🐦 £1.3M Government Grant For Rough Sleeping, Accidental Dining At Stem & The Brighton Mod Weekender!

Hello, Brighton & Hove!

I can't believe I'm saying this, but we're approaching the last weekend of August and the final bank holiday of the year, signalling the start of autumn. Soon, we'll be complaining about the rain and cold temperatures, while fondly reminiscing about the hot summer we just spent lamenting! A busy lineup of events is already scheduled before the long weekend, and watch out for the Friday edition, which will feature all the top events for the weekend and Bank Holiday Monday.

In the meantime, there is plenty to get stuck into over the next few days. You can catch a high-energy performance at BOAT with King Arthur and the Holy Fail, soak up classic soul and garage vibes as the Brighton Mod Weekender kicks off, or enjoy a candlelit evening of piano melodies with the Tribute to Ludovico Einaudi at St. George’s Church.

Grab a cold drink and let's dive into this week's highlights!

Here is what’s squawking this week

🏠 Brighton secures £1.3M rough sleeping funding boost.
🍸 Nightlife operators urge action following venue closures.
🏊 Council invites private bids for seafront paddling pool site.
⚽ Albion smash Aston Villa 4-0 in Premier League opener.
🍽️ Exceptional wine and vinyl vibes at Stem in Hove.

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🏠 Brighton secures £1.3m government rough sleeping boost

Brighton and Hove City Council has been awarded £1.35 million from Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s rough sleeping scheme, the second-highest local authority grant in England. The funding will build on the city's homelessness strategy, providing long-term housing solutions and intensive health support.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🤝 Local homelessness charities receive combined funding grant

Brighton-based charities BHT Sussex and Off The Fence have secured a government grant from the Ending Homelessness in Communities Fund. The partnership will expand capacity at the First Base and Antifreeze day centres, delivering dedicated casework support for clients with complex needs.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🍸 Nightlife bosses demand urgent action following venue closures

Steve Jones, managing director of R-Bar and Revenge, has warned that Brighton's LGBTQ+ nightlife faces a crisis following a wave of recent venue closures. Nighttime operators are calling on local authorities for tax relief, licensing flexibility, and a dedicated strategy to revitalise the city's evening economy.
→ read more on The Argus

🏊 Council seeks private bids to redevelop seafront paddling pool

Brighton and Hove City Council is inviting private operators, developers, and investors to submit proposals to rebuild the King's Road paddling pool and adjacent 1,000ft leisure space. While the pool and playground must remain free to access, the successful bidder will fully fund and run the wider complex.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🗳️ Labour selects candidate for upcoming Queen’s Park by-election

Labour has picked former NHS executive and journalist Steve Gladwin to stand in the Queen's Park ward by-election on September 24. Gladwin has pledged to focus on the cost-of-living crisis and local economic regeneration following the resignation of former councillor Milla Gauge.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

⚽ Albion thump Aston Villa 4-0 in Premier League opener

Brighton and Hove Albion kicked off their Premier League campaign in style with a 4-0 victory over Aston Villa at the Amex. A Jack Hinshelwood double alongside a Maxim De Cuyper strike and a Victor Lindelof own goal sent the Seagulls straight to the top of the table.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🚆 Lewes train line set to reopen

Engineers are set to complete complex track repairs following a recent train derailment near the River Ouse, with normal services resuming on September 1. Rail bosses apologised for the disruption and confirmed rigorous safety testing is under way ahead of the reopening.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

Also in the news:

🚗 Veteran car run returns to Brighton: More than 400 historic vehicles will travel from London's Hyde Park to the Brighton seafront on November 1 for the annual Veteran Car Run.
→ read more on The Argus

🍕 Connie's Pizza to take over former GBK site: London-based pizzeria Connie's Pizza is opening its second branch on Gardner Street in the Brighton Lanes following the permanent closure of Gourmet Burger Kitchen.
→ read more on The Argus

🚗 Hove loading bay plans trigger parking permit cut: A public consultation has opened on proposals to install two new loading bays on The Droveway in Hove, which would reduce the existing permit parking area.
→ read more on The Argus

🩲 Ethical underwear brand opens Brighton store: Y.O.U Underwear founder Sarah Jordan has opened a new Gardner Street shop focused on fairtrade products and donating a pair of underwear for every sale to combat period poverty.
→ read more on The Argus

🎸 GIRLBAND! to headline Hope & Ruin discovery night: Alt-rock trio GIRLBAND! will top the bill at the Hidden Herd Presents showcase on December 16 alongside Currls, tall child, and Kanukai.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🌟 Team Domenica

🏠 The North Star pub & HQ
⏰ Mon to Fri 9am-11pm, Fri & Sat: 10am–12 midnight and Sun: 11am–9pm
📍 2-3 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton BN1 1EE

The other week, I was fortunate enough to catch up with the lovely Caroline, who leads on marketing and communications over at Team Domenica. She took me on a thorough walkthrough of everything this extraordinary local charity is accomplishing, along with a sneak preview tour of a phenomenal new educational floor in their building that will soon be officially unveiled. The heart and story behind this organisation are genuinely beautiful: it was founded to empower young adults with learning disabilities and autism by equipping them with real-world skills, confidence, and pathways into paid employment, particularly within our local hospitality industry.

It is such a brilliant, win-win concept: helping our hospitality sector while giving these incredible candidates a genuine sense of purpose and independence. If you run a local business and can offer a placement, please reach out; they operate a fantastic open-door policy and would love to hear from you. You can also support their vital work simply by visiting the North Star Pub or one of their vibrant cafes, picking up their speciality house or decaf coffee (retail and wholesale, both in-cafe and via their online shop), hiring their versatile event spaces, or booking their brilliant event catering service. Let’s get behind this wonderful charity so they can keep opening doors for our city's young people.

🔗 Discover candidate stories and find out how to get involved

🌮 Stem Bistro & Wine Bar (my review)

A funny thing happened on the way to dinner the other night. I had booked a table somewhere in Hove, but somehow managed to completely convince myself I was heading here instead. I turned up, gave my name, and spent a solid 15 minutes trying to prove I had a reservation. Turns out I hadn’t booked at all, but the staff (especially the brilliant Charlie) were absolute stars about it, laughing along with me while they sorted it out.

Honestly, I am so glad I got my restaurants mixed up. The vibe inside is effortlessly cool, with people soaking up the sunshine out front over a glass of wine; it's a true inside-outside affair. Every single dish blew me away: Native Oysters with a spicy virgin Bloody Mary granita; Brioche with brown butter and seaweed salt; South Coast Cod with seaweed butter sauce, horseradish, and chervil; and, of course, dessert: Brown Sugar Madeleines with date ice cream and caramel. Pure, unadulterated indulgence from start to finish.

And like this wasn’t enough already, their vinyl soundtrack is carefully curated to complement the food, wine, and conversation. Live selectors spin records on Friday and Saturday evenings 7pm onwards, plus selected Sundays and Bank Holidays. They also do cracking Sunday BBQs and stellar little bar snacks if you are just dropping in for drinks.

Safe to say it lives up to every bit of the hype! Go check it out.

📍 5 White Street, Hove, BN3 1HA
🕒 5pm-11pm (Mon to Wed), 12pm-11pm (Thur), 12pm-midnight (Fri&Sat), 12pm-9pm (Sun)
🔗 Book a table

🏠 The Contemporary Hillside Villa

Set in an elevated position on the edge of the South Downs, this exquisite 5-bedroom detached home offers 5,350 sq ft of cutting-edge luxury with sweeping panoramic views across Hove to the sea. Built using eco-friendly ICF technology and fully integrated with a state-of-the-art Control4 home automation system, the property features a 31-foot Rokpunkt German kitchen, along with full-height sliding doors that seamlessly blur the indoor-outdoor living. The standout principal suite opens onto a private balcony, while the top floor boasts a wraparound roof terrace framing stunning sunset views. Outside, the landscaped grounds showcase a heated swimming pool with a unique glass viewing panel set behind private electric gates.

Bear with me while I dig through my pockets for a winning lottery ticket...

📍 Hill Brow, Hove
💰 Offers in Excess of £3,000,000
🔗 View on Rightmove

Tue

🎭 Behind the Curtain | 7pm & 8:30pm, Tue @ Theatre Royal Brighton
An immersive promenade performance by local company Play On, blending theatre, poetry, and installation to reveal the staff, secrets, and history of the landmark theatre behind the scenes. More Info

🎤 Chloe Petts: Work in Progress | 7:30pm, Tue @ Caroline of Brunswick
A work-in-progress comedy show by acclaimed comedian Chloe Petts as she tests out brand-new material ahead of her next tour. More Info

Wed

🍷 Stage Side Sips | 7:30pm, Wed @ Theatre Royal Brighton
Ever secretly wanted your main-character moment on stage? Here's your chance without the stage fright. Sip your way through a stellar selection from Plumpton Estate while taking in rare, panoramic views of the gorgeous auditorium right from the spot where the stars perform. More Info

📚 Read to the Beat: Families Fun Celebration | 10:15am, Wed @ Jubilee Library-A free, drop-in celebration for the Summer Reading Challenge featuring toddler movement sessions with South East Dance, paper crown crafts with Originary Arts, and interactive storytime filled with rhythm and rhyme. More Info

🍺 Bella Union 1st Anniversary Party | Wed 27 Aug @ Bella Union Vinyl Shop
Free beer, record-spinning DJs, and an unannounced headline act—turns out turning one year old at the new spot is a pretty good excuse to throw a shop floor party. More Info

🎙️ Rotunda Comedy | 8pm, Wed @ Rotunda Cafe Bar
A monthly stand-up showcase hosted by Ben Van der Velde, featuring performances from Mike Cox, Alexandra Haddow, and Radu Isac, with a loaded fries street food menu available. More Info

🎭 King Lear with Autistic Adults | 2pm, Wed @ The Brunswick
A ground-breaking interactive performance using sensory games to adapt Shakespeare's classic tragedy for non-verbal and neurodivergent adults, creating a genuinely moving, inclusive space for participants and spectators alike. More Info

🛸 In the Dark Movie Club: The Thing (1982) | 7pm, Wed @ Presuming Ed Coffeehouse-A cult-classic cinema night featuring John Carpenter's chilling sci-fi horror masterpiece about an Antarctic crew facing a paranoid shape-shifting terror, complete with a goofy intro host to set the mood. More Info

🗡️ King Arthur and the Holy Fail | 7pm, Wed @ Brighton Open Air Theatre
A fast-paced, riotous comedy featuring live musical instruments, physical farce, and medieval mayhem as an unlikely hero navigates a ridiculous quest to save his realm. More Info

🔮 Sylvia Plath, Taylor Swift, & The Power Of The Witch Imagery | 7pm, Wed @ Brighthelm Church and Community Centre-Ever wondered what links 1950s confessional poetry to modern pop stadium anthems? An intriguing talk unpacking how the "witch" got reclaimed from a misogynistic insult into a symbol of female power, topped off with an audience Q&A. More Info

Thur

📚 Glossary - August Book Group | 6:30pm, Thu @ Tipsy Mares
A monthly book group gathering to discuss Elizabeth Strout's novel The Things We Never Say over drinks in a friendly, relaxed setting. More Info

💃 Burlesque Festival & Summer Ball | 6:30pm, Thu–Sun @ Wagner Hall
A four-day festival celebrating burlesque with themed showcase nights including local south coast talent, Nerdlesque, the Seaside Crown competition, workshops, and a summer ball. More Info

🎸 Good Times are Over! | 7:30pm, Thu @ Brunswick Square Park
An open-air evening showcasing gritty post-grunge soundscapes, rapid-fire rap poetry, and experimental coastal rhythms alongside a stellar lineup of local music talent. More Info

🧠 Saltdean Lido's Quiz Night | 7pm, Thu @ Saltdean Lido
A fast-paced trivia social packed with interactive challenges, team-based gameshow twists, and light bite food options in an iconic seaside setting. More Info

🎪 Revel Puck Circus: The Glimmer Daze Gambit | 4:30pm & 7pm, Thu & Fri @ Victoria Gardens-A high-energy, mischief-filled family show packed with acrobats and international circus performers following two wide-eyed dreamers as they figure out what running away to join the circus actually takes. More Info

👨‍🎤 Ian Shaw: When Bowie Met Joni | 8pm, Thu @ Ironworks Studios
What happens when you mesh Ziggy Stardust with Blue? Jazz virtuoso Ian Shaw pulls off a brilliant tightrope act, blending two massive back catalogues with sharp storytelling, emotional soul, and plenty of laughs. More Info

Fri

🎸 All Or Nothing: The Experience | 7pm, Fri @ Ironworks Studios
A live concert show performed by the West End cast celebrating the music and story of iconic mod band Small Faces, featuring hits like Itchycoo Park, Lazy Sunday, Tin Soldier, and All or Nothing. More Info

🎷 Brighton Rhythm & Soul Weekend 2026 | 7pm, Fri–Sun @ The Koko Club (Queens Hotel)-A weekend celebration of rhythm and soul featuring top DJs, dancing, and late-night sets at the beachfront Koko Club. More Info

🎷 Jazz at St Andrews Presents: Louise Messenger | 5:30pm, Fri @ St Andrew's Church-An early evening of classic swing and sultry vocals inspired by mid-century icons, bringing lively energy and timeless standards to an intimate church setting. More Info

🤠 Jolene: The Dolly Parton Experience | 7pm, Fri @ Brighton Open Air Theatre
A lively country tribute packed with iconic hits, dazzling costumes, and big singalong energy under the evening sky. More Info

💃 Latino Fest Beach Party | 6pm, Fri @ Horizon Nightclub
A massive summer gathering featuring high-energy Reggaeton, Salsa, Dembow, and Baile Funk across multiple dance floors and a terrace overlooking the coast. More Info

🎹 Tribute to Ludovico Einaudi | 7:30pm, Fri @ St. George’s Church
Need to unplug? Escape into an evening of hypnotically peaceful, minimalist piano melodies (Nuvole Bianche, Experience) bathed in soft, atmospheric lighting. More Info

🎸 No Apologies | 8pm, Fri & Sat @ The Old Market
An award-winning collision of theatre and nineties grunge that reimagines an iconic 1993 acoustic TV performance, featuring a live six-piece tribute ensemble and an exclusive Q&A with legendary music writer Everett True on the opening night. More Info

🛵 Brighton Mod Weekender 2026 | Fri-Mon @ The Volks & The Komedia
The annual invasion of tailored suits and polished chrome hits the coast for four days of pure 1960s soul, garage, and beat. Expect daytime vinyl markets on the seafront, afternoon scooter line-ups, and late-night club sessions across town. More Info

Live Music

Hot Rats | Tue @ Rossi Bar
An Evening With: Sam Webb & Pierce Joyce | 7:30pm, Tue @ The Brunswick
Book Launch & author signing of ‘Brighton At Work’ & illustrated talk | Tue @ The Brunswick
YHWH Nailgun: Live Album Performance + Signing | Tue @ Resident
KILLER KIN + MOTH | Tue @ Daltons
Jazz Jam | 8pm, Tue @ The Brunswick
Darcy | Tue @ Green Door Store

Hot Rats + Mezcal Moon + Glossolalia | Wed @ Prince Albert
Crying In Colour | Wed @ Rossi Bar
Katie Gregson-Macleod | 7:30pm, Wed @ Folklore Rooms
CAMP GHOUL | Wed @ Daltons
Behind closed doors - Haus of Velvet Cabaret Show | Wed @ The Brunswick
Los Hermanos Pethericos y Amigos | Wed @ The Brunswick
Horsegirl | 6:30pm, Wed @ Chalk
i’vebeeneatingfruit | Wed @ Green Door Store
Mini August Choir Brighton | 5pm, Wed @ Brighton Electric

Good Times are Over! | 7:30pm, Thu @ Brunswick Square Park
Indie Acoustic Night | 7pm, Thu @ The Brunswick
Keiron Phelan & Peace Signs + the Golden Samphire Band + David Coomber | 7:30pm, Thu @ The Folklore Rooms
TENDERLONIOUS - AFRICA/BRASS | Thu @ Alphabet
ICBEING & THE VERY QUESTIONS + pet Twin | Thu @ Prince Albert
FLIBBLE'S BIRTHDAY! | Thu @ Daltons
Eve’s Delight | Thu @ Rossi Bar
JAZZY JEFF | Thu @ Quarters
SNM | Thu @ Green Door Store
Absuma + Sternums + The Hangleton 5 | 7pm, Thu @ Hope & Ruin
Ian Shaw- When Bowie Met Joni | 8pm, Thu @ Ironworks Studios
The Rifles | 7pm, Thu @ Komedia

CRAB | Fri @ The Brunswick
Spotlight Events | Fri @ Fortune of War
DRAGGED TO THE PITT | Fri @ Caroline of Brunswick
Sweet Jonny + Neepo Babies + The Last of the Lovely Days + Blush | Fri @ Prince Albert
THE CHORDS UK + CIRCA79 + TRES KINGS + CANADA HILL + AFTERSHOW DJ | Fri @ Daltons
Barren Sea | Fri @ Folklore Rooms
Chloe Leigh & Pals #5 | Fri @ The Brunswick
Hitty | 9pm, Fri @ Quarters
80s RE-MIX | Fri @ Caroline of Brunswick
The Flex – Hi NRG / Italo Disco Club Night | Fri @ Rossi Bar
THE OFFIE MAG SOCIAL | Fri @ Alphabet
WARBY | Fri @ Alphabet
Everlast: Live + Signing | 6:30pm, Fri @ Resident
Sunshine Soul: Luke Solomon & Marcia Carr | Fri @ Patterns
Distress Call | 7pm, Fri @ Dust
Reggaeton Party (Brighton) August | Fri @ Dust
The Jam'd + 3 Top Supports | 5pm, Fri @ Concorde 2
The Signatures - Northern Soul Live | 6pm, Fri @ Chalk
Knife Bride | Fri @ Green Door Store
Sandhouse, Bighead, Hornet & Thimble | 7:30pm, Fri @ Hope & Ruin

Last week's Clock Tower trivia caught the majority of you out! A leading 42.03% of voters guessed that campaigners locked themselves inside the structure, while only 37.68% correctly identified the fake funeral procession up North Street. You can read up on the history of the iconic landmark on the single, direct Clock Tower, Brighton Wikipedia Page.

This week, we are looking at two stainless-steel time capsules mounted on the wall of the Palace of Fun arcade on Brighton Palace Pier. Sealed on 11 July 2020 and set to be opened on 20 May 2070, the capsules contain a collection of compact items that preserve a 50-year snapshot of the pier's history.