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Gay Barn Dance at Wagner Hall

Barn DanceFollowing the success of their two previous barn dances, GEL2DAY have moved this year’s event to the heart of Brighton, at the Wagner Hall on October 4.

Caron Morton, GEL2DAY Co-Director, said: “Last year the Barn Dance was out in Lancing. It was on a farm which was very fitting for the event, however this year we felt it would be great to make it more accessible, especially to those folks without a car, and so this year it will be right in the centre of Brighton.” 

Barn Dance band regulars Moves Afoot will be back this year providing the live music and the caller to get the barn dance in full swing.

Previously GEL2DAY events have been attended predominately by gay women, but the organisers would like to see more gay men turning up as well.

Jo Davies, GEL2DAY’s Co-Director, said: “It’s great to have a mixture of men and women and while we’ll continue to market to the LGBTQ community inclusion is important to us, so straight friends are definitely welcome too.”

Founded in 2010, GEL2DAY has built a reputation for hosting events for LGBTQ folk looking for something different in their social lives.

As in previous years, GEL2DAY is supporting The Starr Trust Charity at the event.

Event: GEL2DAY Barn Dance

When: October 4

Where: Wagner Hall, Brighton.

Time: 7.30 p.m. – late

Tickets: from £22 (Early-bird booking + booking fees)

To book a ticket, CLICK HERE: 

 

Brighton Pride announce ‘Community Group Engagement’ meetings for Pride 2015

Preparations are under way to organise Brighton Pride in 2015. 

Brighton Pride

A series of Community Group engagement meetings will be staged upstairs at Charles Street bar on a monthly basis in the lead-up to Pride 2015.

The first meeting on Tuesday, November 4 will be a feedback meeting to give you the chance to comment and share your views on Pride 2014 with the organisers.

If you are unable to attend the first meeting but would like to send some feedback, EMAIL:

Dates of LGBT Community Group Monthly Meetings for Brighton Pride 2015:

• Tuesday, November 4: Charles Street 7.30 p.m. – 9 p.m. First Meeting Feedback

• Tuesday, December 9: Charles Street 7.30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

• Tuesday, January 27: Charles Street 7.30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

• Tuesday, February 24: Charles Street 7.30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

• Tuesday, March 24: Charles Street 7.30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

• Tuesday, April 28: Charles Street 7.30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

• Tuesday, May 19: Charles Street 7.30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

• Tuesday, June 16: Charles Street 7.30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Final meeting before Pride

For more information about Brighton Pride, CLICK HERE

Dr Brighton’s War: Hospitals and Healing during WW1

There’s a last chance to see a special exhibition highlighting Brighton and Hove’s role in treating soldiers wounded in World War One.

Dr Brighton's War

Dr Brighton’s War: Hospitals and Healing during WW1, a pictorial display on Brighton seafront (opposite the end of East Street), runs until Sunday August 31.

The display, which features images from photographs, postcards and posters held in Brighton Museum collections, tells how Brighton and Hove was transformed by the presence of the many military hospitals required to treat the increasing number of casualties returning from the front.

As a seaside resort the city was ideally suited to helping the wounded to recover and distracting them from the horrors of war, but more importantly, it played its part in retraining the seriously injured and preparing them for their integration back into society after life-changing injury.

Dr Brighton’s War is one of a number of special exhibitions and events going on in the city to commemorate the anniversary of the First World War.

For more information, CLICK HERE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photograph attached: Patients and Nurses at the Royal Pavilion Hospital for Limbless Soldiers 1916. © Royal Pavilion & Museums

 

REVIEW: Dance: Casting Traces

Circus-Street-Landscape-BW

Casting Traces

New Movement Collective

Old Fruit Market, Circus Street, Brighton

Architecture, performance and film collide in the latest production by radical dance group New Movement Collective; Circus street old fruit market is the venue for the promenade piece of dance, you arrive, swap your fashionista rags for a stark white cloak then roam as the action unfolds around you.  It’s such a pity this old space, which lends itself to so many cool ideas like this, is going under the developer’s bulldozers.

Inspired by Paul Auster’s seminal novel ‘The New York Trilogy’, New Movement Collective (NMC) present Casting Traces. This cross-genre 45-minute performance invites the audience into a unique dance experience set within an architectural paper labyrinth. The set is the old crumbling market itself with the audience as a prop and our perceptions as a backdrop. There are endless sheets of wafting paper with back lights and projections and all sorts of bells and whistles, although the tech is seamless and very well done and doesn’t get in the way of the dance.  (Check out the rather sweet row of gents running the tech and light show who try very hard not to look like they are judges in some strange crepuscular-lit magisterial bench)

castingtraces

This was good so stop reading this review and BOOK now!

** Tickets must be purchased in advance at southeastdance.org.uk/performances

Circus-Street-Portait

The labyrinth, designed by Elin Eyborg (The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Art, School of Architecture), is a giant paper maze that transforms the space and its surroundings, making the visitor a participant in the performance. It felt like being on board some huge sailing ship as the whole thing was billowing and creaking and moving in the wind and changes in air pressure. This translucent assemblage forms a temporary world of illusion where light and shadow interplay and enhance the choreographed movement, encouraging the audience to reassess their perception of dance and architecture. This is a promenade performance but in the true sense; I would strongly recommend that you leave the tight huddle of front-row huggers and wander around this voluminous and ever changing set, gently pushing at the huge softly waving hanging spaces to let you though. The dancers appear and disappear all around the space so it’s well worth gently, slowly moving around and allowing the experience to unfold itself around you.  As in the novels, this dance and the movements contain multitudes; there are hints and imaginations, strange repetitions and suggestions of violence, madness and despair, quoting and re-quoting itself, all through the dance but it holds itself solidly in a cohesive whole which is testament to the skill of these energetic dancers. I was impressed, I saw a woman sitting on the floor weeping but I’m not sure she was part of the performance; it was that sort of night…

Violinist Linda Jankowska was majestic and statuesque, providing the clean and simple music for the dancers guiding us through the piece but  only emotionally and again though her own interpretation. Her superb playing gave me one of my highlights of the show. I watched an urban fox nip around the back of the twisting dancers in the shadows as she played a series of melancholy chords. It stopped to look at us for a moment. Lovely.

I left the show feeling oddly calmed, it was a subtly disturbing piece, full of reflection and meta-reflection, us watching, watching ourselves watching while being watched. In the end it spiralled into softness, a mirror in a mirror, and I allowed the dancers the music and the ever-moving set to just be and get on with it. It was a wise choice. To chase this piece is to miss it, and I think that’s the point of this; there is no defining show here but many of them, intertwining your own perspective, defining then being defined.

There may be eight million stories in the naked city, but in the Gilded Ghetto of Circus Street there is just one worth talking about tonight, and that’s this curious but touching dance piece by this innovative young troupe

Recommended – go get tickets NOW or queue for a return! 

August 29 and 30  

6.45 p.m. and 8.30 p.m.

Circus Street Market, Brighton, BN2 9QF

 

** Tickets must be purchased in advance at southeastdance.org.uk/performances

 

Cast

 Malgorzata Dzierzon

Hannah Kidd

Eryck Brahmania

Jonathan Goddard

 Joe Walkling

Renaud Wiser

Violinist Linda Jankowska

 

 

New community TV channel for Brighton and Worthing

After four years in planning, Latest TV started broadcasting last night.

Latest TV

The new 24 hour community channel broadcasts on Freeview Channel 8 and Virgin 159 and promises to feature the very best of what’s on in Brighton & Hove, Adur and Worthing. Sky viewers will be able to receive the channel later in the year.

Local news and sport is at the heart of the programing along with music, entertainment, cooking and property programmes.

A weekly gay magazine programme called Q Tube hosted by local DJ, Steve Jones will feature local, national and international gay news. Their first show is a one hour special about this years Brighton Pride.

The TV studios are located in the Latest Bar on Manchester Street just opposite Brighton Pier which is a recording studio during the day and reverts back to a bar at night.

Former Argus political reporter, Tim Ridgeway is the head of news which he promises will have a community focus.

Bill Smith
Bill Smith

Bill Smith, founder of Latest TV, said: “We have been fighting for Brighton to have its own television station for years. It’s so exciting to see this dream become a reality.

“I believe that TV should be democratic. So as well as the Latest team producing top-class television we will be proud to show films and videos made by you.

“If these are good, we will soon sign you up.” 

If you are having trouble finding Latest TV, CLICK HERE:

Or telephone: 01273 818150 ext.101

Mo Marsh Latest TV

 

Biggins visits The Sussex Beacon

Actor and television presenter Christopher Biggins visited The Sussex Beacon today, (August 29) to find out more about the work of the charity.

Biggins at Beacon

He was given a tour of the building, had lunch with staff and chatted with patients. David Raven aka Maisie Trollette an old mate of Biggins popped along to say hello and the pair kept everyone smiling with their camp banter.

Biggins is supporting the Beacon this year by hosting the fundraising ball The Halloween Horror Show at the Brighton Hilton Metropole on Saturday, November 1, 2014.

The event will include a sumptuous Halloween feast followed by a spectacular live floor show with a live band and dancing until the early hours.

There will be Halloween themed games as well as auctions and a raffle offering exclusive and ‘money can’t buy’ prizes.

Biggins is not a novice at making spooky appearances. His film roles include The Rocky Horror Picture Show in 1975. He also appeared as a guest star narrator in The Rocky Horror Show on tour in 2010.

Biggins said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be hosting this event and remember it is just a jump to the left… and then a step to the right. It will be a night out to remember for a very, very long time”.

The Sussex Beacon is working with leading entertainment design agency the E3 Group to produce the Ball. The E3 Group helped deliver Brighton Pride in 2013. Together, The Sussex Beacon and E3 hope to create a Spooktacular event that guests can enjoy year on year.

Simon DoweSimon Dowe, CEO at The Sussex Beacon, said: “At The Sussex Beacon we work together to support the whole person by addressing the physical, psychological and social impact of HIV. Every year, we have to raise 1.2 million pounds to keep our services running. This year, ‘The Halloween Horror Show’ will help us to achieve our fundraising target”.

To buy tickets for the Ball, CLICK HERE:

Or email: fundraising@sussexbeacon.org.uk for more information about the event.

The Sussex Beacon charity offers specialist care and support for men, women and families affected by HIV. Open 365 days a year, they help people manage the everyday realities of living with this life-long condition that has no cure. Their Inpatient and Outpatient services help people living with HIV related illnesses, initiating new drug therapies, or supporting those struggling with extreme side effects of HIV medication. The Sussex Beacon supports the whole person by addressing the physical, psychological and social impact of HIV.

For more information about the Sussex Beacon, CLICK HERE:

Sussex Beacon Halloween

 

 

New business opens in Gay Village

Merlin & Ellis, a quirky, design-led emporium tucked away in Manchester Street opposite Morrisons supermarket, opened its door for business last month.

Ellis Collins
The shop, a new venture for Ellis Collins, promoter of the monthly Have A Word arts night, will be selling new and pre-loved designer vintage and one-off clothing.
Ellis also runs a clothing agency selling your surplus quality clothes on a 50/50 basis.
High-end cruelty-free colognes, bathing and grooming products are also available as well as home scenting products from Cumbria and Scotland, alongside industrial lighting, original art work, books, footwear, poetry and an on-site design and alterations service.
Have a Word
Soon an upper floor of interiors featuring lamps, small furniture, art and industrial pieces will open as well!
For an all inclusive LGBTQ community shop go along and visit very soon.  The garden shed changing room alone will leave you smiling along with the Farrow & Ball Hague Blue painted walls and ceilings.
You will find Merlin & Ellis at 9 Manchester Street, Brighton,
Telephone: 01273 623560 or 07595 398219

 

First LGBT Community Groups Network meeting a huge success

Sixteen groups attended the first LGBT Community Groups Network meeting.

LGBT Community Groups Network

The network has been established to help smaller LGBT/HIV community groups get to know each other, find opportunities for mutual support and cooperation and find ways to develop and deliver on their aims and objectives.

The meeting provided a forum for members to talk about their existing work, progress, successes and to highlight challenges. Groups found common ground on many issues, and offers of help and support were shared.

A range of themes were identified for future discussion and support, including funding, reaching people needing services, and sustaining existing work. Scope for meetings with stakeholders and working groups on emerging issues were also identified. A presentation was given by Brighton and Hove Community Works, the infrastructure organisation which provides support services for not-for-profit groups. Groups that were not already members were given information on how to access free membership of Community Works and an invite to their next conference on September 16.

Practical solutions to help support groups were also discussed and identified for development, including the use of social media, group e-mail distribution lists, an online forum for members, and the use of shared desk and meeting space hosted by Lunch Positive at Prestomex House.

Gary Pargeter & Chris Cooke
Gary Pargeter & Chris Cooke

Gary Pargeter and Chris Cooke, Community Works LGBT Representatives who facilitate the network, said: “The first Network meeting was a great success, and it was hugely useful to share experiences and develop discussions on what support groups need. Groups started talking in more depth about how things are and what’s needed to continue and develop their work. The network has been set up as a resource for people to find ways to cooperate and support each other, sharing knowledge, skills and opportunities. As one attendee commented, it’s an organic approach and will help by giving groups time, space and resources to make this happen. Our first meeting highlighted many important issues which for the future will also have structured input; funding and reaching potential service users being good examples. Along with input from groups we’ll be putting together meeting agendas and support activities to address these issues. Being together as a network, with people having insight, skills and expertise to share, is incredibly valuable. There’s huge added potential for our groups and our community when we start talking, sharing and acting collectively.”

LGBT Community Groups Network

Groups attending were: BLAGSS, Brighton GEMS, Clare Project, FTMB, Lesbian Link, LGBT Brighton and Hove Network, LGBT Community Safety Forum, Lunch Positive, Older & Out, Older People’s Council, Peer Action, Queer In Brighton, Rainbow Chorus, Rainbow Families, Trans Alliance and Trans* Pride.

The next LGBT Community Groups Network meeting is on Wednesday November 19 from 7.00 – 8.30pm.

If you’re a local LGBT/HIV Community Group with an income of £35,000 or less and are interested in joining contact chris@lgbt-groups.org

To view the website, CLICK HERE: 

 

 

PREVIEW: Gareth Thomas at The Old Market

Gareth Thomas opens up about being the first professional sportsman to come out while still playing professionally.

Gareth Thomas

Gareth had it all. He was a national hero, a sporting icon, a leader of men, captain of Wales and the British Lions. To him, rugby was an expression of cultural identity, a sacred code. It was no mere ball game. It gave him everything, except the freedom to be himself.

Gareth Thomas, ProudProud: His Autobiography is the story of a man with a secret that was slowly killing him. Something that might devastate not only his own life but the lives of his wife, family, friends and teammates.

The only place where he could find any refuge from the pain and guilt of the lie he was living was on the pitch, playing the sport he loved. But all his success didn’t make the strain of hiding who he really was go away. His fear that telling the truth about his sexuality would lose him everything he loved, almost sent him over the edge.

Gareth will be in conversation at the Old Market in Hove on September 21 with his co-writer Michael Calvin. Michael is chief sports writer with the Independent on Sunday, has twice been named Sports Reporter of the Year and is author of the critically acclaimed book The Nowhere Men.

Gareth has played rugby union for Bridgend, Celtic Warriors, Toulouse and Cardiff Blues, winning 100 international caps for Wales and captaining the British and Irish Lions. In 2010 he switched to rugby league, playing for the Crusaders RL, and for Wales.

Gareth announced publicly in 2009 that he was gay, and was voted the most influential gay person by Stonewall that year. He retired from rugby in October 2011.

Gareth Thomas will sign copies of his books after the event.

Event: Gareth Thomas in conversation with Michael Calvin

Where: The Old Market Theatre, Brighton

When: Sunday, September 21, 2014

Time: 7.30pm

Venue: The Old Market Theatre, Upper Market Street, Brighton

Tickets: £12

Box office: 01273 201 801

For more information, CLICK HERE:

 

Kirby’s re-election campaign steps up a gear

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven will be welcoming several hundred volunteers to Brighton this weekend.

Simon Kirby, MP

The volunteers are coming to support Simon’s campaign for re-election as MP for the Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven constituency and to see what Brighton has to offer to visitors.

The visit is part of the Conservative Party’s ‘RoadTrip 2015’ campaigning initiative where Conservative volunteers visit a constituency and help the candidate with canvassing and leaflet delivery.

The Brighton visit has a twist as many of the volunteers will be staying overnight and enjoying all the sights and entertainments that the city has to offer.

Simon said: “I am delighted that I can welcome so many people to our city. The hundreds of volunteers will not only be helping my campaign but having a great time later in the day. I will be encouraging everyone to visit restaurants and cafes of Brighton and to sample everything our great city has to offer.”

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