The light at the end of the tunnel (From The Argus)

The light at the end of the tunnel

4:56pm Friday 22nd May 2009

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We're finally there, the last long weekend of the Brighton Festival and Fringe.

It has been a monster again this year, albeit one that seemed to take a little while to wake up.

And now, with the sun shining, it looks like it is going to be a fantastic finale.

This bank holiday weekend is always great for anyone who wants to get into the festival spirit without necessarily digging deep into their pockets.

New Road is going to be transformed into Fringe Street, with more than 25 free shows going on in one afternoon tomorrow (Saturday).

And Sunday sees The Big Splash take over the Marina with more free shows and performers walking among the crowds. This year's event has a British theme, so expect Punch And Judy, bobbies on the beat and some hankie-on-head English tourists.

The show I'm excited about is The Pantaloons, who are doing their own clowning take on Romeo And Juliet for free in Preston Park. It's Shakespeare, but not quite as we know it.

Speaking of Shakespeare I'm off to see The Comedy Of Errors tonight at St Nicholas Rest Garden, my last festival show of the year.

I've brought my picnic blanket, several layers of clothes and even some provisions and if it remains as warm and lovely as it looks at the moment it should be a great event, and an fitting way to end my main Festival.

So far my Festival highlights have been in the talks and debates programme - which is often the case.

Jah Wobble was an inspired choice to talk about the early days of punk.

And Sir David Attenborough on Tuesday was absolutely everything you hoped he would be, I felt privileged to see him talk about his life and work. We were sat right in front of one of the TV cameras filming his talk with Melvyn Bragg, so hopefully all those who couldn't get in will have a chance to see it.

The talks programme feels like it has been more built around debate this year, with this weekend's talk on Zero looking like it will be a real mind-expander.

It is a change from last year, when I got to see the likes of Neil Tennant, Mark E Smith, Alex James and Gore Vidal each take to the stage on their own. In many ways I suppose a debate is better - the event becomes less about the artist's latest book and more about expanding people's interest in a subject they might not have considered.

My Fringe Festival is by no means over - I've still got the Sgt Pepper/Pet Sounds performance, Best Of The Catalyst Club and Three Bonzos and a Piano to look forward to - all of which should be ace.

We're still waiting to see who is going to be crowned the readers' Argus Angel for best show, although I have a pretty good idea of who it might well be.

Look out for Friday's Society pages in The Guide where all will be revealed.