Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Park

If you are looking for something a bit different to do on a Sunday evening this summer, there is a new community orchestra making its debut in Brighton. Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Park, which was formed earlier this year in January, is holding its inaugural concert on July 20, 2026. The performance is taking place at One Church Brighton on Gloucester Place, and it is shaping up to be quite a varied programme. The director and founder, Bernd Rest, has arranged a selection of pieces specifically for this group, which they are calling a 'salmagundi of sounds'.

The setlist covers a lot of ground, moving from French waltzes and a Romanian folk dance to an Italian romantic opera aria. They are also mixing in some Bossa Nova, a baroque concerto, and even some Earth, Wind and Fire tracks, alongside chamber music and vocal pieces performed by members of the orchestra. It sounds like the kind of eclectic mix that keeps things interesting for about an hour and a half, including an interval. There will be a licensed bar available throughout the evening, so you can grab a drink before, during, or after the show.

Doors open at 19:30, with the music starting at 20:00. Tickets are tiered based on your situation: general admission is £16.50, while tickets for the unemployed and those under 25 are £9.90. For anyone under 16, the price is £5.50. You can book these online through platforms like WeGotTickets. It is worth noting that all profits from the night are going to Young Sounds UK, a charity that helps children from families who might otherwise struggle to afford instrument lessons.

One thing to keep in mind if you are planning to attend is the venue itself. One Church Brighton does not have step-free access, so that is something to consider when making your plans. It is an all-ages event, so it is open to anyone who wants to come along and hear what this new community group has been working on.