Shades 10th Anniversary

Shades is marking a decade of underground culture in Brighton this April. Since its start in 2016 as a small gallery night, the project has focused on the UK’s underground rap and alternative scenes, building a reputation for intimate, high-energy events. On Friday, 17 April 2026, the team is returning to Komedia to host their 10th-anniversary event, bringing their community-focused approach back to the city where it began. It is a moment to look back at the project's evolution from those early gallery sessions to its current role as a platform for the local and national underground scene.

The night is set to take place in the Komedia Studio, located at 44-47 Gardner Street in the heart of the North Laine area, just a short walk from Brighton station. Doors open at 21:00 for what is structured as a standing club night. The programme includes DJ sets from Forty, along with live performances from Louie Levack and Big YS, with additional artists expected to be announced closer to the date. This setup reflects the project's history of showcasing specific artists within the rap and alternative genres, maintaining the same focus on the music that defined their earlier events.

For those planning to attend, the event is restricted to those aged 18 and over. There are exactly 100 tickets available for this session, which highlights the scale of the gathering. Pricing currently starts from £8, with a guide price of £10, though these figures can fluctuate daily. Given the capacity limit, the organisers have noted the limited availability for the night, so it is worth checking the current status if you are considering going. The event serves as a point of reflection for the project's ten-year trajectory within the local music scene, offering a space for those interested in the rap and alternative culture that Shades has supported since its inception.