Brighton up your weekend

Brighton’s annual arts festival kicks off on Saturday 1st May as the Seaside town indulges in three weeks of live music, performing arts and outdoor attractions and activities for all the family.

As well as contemporary music and world dance, you can wet your whistle with street artists and take part in debate and book readings. The diverse line-up does not stop there either.

Among the highlights are music from Asian Dub Foundation and English National Opera; talks from Harold Pinter, Rageh Omar and Clive James; and performances of 'The Pugilist Specialist', 'Oliver Twist' and 'Gilgamesh'.

Venues — Brighton Dome & Corn exchange, the Complex, Brighton
Brighton Dome Pavillion, Church Street Brighton
Komedia Theatre 44-47 Gardner Street, Brighton
Theatre Royal, New Road, Brighton

Times and cost vary
More info: http://www.brighton-festival.org.uk/

Brighton Pier

Brighton Pier is open 364 days of the year so if the weather is hot then why not venture down and enjoy the fun. Even if the weather is miserable go along anyway as many of the rides are undercover.

There’s plenty to do, Roller Coasters, Kiddies’ rides and if you fancy sneaking away to show your budding pop idol talents, why not go on down to the Offshore bar and showcase your talents (tuck a couple of shooters away while you’re there too).

Venue: Brighton Pier
Times: 9.00am — 2.00am
More info: http://www.brightonpier.co.uk/indexflash.htm

Spring Fling 2004-04-27 (Sun 2 May)

Sunday will see an invasion at the Pressure Point by hot new acts from the capital. Special Needs, Selfish C**t (just finished touring with the Libertines), Mystery Jets and the Soho Dolls.

Expect colourful language and a heavy assault on the eardrums and try and see if you can find out which band Snow Patrol are not particularly fond of for wrecking their entire equipment.

Venue: Pressure point
Times and cost: 8pm doors open (£10 in advance)
More info: http://www.brightonlife.com/listings/

Jungle Brothers live (Sun 2 May)

The old skool rap masters put on a live set at The Beach (not actually on the beach you understand?) Where they are sure to play a whole host of tracks from their three albums to date, the first being Straight Out The Jungle back in 1988.

Venue: The Beach
Times and cost: 10pm — 2am. £8 in advance and more on the door

Holdup Bank Holiday Special (Sun 2 May)

Expanding on the ever increasing success of Holdup, the Indie kings present a Bank Holiday special at Zap with a plethora of fabulous live bands.