Calling all Brighton dads

A grassroots movement pioneering for change…introducing Dad La Soul. 

From stand-up comedy to silent discos and dad dance battles, Dad La Soul playdates create a safe space for dads to connect with like-minded people, enjoy quality time with their children and have some fun.

Dad La Soul is a multi-award-winning revolutionary grassroots movement that uses art, tech and music to battle social isolation and loneliness in dads across Sussex. 

They create kick-ass Saturday morning playdates for dads, stepdads, grandads and male-identifying carers who want to hang out with their kids, play, learn, teach and make new friends. Dad La Soul events bring people together, challenge conventions, spark conversations and start friendships with dads that perhaps might otherwise struggle in silence.

“Dad La Soul is a lot of fun but there is a serious message behind it. We bring dads and kids together with amazing activities, to break down barriers and start conversations which dads may not otherwise have,” said Dan Flanagan, Founder at Dad La Soul.

Founded in 2017 in Worthing, Dad La Soul has just launched a brand-new play date in Brighton, and it is calling all dads to get involved.

The Dad La Soul community will be ‘taking Brighton by storm’ one Saturday a month, at Plus X Brighton in Moulsecoomb. Each event will focus on a different theme designed to engage the children and of course the dads! The events are a safe space for dads and kids to let off steam, have some banter and ask for help. 

The launch took place on Saturday 12th November. The inaugural event welcomed more than 100 dads and children to play, create connections and make some music. The music workshop was led by the fantastic Audio Active, a grassroots social enterprise organisation that help young people engage with music across Sussex. 

Reece Pickett, Youth Project Manager at Audio Active, said. “One of the best Audio Active sessions I have seen…all the kids were super engaged and really enjoyed it.”

After launching at their new HQ, Dad La Soul Brighton has created some great collaborations with people, places and businesses to bring the events to life. Collaborators include The Bevy, Brighton’s number one community run pub/hub, County Business Clubs, a growth engine for Sussex Businesses, Brighton and Hove Council and Plus X innovation hubs.

“This event was incredibly impressive. I think around Brighton there just isn’t support around for dads…having this is a great way for dads to meet people,” said Chris Llewellyn, a member of the Management Committee at The Bevy.

Plus X Brighton is a seven-storey innovation hub for all types of businesses from freelancers to corporates. Located on Lewes Road in Moulsecoomb, the innovation hub encompasses business growth innovation programmes, coworking and office space, support for sustainable product makers, design workshops, podcast studios, media suites, meeting rooms and event spaces. Plus X is committed to creating purposeful partnerships to deliver positive social impact to local communities, especially those residents located in their home of Moulsecoomb. 

Mat Hunter, Co-CEO at Plus X innovation hubs, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Dad La Soul. Not only are they focused on the health and well-being of dads and children, but who knows, perhaps spending Saturday mornings in our innovation hubs will ignite an interest in starting a new business!”  

Dad La Soul is passionate about creating a supportive and accessible community. They have a range of ticket options available to ensure all families are welcomed. Tickets cost just £6 for a family of four, with free entry available for families with low or no wage. 

Isabella Hoffmann, Community Lead at Plus X, said: “When Dan first approached us to be the new HQ for Dad La Soul, it was an immediate no-brainer. We endeavour to support and champion impact-focused events that encourage collaboration and connection in the community, which is exactly what these events do.”

The next event will be on Saturday 10th December, 10am-12pm at Plus X Brighton. Join Dad La Soul for the Christmas celebration of the year, as well as the world-famous Beach Punch and Judy show. 

Book your ticket tby scanning the QR code or visiting https://bit.ly/3Aj5GNz. 

By Alicia Sullivan