City set to host exciting events

A global music festival, cabaret and circus show and the city’s first international triathlon are among the range of exciting outdoor events being planned for Brighton & Hove next year.

Members of the council’s Economic Development and Culture Committee are being asked to give landlords consent for a varied programme of events planned for the city’s parks and open spaces.

Outdoor events play a major role in the city contributing to the economy and attracting tourism. The 2016 proposed programme includes regular events, such as the Brighton Marathon in April which is now established as one of the leading marathons in the country and brings an estimated £4m into the city.

New events include Global Beats, a two day arts and music event planned for East Brighton Park in July. The event would feature music from around the world alongside electronic dance music.

Another new event, proposed by the promoters of the Ladyboys of Bangkok, is Ole a mix of cabaret and circus. The organisers are seeking permission to stage the UK premiere of the show on Hove Lawns in August.

Sports fans are already eagerly awaiting the Brighton International Triathlon which was granted landlord’s consent earlier this summer. Councillors are being asked to approve a change of date to September 11 to avoid clashes with other national events.

Organisers of the ‘Together the People’ event which attracted 6,000 people to Preston Park last year, are seeking permission to run the event for a further three years, and The Brighton Festival Fringe organisers have asked to return to St Peter’s North Lawn.

The team behind the popular Shakedown Music Festival has asked the council to consider letting them return to Stanmer Park next year.

Plans for one of the city’s most economically significant events, Brighton Pride 2016, are currently in development and a report will be submitted to the Economic Development & Culture Committee in January 2016 for landlords consent.  The council and key city agencies are currently working with Pride CIC on these proposals and are committed to help deliver yet another safe and successful event that provides benefit not only to the LGBT community but the city as a whole.

Other events proposed for parks and open spaces includes the Moscow State Circus, Pride, Big Screen on Brighton Beach, an off-road cycle ride,  Paddle Round the Pier, Heroes vs Villains Superheroes run and a Fiery Food festival.

Councillor Adrian Morris, lead member for tourism and the arts, said: “Outdoor events play a major role in attracting visitors to Brighton & Hove all year round, adding to the vibrancy of the city for residents and tourists and making a significant contribution to the local economy.

“Events such as the Brighton Marathon, bring huge crowds to the city, attracting widespread media coverage and providing valuable publicity and we are particularly excited about welcoming the city’s first Triathlon.”

Landlord’s consent is required from the council for the staging of all major outdoor events in the city and councillors are considering applications submitted for events now, to enable the organisers to plan ahead for next year.