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World Cup 2018 – coming to a cinema near you

This summer’s month long beach cinema event will include key matches from the 2018 World Cup, the city council announced today.

Along with the latest blockbuster movies, screen lovers will be able to watch the world’s most widely viewed sporting occasion while soaking up the seaside atmosphere.

The event, taking place from Thursday, June 14 to Sunday, July 15, will be run by Luna Beach Cinema, which has secured the contract for the next three years after winning a rigorous tendering process.

Cllr Alan Robins, chair of the tourism, development and culture committee, said: “This is fantastic news for the council, our residents and businesses, plus the tens of thousands of tourists who come to the city during June and July.
 
“Our famous beach will be host to dozens of blockbuster movies, plus screenings of key World Cup games from Russia – all presented by the UK’s largest open air cinema producer on the highest definition LED screen in the country.”

The opportunity to operate a Screen on the Beach was advertised, with applicants having to fulfil a tough criteria process. The criteria included the history of the business, experience, proposed event programme, local economic impact and licence fee.

Luna, has also committed to screening short movies by local filmmakers and aspiring directors, and employ local people where possible.

Cllr Robins added: “Last year, the council was approached by several companies to screen the World Cup matches on the beach and run the annual screen on the beach event.
 
“We decided the fairest and only way was to hold a clear and robust process and offer the event to the applicant who could best fulfil the criteria. That company was Luna.”

He said: “I understand how disappointed the businesses which were not chosen will be, but we had a duty to choose the company who we believe will provide the best event possible for our residents, businesses and tourists.”

George Wood, Managing Director of The Luna Cinema, said: “We are delighted to be operating the Screen on the Beach this year and for the next two years, and will work tirelessly to ensure a fantastic event for the city. 

“Our intention is for Luna Beach Cinema to be a celebration of the local community, offering an inclusive cultural experience in a truly iconic setting, but also encouraging local film makers and aspiring directors with regular screenings of locally made short films. 

“Alongside this, the cinema will offer employment for local people with a policy of recruitment of front of house personnel from the local community where possible.”

The Luna Cinema’s experience includes staging more than 150 screenings each year across many of the country’s most prestigious settings including Hampton Court Palace, Warwick Castle, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Cardiff Castle, Leeds Castle, Blenheim Palace and Kensington, plus Camber Sands and unusual sites like open-air lidos, theatres, racecourses and rooftops.

Muddy paws need cleaning, dog owners told

Dog owners are being advised to give their four-legged friend’s paws a thorough wash after they’ve being out and about in muddy conditions.

The advice comes from the city council’s animal warden and a veterinary surgeon who advises the local authority, after a dog was diagnosed with the Alabama Rot disease in Brighton at the start of the year.

The disease, also called CRGV (cutaneous renal glomerular vasculopathy) is at its peak between October and March when the weather is cold and wet. It is also associated with dogs being walked in muddy woodland/forest areas with running or standing water.

Sadly, the dog died within three days of contracting the illness.

Animal warden Stephanie Williams, said: “As yet, we do not know the cause of the disease, but we do know that it’s associated with the wet and muddy times of the year, so the best advice to owners is to ensure that soon after a woodland/forest walk, all dogs are washed off thoroughly.
 
“Owners need to examine their dogs closely for the classic first signs of the disease which are normally in the form of a skin lesion that has not been caused by an obvious injury to the dog.”

Research is being carried at various veterinary institutions to find out what causes Alabama Rot, but it is known dogs of any age, sex or breed can be affected.

Stephanie added: “Most commonly the first signs of the disease are seen as skin lesions on the lower legs and paws which appears as a distinct swelling or patch of red inflamed skin progressing to an open ulcer-like sore. 
 
“These lesions can also be seen on the body, face, tongue and mouth albeit less common. Some dogs go on to develop life threatening kidney failure. 
 
“These lesions are caused by damage to the blood vessels of the skin and kidney and can develop very rapidly.”

Although CRGV is a serious illness, the number of dogs affected is very low, with 122 confirmed cases in the whole of the UK from November 2012 to the present.

There is also no test for CRGV, so any veterinary surgeon will not be able to make a quick diagnosis during a consultation.

Queens on TV: girlband Denim set to see small screen spotlight

Drag Queen pop group in production to feature on their own TV show.

The comedic crew of queens are making their small screen debut, in their TV show of the same name. Produced by independent company Red Planet Pictures, of British favourites Death in paradise and Hooten and the Lady, the mockumentary comedy series will focus on the group’s “five-star world tour” across the UK.

Set as “a hilarious and uplifting comedic serial drama about a drag queen girl band who believe they are global superstars. The catch? They now have to prove this to the world.” the series will be a follow on from their previous stage production.

First seeing mainstream success with their 2017 Glastonbury performance alongside Florence and the machine, and a spot in the Edinburgh festival of the same year, the band uniquely fuse LGBT+ topics, comedy and Pop to create their iconic sound.

Made up of Glamrou La Denim, Crystal Rasmussen OBE, Electra Cute, Shirley Du Naughty and Aphrodite Greene, the group have described the new show as an exclusive insight into their lives. “To give back to our die-hard-7-billion-strong-fanbase, we’re going to be giving an all-access camera crew the priceless privilege of following us on our world stadium tour”.

“No more camouflage. No more secrets. No more hairspray. The Denim Qweens are here. They’re queer. And occasionally, they wear sheer.”……Denim

Co-written by the girls themselves, their TV series will take viewers on a “rollercoaster journey with 5 misfits who believe that anything is possible (in a world that tells them it isn’t), and where the power of sisterhood and friendship ultimately prevails”.

Taking on a humorous facade, Denim are currently seeing audiences with live stage show Denim: world tour at the Soho Theatre London.

Joint managing director at Red Planet Pictures, Belinda Campbell explains: “their stage show tackles adversity with a unique infusion of explosive pop, glamour, intelligence, politics and humour, taking audiences on an insightful, joyous and irreverent journey.”

“Pop legends in their own minds, this swaggering five-piece retool Whitney and Beyoncé songs in a smart, uplifting knees-up”…..Brian Logan, The Guardian

Dance like a Diva for Martlets

Gather a group of fun friends together on Sunday, April 22, for a fantastic four-hour dance party at Brighton’s Concorde 2 and have a ball raising money for Martlets hospice in Hove.

Club DJs including Lucy “Elle J” Small from Funk the Format and Soul Casserole want you to Dance Through the Decades as they pump out the very best dance anthems from the 60s to the 90s over the course of four hours.  If you like to strut your stuff, throw some shapes or disco like a diva then this will be your idea of dance heaven.

Go full-on retro with fancy dress if you dare; so unfurl those flares, dig out your shoulder pads, go all double-denim or perhaps sprinkle on some glitter for a totally fabulous look!

Clem Hunnisett from the Martlets Fundraising Team, said: “We’re promising some top tunes; your twinkle-toes won’t be able to resist the dance floor!

“There will be some big, feel-good anthems, songs to singalong to and tracks that will definitely put a smile on your face.  Before you know it, you’ll be dancing your socks off!

“It’s going to be a fantastic afternoon and every penny raised through sponsorship will go towards caring for people from the Brighton and Hove area. Martlets is a charity so it’s thanks to the kind support of local people that we can provide our support free from charge.

“Entry is £16 and we are looking to raise as much money as we can in sponsorship.”

As Concorde 2 is a licenced venue, this event is only open to those aged 18 or over.

For more details, click here:

Or email: clem.hunnisett@martlets.org.uk

Or telephone: 01273 747455

 

Punktured Snail Hits The Snailway

One of Brighton’s most established, independent business has signed up as a Snailspace sponsor.

Based in the North Laine, Punktured is the city’s ‘go to’ piercing studio for people looking for body adornment. Now in it’s 18th year, Punktured is celebrating with its very own giant gastropod on the Snailway this autumn.

Piercing may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you imagine a giant decorated snail, however owner Julie Greenfield, was one of the first people to sign up to the event and is passionate about being involved.

Discussing why she signed up she said: “I just love the idea of a snail that represents what we do and surprises people when they bump into it. I saw the impact of the Snowdogs in 2016; the way it brought people together and captured their imaginations, everyone was talking about it. I knew immediately that if it happened again we wanted to be part of it.

Also, as a business we have always supported local charities. Martlets is a much-loved charity in the city and I understand how important it is to support their amazing work. We are really pleased to be able to support them whilst also being part of such a fun, creative and high profile event.“

But will the ‘Punktured’ snail be pierced?

Julie continued: “In my mind I see a very pink snail, and, as for piercing, well I think everyone will just have to wait and see. Whatever happens it is going to be eye-catching!”

To find out more about sponsorship, click here:

Or contact Sarah Harvey, Project Manager: sarah.harvey@martlets.org.uk

Ramsgate celebrates LGBT History Month!

Newington Wellbeing Network (NWN) is a community organisation, based in Newington ward, Ramsgate, Kent, that aims to connect people who might usually be isolated and lonely.

Last year a young resident called Aimee Harvey joined their Management Committee and brought a lot of fresh ideas with her. Being a member of the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community herself, Aimee suggested that an event could be held to bring this group of often ‘hidden away’ people together.

Aimee explained that being LGBT+ means people can be in the closet and afraid to come out for fear of rejection, they often experience mental health issues, face prejudice and discrimination and don’t know where to turn to for support and information.

The NWN Management Committee agreed that organising an LGBT+ day of Celebration and Information sharing would be a really valuable way to support this section of the communities and have now made plans for the event to take place on February 21, to coincide with LGBT History Month.

Sheree Bell, from Kent County Council Community Support, who has worked with Aimee on the event, said:Newington Wellbeing Network is interested in empowering and connecting people so that they become more resilient and lead better quality lives. Through running this day of LGBT+ Celebration the network hopes to reach more marginalised people and give them valuable support and information. We have invited some amazing and inspirational speakers, there will be information stalls, music, a prize-winning quiz and even a free lunch. The day has been supported not only by NWN but also by KCC, Ramsgate Town Council and LGBT pub, Sundowners. Our thanks go out to them for making it possible”.

Newington Wellbeing Network is managed by a group of committed volunteers who give up many hours of their time for the local communities, however they always need more people to get involved and help.

If you’d like to offer your services with this event, or be involved with other work that they do (including sitting on the Management Committee), then do get in touch via their website or Facebook group. They welcome partnerships with local groups and organisations.

The LGBT+ Day of Celebration and Information will take place on Wednesday, February 21 at Newington Community Centre, Princess Margaret Avenue, Ramsgate, CT12 6HX.

The event is ticketed and priority will be given to members of the LGBT+ communities and their allies.

To register for the day, click here:

Alternatively telephone Sheree Bell on 07919 493 297 for further information.

To find out more about Newington Wellbeing Network, click here:

Tatchell to speak at Global Panel discussion for LGBT Month

London South Bank University celebrates LGBT History Month with a range of exciting and varied events throughout the month to show support and help raise awareness of LGBT issues.

Peter Tatchell
Peter Tatchell

The programme of events commenced last night, February 7,  with a lively official launch party to celebrate LGBT History Month where members of the public were able to explore the innovative film gallery at the London Road Building.

On February 15, a lively debate featuring a Global Panel Discussion with high profile guest panellists, including Peter Tatchell – the Director of the Peter Tatchell Foundation and Emma Scott – the Director of Global partnerships for Stonewall, will take place at the Keyworth Centre, Keyworth St, London SE1 6LN

Other panelists include Naomi Roland from International SOS and Owen Francis from Education Practice.

The panel will look at LGBT issues affecting staff and students when they visit other countries, where standards of human rights are not on a par with the UK. This includes preparing staff with the knowledge of local customs in visiting countries.

Penny Green
Penny Green

Penny Green, Head of Procurement Services at LSBU, said: “This debate is critical at this time as this isn’t just an issue for LGBT staff and students, but also for any colleagues travelling with them abroad, as individuals can also be put in a vulnerable position, as they can be ‘outed’ on a trip accidently.

“It’s important for staff and students to be aware of cultural sensitivities when they travel. This panel discussion will help raise awareness and engagement with these important issues.”

Peter Tatchell will be talking about global human rights at the event.

He said: “I’m delighted that LSBU are tackling global LGBT+ rights head on. Raising awareness about international homophobia, biphobia and transphobia is important. We need to show solidarity and work with local activists to secure solutions to worldwide anti-LGBTI oppression.”

LETTER TO EDITOR: There is no Pride in bullying!

As volunteer chair of the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum (LGBT CSF) I feel it my responsibility to address the severity of the bullying and intimidation currently taking place on social media in relation to Brighton Pride.

Billie Lewis
Billie Lewis

I firstly want to acknowledge the valid reasons that some people have eloquently presented their frustrations about how they feel Pride has changed over the past few years and how they remember it used to be.

We must all listen to and recognise those with valid experiences and honest apprehension for there to be a progressive and inclusive future together.

However, my letter focuses on the severity of the bullying and inaccuracies being presented, without moderation online.

We (The LGBT CSF) speak to many people from within the communities over the phone, by video, in person and online on a daily basis. The message being received is that there is a common concern over the way individuals are being targeted and harassed by a very small group of people using their social media influence or platforms.

When individuals repeatedly take to social media to shame or slur other organisations or folks connected to it the only the only real achievement gained is the loss their own credibility.

However, more disturbing to all of us involved in support groups/organisations is that the online trolling jeopardises the chances of vulnerable people coming forward to access necessary services or support because of the confusion and inaccuracies presented by the instigators of misinformation and lies.

Do people really want Pride and it’s guaranteed funding stream to the Rainbow Fund to collapse so that accountable community organisations are no longer able to assist people who have been raped, affected by domestic abuse, trauma, substance misuse, HIV, transphobia, mental health, isolation, dementia or disability?

If you have never had to access one of these brilliant services on offer in our amazing city then count yourself lucky, but remember this, you never know when you, a friend or loved one may one day need support from our LGBT+/HIV voluntary groups.

I refer to my previous letter to the editor, ‘Thank You Rainbow Fund ‘ sent in October, 2017.

“As our current economy changes and political views shift, more and more people are becoming isolated and vulnerable. Every day people from all over the globe move to the city because of its reputation as an LGBT+ safe space. Unfortunately for some this is not the reality. The cities brilliant services are stretched and money is becoming less available to all. We are acutely aware of this, and too, how much the Rainbow Fund contributes to service support within the City. The stark reality is that without the Rainbow Fund and its direct support to our groups there would be NO funding for many of the projects that operate in Brighton & Hove. We rely on the generosity of donations, Fundraisers and the support of grant givers like the Rainbow Fund to enable us to deliver our work. For this we thank you.”

Since writing that letter nothing has changed. Public funding remains tight, people are still affected by a multitude of different issues, folks still migrate to the city for support and Pride and the Rainbow Fund continue to raise funds and support our local LGBT+ and HIV communities.

We have a fantastic selection of organisations in Brighton and Hove that benefit from Pride and grants from the Rainbow Fund. From choirs to youth projects, Brighton’s support mechanism is amazing! Much of this work is carried out by small unpaid volunteer organisations that would quite simply not be able to deliver their programmes if it were not for access to this local funding. This includes brilliant ‘Grass Roots’ organisations that are based in the community delivering outreach and support every day of the year including Pride weekend.

Criticism has been partly focused on the availability and price of the tickets. It is my understanding that at the time of writing this letter Pride confirmed that they had allocated the same amount of tickets with the same price scales as last year apart from the last two price bands that are released much closer to the event. They just sold far quicker than in previous years.

I acknowledge and appreciate that not everyone can afford a full price ticket to Preston Park or the Pride Village Party, but it is my understanding that people can apply to the Rainbow Fund for support if they cannot volunteer for any reason.

Attending Pride on a complimentary ticket is easy too if you can volunteer just a couple of hours of your time. This can be done long before the big day itself and most voluntary groups have agreements with Pride, so they can create roles and responsibilities suited to their service users’ needs in a comfortable and familiar environment.

The LGBT CSF have a strong workforce of over 50 volunteers providing access alone. From driving buggies for the disabled on the Pride parade to meeting people at the park or assisting in the access tent. Everyone works at their own pace and to their own strengths and abilities.

To my knowledge not one of these volunteers sees it as having to ‘work’ for a ‘free ticket’ but instead sees volunteering as a safe and relaxed way to take part in the event and join in with their friends and communities. Most volunteers contribute to the main day, but others donate their time all week. If you would like to try volunteering with us this year, click here:

Its true, Pride has changed over the past few years but not necessary for the worse.

Pride remains solvent after past organisers, who generated zero funds for our community groups went into liquidation owing other charities in the city £280.000. Pride in 2018 continues to support and raise ring-fenced funds for all our communities and provides customers to local bars, hotels, theatres, shops, cafes and public transport. While contributing a large sum towards the costs of policing the event. It also has to pay for the costs of the enormous security infrastructure and emergency services that keep us safe on the day.

The ticketing system this year has been unfortunate for everyone involved – both for Pride and the Community. Pride have assured the committee of the LGBT CSF that more printed tickets will be made available in town for sale to local BN residents.

The LGBT CSF have recruited extra volunteers to assist those with access requirements or in need of access tickets to ensure needs are met. This includes making sure that standard park tickets purchased in error during the website crash will be reallocated to the Access Gate.

We can also assist in the purchase of paper tickets when they become available to us on February 15, at the box office in the Phil Starr Pavilion during the B Right On Festival.

Sometimes things do go wrong but it does not justify the vilification currently being dished out online. Hiding behind a keyboard or fake profile to intentionally cause harm is not just malicious but gutless.

If your criticism is about an individual, then own that and tell them face to face. Don’t target an entire group of people with passive aggressive posts or conspiracy theories. We are all surely better than that?

Online bullying and trolling is one of the worst and most psychologically damaging forms of bullying there is. Experienced perpetrators understand and exploit this.

We are encouraging anyone affected by this bullying to attend our free training session with the Crown Prosecution Service during the B Right On Festival on Wednesday, February 21 to identify reporting mechanisms and learn how you can take action against those that abuse you.

Pride’s headline act may not be everyone’s cup of tea but the event itself has and will highlight the City and its LGBT+ communities to a global audience. Never forget we live in a unique bubble in Brighton & Hove.

Many people out there do not understand what the letters ‘LGBT’ represent nor why it’s important to respect a person’s sexuality, gender identity or pronoun. People all over the world are talking about LGBT+ issues more than ever before and we should embrace and utilise this opportunity to educate and communicate to a wider audience.

It’s ironic we are free to protest that Pride isn’t ‘Gay’ enough or ‘we can’t have a picnic in the park’ or ‘Pride isn’t ours anymore because its fenced’ when in other parts of the world folks are shunned,  imprisoned, hung or beheaded for their perceived sexuality, gender or HIV status.

The situation we find ourselves in has got out of hand.  It is not the fault of Pride or the Rainbow Fund. It lies with all of us collectively. Those that want to do, those that don’t, those whose passion for engagement is contagious and those who are happy for disengagement to take place. Folks on the front line or those who love to participate from a distance. In the difference of our opinions and the assumption that the echo chambers of social media platforms are an appropriate apparatus to exercise our right to free speech regardless of the fact that what is being said and shared is sometimes not true.

I’m unsure as to what the answer to a positive cohesion or even happy medium is, but I do know that it does not involve intimidation and the slandering of people who do not deserve it.

Let’s at least try to work together to show the world how amazing our city is and how diverse and supportive many of the organisations within it are. Let our determination be one of acceptance and support and be wary of our it becoming one of entitlement and spitefulness.

Let’s keep the LGBT+/HIV communities in Brighton and Hove on the map for being an eclectic mix of intersectionality, resilience and acceptance and resist the wrangling and abuse of each other before we become known as a collective group of numpties!

For information on our free training programmes, click here: 

 

Reverbathon, a fundraiser for RadioReverb

To help preserve local radio, Reverbathon 2018, RadioReverb’s annual fundraiser for Brighton’s not-for-profit radio station, takes place on, March 3, 2018.

The event will be raising funds for the community radio station, which aims to be ‘the sound of your city’ by creating programmes that represent the Brighton communities, reflected by their new strapline: ‘We Are Brighton. We are RadioReverb. The sound of your city’.

Following Juice 107.2’s recent buy-out by Global, Europe’s leading radio company, RadioReverb hope to become increasingly important as an independent broadcaster. This latest Reverbathon fundraiser will be more important than ever as the donations collected will ensure a local voice is preserved in Brighton radio.

Reverbathon is a live 12-hour broadcast, fundraiser and community event which will run from 7 am on Saturday, March 3 to 7 pm, airing from the station’s studio in Brighton’s Open Market.

The money raised will contribute to the running of the radio station, enabling it to remain playlist and advert free.

Reverbathon will also celebrate the social landscape of Brighton and Hove and showcase the top talent that dominates the station’s community lead schedule.

Each hour a different presenter will take to the airwaves with a special edition of their unique show. Other presenters, guests and musicians will be dropping in for short sessions and chats, creating a totally unique, one-off local radio experience.

Presenters scheduled to appear include Emma Inch, Sophie Cook, Josie Booth, Pete Jones and Alan Wares. Each presenter will also host a feature dedicated to celebrating International Women’s Day.

The RadioReverb team will be at the Open Market all day, selling merchandise and collecting donations. Listeners will also get the chance to request a song of their choice in return for a donation, made online or in person at the studio.

The 2018 event will be the 11th annual Reverbathon.

Tracey Allen
Tracey Allen

Station Director Tracey Allen, said: “Reverbathon 2018 is shaping up to be a really exciting event, and we can’t wait to get out into the community and celebrate the diversity of Brighton.

“2017 was a great year for RadioReverb as we launched many new, exciting, socially aware shows and a number of our presenters won prestigious broadcasting awards. The donations raised by the latest Reverbathon will fund more exciting developments in 2018!”

You can tune in to RadioReverb at 97.2FM, on DAB+ and on-line at www.radioreverb.com.

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