David Furnish

Brighton & Hove’s Aids Memorial will be unveiled by David Furnish on Friday October 9 at 2.30pm at the New Steine.

The stunning sculpture has been designed by talented local artist Romany Mark Bruce. Mr Furnish, civil partner of singer Sir Elton John, has a long commitment to HIV/Aids charities through the Elton John Aids Foundation, whose funding includes The Sussex Beacon.

Speaking of the exciting progress with the Memorial, Romany Mark Bruce said: “The support I have received over the past two years while working on this project has been overwhelming. I feel very privileged to have been given the opportunity to help remember those whose lives have been affected by HIV/Aids.”

Trustee Paul Elgood welcomed the news that Mr Furnish will unveil the sculpture. He said:
“I am delighted that Mr Furnish has agreed to undertake the unveiling. He is a high-profile supporter of HIV/Aids charities and someone with a deep commitment to this cause. It is exciting how the Memorial is coming together. The foundations are being dug and the fundraising is heading towards the target. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in the project. The unveiling will be a public event and we hope the public will come and support this important Memorial – the shadow of HIV/Aids is across all communities and all people.”

Trustee Simon Burgess said:
“The New Steine is the ideal location for the Memorial – in the heart of the St James’s Street area where there is real excitement about its installation. The announcement that it is David Furnish who will be making the unveiling is something that will be universally welcomed.”

The original idea for a permanent Aids memorial was floated by Councillor Paul Elgood in 2006. A petition with thousands of signatures was gathered and delivered to the City Council in 2007. In 2008 after a public competition, Romany Mark Bruce’s proposed sculpture of two androgynous figures reaching for the heavens was judged the favourite proposal with which to proceed to commissioning stage.
Romany finished work on the sculpture in late 2008, after which the Memorial was delivered to the Morris Singer Foundry in Braintree, Essex, where it has been cast in bronze.

Reading of the NAMES
Following the concert by the Brighton and Hove (Actually) Gay Men’s Chorus, the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus and the Rainbow Chorus, called You’ll Never Walk Alone at St Mary’s Church on October 9 at 7.30pm, there will be a Candlelight Vigil in New Steine Gardens starting at 8.45pm.

The names of those lost to HIV/Aids in Brighton during the past 25 years will be read out by representatives of statutory organisations and LGBT and HIV organisations.

If you want the name of someone you have lost to HIV/Aids read out, go to www.realbrighton.com/news-story/656 OR www.gscene.com where you can register the name. It can be the name of a lover, a friend or someone you remember fondly.

You can also fill in the postcards available in most scene venues and in this month’s magazine and drop into Prowler at 112–113 St James’s Street, Brighton, or send to the address on the postcard by October 7.