They're a proud lot, our hip-hoppers, and rightly so - nationally, they've done a lot to improve the reputation of the music and culture and for the next two weeks they show us how.

The Brighton Hip-Hop Festival looks at the culture's five main elements: Breakdancing, DJ/turntablism, graffiti/street art, MCing and beatboxing.

Founded in 2004, The Brighton Hip-Hop Festival started life as a one-day event to promote local culture and artists, with an free all-dayer on Brighton beach.

It then expanded to a month-long celebration.

Kevin DaCosta, founding director, says: "I think we have already changed a few people's perceptions - and long may that continue.

"It was a gamble going from one day to a month, but in Brighton there is a lot of support and cooperation for new talent."

Graffiti Jam, July 1 and 2, Fleet Street, New England Quarter, Brighton. July 1-15, Lagoon site, Kingsway, Hove
- This is the country's biggest celebration of graffiti art and attracts the best artists from around the country and beyond. It was last summer's graffiti jam which put BHHF on the map, when a building site near Brighton Station became a canvas for some amazing art from 120 spray painters. New England Quarter site contractors have invited artists back to re-design the site - and a second one - to a common theme. Participants will come from the international as well as local scene. US graffiti innovator and originator Blade will be in attendance this weekend. Blade has been painting since the scene's early days, back in the early Seventies. His work will also be on display at the Art Of Hip Hop exhibition (see right).

The Art Of Hip Hop Exhibition, July 3-8, University Of Brighton, Grand Parade Gallery, Brighton
- A week-long exhibition to showcase the innovation of UK-based talent, including graffiti artists, photographers, designers, illustrators and street artists, whose work has emerged from hip-hop. The theme of the event is Past, Present, Future and will include displays of sketchbooks, canvases, magazines, club flyers, posters, record sleeves, stickers, photographs, portraits, independent music videos and documentaries. The concept is to curate an exhibition which creates a timeline of hip-hop art in the UK. 10am-5pm, free.

Slipjam:B, Freebutt, Phoenix Place, Brighton, Tuesday, July 4
- Established more than seven years ago, SlipJam:B is Brighton's only dedicated open mic/open decks hip-hop night. This month features PAs from Elemental and Baggy Flag Records, alongside the usual all-welcome jam session. Open decks 8pm-9pm, open mic 9pm-9.30pm, live PAs 9.30pm-10.30pm, free.

Emmanuel Jal, Hip-hop workshop, Pavilion Theatre, Brighton, Thurs, July 6
- The Sudanese rap star is in Brighton for a gig at the Dome but takes time out to lead young rappers in a one-off workshop. The session includes a look at lyric writing, followed by a chance to grab a mic and take to the stage alongside Jal. Starts 5pm, call 01273 709709.

Born To Rock BHHF Battle Jam, Sunday, July 9, The Ballroom Suite, King Alfred, Kingsway, Hove
- The UK's largest breakdance jam. More than 100 of the UK and Europe's top crews are expected. Noon-7.30pm, £8.50 adults, £6 under tens. Call 01273 709709.

Live day, Sat, July 15, old paddling pool, Brighton seafront
- The biggest event in the BHHF calendar. Last year, this one-day free event attracted an audience of more than 5,000 to see 150 performers, ranging from grassroots, unsigned acts to local, high-profile groups. This year features The Menagerie, Black Grass, Monkey Sons and many more, plus DJs. Noon-7pm, free.

Festival Soundtrack CD Launch, Komedia, Gardner Street, Brighton, Tuesday
- The World Cup semi-final at 8pm is followed by performances from a handful of top new artists, plus the renowned annual freestyle battle, pitting the area's best MCs against each other. DJs from 10pm, battle from 11pm, £5/£4. Call 01273 647100