For over twenty years the AOH has been a part of the Brighton Festival, and latterly the Fringe - but Wednesday 27th April heralded a new beginning, their very first independent brochure. Hundreds of artists and sponsors met for a party at the Paganini Ballroom at the Old Ship Hotel on Brighton sea front, to celebrate the launch of the new brochure for May 2005.

The ballroom, where Paganini played in the 1830s, with its chandeliers, gilding and balconies, was decorated with easels displaying members' oil and watercolour paintings, and also hosted demonstrations of flower arranging, website design, framing and giclée printing services. A magician moved through the crowd, performing card and fire tricks.

The Mayor, Councillor Pat Drake, AOH acting chair Graham Hale and event organiser Lucie Cookson opened the launch and drew the raffle.

Graham's speech thanked the sponsors whose generosity and everyone whose hard work over the last year had made this event possible.
Curtis Tappenden of Beyond the Level proposed thanks to Graham.

The brochure, designed by Chris Lord and Graham Hale, is available in venues throughout Brighton and the South East.

Hop on the train, bus, or bicycle, jump into the car, or put on some comfortable shoes and ride Shanks's pony round the biggest free arts event in England.

See you there!