Three of Brighton’s biggest party bands join forces for a special night of sweaty mayhem at The Old Market next month. Presented as ‘Big is Beautiful’, the gig features a trio of acts who would normally be headlining any local show: Buffo’s Wake, Town of Cats and Los Albertos. Expect an extended mash-up of folk and ska, klezmer, funk and punk.

Promoters Fresh Lenins have upsized their usual operations to the 500-capacity venue for one night only to celebrate the “pleasures of the gargantuan, the delights of the monstrous and the ferocious furriness of the big cat.” For the occasion Brighton carnival punks Buffo’s Wake have swelled from a band of six to a 19-piece orchestra. Having seen them turn audiences into a mess with violin and accordion, we’re looking forward to seeing what they can do with another dozen of them on stage. The band’s range of influences is also pretty huge – from Eastern European, Balkan and Russian folk, to punk rock and cabaret.

Town of Cats, for their part, seem to have more musicians every time they play. The band’s blend of rap, funk and festival grooves should be a perfect complement to local heroes Los Albertos whose wild mix of ska, drum’n’bass and techno also comes with plenty of brass.

In addition, you’ll get folky reels and jigs from Ceilidh Boom and a solo set from Hallouminati’s frontman performing as Komboloi Star, while Opa Rosa bring traditional Balkan music all the way from Bristol. We’re also promised circus cabaret and walkabout performers. It all kicks off early evening at 7pm. Summer may be over, but the festival spirit is alive and well in Hove.

The Old Market, Friday 21st October 2022
Tickets available here