Brighton’s Asahi Anime Festival

The Asahi Anime Festival is set to take over the Opticon in Brighton during May bank holiday weekend, for three jam-packed days of activities!

The Asahi Anime Festival is being organised by popular Japanese restaurant Moshi Moshi. Following their successful Matsuri (Japanese summer festival) last year, they will host another free summer festival, this time themed to Japanese comics and animation.

The events kick off on Friday evening, with an open-air concert by Japanese bands including Natcuu and Sputniko. Saturday will see a full day of fun events, including cosplay, karaoke and manga-drawing competitions, a Japanese-style game show, an authentic Gothic Lolita fashion show and more bands in the evening.

Across the weekend, there will be plenty of exhibiting manga artists and stalls selling anime toys, manga, Japanese snacks and crafts. You won’t go hungry either, as Moshi Moshi will be serving a selection of delicious sushi, festival food and Asahi beer.

As a family-friendly event, expect plenty to keep the kids entertained, with Japanese festival games, colouring competition, face painting and the chance to help create a giant chalk manga artwork.

This year’s event coincides with the children’s parade at Brighton Festival, and May Day is set to be one of the hottest days of the year, making it a perfect time to visit.

Join us on May 1st for some sun, sea and sushi as anime and manga take over Brighton!

Asahi Anime Festival
Location: Opticon, Brighton (opposite the Town Hall and Moshi Moshi restaurant)
Evening Concert: Friday 30th April, 20:00 – 22:30
Main Event and stalls: Saturday, 1st May 12:00 – 22:30
Sunday 2nd May 12:00 – 16:00
Admission: Free

From Asahi Anime Festival Press Release