Shoppers and locals are singing for change as Brighton’s Market Inn stages two charity karaoke nights this July, raising money for the Terrence Higgins Trust while celebrating Pride , expect drag hosts, raffles, prizes and a warm, LGBTQ+ safe-space vibe.

  • When and where: Two nights at the Market Inn on Market Street, Brighton , Friday 4 July (7pm) and Saturday 17 July (7pm).
  • Hosts and partners: Drag act Lazy Susan, Mark Machan from the Terrence Higgins Trust and representatives from EMG Music Label lead proceedings, joined by the pub’s team and owners.
  • How it works: It’s a “pay to play” karaoke fundraiser , donate to sing, enjoy spot prizes, and enter raffles with donated local prizes.
  • Atmosphere: The Market Inn is praised as a welcoming, safe space for the LGBTQ+ community with friendly staff and community backing.
  • Who can attend: Over‑18s only; prizes and awards will be handed out for karaoke performances.

A lively July double‑header , what to expect on opening night

Brighton’s Market Inn kicks things off at 7pm on Friday 4 July with a line‑up designed to mix glitter with goodwill. The night coincides with an anniversary for the Terrence Higgins Trust, so organisers have leaned into the celebration with a carnival spirit , and a touch of nostalgia. Expect Lazy Susan’s drag humour, music industry colour from EMG and charity context from Mark Machan.

The format is refreshingly simple: pay to play, sing your heart out and help a cause. Raffles and spot awards will punctuate the evening, and local businesses have chipped in prizes, so there’s an extra reason to cheer on the contestants. If you like your nights loud, friendly and purpose‑driven, this will feel just right.

The second night keeps the momentum , community hosts take the mic

On Saturday 17 July the party continues with the pub’s landlady, Alex, stepping up as host alongside Mark Machan and an EMG representative. It’s the same 7pm start, same "pay to play" spirit and another round of raffles and awards. Pacing the fundraiser across two dates means people who can’t make opening night still get a chance to contribute , a clever choice that suits Brighton’s busy calendar.

Organisers stress inclusivity: everyone’s invited to have fun whether they belt ballads or mumble through verse. Practical tip: arrive early if you’ve got a favourite song in mind , slots may go fast and donations determine play order.

Why the Terrence Higgins Trust matters to this crowd

The Terrence Higgins Trust was the UK’s first charity to form in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and it remains a key supporter for sexual health, HIV prevention and community services. According to the event notes, the Market Inn has teamed up with local partners so funds raised will go straight to charity work.

That link gives the nights more weight than a typical pub karaoke , it’s about fundraising, remembrance and community resilience. If you want to check the charity’s work before you go, their website has practical information on how donations are used and where help is available.

The Market Inn: a small pub with a big, welcoming heart

Locals have long praised the Market Inn as an LGBTQ+ safe space, and that reputation is front and centre for these events. The owners, Alexander and Steve Parrish‑Hislop, plus the bar staff, have been singled out for getting the nights ready and rallying local support. The result should be a cosy, buzzy room where even nervous singers feel supported.

If you’re new to Pride events or prefer smaller crowds, this is a great way to take part without the overwhelm of big outdoor stages. Expect a friendly buzz, decent acoustics and staff who know the regulars by name.

Raffles, prizes and practicalities , how to make the most of the night

Raffle prizes come from local companies and will be announced during the evenings; there’ll also be awards for the best (and possibly most entertaining) karaoke performances. Bring cash for donations and raffles, wear something you’d enjoy performing in, and factor in the over‑18 rule when planning with friends.

For performers: pick a crowd‑pleaser that’s short and fun, and consider a duet if you’re shy , it’s easier to centre the night than to command it solo. The EMG sponsorship suggests a music‑industry eye on the event, so expect fair judging and a celebratory tone.

It's the kind of community night that mixes silliness with meaning , sing loud, donate, and have a laugh.

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