Brighton Competitive Musical Festival (BCMF)

Sussex Festival, a Contemporary Dance club in Hove, is excited to promote the upcoming Brighton Competitive Musical Festival (BCMF), a local event with a rich history dating back to 1924. Founded by Alderman Milner Black, the then Mayor of Brighton, the festival was created to showcase the incredible cultural talent in the town.

With the guidance of renowned singing teacher Maud Hornsby, the festival took shape and was initially held on the Royal Pavilion Estate in May. However, with the establishment of the Brighton Festival, the date was changed to March.

During the 1980s, the Borough of Hove extended support in the form of grants, leading to a name change to the Brighton & Hove Competitive Musical Festival. Unfortunately, in the 1990s, due to rising costs and a loss of council support, the festival had to adapt and find new venues within Brighton and Hove. It was during this time that the festival underwent a rebranding as Springboard, expanding to include Music, Drama, Singing, and Dance disciplines.

Penelope Charteris was a driving force behind the festival's success, serving as the Chairman during its flourishing years. In 2010, the festival regrouped, with the Dance and Musical Theatre singing sections forming the Sussex Festival. Meanwhile, Music, Drama, and Singing continued under the name of Springboard.

The Hawth Theatre in Crawley became the festival's primary venue for the Dance section, providing a platform for young dancers to showcase their talent. Over the years, the Brighton Competitive Musical Festival has nurtured countless young performers, many of whom have gone on to become West End stars and famous film actors.

While not every participant becomes a professional performer, the festival holds a special place in their hearts. Many look back on their festival experiences as some of the happiest memories from their childhood. Sussex Festival is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for contemporary dancers to connect with their passion and express themselves through movement.

Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this incredible event! Join us at the Brighton Competitive Musical Festival and share in the joy of dance with fellow performers and enthusiasts alike. Let's celebrate the cultural talent in our local community and create lasting memories together. We can't wait to see you there!