AFTER three successful festivals in previous years, Funk the Family returns with an exceptional line-up of entertainment this Father’s Day.

 

Funk the Family offers all visitors a free day out filled with a mix of music, food and fun activities, all without the hassle of camping overnight.

 

The Argus has compiled some of the highlights of this year’s festival, which takes place in Hove Park on Sunday.

 

 

 

Music

 

Jazzie B (Soul II Soul)

 

A special two-hour DJ set is confirmed by Jazzie B of Soul II Soul and a spectacular performance from London’s 34-piece House Gospel Choir, singing much-loved house and electronic tracks, from classic Frankie Knuckles to Disclosure.

 

Jenna and The Gs

 

The jump-up jungle-meets-jazz influenced Jenna and The Gs will take to the stage to keep the crowd moving.

 

Professor Elemental

 

The self-styled “chap hop” lyricist Professor Elemental – a local act – has been seen performing as a solo act or in theatre acts such as Come into My Parlour. He is also popular at steampunk events around the country.

 

Rowlf The Dog

 

Rowlf the Dog is a Muppet character originally used in Canadian commercials in the 1960s. He was created and originally performed by Jim Henson. Rowlf is the Muppet Theatre’s resident pianist, as well as one of the show’s main cast members.

 

 

 

Other acts to note include Brighton School of Samba, Soul Casserole DJs, the Baby Loves Disco crew and many more. All the music is selected by the festival’s founder, ex-music journalist and mother, Lucy “Elle J” Small.

 

 

 

Workshops and activities

 

Liz Pichon presents Tom Gates

 

Best-selling children’s author and illustrator Liz Pichon, renowned for her wonderful series of Tom Gates books, will be meeting guests.

 

Nick Sharratt

 

Illustrator and author Nick Sharratt will be inside the festival’s brand new Story Tent. He’ll be reading and illustrating excerpts from There’s A Shark in the Park and signing books for fans. Nick has illustrated close to 250 books and authored 40 of his own.

 

Abie Longstaff

 

Presented by The Book Nook, children’s author Abie Longstaff – How To Catch A Witch, Tally and Squill – reads from her Magic Potions Shop series and assists Funk the Family festival kids in making their own spells.

 

Cirque Du Funk

 

Step inside the giant big-top for fun, thrills and laughter. You’ll find the Circus PaZaz team entertaining kids with acro-balance shows, tumbling, clowning, bubbles, balloons and more.

 

Urban Arts Academy

 

The team at Urban Arts Academy will be offering a variety of workshops this year for all ages and abilities, including break dance, street dance, parkour and calisthenics. If you want to learn how to backflip or front flip then this is the place to go.