Italian Festival Grand Finale

Brighton is getting a bit of an Italian makeover throughout May. The Brighton Italian Festival, which was started by filmmaker William Ranieri to support local businesses and artists, is turning the city centre into a space that feels quite different from the usual routine. It is essentially a month-long celebration that kicks off with an 'Italian Street Party' on Saturday, 2 May. From midday until late, Jubilee Square will host regional street food, live bands, talks, and DJ sets, setting the tone for the rest of the month.

The programme is fairly varied, covering a mix of cultural activities. There is a bit of everything, from a children's clown show to theatre performances. If you are looking for specific dates, there is a launch night featuring a London-based artist, a performance by a Brighton-based Italian singer, and a set from an Italian-American comedian on Saturday, 9 May. For those interested in music, there is a jazz evening with Italian vocalist Betty Accorsi on Sunday, 10 May, and, for the first time, opera will be performed at the Brighton Palace Pier on Monday, 11 May. A more unusual addition is the 'Spaghetti Disco' on Thursday, 28 May, where the concept is straightforward: people eat spaghetti before the dancing starts.

The whole festival wraps up with a Grand Finale on Sunday, 31 May. This closing event focuses on Sicilian culture, featuring 20 Sicilian folk singers and a selection of authentic Sicilian street food. It is worth noting that the entire festival is free to attend, making it an accessible option if you are looking for something to do in the city without a ticket cost. Whether you are interested in the opera, the food, or just seeing how the city centre transforms for the month, the schedule offers a few different ways to engage with the programme.