By Amie Wood
Brighton’s seafront pub, the Fortune of War, proved yet again why it’s a local hub for music and community, hosting a series of events for International Women’s Day 2026 that were as vibrant as they were inclusive. From March 6-8, the venue welcomed the 1BTN 52-hour takeover, featuring live female-led broadcasting and DJ sets that kept the energy flowing.
The organisers, including Katie Wildblood (@wildbloodandqueenie), explained their vision: “Holding a space for trans, non-binary, and female performers in a city that’s grown diverse over nine years… this is really special.” What began in a male-dominated DJ scene has grown into something rooted in community, creating space for underrepresented voices to be heard and celebrated.
On Saturday, March 7, the pub came alive with sets from Wildblood & Queenie, Chica Morada, Alex Berry, Amyfist, Anya Lux, Dykes On Decks, Sophie Lloyd and more. The music moved between funky house grooves and freestyle beats, spilling out onto the seafront where a small crowd gathered, shoulders bouncing as the bass drifted into the sea air. It soundtracked scenes of everyday togetherness: friends draped across benches in conversation, drinks in hand, while nearby parents swayed with babies on their hips, moving instinctively to the rhythm.
The Baked Beats International Women’s Day Special on March 12 carried the same energy, with female, trans and non-binary DJs and MCs taking to the freestyle cypher stage while raising funds for RISE Brighton, a charity supporting those affected by domestic abuse.
What stood out most was the community vibe. The space felt warm, open, and effortlessly welcoming - a place where all people could exist freely and visibly. Laughter echoed, smiles were constant, and even passing runners slowed mid-route, drawn in by the music before stepping inside.
The crowd itself became part of the experience. Animal print, double denim, oversized jumpers and statement hats turned the room into a moving collage of self-expression. Funky glasses caught the light, while bobs, mullets and flashes of colour added to the sense of individuality. Outfits were layered, expressive, unapologetic - as much a part of the night as the music itself.
Every corner of the space felt alive. Kids in bright pink weaved between benches, spinning and dancing wherever there was space, while dogs in small coats wandered through the crowd like regulars.
Glasses were lifted in quiet cheers, smiles exchanged across the bar, bringing a subtle hint of summer into the room despite the grey light outside. Ciders rattled on tables, and the smell of pizza drifted through the air, mingling with the salt of the sea and fish and chips from next door. Cards slapped onto tables as games unfolded between drinks, people leaning into conversation rather than disappearing into their phones. Conversations overlapped, laughter built, and what started as background music slowly became everything.
That sense of purpose was reflected in the crowd. As attendee Kez Edwards (32) put it, “it’s a great event, women should feel safe and celebrated.” Nearby, Darren Bellfield (57) swayed along to the music, smiling in quiet agreement with the atmosphere around him. Even staff member Max B (25) noted that while the first hour can be stressful setting up, once the music starts and people begin to dance - even moving tables to make space - it all becomes worthwhile.
It carried the feeling of a seaside holiday lifted out of season - all the energy of summer, just without the sun. By the end of the weekend, it didn’t feel like just an event anymore, but something shared: a space shaped by music, identity and connection, where people could show up fully as themselves and be met with the same openness in return.
