Stage: Live & Let Live goes live

Earlier this year Latest embarked on a major new project, supported by the Heritage Lottery, to create a major digital collection and exhibition of Brighton & Hove’s LGBT+ history. For the last five months Latest CIC has been actively creating a digital archive from our vast resource of printed material, our magazines, and most recently TV work. In addition we have been gathering material from beyond our own resources to expand this fascinating story of a city famous for its liberal attitudes and behaviour.

Most excitingly we have been talking to people and making video histories of people who have been active in the LGBT+ community, owners of famous bars, clubs, political movers and shakers, performers, musicians and theatre makers… all of them with fascinating stories to share about how this remarkable city has become their home, sometimes welcoming, and sadly from time to time not.

A city famous for its liberal attitudes

From the many conversations we have recorded so far, and this is an ongoing project, we have also been able to make a film that we are calling The Great Brighton Gay Pub and Club Crawl. This was no mean feat, the list included over 50 venues past and present, and we are already aware that there are far more places that we need to include as the project progresses. Driving around the city in an open top car we have recorded what would in reality be a deadly pub and club crawl, but one that we are sure will stir many memories for our vibrant community.

The work so far will be screened hourly over the weekend of Brighton Pride at Latest MusicBar in Manchester Street, and at the same time you will be able to see on the outside of the building our exciting new LGBT+ heritage wall.

Do come along and take a look at what is a vital part of what makes our city the wonderful place that it is.