Youngster's design of pirouetting pigs wins Brighton Fringe competition

Otherplace's Josh Carr, winning artist Niko Matthews and Fringe managing director Julian Caddy (Credit: photosbydavid.org) SUS-170331-151045001

A 10-year-old from Hove will see her artwork adorn the cover of 80,000 Brighton Fringe Family Guides after being inspired by an imaginary show about gymnastic pigs.

Niko Matthews, a pupil at Brunswick Primary School, won Brighton Fringe’s cover competition with a picture of pigs in fancy dress performing in front of Brighton landmarks.

As part of her prize, Niko will receive a golden family ticket to all Brighton Fringe family shows at award-winning pop-up venue The Warren and see her work exhibited at Brighton and Hove City College.

Niko said: ”I really like gymnastics and pigs and I thought it would be really cool to have a show combining these, it would be called Piggy Power, then I added in some of my favourite bits of Brighton and Hove as well.

Winning artist Niko Matthew (Credit: photosbydavid.org) SUS-170331-151031001

“I’ve been to a few Brighton Fringe shows before and really enjoyed them and I’m excited about seeing comedy, dance and circus shows this year. I’m really happy that my drawing is on the front cover.”

The Brighton Fringe Family Guide features around 130 family shows and events, which will be staged throughout May and the summer half term.

Family favourites coming to Brighton Fringe this year include Dave Benson Phillips (May 10-14), who’ll be performing songs and a sing-along quiz for under sixes, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar (May 12-14), featuring 75 lovable puppets. Gerry Cottle’s Wow Circus (May 17-31, Jun 1-3), a big top full of chaos, daredevils and electrifying entertainment, comes to the Preston Park Big Top (May 17 – June 4).

The award-winning Brightonshed will premiere Wake Up Alice!, an interactive leap down the rabbit hole at Brighton Open Air Theatre during half term (3-4 June) and the acclaimed Box Tail Soup will present a beautiful new adaptation of The Wind In The Willows (June 4).

Julian Caddy, managing director of Brighton Fringe, said: “Events for families are a key part of what is on offer at Brighton Fringe. This year’s Family Guide includes events of all genres, all either affordably-priced or completely free. Open access should mean that everyone gets the chance to experience and take part, and with 155 venues all across the city, there has never been a better time to take the family to enjoy Brighton Fringe.”

Brighton Fringe runs May 5 to June 4. Visit www.brightonfringe.org or call 01273 917272 to book.