Latest people: City Reads 2012 launch, the Olympic torch in Brighton

City Reads 2012 launch, the Olympic torch in Brighton & Hove, People’s Day 2012 & new openings

City Reads launch 2012
City Reads 2012 launched on Wednesday 11 July at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery. This year’s chosen book, My Policeman, is written by Brighton author Bethan Roberts. Sarah Hutchings of City Reads announced the exciting programme of events based around the book, and our very own Andrew Kay gave a speech about the book and its themes and roots in Brighton, urging us all to pick up a cipy for this year’s event. City Reads 2012 runs 15 September–7 October.
Photos courtesy of Tony Mould – My Brighton and Hove Website

Waterhouse Bar & Terrace Launch
The Hilton Brighton Metropole launched its new Waterhouse Bar & Terrace at a VIP Reception on 12 July. The evening was filled with Champagne, signature cocktails, canapés, a mixology masterclass and live entertainment. There is the very best in hospitality, with booth seating, a snug and dispensary bar all part of the new experience they are bringing to The Hilton.
www.brightonmet.hilton.com
Words & Photos: Patrick Kneath

The Olympic Torch in Brighton & Hove
The Olympic Torch came to Hove on 16 July, Day 59, with the offical lighting of the Olympic Flame at the Sussex County Cricket Club by Karen West, a nurse from Worthing, alongside Sally Gunnell. The county ground was packed with an enthusiastic crowd and were entertained by the Rizzle Kicks and The Brighton Big Band.
Words & Photos: Patrick Kneath

FunFair launch
The newest club in the city held its opening night on 12 July at 12-15 Kings Road, Brighton. In a setting of decadence and curiosity the bar has a dance floor, optical illusion hallways, secret passages and booths and to top it all off a ball pit!
The brainchild of Tava O’Halloran and Daniel Wright, FunFair aims to surpass their popular London clubs in a distinctly Brighton vein.
www.funfairclub.com
Words & photos: Patrick Kneath

People’s Day 2012
Music, dance, sport and fantastic food from around the globe featured at Brighton & Hove’s annual one day festival – People’s Day – on Saturday 14 July. Streetfunk’s hip -hop dancers put on an energetic display of their freestyling talents. Visitors also had the opportunity to learn about healthy living and uncover the history and culture of the city. Other highlights included live music by Brighton band, The Fragile Creatures, African drumming and dance workshops, Chinese brush painting, table tennis and penalty shoot out games with local football teams.
Photos courtesy of Brighton & Hove City Council

World’s biggest dog
The world’s biggest dog, Bunny the greyhound, visited Brighton & Hove 11–15 July. Bunny rode atop a 24 foot long limo to promote a night at the dogs at The Coral Stadium. Bunny, along with her helpers including Bob the dog, gave away free tickets to the public, while raising awareness of the Retired Greyhound Trust.
Photos courtesy of Sports Mad Media

A night at the theatre winners
Geraldine and Barrie Alderton, winners of a Latest Newsletter competition joined Latest’s theatre critic Andrew Kay in the Queen Elizabeth II box at the Theatre Royal Brighton. The play, Educating Rita by Willy Russell, starred Matthew Kelly and Claire Sweeney. Geraldine and Barrie are well known estate agents who for years have specialised in Hanover properties. At the end of the show they both said how much they had enjoyed being at the Theatre Royal and were considering becoming members of the friends scheme.