GRASSROOTS venues are coming together to create a fortnight festival of music.

Fightback Brighton is taking place from April 25 until May 5.

Nineteen venues have confirmed and there will be more than 150 shows

It is being staged by Music Venue Trust and is a two-week celebration of Brighton’s vital grassroots music venues.

Fightback’s Gary Prosser said: “Fightback Brighton is a new spring campaign that will encourage audiences to visit their local grassroots music venue and promote Brighton’s emerging and existing musical talent.

“Fightback Brighton will provide the focus for events taking place in the city with live music every day throughout the festival at a whole range of venues right across Brighton.”

Many bars will be further participating in the Music Venue Trust’s fund-raising campaign by stocking Fightback Lager, a craft beer developed from within the grassroots music community.

Fantastic

A donation from every pint and can sold gives financial support to the charity.

Gary said: “These venues are the backbone of the live music scene in Brighton, providing spaces where artists can take their first steps, develop and grow. Fightback Brighton provides an opportunity to showcase the fantastic range of artists and venues that Brighton enjoys, celebrate the history of our music scene and support its future.”

Alongside more than 150 shows in 19 venues, the event will also host the showing of a short film Our Growing Silence narrated by actor Art Mailk, panel discussions and networking.

Fightback Brighton is keen to interact with Brighton businesses to create a unique festival that unifies the grassroots community.

Music Venue Trust is a registered charity, created to protect the UK live music network by securing the long-term future of renowned venues such as Hull Adelphi, Exeter Cavern, Southampton Joiners and The 100 Club.

These venues have played a crucial role in the development of British music over the last 40 years.

Gary said: “We aim to preserve and improve venues.”