For those in the know, PatchFest is one of the highlights of Brighton & Hove’s social calendar. Taking place over the May Day Bank Holiday, it brings the community’s colourful spectrum to one of Lewes Road’s hidden treasures – William Clarke Park. Offering live music across two stages, bars, food, craft stalls, workshops and a Kids Corner, it’s turned into a hugely popular event over the years.
Lockdown restrictions currently mean it’s not possible to hold gatherings of any size, but PatchFest’s organisers are keeping the spirit alive by taking the fun online on Fri 8 May. “It’s been a lot to organise and has been pulled together in a very short space of time,” says Tristian O’Brien, a committee member from Friends of William Clarke Park. “We were inspired by Crystal Palace Lockdown Festival that’s been running the last few weekends on Facebook and wanted to do something similar in Brighton.”
Kickstarting Brighton & Hove’s traditional festival season, PatchFest will be streaming online a diverse mix of entertainment from a variety of local venues and performers. “We’ve had a great response from musicians and DJs, some who have played Patchfest before, who will be performing live from their living rooms on the day,” adds O’Brien. “There’s something for everyone from psych to jazz to blues to reggae, and we even have a goth spectacular!”
Amongst the stellar talent getting ready to liven up your weekend are Leggy Reggae aka General Legsta, Ela Southgate, Astral Engineering, Lewis Aslan, SouthWestsiide, Joonas Kuokka, Arash Torabi, Dayles Ford by Carole, Keshco, Pog, Angela Last from Mottomotto, Sammie Hall, Too-Odd, James McSorleyley, Steven Krakowow, Wook Hamilton, Octoberclub, R.Dyer, DJ Burgundy, Georgy Ragazza, @DJ-IM and Gwenifer Raymond. As you’d expect, there’s even some late night after party shenanigans, with Benjamin Newland from (Non)Nomadic Sound System and Miles Bell from Originuk Radio) playing until late. It’s going to be almost the same, but in your living room (or appropriate outside space).
Virtual PatchFest has also become part of Big BrightONline Weekender, a larger citywide event across the whole weekend which is offering stand-up comedy from Komedia Brighton, a lunchtime recital from the Unitarian Church, live music from Hayley Ross, a drag festival from Revenge Brighton, Brighton Fringe’s Roaring 2020 Speakeasy and cocktail masterclass with Queen Victoria from Phileas Foggs World Of Adventures.
PatchFest comes direct to your internet connected devices on Fri 8 May 2020. For more details, visit: www.patchfest.news/virtual
