There’s plenty of parties going on in parallel to the Great Escape, some that you don’t need an wristband for, some that are free. Here’s a few that caught our eye.

PRINCE ALBERT & CABLE CLUB
Prince Albert Weds 11th
The Cable delivers a strong live line-up featuring What’s Your Vice, Nimmo & The Gauntletts, Clowns and the rapidly rising Sparrow. We reviewed their album a while back and just had that faith confirmed by a glowing report from The Times, they’re well worth a look for accessible folky pop. (NC)

BEYOND RETRO
Beyond Retro Thurs 12th-Sat 14th
Some of the many wonderful nuggets that you find when you lift up the obelisk that is The Great Escape are the afternoon instores that Beyond Retro host in their cavernous, old-school warehouse depot premises. There’ll be tea, cake and loads of amazing bands, and all of this without having to brave a heaving booze-dungeon in the middle of the night. (MB)

RECOMMENDER VS DROWNED IN SOUND
Audio Fri 13th
Possibly the best after party of TGE sees premier music website Drowned In Sound hook up with leading Brighton blog The Recommender. Four bands are spread over five nocturnal hours with Tender Age’s Beat Connection and launderette-loving Real Fur. Promises to be a proper party rather than a chin-stroking ‘showcase’. (JK)

THE AGENCY GROUP
Magnum Opus Fri 13th
Recently playing to a full house at Concorde 2, you’ll never again see politically-aware, distorto-reggae pop stars King Blues in such an intimate venue – a tattoo shop. They’re joined by The Minutes and Black Lungs in one of our favourite ink emporiums and it’s free too, so get there early. In fact you should probably start queuing now. (BR)

LOUT
Latest Music Bar Fri 13th
Lout are a key player in the Great Escape, and they’re using their knowledge of the lay of the land to showcase some excellent talent. They’re bringing out the big guns with chill out king Ben Howard accompanied by the gentle Lucy Rose plus special guest. (BR)

WORDS BY MATT BARKER, NICK COQUET, JAMES KENDALL, BILL ROBINSON