Brighton Fringe: Funk The Family Festival
Hove Park, Saturday, May 30

IT’S no secret Brighton and Hove is a playground for adults and children throughout the year.

But Hove-based former music journalist Lucy Small realised there was little for families to do together.

“There was a gap for something credible,” she says. “Adults don’t want to be stuck listening to CBeebies-style entertainers.

“Coming from a music background I have been able to select music that was really family friendly – not death metal or techno but funky soul. Kids love dancing to it as much as the adults.”

Following a pilot event last year at Hove Lagoon, 2015 sees Small and her team launch a 5,000-capacity event at Hove Park, more than four times the size of their original sold-out event.

Headlining the main stage will be Brighton and Hove-based acts including 1990s chart star Omar, chap-hop pioneer Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer, and bands Euphony, Normanton Street and Kalakuta Millionaires.

Small will also be one of the DJs playing feelgood vibes on the Club Tropicana stage.

And there is a big top Cirque Du Funk where youngsters can learn circus skills, alongside a range of outdoor workshops and a nerf battle – the majority of which will be free to participate.

“There’s a lazy afternoon vibe,” says Small, who has been assisted by ‘right-hand woman’ Marisha Taylor.

“People can get up and dance, or get the picnic blanket out. As a parent I want to have space with my children. The feedback we got last year was that it felt really safe and no-one felt hemmed in.”

Food is provided by local businesses, including Cafe Coho, The Peckish Peacock and veggie street food specialists Cosmic Caravan.

“Everyone is really passionate about the festival,” she says.

“It sometimes feels like everything happens in Brighton, on The Level or Old Steine. Hove Park is really beautiful, and the council have been really supportive.

“Having such a big park should allow us to grow in future years.”

Starts 11am to 7pm, tickets £18.50/£8.50, £49.50 family. Call 01273 917272 or go online to www.funkthefamily.co.uk