Celeb City: are you being served?

Michael Harwood’s debut novel; Brighton Pride 2015; celeb spotting in the city

Last week we were delighted to be invited to the Red Room (of zero pain) at Brighton’s Royal Pavilion for the official launch of The Manservant, the debut novel from Brighton author Michael Harwood. One of the UK’s most sought after private chefs, Michael has cooked for a whole host of rich and famous clients including HM Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip – most of whom he can’t discuss, due to the non-disclosure agreements he has signed, dammit.

There were flashbulbs aplenty in the suitably regal surrounding of the Red Room at the exclusive signing event, which was followed by a private drinks party. Well worth a read, The Manservant is a modern day comedy of manners that draws on the author’s real-life experiences as a personal chef to Britain’s rich and famous. A thrilling contemporary take on Downton Abbey, the novel is a scandalous and racy romp through the perennially popular subject of the upstairs / downstairs divide. Get yourself a copy – perfect reading for the summer season.

Well done Michael.

Brighton Pride is one of our favourite events of the year. An amazing showcase of the diversity, exuberance and sheer bloody brilliance of our city, Pride never fails to make us all that little bit prouder of ourselves. 2014 was a ground-breaking event, with a superb community parade, blistering festival event at Preston Park and a hugely successful ticketed Pride Village Party. The 2015 Brighton Pride celebrations look set to build on this success with the news that our very own superstar DJ, Fatboy Slim, will again be rocking the Wild Fruit Big Top.

Added to this, organisers have announced that Grammy award-winning, double Brit nominee Jess Glynne will be performing live on the Brighton Pride Festival main stage. The singer – who has just hit number one on the iTunes Top Songs chart with her single ‘Hold My Hand’ – is adored by Adele, rated by Zane Lowe and loved by Lily Allen. My advice is to get your tickets early because I predict a sell-out. Head to www.brighton-pride.org for tickets and further info. See you in the Park on August 1.
 
Spotted!
Muse frontman Matt Bellamy in the North Laine. The band were in the city to perform at Brighton Dome last week.