Actually Gay Men’s Chorus raises £2,252.85 for Sussex Beacon

Brighton & Hove's Actually Gay Men’s Chorus (AGMC) has announced it raised £1,505.82 for the Sussex Beacon through its Christmas raffle and bucket donations at both performances of AGMC’s 20th Anniversary Christmas concert, With Love Actually Xx, held in December at St Mary’s Church, Brighton. This brings the total raised for the Sussex Beacon during AGMC's 20th Anniversary year to £2,252.85! 

The funds will support the hospice’s vital work providing specialist, compassionate care for people living with HIV and LGBTQ+ individuals with complex health needs. 

The Sussex Beacon is a Brighton-based hospice offering person-centred care for people living with HIV with multiple needs. In recent years, it has expanded to provide inclusive care for LGBTQ+ people with life-limiting and complex illnesses. While the hospice has been recognised with a Government award for excellence in care, public donations remain crucial, funding the majority of its services and enabling the delivery of compassionate, inclusive care.

Founded in October 2005, AGMC was created to provide a welcoming, joyful space for gay men and their allies to sing together, build friendships and connect through music, while sharing that joy with audiences beyond the LGBTQ+ community. Over two decades, the chorus has grown into a vibrant cultural force in Brighton & Hove, known for ambitious programmes and strong community engagement through performance and charitable support.

The Sussex Beacon holds a very special place in our community’s history and present.

Each year, AGMC members vote to select a Members' Chosen Charity, ensuring the chorus supports causes that resonate with its singers and values. In celebration of its 20th season, the chorus selected the Sussex Beacon - recognising the hospice’s historic role in HIV care and its continuing commitment to LGBTQ+ health and dignity. 

Audience and critical response to With Love Actually Xx was overwhelmingly positive. In recent coverage, reviewer Brian Butler of Scene Magazine described AGMC concerts as a “polished gemstone of a choral evening,” praising both the chorus’s artistry and joy and positioning their performances among the very best of local musical life.

Alan Baser, Chair of AGMC, said: “The Sussex Beacon holds a very special place in our community’s history and present. We were honoured to support them during our 20th season, and we’re incredibly grateful to our audiences for helping us raise £1,500 through With Love Actually Xx. Their generosity directly supports care that is compassionate, inclusive and truly life‑changing.” 

As AGMC enters its 21st year, it continues to champion LGBTQ+ visibility, community and creativity - bringing people together through ambitious performances, meaningful partnerships and charitable giving. The chorus also looks forward to a busy 2026 programme celebrating community, resilience and song.