Bold banners brighten up the city centre

This summer Brighton's streets will be adorned with bold and beautiful banners created by local artist Ilona Drew.
The banners by Ilona DrewThe banners by Ilona Drew
The banners by Ilona Drew

From disco balls to Komedia’s iconic striped can-can legs, as well as cheery slogans such as ‘B RIGHT ON’ and ‘BE UNIQUE’, the artwork has been designed by Brighton designer Ilona Drew of I Drew This.

Ilona, who lives in the city and is known for her colourful award-winning landmark prints of Brighton Pavilion, Palace Pier and Brighton Bandstand, was chosen by representatives by the 517 businesses which form Brilliant Brighton.

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She said: “I’ve really enjoyed exploring all the things I love about Brighton and going crazy with bold images and colours to create the banners. I think I might pop seeing them hanging above the city streets this summer!

Brighton designer Ilona Drew of I Drew This.Brighton designer Ilona Drew of I Drew This.
Brighton designer Ilona Drew of I Drew This.

“To have lived in and loved Brighton for the last 13 years I feel so proud to have my work brightening up the streets, especially when my daughter is walking under them in the sunshine and for Pride, which can never have enough colour!”

The banners, which will span the width of North Street and Western Road from early May, are part of Brilliant Brighton’s dressing the city campaign.

This also includes bunting in North Laine and The Lanes and lamp post banners on Preston Street, which are designed by Scottish artist Finlay Coupar, whose work is inspired by discarded debris and celebrates pattern and colour.

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There will also be floral hanging baskets throughout the city centre.

The banners by Ilona DrewThe banners by Ilona Drew
The banners by Ilona Drew

Gavin Stewart, Brilliant Brighton CEO, said: “We love dressing the city in the summer and can’t wait to see this year’s campaign come to life.

“Ilona’s designs were chosen by the board as they were so eye-catching, bold and represent all that’s brilliant about Brighton. We hope that they put smiles on people’s faces as they pass them - whether that’s on the way to work, on a shopping trip or parading in the Children’s Parade or during Pride!”

See the Brilliant Brighton banners designed by Ilona Drew on Western Road and North Street, and bunting and lamp post displays by Finlay Coupar throughout North Laine, The Lanes and Preston Street, between May and September.

For more of Ilona's designs, visit Present in the Laine in Gardner Street.