Free football festival is highlight of Brighton’s Winter Pride

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A day of soccer activities in Brighton’s Jubilee Square next month will feature a new all-stars team.

Events begin at 1pm on Saturday 7th March as The Justin Campaign Football Festival kicks off at the start of the city’s Winter Pride festival.

A special pitch for the day will transfom the square into a mini football arena where the public can train with FA coaches and display their skills for the crowd.

There is also a Gay Football Expo, with teams from the Gay Football Supporters’ Network league and beyond, alongside DJ Nine-Bob.

At 3pm, the Justin Fashanu All-Stars will be unveiled. Representing The Justin Campaign against homophobia in football and open to anyone, this team will play in tournament matches (gay and otherwise) as well as friendlies.

The team’s new kit, sponsored by Fatboy Slim, will be revealed and the first fixtures – at the GFSN Five-a-Side tournament in Yorkshire – will be announced.

The campaign is named after Justin Fashanu, Britain’s first black £1 million player and the world’s first openly gay professional.

He committed suicide in 1998 after being accused of sexual assault in the US.

It was launched on 4 May 2008, two days after the tenth anniversary of Fashanu’s death.

At 3.30pm filmmaker Ian McDonald presents Brighton Bandits, with a talk and film screening in Jubilee Library.

Brighton Bandits is the first ever in-depth documentary about a gay football team.

The library foyer also hosts an exhibition of Justin Fashanu memorabilia and contemporary art by artist and campaigner Jason Hall.

Inside Jubilee Library at 6.30pm is the kick off of the first annual gay table football tournament.

Hosted by delightfully dangerous avant-garde performer Johnny Woo, his Supporters Club will lead 32 teams into the promised land of first division table football heaven for the chance to play on the Gay Wembley of Football Tables, which is also on display all week in Jubilee Library.

Teams are encouraged to dress up in football kit, or as WAGs, or in supporters’ colours.

After the winners’ ceremony, the Jubilee Library will be transformed into a music venue, showcasing up-and-coming LGBT bands and musicians, including sensational eight piece alternative blues band The Calvary.

The evening event is free, but entry is by ticket only.

Tickets are available free from the Jubilee Library Booklover store, The Justin Campaign, LGBT workers forum and GScene.

Email for ticket request: [email protected] or [email protected].

A fully stocked bar is available from 6.30–10.30pm.

Click here for more information about Brighton Winter Pride, which runs from Saturday 7th to Sunday 15th March.

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