trademark, which will be amplified on a three storey building in the heart of Brighton, where previous installations have gained global recognition.

All you need to do is email your image to artwork@artrepublic.com and include ‘Street Art Competition’ in the subject line.

The competition closes on Friday 8th January 2010

2 bit thugs: roland and guy, gangster like

Another big night for Supercharged’s mid-week meltdown on 21 October, as Rusko and 2 Bit Thugs come to take Audio down. Feel a bit like the weather forecaster when I say that I think this one’s going to be mucho packed.

Rusko’s version of dub has impressed the likes of Annie Mac and Fenchurch label, while his tracks must be okay enough to get on labels such as Mad Decent and Fabric. Meanwhile 2bit thugs will provide the wobble for the night, taking their cues from hip hop, electro and fidget house. Having met in Brighton, the boys are now based in London, pumping out remixes and tracks.

See the facebook event for a list of who’s coming; some downloads for you to listen to in the meantime: 2bit thugs’s mix All Bases Covered (zshare link).

Audio, 10 Marine Parade, Brighton. 11pm – 3am. £4NUS/£6

When you’re thinking of festivals, October isn’t the month that comes to mind is it? However, in our grand fair city by the sea, which plays hostess-with-the-mostest to something ridiculous like over 150 festivals throughout the year, there is never downtime when there is plenty of play and frolics to be had.

This month sees Rising Styles Festival, UK’s Largest Celebration of International Hip-Hop Culture (1-4 October); Brighton & Hove Black History Month (3 October – 3 November); White Night (25 October); and Brighton Live (29 September – 3 October).

The majority of the events are free and accessible so please check their websites for a good eyeful of all the fantastic art, music and cultural opportunities on offer. Too good to pass up really.

Brighton Live 2009 is 5 days of free music events across the city of Brighton & Hove from Tuesday 29th September (launch party night) to Saturday 3rd October (seminars, workshops & master classes); – covering 20+ venues and showcasing 150+ local bands (yes, there are that many bands in the area & many more besides) to 20,000+ of you lovely lovely music lovers. It sprawls across Kemptown, the North Laine, South Laines, Hove and surprise venue the Casino at Brighton Marina.

“In a city with such a thriving music community, having an event like Brighton Live is a really important annual event.For most new and young bands the only time they get to play to strangers is the tired old ‘battle of the bands’ formula, which only really results in petty rivalries and bitterness. This way they still have to play out of their skins to keep the audience in their venue, but can also network with other bands they might not know and develop new contacts. And for the average gig-goer it is a win-win situation – to see lots of new local music, without forking out anything.”

– Duncan Hall – Brighton Argus

HAPPENING NOW! Get online and then get out.

Rising Styles Festival, UK’s Largest Celebration of International Hip-Hop Culture, was born from a hip hop dream, no budget and a prayer five years ago on our pebbly shores. Aided with the hard work of volunteers, the urban cultural showcase lives, albeit only spreading out over four days (rather than a whole month) from 1-4 October.

Short but sweet, the festival capitalises on all the successful events from previous years, bringing back the huge live event, the frieze box, rap slam, and battle jam, while also trying out new features such as ‘In Conversation’ strand, where the audience can interact with artists.

This year’s live event, UPRISING, has an awesome hip hop line up including Million Dan, The Infomatics, Kasha, Grit Grammar, DJ Kayper and more, all performing on the last day. The event is run by arts cultural agency http://www.kalaphool.com.

Check out www.risingstyles.com for all event information (including changes).

RISING STYLES 09 ALBUM – The yearly release of the best unsigned UK Hip Hop, supported by Excalibah. Now ready to download via http://www.suspect-packages.com/artists/r-t/RISING_STYLES.php

Journey On Night Rider @ White Night

Based on the French night-time event Nuit Blanche, Brighton’s White Night 2009 does its second stab at the festival on 24 October 2009.

For one night, the city becomes a playground and ordinary places become performance fodder: shopfronts become event backdrop, cafes become film screens, alleyways become concert halls and swimming pools become underwater orchesteras. Anything on a night like tonight is possible.

This year’s programme is yet to be finalised, but check the website closer to the evening. Last year’s programme included a sewer tour, a bicycle treasure hunt, outdoor films, dance performance, grafitti, art exhibitions with deck chairs, and model homes.

*Listings compiled by www.black-history.org.uk*

Saturday 3rd October *The Amazing Mrs. Seacole* Jubilee Library

* Voted the *Greatest Black Britain* in 2004*, *Mary Seacole* *is generally recognised for her nursing career during the Crimean War. Join Bert Williams and Althea Wolfe to discover more about this multi-talented Victorian lady) 2 – 3pm, no booking required * FREE

4, 11, 18, 25 October, *World Affairs Cinema * Jubilee Library

*Sunday afternoon screenings of some of the best modern films exploring love and romance across different cultures. Every Sunday throughout October at 1pm *(Free, includes free snacks, no booking required )

Saturday 10th October *Time & Place Exhibition * Brighton museum, South Balcony

*Brighton and Hove History (www.black-history.org.uk) present stories of women from the Caribbean and Guyana who came to Brighton to train as nurses from the 1950s-1970s.* Time and Place *runs from the 10thOctober-13 th December 2009.* Opening times: Tuesdays-Saturdays 10-5pm * FREE

Saturday 10th October* **Black History Bus*

(DEPARTS 11AM JUBILEE SQUARE) Free bus tour to local Black History landmarks 11-1pm FREE but must be pre-booked. Please call 01273 234835 or email: info@black-history.org.uk * FREE

Saturday 10th October *Contribution * Jubilee Square & library

FREE celebration event hosted by Brighton and Hove Black History with music, African and Caribbean food, exhibition of work by local Black artists, Black History exhibition, talks and exhibitions from local community groups, Black History debate and much more. 1.00pm-5pm * FREE

Saturday 10th October *Black History debate: “What is Black History and Why does it matter?”* Jubilee Library

Speakers Kofi Mawuli Klu , (Pan-Afrikan Taskforce for Internationalist Dialogue) and Dr.Alana Lentin (University of Sussex). Hosted by the All African students’ union link in Europe, University of Sussex. For more info email: aasulesussex@googlemail.com. 4-5pm* FREE

Sunday 11th October *Bert’s Bus for Young People *

A Brighton Black History Tour with Bert Williams, especially for Young People to discover the Black History in the town they live in. For young People aged 11+* *(For bookings and info please contact the Black and Minority Ethnic Young Peoples’ Project on (01273 229 381) *(FREE)*

Tuesday 13th October * Brighton Photo Fringe Photography * FRIESE-GREEN GALLERY, BRIGHTON MEDIA CENTRE

Project exhibition of photography from members of the local Black and Ethnic minority community on the themes of emotional well being and identity put together with the support of lead artist Edi Mandala. *Friese-Green Gallery, Brighton Media Centre, Middle Street, Brighton, BN1 1AL. Runs Tuesday 13th October – Sunday 25th October Exhibition times: Mon-Fri 9.30-5.30, Sat-Sun 10-4pm * FREE

Thursday 15 October * Film screening: Grove Roots * University of Sussex * 5.15pm

Grove Roots is a film which traces the evolution of Ladbroke Grove from the 1958 race riots to the present day and is a gritty reflection of real people who live in the area. Featuring local musicians, artists, community workers and residents, the film tells the story of the Ladbroke Grove area from the 1958 race riots to the ethnically rich place it is today. For more info contact Abigail Brooks on 01273 876682 or email a.m.brook@sussex.ac.uk UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX, EDB 121 * FREE

Friday 16 October* **Film screening: Top Girl with Q+A with Director Rebecca Johnson* UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX * 1-2pm

Brixton Rude girls Donna and Felicia are inseparable best friends but aspiring MC Donna is unquestionably Top Girl. Truthful, tender and brutally comic, Top Girl tells the story of girls growing up in a man’s world. For more info contact Abigail Brooks on 01273 876682 or email : a.m.brook@sussex.ac.uk * FREE

Sunday 18 October *Caribbean Roots* JUBILEE LIBRARY* 2– 3.30pm

Are you interested in researching your West Indian family history? Come along to our talk and get expert advice from Guy Grannum of the National Archives. £3 includes refreshments, no booking required

Saturday 24thOctober *Bert’s Black History Bus*

(LEAVES JUBILEE SQUARE 11AM) Free bus tour to local Black History landmarks 11-1pm. FREE refreshments available after the tour from 1.30pm served the Jubilee Library learning room courtesy of the Brighton and Minority Ethnic Community Partnership. Tour is FREE but must be pre-booked. For bookings please call 01273 234835 or email: info@black-history.org.uk *FREE

Monday 26th October *Positive Hair Day Hair Care Workshop*SHAE SHAE CREATIONS, QUEENS ROAD, BRIGHTON * 6.30pm-8.30pm

Free workshop which aims to help people care for their Black and mixed heritage hair; open to Black and mixed heritage people and to any anyone working with or related to the above (parents and carers most welcome). Workshops are free but require a returnable deposit to a secure your place. To book please call (01273 230832) *FREE

Tuesday 27 October *Anansi Tales * 10 -12; 1-3; 3.15-5.15 *Jubilee Library

A fun family day of drama, storytelling and craft activities involving African folk hero Anansi the Spider * FREE

Wednesday 28th October *Kick Racism Out of Football Tournament* 67 CENTRE, MOUSLECOMB @12pm

Hosted by the Black and Minority Ethnic Young Peoples’ Project) There will also be African Food, African drumming, Black History Month Quiz, Art activities, Badge Making and prizes for participants in the five-aside Football Tournament. All Young People aged 11+ welcome 12pm *(FREE)*

Thursday 29 October *Children’s Film Show* JUBILEE LIBRARY *2pm

An award-winning animated film based on a magical West African fairytale. FREE

Thursday 29 October *Tribute to Black footballers in the UK Football Match* (SOUTHWICK FOOTBALL CLUB) 6pm for FREE food with 7.30pm kick off.

Hosted by Kopano Football Club in conjunction with Peter Koroma from the Brighton minority ethnic community partnership For more details please contact Wayne on 01273 230832 or email: artdecor2004@hotmail.com FREE

Thursday 29 October * Linda Bellos* UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX 6-7.30pm VENUE TBC*

Linda Bellos introduced Black History Month to the UK back in 1987 and is perhaps best known as a campaigner, political activist and former leader of Lambeth Council. She was the first Black woman to join the Spare Rib feminist collective in 1981 and was vice-chair of the successful Black Section campaign to select African Caribbean and Asian parliamentary and local candidates within the Labour Party, which increased the number of Black Councillors from 100 to 500 across the UK. Linda will be looking back over the last 20 years on the development of Black History Month in the UK and will be considering the challenges ahead. For more info contact Abigail Brooks on 01273 876682 or email a.m.brook@sussex.ac.uk . FREE

Sunday 1st November *Black History Communities Day* JUBILEE SQUARE, 12pm

A variety of performances from the BME community. Hosted by the Black and Minority Ethnic Young Peoples’ Project featuring Street dance, Singing, Poetry, Rapping and African drumming. there will also be workshops and activities, join us in celebrating the achievements of our Black young people. (For more info please contact the Black and Minority Ethnic Young Peoples’ Project on (01273 229 381) *FREE