We Do Like Croquet, Ah
Immerse yourself in Alice’s whimsical Wonderland and play a game of croquet on the lawn, just like the queen. From 21st July to 31st August, players can make their way around the lawns of Preston Manor, using their flamingo mallet to cheat to their heart’s content. Die-hard Alice fans will be climbing over each other to have a go, and at £10 for an hour long game it won’t cost you your head either. Note: the gardeners will not be pleased if you attempt to paint the roses.
Something Old
A firm favourite in Brighton, The Vintage Fair just keeps getting bigger and better. Down at the Corn Exchange this month, as well as 50 traders there’s also a hair salon, offering styling and make up, and a vintage tea party. Besides clothes and shoes, traders will be offering homeware and jewellery, providing an opportunity to wear authentic clothing right down to your knickers. If it all gets a bit much, console yourself with a delicious homemade cupcake and admire the style on display. The Vintage Fair takes place Sun 29th, 10am-4pm.
One for sorrow, 20 for joy
Magpie Recycling on Lewes Road have been reducing, reusing and recycling the city’s waste for 20 years. The co-operative celebrates its anniversary on Sat 14th with the Magpie Eco Festival, next to its flagship Shabitat warehouse in Saunders Park. The free event includes a solar powered stage for bands and DJs, environmental workshops, sustainable craft stalls, and local food and drink produce.
Free Music Course
Young musicians can apply for a free chance to hone their talents on City College Brighton & Hove’s Level 3 Music Technology course. Students are taught a range of practical and creative skills in music production, recording techniques, live sound and other aspects of sound engineering. Level 3 courses are open to anyone aged 18-24, so long as they have 5 GSCEs (grade C or above), but no A Level or other Level 3 vocational qualifications. For further details on this and other City College courses, visit ccb.ac.uk
Digital apprenticeships
Dv8 Sussex is offering 16-24 year-olds the chance to take a paid apprenticeship in the creative and digital media industries. Young people are taken on for a minimum of 12 months, working towards a national qualification with the help of local companies (including Brightwave, Littleloud and Kanoti) and Dv8’s tutors. Applicants are expected to be ambitious and talented with a strong interest in the creative and digital industries. Details on courses and how to apply can be found at dv8sussex.com
City Of Diversity
Brighton and Hove’s annual celebration of diversity, People’s Day, returns to the centre of town on Sat 14th. Spreading from Jubilee Square and New Road, across to Pavilion Gardens and Victoria Gardens, People’s Day encompasses nine themed zones. As well as raising awareness of the broad culture and history of the city, the free festival includes live music, workshops in dance, art, drumming and more, and a mixture of sporting activities, from electronic gaming to table tennis and football.
Olympic Marathon
The Olympic Flame comes to town on 16th July, with two major celebratory events taking place to welcome it: Same Sky’s free family oriented fun day in Hove Park, and the Rizzle Kicks-featuring official shenanigans in the Hove Cricket Ground. Plans are shaping up for the conclusion of the London 2012 fandango on 9th September too, including a full afternoon of music on Brighton Bandstand. Performers interested in this national Bandstand Marathon event should contact arts organisation Superact on 01823 332413.
Words by Stuart Huggett, Jessica Marshall McHattie and Thirza Tooes
