Hello, Brighton & Hove!

We’re grabbing a sesame breakfast bun at the Mediterranean-inspired Curio Café Bar and looking at the upcoming Plumpton Revival festival. In the headlines, there’s been significant rail disruption this morning, as well as a smartphone ban in schools and the announcement of plans for a bespoke new stadium in Falmer for BHAWFC.

Here’s what’s squawking this week: 

🗳️ Greens hit the Hove by-election trail
🍷 A versatile date option in Preston Circus with wine on tap
🚌 1970s Love Bus brings rock history to New Road
📱 Smartphone ban for year 7s for City’s schools

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🚆 Major rail disruption on the Brighton Main Line

Commuters are facing a nightmare morning after trains were suspended between Three Bridges and Haywards Heath. Emergency services were called to a casualty on the tracks near Balcombe at 4:15am, disruption was expected to last until at least 1pm. Southern is telling everyone to allow an extra 90 minutes for their journeys while rail replacement buses try to fill the gap.
→ read more on BBC News

📵 All secondary schools to ban smartphones for Year 7s

Every one of the city’s 10 secondary schools is going smartphone-free for incoming Year 7 pupils this September. Children won't be allowed to bring in any device that can access social media or the internet. Headteachers say the evidence for better focus and mental health is "consistent and compelling," and it fits with the government's plan for a national ban.
→ read more on BBC News

🗳️ Greens hit the campaign trail for Hove by-election

The Green Party is already out leafleting in Goldsmid ward, despite a polling date not even being set yet. It follows the resignation of long-serving councillor Jackie O’Quinn, who recently quit Labour to sit as an Independent. Fresh off their huge swing in Queen’s Park, the Greens are banking on residents feeling betrayed by the current administration.
→ read more on Brighton & Hove News

🎨 Thousands pack the streets for 40th Children’s Parade

The Brighton Festival kicked off in style with a cast of thousands marching for the 40th anniversary of the Children's Parade. This year's "Read All About It" theme saw incredible costumes representing everything from sci-fi to graphic novels. Woodingdean Primary were a highlight, spending weeks drenching glue on a massive Viking longboat for the procession.
→ read more on Brighton & Hove News

📚 Afrori Books smashes "survival" sales target

Brighton’s specialist bookshop is celebrating today after a huge community push saw them sell 1,000 books by the end of April. Founder Carolynn Bain had warned the shop might struggle to stay open, but fans "smashed" the target to keep the community hub going. It’s more than just a shop, it’s a sanctuary for the city's black community that’s been saved by its readers.
→ read more on BBC News

Also in the news:

🚗 Patcham Shop Smashed by Drunk Driver: A 29-year-old man has been arrested after a car ploughed into the Premier in Mackie Avenue, leaving the owners "lost" while they wait for structural checks. → read more on The Argus

🏥 Govt Boosts Hopes for Hospital Site Housing: A junior minister has confirmed a commitment to "social value" for the Brighton General site, potentially paving the way for 500 affordable homes. → read more on The Argus

⚡ New EV Charging Limits Begin: Drivers now face a strict four-hour maximum stay at electric vehicle charging points across the city to make sure everyone gets a fair turn at the plug. → read more on The Argus

⚽ Fans Welcome Europe's First Bespoke Women's Stadium: Albion fans are buzzing after the club announced an £80m plan for a 10,000-seater dedicated home for the women's team at Falmer. → read more on BBC News

🏖️ Southwick Beach Sold to Shoreham Port: The popular stretch of coastline has been bought by the Port Authority to ensure better sea defences and long-term protection for the public. → read more on The Argus

🌳 Council "Troubleshooter" Called for Tree Pruning: A Portslade councillor has finally tracked down an officer to deal with a massive overgrown tree that’s been blocking streetlights for months. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🎸 Levellers Announce Huge Hove Park Show: The local legends will celebrate 35 years of 'Levelling the Land' with a massive open-air hometown exclusive this September. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🛣️ "Worst Road in Brighton" to be Resurfaced: Residents in Cuckmere Way are finally getting a repair this summer after chunks of the road fell away, causing cars to skid and homes to shake. → read more on The Argus

🏢 Western Road Shops Slated for Demolition: Card Factory and Cancer Research could be replaced by 14 flats, though the developer is asking to skip the 20% affordable housing requirement. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🏗️ King Alfred Audit Flags "High Risk": Councillors want more detail on how the £65m project's risks are being monitored as preparatory demolition work gets under way on the seafront. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🚔 Armed Robber Flees Moulsecoomb Empty-Handed: Police have released CCTV of a man in a balaclava who tried to hold up the Widdicombe Way Premier store with a weapon before fleeing. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🚌 Plumpton Revival Love Bus Tour: This Friday!

📆 Fri 8 May - Sat 9 May
📍 Brighton & Plumpton

A vintage 1968 Plaxton Panorama, better known as the Love Bus, is making its way through the city this weekend as a precursor to the full Plumpton Revival festival. It’s a mobile stage that’s popping up to share a bit of the 70s festival spirit with anyone walking by. You don’t need to worry about entry fees or barriers, it's just a bit of live music and some decent vibes in the street.

The tour starts on New Road this Friday, then heads over to Plumpton College for a much bigger session on Saturday. We’ve heard there will be a mix of live bands, vinyl sets, and some circus workshops for anyone who fancies a go. It’s a nod to the local history of the area, specifically those massive rock festivals that took over the racecourse back in the day.

🔗 More on the bus tour

🎸 New Road Session
The bus pulls up outside the Theatre Royal for a couple of hours of live music on Friday evening. It’s a good shout for an early start to the weekend if you’re already in the North Laine.
📍 New Road
🗓️ 5pm-7pm, Fri 8 May

🎓 College Takeover
A full day of music at the college with Who’s Next and Samuel Ashton on the lineup. There’s also some circus energy from the Wild Woods crew and plenty of vinyl spinning between sets.
📍 Plumpton College, Lewes
🗓️ 11am-8pm, Sat 9 May

🎸 Plumpton Revival: The Second Verse

 📆 Sat 8 Aug - Sun 9 Aug
📍 Plumpton Racecourse

Back in 1970, Plumpton Racecourse was a major hub for the UK rock revolution, hosting legends like Pink Floyd and Black Sabbath. This August, that history is being revisited with a two-day event that looks to capture that specific counter-culture spirit.

The organisers have put together a massive programme that goes well beyond the main stage music. You’ll find a vintage market for vinyl and tie-dye, a pop-up cinema showing old festival reels, and even a disco for those who want to keep moving after the sun goes down. It’s an immersive weekend that tries to feel like a time machine back to the summer of 1970.

🔗 Event information

🎤 The Main Stage
Think Floyd and Dreams of Fleetwood Mac are bringing those big stadium sounds back to the racecourse. Expect a lot of heavy blues and psych-rock that pays tribute to the original festival era.
📍 Plumpton Racecourse
🗓️ Sat 8 Aug - Sun 9 Aug

🎪 The Comedy Tent
The legend that is Basil Brush is actually on the bill, alongside Tony Law and Jarred Christmas. It’s a return to that slightly chaotic variety style that ruled the stages in the early 70s.
📍 Plumpton Racecourse
🗓️ Sat 8 Aug - Sun 9 Aug

📽️ Cinema & Disco
They’ve set up a space for grainy Woodstock footage and a disco floor for Motown and ABBA hits. It’s a solid spot to duck into if the weather turns or if you just want to find a new groove.
📍 Plumpton Racecourse
🗓️ Sat 8 Aug - Sun 9 Aug

🍸 Curio Café Bar

Curio Café Bar is a fairly fresh addition to Preston Circus that takes its cues from the relaxed, all-day drinking and dining habits found across the Mediterranean. The venue functions as a clever collaboration between several of Brighton’s most respected independent businesses, including Curing Rebels, The Flour Pot Bakery, and Milk Shed Coffee Roasters. This joint effort ensures that every element of the experience, from the artisan pastries to the expertly brewed morning coffee, is handled by people who are at the top of their game.

The space is built around a love for community and music, equipped with bespoke handmade speakers that provide a perfectly balanced backdrop for both quiet lunches and lively evenings. It maintains a warm and inviting energy throughout the week, offering a local-first ethos that includes unique touches like their "Street Lottery" discount for nearby residents. Whether you are popping in to catch one of their guest DJs on a Friday or settling in for a slow Sunday session, the atmosphere is designed to make you want to stay for just one more drink.

Daytime visitors can enjoy signature sesame breakfast buns or substantial sandwiches made to order, such as their well-known salt beef with pickles or triple-cheese grilled toasties. When the lights go down, the focus shifts to high-end British charcuterie plates and nourishing small bites like smoked cheddar croquettes and crispy fried artichokes. The bar is a champion of sustainable kegged wine, allowing guests to try different varieties by the glass or carafe while ensuring the pour is consistently fresh and environmentally friendly.

This is a standout option for a date night, particularly if you time your visit for one of their relaxed wine tastings held on the first Thursday of the month. The proximity to the Duke of York’s cinema makes it a prime location for a post-movie glass of wine or a punchy Gilda Martini to discuss the film in style. With a diverse menu that ranges from potent cocktails to inclusive alcohol-free alternatives, it offers a sophisticated but unpretentious setting that is perfect for a proper evening out.

📍 1 Clyde Rd
🕒 8am-3pm (Mon), 8am-10pm (Tue-Thu), 8am-11pm (Fri-Sat), 9am-7pm (Sun)
🔗 Book a table

🦋 Kemptown's Blue Beauty

This striking sky-blue Victorian villa sits just a pebble's throw from the seafront. It manages to pull off a thrilling architectural pivot: the upper floors are all about restored pine floorboards and original marble fireplaces, while the lower ground floor is a dramatically modern hub featuring poured resin floors, handleless timber cabinetry, and floor-to-ceiling glass that opens onto a massive country-style garden.

📍 College Road, Kemptown
💰 £1,850,000
🔗 View on Rightmove

🎨🎪 Brighton's Coolest New Art & Makers Fair

Something new is popping up this May! Say hello to handmade/hand-designed, not mass-produced. This is your chance to buy original artworks, prints, jewellery, ceramics, candles, and other handmade gifts from local artists at Caravanserai's Sunday afternoon markets during the Brighton Festival. Family-friendly. Free entrance. Over 30 artists & makers trading every Sunday in May.*

Tue

🎹 Einaudi’s Piano by Candlelight - ‘Spirited Away’ | 6pm, Tue @ St Paul's Church
A musical experience pairing Ludovico Einaudi’s meditative piano pieces with stories inspired by the anime Spirited Away. More Info

👑 Monarchs Anonymous | 6pm, Tue & Wed @ Rotunda Theatre
A historical comedy where infamous royals like Henry VIII and Marie Antoinette gather in a group therapy session. More Info

🎹 Cirque Du Piano | 7:15pm, Tue & 8:30pm, Fri @ St Paul's Church
An innovative concert featuring three pianists performing complex classical works together on a single piano. More Info

🎼 Evangeline | 7pm, Tue-Thu & 5pm, Fri @ The Lantern Theatre
A new musical tracing the career of a showbiz survivor from her discovery to her rise and fall in the West End. More Info

😂 Alice Ella: Chronically Sick, Hormonal Slag | 8pm, Tue @ Komedia
A musical comedy show using original songs and parodies to explore the realities of living with chronic illness. More Info

🎤 New Act Night | 8pm, Tue @ Komedia
A long-running showcase where emerging comedians perform their first stand-up routines in a supportive environment. More Info

💄 Kinder | 9pm, Tue-Thu @ The Lantern Theatre
A drag performance exploring memory and childhood through a chaotic and award-winning library reading hour. More Info

Wed

🌀 KlangHaus: Darkroom | 1pm/2pm/3pm, Wed-Thu & 12pm/1pm/2pm, Fri @ Brighton Dome
An immersive multi-sensory installation regarding the climate crisis and its emotional impact on the human experience. More Info

🤣 Best of the Fest | 3:30pm-11pm, Wed-Fri @ Artista
A high-energy showcase featuring multiple comedy acts performing short sets in an award-winning intimate venue. More Info

🌊 Of Land, Sea & Sky: Sounds of the Ocean | 6:30pm, Wed-Fri @ The Old Market
An immersive journey through the deep sea using a blend of live music, visual art, and ocean sounds. More Info

🔮 Madame Isolde's Crazy Zodiac Cabaret | 7pm, Wed @ Caroline of Brunswick
A variety cabaret night featuring character comedy, complimentary astrology, and cosmic confusion. More Info

🎪 carnation | 7:30pm, Wed-Fri @ Black Rock
A large-scale immersive circus show combining live music with world-class aerial and big top performance. More Info

🎬 Hans Zimmer’s Hollywood | 8:30pm, Wed @ St Paul's Church
A musical performance pairing modern film scores with silent cinematography and live orchestration. More Info

Thu

🎭 Bleak Expectations | 2pm & 7pm, Thu @ Brighton Open Air Theatre
A comedic theatrical performance based on a fictionalised and chaotic version of a classic Charles Dickens story. More Info

👗 Sophie Garrad: Poor Little Rich Girl | 6:30pm, Thu @ Komedia
A satirical stand-up hour exploring experiences of privilege, class, and private school life. More Info

📺 Ruby Wax: Absolutely Famous | 7:30pm, Thu @ Theatre Royal
A live stage show where the comedian and her producer share stories and review career highlights through clips. More Info

🎩 Mr Blackpool | 8pm, Thu & Fri @ ACCA
A variety show set in a future affected by climate collapse featuring magic, drag, and sideshow elements. More Info

⚱️ Guess Boo | 8:45pm, Thu & 7:15pm, Fri @ Spiegelgardens Wundabarn
An irreverent comedy show where audience mediums attempt to identify a dead celebrity hidden in an urn. More Info

📽️ Asian Dub Foundation: La Haine - Live | 9:15pm, Thu @ Brighton Dome
A live screening of the cult film 'La Haine' accompanied by a real-time soundtrack performed by the band. More Info

Fri

🥁 Time Keeps The Drummer | 4pm-8pm, Fri @ Brighton Dome
A five-hour durational performance exploring the fluid nature of time through a child's perspective. More Info

🎙️ Mania - The Abba Tribute | 7pm, Fri @ Brighton Open Air Theatre
A professional tribute production celebrating the musical hits and career of the Swedish pop group ABBA. More Info

🎭 Great Adaptations | 7:30pm, Fri @ The Barn Theatre
A fully costumed production featuring songs from musical theatre and opera adapted from literary works. More Info

✨ Komedia Comedy Club | 8pm, Fri @ Komedia
A stand-up showcase featuring three professional acts and an experienced compere at a leading local venue. More Info

👑 Beaverhausen | 8:30pm, Fri @ Komedia
A queer drag king performance celebrating camp culture through high-energy comedy and character work. More Info

🎪 Neddy Goes To Glasto | 9pm, Fri @ The Lantern Theatre
A one-woman play following a journey through grief and celebration at the Glastonbury festival. More Info

🔞 Paul Savage: Big Naked Comedy Show | 11pm, Fri @ Artista
A late-night stand-up event featuring comedians performing uncensored routines without their clothes. More Info

Live Music

NOVO Quartet | Brighton Dome | Tue, May 5
People Are The Power | Folklore Rooms | Tue, May 5
Treeboy & Arc | Prince Albert | Tue, May 5
Lorelle Meets The Obsolete | Hope & Ruin | Tue, May 5

Laurie Anderson | Brighton Dome | Wed, May 6
James Oliver Band | Prince Albert | Wed, May 6
Gnod | Dust | Wed, May 6
Aircooled | Green Door Store | Wed, May 6
Great Lake Swimmers | Hope & Ruin | Wed, May 6

Minerva Baroque | Brighton Dome | Thu, May 7
LYR | Komedia | Thu, May 7
Robert Vincent | Folklore Rooms | Thu, May 7
Basement | Chalk | 7pm, Thu, May 7
Bloodworm | Green Door Store | Thu, May 7

girli | Resident Music | 6:30pm, Fri, May 8
The Cuban Brothers | Concorde 2 | Fri, May 8
Flamenco Express | The Brunswick | Fri, May 8
Reggie Watts | Patterns | Fri, May 8
Pictish Trail + Krumpets | Alphabet | Fri, May 8
Lucy Spraggan | Quarters | Fri, May 8
Youth Killed It | Prince Albert | Fri, May 8
Michael McGovern | Folklore Rooms | Sat, May 9
Withered Hand | Prince Albert | Sat, May 9
Toots and the Maytals | Chalk | Sat, May 9
Big Boss Man | Hope & Ruin | Sat, May 9

Last week’s trivia was a tricky one! Only 30% of you guessed Tomatoes as the ‘staple ingredient of Italian cuisine that was feared to be poisonous when it first arrived in Italy in the 1500s’.

This week, with the 70s fuelled Plumpton Revival Love Bus coming to town, we’re asking what song was performed by ABBA for their famous Eurovision win in 1974, right here in Brighton?