» White Night festival programme
The first White Night festival takes place over the weekend of 25 to 26 October. Timed to coincide with the end of British Summer Time, it offers a chance for residents and visitors to reclaim the streets from the loud, brash traditional Saturday night.
A diverse range of venues will stay open into the wee hours, including a performance by the Brighton Philharmonic in the Royal Pavilion Music Room, a live art experience in the Phoenix Art Gallery, a musical midnight swim in the local pool, 11 illuminated buildings throughout the city, a performance of Charlie Morrissey’s new piece Duets For The Small Hours, and much more besides.
Musically, another highlight occurs at the Unitarian Church with Brighton’s folk artist Mary Hampton performing alongside electronic sampler/sitar player Chris Cook aka Same Actor, Adam Bushell and Tom Norrel. The performances will be lit with films and visuals. www.whitenightbrightonandhove.com
See the programme below.
VENUES OPEN LATE
Brighton Dome – open ’til 2am, comedy festival, foyer open as a piano bar featuring Herbie Flowers.
Brighton Museum – open 7pm to midnight (last entry 11.30pm)
There will be romance in the air as the galleries come to life with costumed poets reciting verses of love and the Wandering Minstrels singing from the tale of Cinderella. Plus, for this night only, admission to the highly acclaimed exhibition Chinese Whispers will be completely free.
Pavilion Gardens – love messages flashed in morse code.
Fabrica Gallery, University of Brighton Gallery and Lighthouse – open late with tours and debate.
Jubilee Library – open all night, themed readings and films, local bands.
Komedia – open ’til 3am or 5am with a tribute to Fip, the eclectic French radio station popular in Brighton.
The Basement, Kensington Street – open 6pm to 6am for Live Art Performances.
Royal Pavilion – open 7 to midnight (last entry 11.30pm)
Enjoy the glamour of the Regency era as members of Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra and the New Sussex Singers perform in concert in the beautiful Music Room. With the state rooms lit in their full glory and the sounds of the harp playing, the late night atmosphere will be magical.
Plus, your chance to watch an excerpt of the performance that will represent Brighton and Hove at Liverpool’s Portrait of a Nation event in December. The Liverpool showcase combines free-running, street-dance and film created by young people in collaboration with Urban Playground, Streetfunk, and Junk TV.
Phoenix Studios and Gallery – open all night.
Prince Regent Swimming Pool open ’til 2am with underwater music.
St Bartholomew’s Church – four leading local choirs and a singing procession starting in New road at 6.30pm
ART TRAILS
Trail 1 – Outdoor illuminations highlighting focal points of architectural or historical interest.
Trail 2 – A Wall is a Screen – films projected on walls as part of a tour.
Trail 3 – a treasure hunt on bikes.
Trail 4 – special tour, site-specific events.
Trail 5 walks with local historian.
SPECIAL COMMISSION
Duet for the Small Hours – choreographer Charlie Morrisey’s dance performance between 2am and 2am, when the clocks go back, through the city ending in Pavilion Gardens.
CAFES / RESTAURANTS / BARS
Carluccio’s – candlelit supper, open to 2am.
Zilli Café and Brasserie and Merkaba cocktail lounge at MyHotel – late openings.
Latest Music Bar (formerly Joogleberry) DJs, 6pm-4am.
