Brighton celebrates the annual free festival, People’s Day 2012

Shiny happy people

With music, arts and culture being high on the list of Brighton and Hove’s well-known attributes, it’s easy to forget the essential ingredient that makes our city one of the most popular places in the UK to live, work and visit – and that is of course, its people.

The annual free festival, People’s Day, is designed to celebrate the city’s diverse mix of communities and our free-thinking attitude and spirit. The aim is to get as many people as possible to join in, have fun, and enjoy a real ‘Brighton’ day out.

This year’s event will take place on Saturday 14 July and is part of a weekend of festivities taking place ahead of the Olympic Torch Relay, which arrives in the city on Monday 16 July.
The day will run from 11am-5pm in New Road, Jubilee Street, Jubilee Square, the Pavilion Gardens and Victoria Gardens, Brighton.

Music, dance, sport, and fantastic food from around the globe are all features of the event, which has entertainment spread across nine different themed zones as well as individual stalls run by community groups and volunteers.

There will be a range of activities for all age groups to participate in – from arts and crafts to sports and electronic gaming. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about healthy living, uncover the history and culture of the city and get a chance to relax and unwind. Other highlights include live music by Brighton band, The Fragile Creatures, African drumming and dance workshops, Chinese brush painting and penalty shoot out games with local football teams.
The Council works in partnership with representatives from a vast array of communities in the city to make People’s Day happen, and this year over 50 community groups are involved with the event.

Council Leader, Jason Kitcat, says: “We have a lot to celebrate in Brighton and Hove and this is a wonderful opportunity to bring our communities together, increase understanding and tolerance for one another and break down any barriers that may exist.”

People’s Day is supported by: Black Minority Ethnic Community Partnership; Brighton & Hove Black History; Brighton & Hove LINK; Brighton & Hove Muslim Forum; Mediterranean Resources Network; Brighton & Hove Partnership Community Safety Team; Brighton & Hove Youth Council; Chattri Memorial Group; Federation of Disabled People; Friends Families and Travellers; Impetus Pensioner action.

The event is funded by the council and sponsors including: The National Trust, Holiday Inn Brighton, Guide2Brighton, Joogleberry Acts, Micarmo Portuguese Food and Drink, YepMobile, Spectrum and the Big Lemon CIC.
People’s Day, Saturday 14 July, 11am–5pm, taking place in New Road, Jubilee Street, Jubilee Square, the Pavilion Gardens and Victoria Gardens, Brighton.

For more information, visit: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/peoplesday