AT THE EDGE OF THE SEA FESTIVAL

EDGY, BY THE SEA. JOB DONE.

Twenty years ago The Wedding Present hit home because their songs were all about splitting up with your girlfriend. All of them. Well, except ‘Kennedy’ which was about Jimmy Carter, or something. Now all their fans are happily married and more likely worried about their son’s girlfriends. But no mind – they’re still gruff and noisy, and have some great songs (mostly about…well, you know). Bandleader David Gedge is back this summer with another Edge Of The Sea festival with his band of indie stalwarts, their associated offshoots and some local crowd pleasers.

Kicking off with an acoustic set from Cinerama, Gedge’s other band, the night features sets from The Ukranians, Klee, Sharks and Persil, ending with The Wedding Present doing an end-to-end of their signature ‘Bizarro’ album. Peppered between the sets are acoustic performances from Darren Hayman (ex-Hefner), band bassist Terry de Gastro, guitarist Paul Dorrington as Rose Leaf Miner and Brighton’s own Half Sisters. There will also be custom short story readings from Short Fuse, all on a Wedding Present theme, and music from DJ Rocker.

As an awayday for the committed or merely curious, this is a perfect opportunity to get some sun on your back as the fest spills out onto the beach with plastic cups and picnics. Check the Facebook page attinyurl.com/edgeofsea.

Words by Nick Coquet Concorde 2, Sat 28th 3-10pm