Street artist to help brighten up Brighton city centre for summer

Dave Pop!’s work is already a familiar sight in Brighton with murals on display near the railway station and the Palace Pier. 

Now he is working alongside more than 50 businesses to brighten up the streets for summer.

The centre will be adorned with Dave Pop!’s illustrations inspired by Brighton, accompanied by vivid bunting and hanging baskets. 

The chocolatier turned artist said: “I fell in love with the decorative fairground style found on Palace Pier when I first visited Brighton many years ago. I want my designs to capture the fun and joy of Brighton, so using traditional fairground, circus and tattoo style feels like a natural fit.

“I’m really chuffed to be showing my art all over Brighton this summer. I love living in this city and it’s a constant inspiration to my work.”

The summer display is annually commissioned by Brilliant Brighton, which is Brighton’s Business Improvement District, a collection of 517 businesses.

Brilliant Britain’s marketing and events manager Shelley Welti said: “We absolutely love dressing the city in the summer and hope Dave’s fun, tongue-in-cheek, playful designs make you smile whether enjoying a Fringe or festival event, or are out and about enjoying all Brilliant Brighton has to offer this summer.”

This year the group is encouraging people to share pictures of the summer decorations on Instagram to be in with a chance of winning a £50 Brighton gift card each month.

Brilliant Brighton is also working in collaboration with Gaydio to bring colour to the centre. 

Kriss Herbert, network content director at Gaydio Brighton, said: “Gaydio, the UK’s LGBTQ+ radio station, are thrilled to once again partner with Brilliant Brighton in a campaign that celebrates Brighton.

“Food, dining, hospitality – it’s our pleasure to serve Brighton with the biggest bops and bangers as listeners go about their plans, and you’ll hear more about all things Brighton as Pride season heats up.”

The flamboyant artwork will be on display from May to September in Western Road, North Street, Preston Street, Market Street and Bond Street. Bunting will also adorn North Laine and The Lanes.