The nationally acclaimed festival runs from 24 October to 9 November. This year the theme is ‘Cities: musical centres and the journeys between them’. Cities featured include Venice, Rome, Warsaw, Leipzig, Paris and London.

Deborah Roberts and Clare Norburn are Co-Artistic Directors of BREMF. This year’s programme presents early music in exciting formats and contexts, with a broad appeal. The programme features both internationally acclaimed musicians and talented local amateurs. The festival also showcases gifted young artists, as can be heard in a series of themed short performances entitled Grand Tour Shorts on 1 November at the Latest Music Bar, Manchester Street from 11am or 2.30pm This provides an excellent taster opportunity for audiences new to early music. La Venezia Festeggiante with the ensemble La Serenissima. Venice was awash with musical talent in the early 18^th century and this programme includes music by Vivaldi, Albinoni, Caldara and Porta, as well as some beautiful gondolier songs. Join the party and bring a picnic: mask wearing and carnival clothes optional. The audience sits in a café format. St George’s Church, Kemptown. 24 Oct 7.30pm

Popes, Patronage and Power by the BREMF Consort of Voices featuring music composed for the Sistine Chapel from its foundation in 1477 to its most famous piece, the Allegri Miserere. The famous soprano solo will be sung by Deborah Roberts. St Bartholomew’s Church. 25 October 7.30pm

Trade Roots: African & Brazilian music meet in a Portuguese monastery with London-based L’Avventura and guest singers from Portugal. The monastery of Santa Cruz at Coimbra was one of the major centres of Portuguese music during the 16^th and 17^th centuries. This concert includes ravishingly beautiful villancicos and romances from the monastery’s archives, brought there by African slaves and freemen. St George’s Church. 1 November 7.30pm

Bach’s Secret Addiction with the Little Baroque Company. An Informal, colourfully costumed and choreographed event in a café format, with coffee and cakes. The programme includes Bach’s Coffee Cantata and Telemann’s Don Quixote. The Old Market Hove. 2 November 11.30am, 2pm and 4.30pm

Convent Divas with Musica Secreta, Celestial Sirens and Brighton Festival Youth Choir, includes music by Charpentier, Lully and Couperin. St Paul’s Church, West St. 2 Nov 7.30pm

Nine Daies Wonder – A Trail of Two Cities with The Society of Strange and Ancient Instruments and dancer Steven Player, celebrates Will Kemp, a former member of Shakespeare’s company who, in 1600, danced more than 100 miles from London to Norwich in nine days. St George’s Church. 7 November 8pm.

Le Jardin Secret and members of The BREMF players perform in an exciting new music drama, Powerplay, with script by Clare Norburn. Music, dance and drama from 17^th and 18^th century Paris, including extracts from theatrical works by Lully and Rameau. St George’s Church. 8 November 7.30pm