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Please note: This is the information page for KitFest 2018. Sign up to our mailing list at the bottom of the page to be informed about future events.
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KITFEST 2018 **SOLD OUT**
An all day festival at St George's Church, Brighton, 15 September 2018
with awesome music, food stalls, bars, raffle and more...
David Shrigley to host KitFest
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We're absolutely delighted that our host for KitFest 2018 is none other than visual artist, Brighton Festival 2018 Director, Turner Prize nominee, fourth plinth designer and Brighton resident David Shrigley. A big thumbs up to David for supporting the Kit Tarka Foundation.
Our stellar line-up:
Fujiya & Miyagi
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Despite the name, Fujiya & Miyagi are neither Japanese nor a duo. The electronic group are deeply indebted both to the '90s bands that were and to vintage '70s Krautrock; and we can't wait to see their headline set for KitFest.
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Alice Russell & TM Juke
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Alice Russell is natural, pure natural talent - a natural presence, a force of nature. Whether on a big stage with her 16 piece band, charming a crowd of 4000 into staying out dancing in the rain (as she did at Montreal Jazz Festival) or rocking out an intimate club set with a stripped down 6 piece band, she’s a singer who demands attention. Alice has won over a whole brace of producers – lending her strong, emotional tones to releases by Mr Scruff, Quantic and Nostalgia 77, the latter pairing producing the ‘Seven Nation Army’ cover that demolished clubs for years. But following her first release 'Under The Munka Moon' it’s her records with longtime producer and bandleader TM Juke that she’s best known for; together, they have made some of the most arresting blues soul since the glory days of Aretha. We feel so lucky to have their support for the Kit Tarka Foundation and see them performing live at KitFest.
The Miserable Rich
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The Miserable Rich are a Brighton-based string-led band, formed in 2007 and known for its distinctive chamber orchestra sound, created using Will Calderbank’s cello (Sons of Noel and Adrian) and Mike Siddell’s violin (The Leisure Society) as the primary lead instruments, augmented by Rhys Lovell’s double bass, Jim Briffett on acoustic guitar and Martin Deering on drums. The band is also known for the intimate, keening and confessional voice and lyrics of lead singer, James de Malplaquet.
The band received much support from BBC, recording 3 live sessions for Marc Riley (6Music) and one each for Radio 2’s Dermot O’Leary, Mark Lamarr and Radio 4’s stalwart Loose Ends. They have also recorded various performances for TV and Radio across Europe and had their music used in numerous popular shows.
The band's name came from an experience Will, Mike and James had at the Italian wedding of two rich aristocrats.
They have released three critically acclaimed studio albums: Twelve Ways to Count (2008) self-recorded at de Malplaquet’s then home in Hove; Of Flight & Fury (2010), produced by Al Scott (Asian Dub Foundation, Eliza Carthy, The Levellers); and Miss You in the Days (2011), recorded in Blickling Hall – allegedly Britain’s most haunted stately home.
In 2014, they released ‘Live In Frankfurt’, backed with an album of covers recorded over the years. Since then, they have been on indefinite hiatus after a handful of goodbye dates in England and Europe and a deeply profound experience at the home of a fan.
The band had all missed playing and hanging out together, so once the idea of a benefit concert was mooted, it was an obvious choice for them to get back together – and maybe even write some new tunes.
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Gloria Cycles
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Gloria Cycles are a much-loved Brighton independent rock band, led by Kenny McCracken’s voice and guitar, ably supported by Jen Dalby’s (Jennifer Left) voice and bass, founder member Julian Ward on guitar and vocals and Jack Hannan on drums.
Far from being another run-of-the-mill indie guitar band, Gloria Cycles songs are as diverse as their characters and musical references; "I'm influenced by everything from elevator music to rave," says Kenny, who pens all the lyrics. "Via Dexy's Midnight Runners, The Cure, Supergrass, Randy Crawford, and My Bloody Valentine."
The band are most loved for their emotional and hi-energy live performances, as well as their 2010 album ‘Campsite Discotheque’. They have not played for 8 years – Kenny building a highly successful photography and directing career and Jen, having achieved more musical success as Jennifer Left, taking over the Kemptown gem of a pub and microbrewery, The Hand in Hand – but have been excitedly rehearsing for a much-anticipated reunion for the KTF cause.
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We Bop Choir​
Brighton’s all-female a cappella choir, We Bop, have appeared at many events & venues including Elderflower Fields Festival, The Spiegeltent, Cadogan Hall, Kemp Town Carnival and even Brighton Amex Stadium. Expect sublime choral pop arrangements of classic songs by Patti Smith, Björk, Madonna, Sia, Blondie and more. The choir is led by local singer and arranger, Rachel Myer, and they have just celebrated their 10th Anniversary.
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Sharon Lewis (replacing Jess Bishop)
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Much revered for her tender and heartfelt songs enchanting songstress Sharon Lewis weaves a rare and compelling spell with delicate vocals and piano/guitar playing. Formerly one half of highly regarded duo Pooka, she has collaborated with eclectic artists such as Orbital, 1 Giant Leap, Nick Hemming from The Leisure Society and more recently Anais Mitchell in her folk opera Hadestown which featured artists such as Ani Difranco and Martin Carthy.
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Sadly Jess Bishop, who was going to open KitFest, has had to pull out due to tendonitis but we are delighted Sharon is able to perform instead.
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1BTN DJs Señor Mick (Whiskey Preachin') & Kerry Jean Lister (Feel Up)
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1BTN DJs will provide the soundtrack for the day, having launched in 2015 with the ambition to create a not-for-profit radio station, that not only provides a mix of varied and eclectic musical genres to reflect the city's creative culture, but also directly involves the community with the station itself. The initial idea was born out of frustration at not being able to listen to a local radio station in Brighton (and Hove) that plays quality, varied, underground and specialist music on a daily basis. 1BTN is your go-to underground radio station for specialist music. They cover a lot of musical ground and we can't wait to experience this at KitFest!
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MORE INFO
KitFest 2018 is a mini festival being held the day before Sarah & James should have been celebrating Kit's first birthday. All proceeds will go towards funding the charity's latest projects.
Doors open 3.30pm
First act 4.30pm
Doors close 10.30pm
Stage times below
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Tickets £18
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Many thanks to all the amazing performers who have donated their time for free. We are incredibly lucky to have such a stellar line up for our inaugural concert.
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There will be food stalls and a bar available.
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There will be no specific activities for children but they are very welcome to attend. Under 16 year olds must be accompanied by an adult.
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RAFFLE
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The 2018 KTF raffle will be drawn during the concert and the winners announced that evening.
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A wonderful array of prizes have been donated by generous organisations and you can see the full list here.
Tickets are £2 each and you can purchase tickets online here, buy on the day or buy from one of the organisers.
FOOD STALLS
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We will have some delicious food on offer to keep you going throughout the day and all caterers are kindly supporting KTF with a percentage of their takings - so please show your support and tuck in!
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From their distinctive horsebox trailer, Box Trot will be serving up their tasty 'Glacos - healthy, invigorating globally influenced street tacos'. Taking inspiration from around the globe, their food is passionately prepared with a focus on developing punchy flavours packed full of super foods.
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Souvlucky will be firing up the coals to produce sumptuous Greek souvlaki from their BBQ. Souvlucky's specialty is delicious cuisine created with the ingenuity and passion inspired by the fantastic flavors of Greece itself. They take great pride in improving upon your favorite Greek wraps in new and creative ways.
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Joss Davey from Gosh Patisserie will be keeping those sweet cravings at bay with a selection of her gorgeous cakes and those of you who joined us for our sponsored walk earlier in the year will know just how scrumptious they are! A selection of teas and coffee will also be available kindly donated by Hampstead teas, QI teas and Percol coffee.
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STAGE TIMES
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3.30pm - Doors open
4pm - Sharon Lewis
5pm - We Bop Choir
6pm - Gloria Cycles
7pm - The Miserable Rich
8pm - Raffle and speeches
8.25pm - Alice Russell & TM Juke
9.25pm - Fujiya & Miyagi
10.30pm - Doors Close
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DJ sets from Kerry Jean Lister and Señor Mick between all acts.
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