University of Brighton students and staff stage fundraising concert for cancer care in Sussex

The free event, open to all, will showcase a blend of classical and contemporary music, performed by talented students, staff, and guest musicians to support essential cancer research and patient care.

Organised by the university’s School of Applied Sciences, the concert will take place at 6.30pm on Wednesday 18 March 2026 at St Andrew’s Church, Moulsecoomb, Brighton BN2 4TA, with doors opening at 6pm. Admission is free, and attendees can sign up for the event here. For those unable to attend, donations can be made via JustGiving here.

All funds raised will go directly to the Sussex Cancer Fund, helping to provide vital equipment, services, and support for cancer patients across Sussex. The charity’s collaboration with NHS teams helps improve the quality of care and advance cancer research in the region.

The event will feature a selection of choral pieces, followed by contemporary favourites, all performed by talented students and staff of the university. The concert is led by Dr Annamaria Gal, Senior Lecturer, cancer researcher and founder of SAS Singers, the chamber choir of the School of Applied Sciences.

Matt Homer, Ruth Muinde, Dr Sarah Pitt, Dr Annamaria Gal and Luke Roberts

Since launching the choir and first fundraising concert in 2019, she has worked with students and staff to establish the event as an annual tradition in support of cancer services. This year’s performance marks the fourth concert held in aid of the Sussex Cancer Fund.

The concert will involve students from the School of Applied Sciences, the School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering, the School of Art and Media, the School of Business and Law and the School of Humanities and Social Science, and several university academics, including Dr Simon Jeffs, Ruth Muinde, Dr Sarah Pitt and Dr Nadia Terrazzini.

Dr Annamaria Gal, Senior Lecturer and founder of the choir said: “This concert is a wonderful opportunity for students and staff from across the university to come together through music while supporting an important cause. Cancer touches so many families and communities, and we hope the evening not only raises vital funds for the Sussex Cancer Fund but also creates a moment of connection and reflection for everyone involved.”

David Witham, Fund Manager at the Sussex Cancer Fund, said: "We are incredibly grateful to the students and staff of the University of Brighton for their continued support, and a special thank you to Annamaria for organising this wonderful event. As we enter our fourth year, we are excited for another beautiful evening of music in aid of the Sussex Cancer Fund."

Through events like this, the university hopes to foster a sense of community, raise awareness, and provide meaningful support for vital causes, all while strengthening its commitment to the wellbeing of local communities and advancing crucial research and charitable causes.