The Spiegeltent will not appear in Brighton this May, after many years, due to Valley Gardens roadworks. They hope to return later.
It started appearing at Old Steine back in 2004. It missed some years, but came back strong. It was a fixture for the last decade. Valley Gardens work is underway now. This final phase stops it this year.
They searched hard for another spot, but the search failed. The Spiegeltent won’t happen this year. They hope to return after the work ends though. A smaller venue will fill some gaps, and it is called SpiegelGardens.
Adrian Bristow spoke about the experience. He mentioned the economy made things tricky. A scaled-down event felt wrong right now. The loss of the Spiegeltent makes them sad. Artists and audiences will also feel it. The creative community will miss it.
They are assessing possible options. They might use another time of year, a suitable site is necessary for that plan. They might promote shows elsewhere too.
SpiegelGardens will still happen. Spiegeltent partners operate it; Laine Pub Co. It will use Victoria Gardens’ north end. Two areas will offer performances, and two tented bars exist onsite.
The WundaBarn hosts ticketed events. Spotlight bandstand offers free music. SpiegelPub and Greenhaus serve as bars. Airstream bar and Boxbar will also have alcohol. WundaBarn becomes a cocktail lounge later.
SpiegelGardens opens May 2 to June 1.