Revealing St James Street

If you have spent any time walking around Brighton, you have likely passed through St James’s Street without knowing the full history behind the shopfronts. 'Revealing St James Street' is a project that digs into that local queer history through a 1.2-mile walking tour. The experience uses a silent disco headset system, allowing you to listen to stories from residents, venue owners, and artists while you walk. The tour starts outside the Pinocchio restaurant on New Road and lasts approximately 50 minutes, covering the area’s background before heading towards the final stop at the Queens Arms.

Once the walk concludes, the experience moves into the Queens Arms for a 45-minute cabaret show. The project is led by Alfie Ordinary, Alex Fincher, and Billie Gold, who have spent time researching archives and gathering personal accounts to put this together. There is a 15-minute break between the walking portion and the performance, which is useful for planning your evening. It is worth noting that the event is strictly for those aged 18 and over, and there are content warnings regarding adult themes, language, and references to substances throughout the tour and the show.

The event is scheduled for May 2, 3, 9, and 10, 2026, with start times at 17:00, 17:10, and 17:20. Tickets are priced at £12 for adults and £10 for students, though keep in mind there is a £3.50 booking fee applied to online or phone reservations. The project itself was commissioned by Historic England and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with support from Queer Heritage South and Marlborough Productions. It provides a specific look at the history of the gay village, presented through a combination of guided walking and live performance, offering a way to engage with the local heritage of Brighton & Hove.