Interview on Neon Moon Live with Catherine Watling Breen
To kick off Brighton Fringe 2025, we’re proud to be hosting Neon Moon Live at TOM on Bank Holiday Sunday, 4 May 2025. It promises to be an experience like no other. Why? Well, we sat down with show director Catherine Watling Breen to find out…
TOM: How did Neon Moon begin? And how has it evolved over time?
Catherine: Neon Moon started as a small, experimental gathering fueled by a passion for pushing creative boundaries in live performance. In its early days, it was an intimate affair—a meeting point for a tight-knit community of artists looking to experiment with form and content. In 2011, our mansion parties for 200 people were described as "The Edinburgh Fringe in a Teacup," setting the tone for the innovative spirit that defined the event. Over time, Neon Moon has grown in scale and ambition, evolving from a grassroots experiment into a landmark experience that embraces diverse artistic expressions and continuously reinvents itself in both performance styles and overall festival atmosphere.
TOM: What makes Neon Moon Live different from other events?
Catherine: Neon Moon Live isn’t just another performance night—it’s a vibrant celebration of creativity that thrives on the unexpected. It fuses elements of live performance, electronic and live music, and digital art into a uniquely immersive experience. Unlike conventional events, it blends these diverse artistic mediums into a seamless flow that challenges the norm and redefines what live events can be. The emphasis on experimentation, combined with an atmosphere that encourages audience participation, sets it apart as a truly dynamic and forward-thinking live event.
TOM: With such a powerhouse lineup for the event, can you tell us a bit about how you select the performers for the night and what audiences can expect from the artists?
Catherine: The process behind curating the lineup is both rigorous and inspired. We seek out acts that bring something truly original to the stage—whether it’s a daring new take on a traditional art form or a completely unexpected twist that challenges the norm. The performers are chosen not only for their talent but also for their ability to evoke emotion and spark conversation. Audiences can expect a night filled with high-energy performances, surprising collaborations, and a sense of intimacy that makes each act feel like a personal invitation into a world of creativity.
TOM: You must have some stories from shows gone by! Care to share any memorable moments?
Catherine: One standout memory was the spontaneous collaboration between a Swing and Bass DJ and a Live Brass section, transforming an ordinary set into an unforgettable, genre-defying experience. This event will also debut the brand new collaboration between DJ Mista Trick and Drummer Percussionist Chad Murphy, who will be creating an electrifying set that mashes up swing, electro, retro, bass, and live drum and bass for the show.
TOM: How should people dress to fully embrace the festival vibes?
Catherine: Attendees are encouraged to let their imagination run wild when it comes to their festival wardrobe. Think eclectic, creative, and a little bit daring. Whether that means bold patterns, vintage finds and especially lots of glitter with a touch of theatrical flair, the goal is to feel comfortable, expressive, and ready to be part of an immersive art experience. Dressing in a way that reflects your individuality is key to fully embracing the Neon Moon vibe.
TOM: As the festival season drawers ever closer, how do you think performing at TOM will be different to performing at, say, Glasto?
Catherine: This year marks our 5th year performing at Brighton Fringe, and we’re taking it to a whole new level. Instead of just being part of the lineup, we’re proudly launching the entire Fringe with our event. The evening kicks off with an exclusive artists networking event at TOM at 7pm in the Bar, providing a unique opportunity for creatives to connect and collaborate. Plus, at 3pm, attendees can join in with Rave Baby, setting the stage for a dynamic and immersive experience. This multi-dimensional approach creates a more intimate and interactive atmosphere compared to larger festivals like Glasto, where the scale often takes precedence over personal engagement.
If audiences take away one thing from the night, what do you want it to be and why?
Catherine: If there’s one thing we’d love for audiences to walk away with, it’s the feeling that art is a living, breathing experience—a catalyst for connection and transformation. Neon Moon Live is all about celebrating the unexpected, embracing creative freedom, and discovering new perspectives together. Whether you’re an artist, a fan, or simply a curious soul, the energy of the night is designed to remind you of the power of genuine, unfiltered creative expression.
Neon Moon Live takes place at The Old Market, Hove on Bank Holiday Sunday 4 May.
Keep up to date with all Neon Moon Live news via Instagram - @neonmoonlive