Formally the Brighton Hip Hop Festival, RISING STYLES is the UKs largest celebration of international Hip Hop culture. Based in the south east UK with some events going nationwide, the festival brings in UK and international artists, partners and networks.

We strive to provide access and participatory opportunities to all, even to people who don't have much knowledge about Hip Hop, so everyone can come and have a taste and experience of the culture and have some fun doing it.

We cover all aspects of Hip Hop culture from live shows, art installations, dance, film showings and much more.

RISING STYLES is a non profit organisation, run by a group of professional volunteers, who work all year round to bring the festival to life.

Events start soon so join up and let us keep you updated with all the news of performances and events!!

******* PRESS RELEASE *******

Looking Forward to RISING STYLES, UK’s Largest Celebration of International Hip Hop Culture - Saturday 5th – Saturday 12th July 2008, various venues across Brighton & Hove.

History

Launched in 2004, RISING STYLES (RS) (formerly known as the Brighton Hip Hop Festival), is the UK’s largest celebration of International Hip Hop culture. Over the past
four years the one-week festival has gone from strength to strength and is recognised as a must attend event for all Hip Hop enthusiasts, as well as anyone with an interest in the many art forms that are comprised within Hip Hop culture.

Organised by KALA PHOOL, RS exists as ‘not for profit’ to celebrate the richness, strength and diversity of Hip Hop culture, with many of the events free to attend. Building on the success of previous years, the 2008 festival is developing a fantastic line up of high profile events, designed to appeal to audiences new and old, and promises to be bigger and better than ever.

In 2007 the festival lost most of its funding and its key sponsor just three weeks before it was all due to happen. As a result of sheer determination and hard work the voluntary team turned things around with the support of new partners, sponsors, donations and kind support from many from across the UK and globally saw over 18,000+ attend the various events. RISING STYLES is an example to all in its determination to give UK Hip Hop the voice it deserves.

About RISING STYLES

RS has been previously supported by many of the large public funding bodies who can see the developmental needs of the Hip Hop community. The 2006 festival was a huge success with more than 20,000 people attending the variety of events that were held throughout the festival.

Among the acts and events confirmed for 2008 is the Fresh Styles Hip Hop Film Festival, poetry and MC shows, youth workshops in music production, MC-ing, DJ-ing, breakdancing and art and design, street art jams and the high energy breakdance battle jam. And, the festival will culminate in a massive free live Hip Hop day showcasing established and emerging artists.

Sponsorship

As a not for profit Festival the need for financial support is immense. If you are a sponsor who wants to connect with this dynamic sector and a varied audience then do get in touch. This is your opportunity to be a part of something spectacular that shouts from the rooftops its responsibility to Hip Hop’s grassroot beginnings.

Brighton Hip Hop Festival Testimonials

Norman Cook:
The Brighton Hip Hop Festival is a fantastic initiative. It brings together all that’s great about Hip Hop and provides inspiration and opportunities for the whole local community. It involves loads of ridiculously talented artists and 2007 will be better than ever. Bring it on!

Sue John from Brighton and Hove City Council:
I’m tremendously impressed. Graffiti has a pretty bad name normally speaking but to see something so organised and such high quality is quite inspiring.

David Samuel from leading Hip Hop organisation, Rarekind:
Brighton’s a very cultural city, so things like this shouldn’t be a rarity. This should happen all the time.

Anna Scott – Black Police Association:
When we first met KALA PHOOL and learned of the amount of work being delivered and how much of an impact it makes to so many young people, we were amazed and immediately wanted to support the Hip Hop Festival. For us it links in with the issue of crime, gangs and the social needs to access and participation. My team had a great time attending past events.

Andy Cowan – Editor, Hip Hop Connection:
KALA PHOOL has managed to do something for this country’s Hip Hop community that no other organisation has done previously, and that is to give Hip Hop a voice. We have admired the sheer hard work the team do year round to make the Festival happen and because of this dedication we are looking into becoming a key media partner.

For further information on this year’s RISING STYLES events visit www.risingstyles.com

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Notes to editors:

1. Festival Soundtrack:
RS has worked with established and emerging artists to create a festival CD soundtrack. To receive a copy for review purposes contact through www.risingstyles.com

2. Diary Note:
Please add RISING STYLES 2008 to your diary listings page.

3. RISING STYLES Core Aims:
• To promote and celebrate the heritage and future of Hip Hop culture
• To support underground, regional and national artists and promote UK Hip Hop
internationally
• To ‘raise the bar’ by showcasing the highest quality work
• To develop and support new and emerging artists
• To inspire and create new opportunities for new work, art and Hip Hop activity
• To develop partnerships between artist and the music and creative industries
• To increase access to Hip hop art forms and bring new audiences to UK Hip Hop
• To promote Hip Hop culture as a positive culture and challenge negative stereotypes
• To work with and for the benefit of the community

For more information, images, interviews with festival organizer or artists, contact RISING STYLES through www.risingstyles.com or at press@risingstyles.com.

Tel: +44 (0) 778 870 0722 – currently this is an answer machine service so please leave your query, contact name and number and the RISING STYLES pr team will reply.