Latest People: World stories: Young voices and Peter James

Sussex Business Awards launch, World Stories: Young Voices, BIMM & Peter James’ must-have summer read

Not Dead Yet
“I consider it my good fortune to live locally, as Brighton is such a great location for a crime writer – it has so many interesting nooks and crannies, and so many possibilities lurking beneath the surface, waiting to be drawn out,” says author Peter James. “My new book features an LA producer planning to make a blockbuster movie, while for rock superstar, Gaia, this is the role that could get her an Oscar nomination. And for the city of Brighton and Hove, the publicity value of a major Hollywood movie being filmed on location, about the city’s greatest love story – between King George IV and Maria Fitzherbert – is incalculable. But Detective Superintendent Roy Grace has a nightmare unfolding in front of his eyes as an obsessed stalker is targeting Gaia…”
Britain could not fail to notice the blanket publicity given this summer to the latest book by Brighton’s own internationally celebrated crime fiction writer, Peter James. As with his previous books, Not Dead Yet was launched with a fantastic party in the city and is the 8th in the phenomenally successful Roy Grace series, which have notched up sales of two million copies in the UK and 11 million worldwide.

Not Dead Yet sold 8,905 hardback copies in its opening week, making it his third number one in a row. Much of his new book takes place in and around The Grand Hotel and the Royal Pavilion, giving it an added frisson for readers who recognise his many references to the city’s locations.
Peter also won the People’s Bestseller ‘Dagger’ at the ITV Crime Awards presentation in 2011, beating off competition from some of the greatest
living crime writers. www.peterjames.com
Words & photos: Diana Frangi

World Stories: Young Voices
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery held a special viewing of their new innovative, permanent gallery World Stories: Young Voices on Monday 18 June. Young people have been working with curators, film makers, artists and writers to create exciting new displays. These include objects not previously on public view, together with major new purchases and important commissions. The gallery is aimed at young people and families. New acquisitions include examples of Iranian visual art.
Photos: Val Aviv

BIMM end of term gig
On Friday 22 June, award-winning college BIMM Brighton celebrated
their end of term gig at Concorde 2. The bands performed to a full house of tutors, students and friends creating a fantastic support atmosphere. Mitch Winehouse was among the guests to be presented with a cheque for the Amy Winehouse Foundation donated by BIMM. For more info: www.bimm.co.uk
Words:Diana Frangi
Photos: Diana Frangi & Mike Burnell

Sussex Business Awards launch
The 24th Sussex Business Awards have officially launched, following three events across the county in one week – Crawley, Eastbourne and Brighton. The events were attended by over 250 businesspeople, including previous award winners and this year’s sponsors.
Celebrating business excellence across Sussex, the Awards are the longest established scheme of its kind in the county.
To enter simply go online at www.sbawards.org.uk. You can enter up to three categories plus Healthiest Workplace, Best Boss and the Greatest Contribution to Sussex Charity. There is a small entry charge of £50 for one award and £100 for three to cover the administration costs of the scheme.
Photos: Julia Claxton