BRIGHTON FESTIVAL announced plans to reach out to the city’s less affluent areas as this year’s programme of events was revealed.

Community initiatives in Whitehawk and Hangleton have been established by guest director Kate Tempest and the festival team.

The Argus exclusively revealed the schedule for the 51st festival yesterday.

Speaking via videolink from Sri Lanka, Tempest stated her intention to oppose the “expertisation” of the arts and make it accessible for everyone.

She said: “I was very keen on expanding the festival out, so it doesn’t just happen in the centre of town.

“It’s important to remember there are some people who can’t access that buzzing city centre hype.

“We’ve got two community hubs, one in Hangleton and one in Whitehawk.”

These regions are host to a scheme called Your Place, under which residents and festival artists will collaborate to curate a line-up of music, dance, theatre and spoken word in public spaces.

Another event geared towards inclusivity is the Storytelling Army, in which people from all walks of life – including the homeless and vulnerably housed – will be given a platform to present a performance.

And festivalgoers can contribute towards the Pay-It-Forward initiative; upon buying a ticket for an event, they donate £5 which will be matched by the festival to create a £10 festival voucher for those unable to afford it otherwise.

Tempest said: “I don’t think it’s a case of certain people saying the arts aren’t for them – it’s more the case that they can’t afford to get in to town and see a show.

“Hopefully, these schemes will enable us to open it up a bit.”

Chief executive Andrew Comben added: “Kate felt strongly that in 2017 we are more aware than ever of fractures in society. To reach out to people in Hangleton and Whitehawk felt natural and right.”