From Flash Mob to Purple Pier: Brighton’s Overdose Awareness Day Events

Brighton & Hove will unite on Saturday 31 August to remember lives lost to overdose and raise awareness of harm reduction measures that can save lives. The city’s Public Health Team is organising this year’s International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) alongside recovery partners Change Grow Live (CGL) and Cascade Creative Recovery. Highlights of the day […]

Brighton & Hove will unite on Saturday 31 August to remember lives lost to overdose and raise awareness of harm reduction measures that can save lives.

The city’s Public Health Team is organising this year’s International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) alongside recovery partners Change Grow Live (CGL) and Cascade Creative Recovery.

Highlights of the day will include musical performances, a memorial service, and the symbolic illumination of Brighton Palace Pier in purple, reflecting the international campaign colour.

Flash mob and memorial

At Brighton Train Station, between 12 noon and 12.40pm, the Cascade percussion orchestra and choir will stage an eight-minute flash mob performance, incorporating colourful flowers, drums, and choreography inspired by tribal communities.

Later in the day, a memorial service led by the CEO of Cascade Creative Recovery will take place, featuring speeches from family members, recovery workers, and poems from Cascade writers and performers.

Remembering and raising awareness

Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities, Public Health & Adult Social Care, said:

“As a city, we will stand with our sisters and brothers across the globe in marking International Overdose Awareness Day. This is a day to remember all those we have lost to overdose, to join together as one big family, to acknowledge the grief of friends and families, and to raise awareness of prevention and intervention strategies.

“We are driven by hope. Overdose is preventable. We want to raise awareness of the tools and support available locally – from Naloxone kits to our brilliant recovery services – while challenging and ending the stigma that still surrounds substance use.”

Drug & alcohol strategy

Brighton & Hove’s new Drug & Alcohol Strategy 2024–2030 sets out a commitment to dignity, compassion, and evidence-based action. The city continues to experience drug and alcohol-related harm above the national average.

According to Health Counts 2024, one in five adults in Brighton & Hove reported using drugs not prescribed by a doctor in the past year, while 44% of adults drink at levels outside the ‘low risk’ category.

Dave McNamara, Health Promotion & Training Team Lead at CGL, added:

“International Overdose Awareness Day is a time to remember those we’ve lost and stand in solidarity with families and friends affected by overdose. Every life lost is one too many.

“With rates of drug and alcohol-related harm in Brighton & Hove above the national average, harm reduction and compassionate, evidence-based action are vital. By working together as a community, we can save lives and create more opportunities for recovery and hope.”

Brighton & Hove’s IOAD events will culminate in the illumination of Brighton Palace Pier in purple as the city stands in solidarity with the global campaign.