Reinforcing the ‘May is the best month in the Brighton calendar’ argument, Brighton Italian Festival is bringing a month-long line-up of food, music, theatre, street parties and a healthy dose of la dolce vita to the city.
Kicking things off is the big one: the street party on Saturday. Jubilee Square is transforming into a full-on Italian piazza for the day, with regional street food, live bands, DJs and so much wine you might briefly consider swapping Brighton for Napoli. It’s free, it runs from midday into the evening, and it’s kinda like Brighton pretending it’s on the Amalfi Coast (but we’ll take that).
Then there’s La Notte Italiana, a night at eccentric Brighton hotel Pelirocco filled with Italian bangers spanning Mina to Måneskin, a dancefloor that doesn’t quit, and, of course, midnight spaghetti to keep your legs dancing.
And because Italy isn’t just about delicious carbs, there’s proper culture on the agenda too. Live opera is popping up with performances staged on the pier, bringing a bit of high drama to the seafront.
Across the rest of the programme, you’ll find everything from jazz nights and theatre to workshops and regional supper clubs, all designed to celebrate Italian culture while plugging into Brighton’s venues and grassroots scene.
So whether you’re here for the food, the music, or just an excuse to practise your Italian basics (ciao), now’s the time.
Fri 1st – Sun 31st May; various times and prices
brightonitalianfestival.com