Step back in time (Pride 2003)

Saturday 9th August

Come and say hi in Preston Park on Saturday - we'll be hanging round our very own stall!

Sunday 10th August - Step back in time

Pride-goers in Brighton and Hove will be invited to step back in time and find out what life was like for gays and lesbians in times past. Brighton Ourstory Project, the city’s gay and lesbian history archive, will be holding a series of nostalgic events for all ages to enjoy on Sun 10th August, the day after the Pride festivities.

* All events take place in or start at The Dudley Hotel in Lansdowne Place, Hove. *

Guided Walk
At 2.00pm a guided walk will explore the areas history. This includes the men’s beach in Hove, a honey pot for gay men in the 1950’s, and the comings and goings of Edwardian lady doctors.

Musical Afternoon Tea
Following on at 3.30pm will be a very special afternoon tea. Those attending can have a slice of cake and a cuppa whilst listening to live performances of songs that thrilled theatre-goers in the 1930's, performed by members of jazz.com and 3 in a bar.

Lavender Lounge Bar
Later, at 7.30pm, you are invited to take a seat at the Lavender Lounge Bar and hear memories of Brighton’s queer pub and club life in the 1950’s and 1960’s. This stunning show also includes gay versions of contemporary show songs, starring Simon Lovat, Jane Boston and Nicky Mitchell.

The performance is derived form the many reminiscences Brighton Ourstory have collected over the years. One scene tells the story of a lesbian who was taken to court by her husband for not having sex with him! While songs include “Bye!Bye! Blackmail” celebrating the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in the 1960’s.

Linda Pointing of Brighton Ourstory said: “The days events allow Brighton Ourstory Project to share in innovative ways all the amazing memories we have collected over the years. And it allows the battles, the sorrows and the laughs from generations past to be remembered.”

Linda goes on: “This isn’t just an event for those who can remember those times. The Lavender Lounge Bar and tours are fascinating chunks of Brighton and queer history that all can enjoy and perhaps learn a little from.”

Further details
The walking tour costs £4/£2.50conc, afternoon tea is £6/£4conc (includes tea) and the Lavender Lounge Bar is £8/£5 conc. A special combined ticket for all three events costs just £15/£10 conc. Tickets are available from the Brighton Dome box office on 10273 709709, or on the door.

For general information call us on 01273 692068 or email info@brightonourstory.co.uk

For more details on the events please contact Benedict Brook via email press@brightonourstory.co.uk