Shades: A Decade Later

It is hard to believe that it has already been ten years since the first edition of Shades. Back in 2016, it started as a gallery night, but over the last decade, it has shifted into a platform focused on the UK’s rap and alternative music scene. If you have been following the local underground circuit in Brighton, you have likely seen how it has evolved from those early days into the intimate, high-energy events it is known for today. To mark this ten-year milestone, the organisers are hosting a special anniversary night, Shades: A Decade Later, which takes place on 4 September 2026.

The event is being held at The Rossi Bar, located at 8 Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3WA. Doors open at 21:00, and the programme for the evening includes DJ sets from Forty, alongside live performances by Louie Levack and Big YS. There are additional artists still to be announced, so the lineup may grow as we get closer to the date. Given the venue's size and the nature of these events, capacity is strictly limited to 100 tickets. If you are planning to go, it is worth noting that the standard entry price is £9.50.

This night is essentially a reflection of the culture that has grown in Brighton over the last decade. It is aimed at those who have been part of that community or anyone interested in the current state of the local rap and alternative scene. It is a straightforward setup: a small venue, a specific focus on the artists involved, and a limited crowd. Whether you are a long-time follower of the Shades trajectory or just looking for a night of live music in a familiar setting, the details are set for early September.