Visitors at Brighton Festival launch party were surprised by a “flash mob” of dancers.

Hundreds of guest had just listened to the festival’s guest artistic director Brian Eno speaking about his vision for the event, when the lights dropped and the dancers took to the floor.

The flashmob in action

Members of the group, who had been mingling with the crowd, performed a two-minute choreographed routine to music from the 70s and 80s in the bar area of Brighton Dome.

Choreographer Ben Wright, from Brighton-based dance company bgroup, said: "It's been difficult to get such an eclectic mix of people together. I have three professional dancers and everyone else is a student or got wind of an e-mail."

This year’s Brighton Festival programme features more than 113 events, including 30 commissions and premieres.

Brian Eno talks about his festival vision

Tickets are on sale to members now and will be available to the public from March 5.

To book tickets call the box office on 01273 709709 or visit www.brightonfestival.org.