Reggae rhythms on the seafront
Summer is reggae’s golden hour. When it hits Brighton seafront, the promenade transforms into the ultimate sun trap, complete with a built-in cool box of bass-rich treats to quench your thirst.
This July, venues along the seafront (Fortune of War, Volks and Concorde 2, to name a few) will host a mix of live music and DJ events you’ll want to know about. Beats that will “make you want to move your dancing feet” until the sun goes down… and comes back up again.
One of this season’s highlights is the Easy Skankin’ Reggae Beach Party at Fortune of War (Sat 26 July 20:00). The DJ collective presents a vinyl-only session spinning a rich blend of reggae, ska, rubadub, roots, dancehall, bashment, plus a dash of ragga hip-hop and jungle. Expect high energy, fuelled by records personally dug out by DJ Felix on a vinyl-hunting trip to Jamaica. Fortune has also hosted sessions from the likes of Ites Vibration, Roots Garden and Heavytone HiFi – all well worth keeping on your radar.
Another summer scorcher is set to arrive as The Brighton Ska Train pulls into Volks for Reggae Riot (Sat 5 July 15:00–22:00). Head down to this underground venue, tucked beside the old Volks Railway, to catch King Hammond – Grammy Award-winning musician and one of ska’s true pioneers. Volks holds a tight-knit community around events like these, often drawing in the mod crowd as well. These gatherings bring like-minded people together, transcending music to celebrate the messages of social change at reggae’s core.
For those craving something heavier, Concorde 2 presents Jungle Mania Brighton’s Summer All Dayer further along the promenade (Sat 12 July 14:00–22:00). Jungle royalty General Levy headlines a powerhouse bill featuring the Ragga Twins, Nicky Blackmarket, Shabba D, Brockie & MC Det, and Channel One Soundsystem, plus even more heavyweight legends ready to keep the party raging.
From roots reggae to jungle, and dub to ska, Brighton seafront isn’t just for sunbathers and seagulls this summer. If you’re ready for big bass, big vibes, and one mighty skank session, you’re in for a proper wailer of a time. Grab your tickets now.
www.fortuneofwar.pub / www.volksclub.co.uk / www.concorde2.co.uk
