Celebcity: V V Brown joins the Great Escape line-up

V V Brown joins the Great Escape line-up, Patsy Palmer leaves town, Alison Moyet moves in & David Walliams has a confession to make

V V Brown’s escape plan
Brighton’s Great Escape Festival 2013 is quickly approaching (16–18 May) and we’re extra excited now it’s been announced that London-based singer V V Brown has been added to the bill. Brown hit the big time back in 2009 with hits ‘Shark In The Water’ and ‘Crying Blood’ which were undeniably catchy radio-pop. However, being invited to her secret gig in Shoreditch last week – where she showcased a new darker sound which informs her forthcoming LP ‘Samson & Delilah’ – our interest in the star has just doubled. We were blown away by Brown’s new sound, which is a far cry from the rockabilly numbers of ‘Travelling Like The Light’, showing off her amazing, almost operatic, vocals to full potential.

Working with The Invisibles’ Dave Okumu – who produced Jessie Ware’s latest album – and Laurence Aldridge, the new work is dancier, more grown-up and a hell of a lot sexier! Stand-out tracks at the showcase include the chilled-out ‘Faith’ and bass heavy ‘Warrior’, which definitely worked up the crowds in Shoreditch. V V Brown will play The Mesmerist on 16 May and we’re going to be queuing up to see her before she unleashes this fierce new sound worldwide. Brown also currently features on All About She’s new single ‘Bullet’ which is available to download online.
www.vvbrown.com

Wayne’s romantic proposal
We recently announced the engagement of Brighton and Hove Albion WAG Frankie Sandford – of The Saturdays fame – and Wayne Bridge, but we were unaware at quite how um… romantically the event had come about. Talking to Capital radio, Frankie explained that the footie star had actually tied her diamond ring to her dog Pixie’s neck. Bridge also dressed both the singer’s dogs in matching bride and groom outfits especially for the occasion. It all sounds suitably respectful.

BBC Pictures

Farewell patsy
We’re sad to say bye to our fave Brighton celebrity red-head – Patsy Palmer – as she makes the move away from the coast to be nearer to the EastEnders’ studio in Elstree. The actress, who plays fiery Bianca on the BBC soap, has been a long time favourite with fans, and this move goes to suggest she’ll be sticking on the Square for some time yet. Once more with feeling: “RICKAAAAAYY!”

Alison Moyet moves in
As one door closes, another one opens, and singer Alison Moyet is the latest musician to make the move down to our sunny city. Moyet, who used to live in Radlett, has said that her new Brighton life is set to be decluttered. Talking to The Guardian about her move the Yazoo star explained: “I dumped everything. Even my gold discs. I smashed the lot. I took a hammer to them. And I’m not being lairy, but there were hundreds. It was f****** brilliant. All my stage clothes – gone. I love it. And I burned all my diaries. I really don’t want to own things. It just drags you down.”

We’re glad Alison felt Brighton was the place to live her new zen lifestyle, she’s got the local hippy mantra down to a tee. Moyet also spoke of recent comparisons between her and fellow Brighton-based singer Adele, commenting: “When I saw Adele I thought, ‘I’ll give it an hour before people say I was her’, just because I was fat. When you watch The X Factor you can bet your bottom dollar, every single fat singer sounds like me as far as the judges are concerned.”
Welcome, Alison – with open arms – you’re just as outspoken as the rest of us!

David’s got talent?
David Walliams’ drawing talents (or lack of) have been brought to our attention this week. The star was approached to contribute a postcard to The Martlets Hospice’s Anonymous Art Auction, but the Britain’s Got Talent judge confessed: “I can’t draw at all.” However, kind-hearted David showed his support to the hospice by sending a signed copy of his award-winning book to be auctioned instead. The auction, organised by the Rotary Club of Brighton, in aid of The Martlets Hospice, takes place on Wednesday 12 June at Brighton Museum. Other famous names who have contributed include Sally Gunnell and Nick Cave. The art will be on display in the Founders Room from 7 June. For more information please visit www.themartlets.org.uk