Brighton and Hove will stage a new winter festival if plans for a spectacular series of shows are supported by the Government.

The city is bidding for £1.5 million of Government cash for two years of activities across the city under the banner Making it Happen.

The Millennium Commission and the Arts Council have set up the £15 million national fund for the Urban Cultural Programme.

UK cities such as Brighton and Hove, which failed in a bid to become European Capital of Culture 2008, are felt to be favourites to win the Lottery cash so cultural activities can help urban regeneration.

City leaders have lined up a new winter festival featuring a 21st Century solstice ceremony and a world music carnival.

There will also be a series of celebrations for the opening of the new central library in Church Street.

A community football competition, backed by Brighton and Hove Albion, is also planned.

There will be two music festivals and a London Philharmonic Orchestra opera relayed from Glyndebourne to The Big Rossini Picnic in Preston Park. Also planned is a large musical event on Madeira Drive, recalling the battles of mods and rockers.

Major buildings will be illuminated while grants will be available to help groups and individuals take part in sport and the arts.

The bid is being made by a newly-established city arts commission including the council and representatives of the local arts community.

It is working with more than 25 businesses and groups on events and activities happening between this summer and August 2006.

Work will centre on four themes - celebration, participation, innovation and transformation.

Celebrations include projects such as festivals in the city, new outdoor plays, with a Brighton theme and special anniversaries such as the Theatre Royal's 200th birthday.

Participation could include the marina hosting a leg of France's most prestigious yacht race while Passion for Fashion is an exhibition on the city's dress from 1870 to 1970.

Innovation would include large-scale outdoor spectaculars such as the mods and rockers show Wild Things.

Transformation aims to use artworks to improve environments. Palm House, an old glass building in Stanmer Park, would host a visual performance based on gardening and the growth of new life.

Brighton and Hove City Council's communications director Tony Miller said: "This is all about using art or sport to promote the city's regeneration and improve people's lives.

"It shows the real benefits of bidding for Capital of Culture in the first place."

The result of a bid is expected in the summer.

Monday May 24, 2004