AudioActive @ BARCO
Established and Emerging Artists take the AudioActive Stage at Brighton BASH Festival!
The Brighton BASH Carnival will take place again this summer, marking its fifth consecutive year at St Ann’s Well Gardens in Hove on Saturday 26 July. The event will run from 11am to 8pm and is free to attend, with registration required and the option to donate.
Organised by BARCO (Black Anti-Racism Community Organisation), the carnival centres on the theme of ‘Crowns’ for 2025. In the months leading up to the event, BARCO has hosted workshops across the community and in schools, encouraging the creation of crown-themed pieces reflecting Black identity and heritage.
BASH, short for Building Alliance, Solidarity and Hope, is a day of celebration focused on Black culture, creativity and community. The event will include a parade at 1pm around the park’s perimeter, featuring steel pan bands, samba groups and dancers. There will also be multiple live music stages, spoken word, DJ tents, family activities, a holistic area, food stalls offering African and Caribbean cuisine, and the Black Brighton Market.
Among the key contributors this year is AudioActive, a local music organisation known for supporting young artists through free workshops and development programmes. AudioActive’s stage at the carnival will include performances by established UK artists Donae’o, Maxwell D and More Fire Crew, as well as a line-up of emerging talent including Yesha, Kanukai, A Vibe Called Gulu, Lilly Wolfe, Frankie Jean, Melly, Vitamin G, Asiedu and more.
The Brighton BASH Carnival is supported by Brighton & Hove City Council, alongside various local businesses, organisations and partners. Last year’s event attracted thousands of visitors and continues to grow as part of the city’s wider summer calendar.
BARCO was established in 2020 following local and international demonstrations calling for racial justice. The organisation focuses on improving the experiences of Black people in Brighton and Hove through cultural events, advocacy and community work. Its volunteers and supporters come from a range of backgrounds, working together toward shared goals.
For more details, including registration and ways to support, visit the event page or follow updates from BARCO and AudioActive online.
Location: St Ann’s Well Gardens, Somerhill Road, Brighton and Hove, BN3
Admission: Free with ticket registration. Optional donations welcome.
More about BARCO: www.barco.org
More about AudioActive: www.audioactive.org.uk | @audioactive_