Events: Brighton Fringe

Some of our favourite things about the events going on in the Brighton Festival and the Brighton Fringe

Brighton’s big festivals return this week. Whether you prefer high brow, political, flamboyant, occasionally offensive, or chaotic fun, both amazing festivals have something special to culturally share. With Brighton Fringe occupying 193 venues, there’s so much to experience: cabaret, comedy, dance, theatre, workshops, music and family events.

Kicking off the first weekend is the Fringe City Tea Party at the Old Steine. Bring a picnic blanket to the free event and enjoy a day of entertainers and artisan foods. Be sure to see the Brighton Frocks Catwalk Show at All Saints Church and expect dramatic and visually astounding theatrical performances of off-the-wall collections from 12 national designers.

There is also The Zeitgeist Catwalk Show that showcases the best up-and-coming talent and is packed full of an astonishing selection of cutting edge designs. The Sussex County Cricket Club hosts a Sussex Vs West-Indies match and Beer Festival. Join in the calypso fun when the West Indies head into Hove. Another free event for the whole family, with bouncy castles, steel bands, beer and first-class cricket.

Children can try an Acting Workshop at the Brighton Youth Centre, where they can learn how to act from a professional perspective and not be treated like a child. For those who like a tipple (or two) you’ll enjoy ‘Genteel Tipple Through Gin in Literature’. From Charles Dickens to Bret Easton Ellis, gin has fuelled writers, characters and plots. Enjoy especially enlightening extracts and sample specially mixed Hendrick’s cocktails.

There’s a powerful programme of cultural delights at this year’s Brighton Festival. Actress, UNICEF Ambassador and political activist Vanessa Redgrave is the guest director, stating: “I just hope it gives people the jolliest of times and offers nourishment for the soul.”

The events cover such subject matter of acting, politics, homeland to humanitarian concerns and the needs of children in our world. Don’t miss a rare interview at the Brighton Dome: Vanessa Redgrave CBE: A Life in Pictures, where Vanessa opens the festival with a celebration of her remarkable career and life. The Royal Pavilion Gardens hosts the ‘Sky Arts Den’ where you can relax between festival events and enjoy free performances from live music to spoken word.

Whatever your style, there’s definitely something for everyone across Brighton & Hove in May.

Brighton Festival 2012, Saturday 5–Sunday 27 May, 01273 709709, www.brightonfestival.org; Brighton Fringe 2012, Saturday 5–Sunday 27 May, 01273 917272/01273 709709, www.brightonfringe.org