Hello, Brighton & Hove!

We’re looking back at a record-breaking marathon weekend and the first steps of a massive billion-pound investment fund for the region. We’ve also got your guide to a month-long Italian takeover next month and a visit to the cafe that just bagged its seventh local award.

Here’s what’s squawking this week: 

🗳️ A potential Green Party takeover
☕️ A look at a multi-award-winning Brighton coffee shop
🇮🇹 Your guide to the Brighton Italian Festival’s big return
🚌 A new face at the wheel of our buses

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🎪 Applications pending for upcoming city park events

Official planning permission for major events in our green spaces is still being processed, with several applications yet to be submitted. With the Brighton Festival and Fringe just a fortnight away, the council is moving forward with site preparations while five-year change-of-use bids are finalised. Officials have assured residents that work will proceed as planned, though they would be required to restore the parks to their original condition if the applications are unsuccessful.

→ Read more on Brighton & Hove News

🗳️ Brighton projected to turn entirely Green in the next election

A new political forecast suggests the Green Party could scoop up every parliamentary seat in the city if an election were held today. While membership has surged by 300% since 2023, some locals say they still have i360 PTSD from the last time the Greens were in charge. It seems the city is split between environmental hopes and memories of past debts as the 2027 local elections approach.

→ Read more on The Argus

🚌 New face taking the wheel at Brighton and Hove Buses

Matt Ashton is set to become the new managing director of Brighton and Hove Buses this summer, following a prize-winning stint in the North West. He takes over from interim boss Rupert Cox at one of the country's most profitable bus divisions. With experience across several major operators, he’ll be tasked with keeping our city moving as we head into the busy summer season.

→ Read more on Brighton & Hove News

🏃 Record-breaking crowds hit the streets for Brighton Marathon

Around 14,000 runners completed the course on Sunday, with Horsham’s Sam Cook securing his second men's victory in a row. A standout moment saw blind artist Clarke Reynolds finish the race guided entirely by AI smart glasses and remote volunteers. Clarke said the tech was a game-changer, allowing him to push the boundaries of what the visually impaired community can achieve.

→ Read more on BBC News

🗳️ First meeting for Sussex's new Super-Authority

The inaugural meeting of the Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority takes place tomorrow, Wednesday, at Brighton Town Hall to establish its first governance rules. This new mayoral body will eventually control a huge £1.14 billion investment fund, giving our region a single strategic voice on transport and growth. While the first Mayor won't be elected until 2028, the building blocks for local devolution officially start now.

→ Read more on Brighton & Hove News

Also in the news:

🚔 AI Cameras Target Phone Users: Sussex Police rolled out high-tech cameras yesterday to catch drivers using mobiles or skipping seatbelts after a trial spotted hundreds of local offences. → read more on BBC News

🧒 Peter Kyle Opens £1.2m Hove Youth Hub: The brand-new Weller Youth Centre is officially open in Knoll Park after a three-year project co-designed by local young people. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🎭 £470k Boost for Brighton Dome: The iconic venue and festival have been awarded a major government grant today to improve accessibility and protect the city's cultural heart. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🏫 Audit Identifies Middle Street Failings: A new report released today details significant financial and leadership failings at Brighton’s oldest school as it edges closer to a final closure decision. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🐱 Firefighters Rescue Stuck Moggy: A lucky cat was cheered to safety on Elm Grove yesterday after getting stuck overnight at the very top of a tall elm tree. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🏥 Dermatology Services Halted Over Harm Fears: Community skin services in East Sussex have been suspended following an independent report into potential patient harm at some GP practices. → read more on BBC News

🏨 Business Fears Grow Over Tourism Tax: Local hoteliers and museum managers are worried that a proposed levy on overnight stays will just end up as another bill for struggling businesses. → read more on BBC News

🏛️ Museum Staff Strike Tomorrow: Royal Pavilion and museum workers are walking out again this Wednesday in a bitter dispute over pay and the removal of long-standing contract protections. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🚌 Pool Valley Traders Demand Coach Return: Café owners claim their businesses are on the brink of collapse after National Express coaches were moved to the Old Steine following the hotel fire. → read more on The Argus

🏘️ Living Rent Campaign Hits Town Hall: Protesters are urging the council to stop relying on private developers and fund a big increase in genuinely affordable council housing. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🅿️ Parking Permit and Tariff Shake-up: New proposals aim to standardise visitor permits and introduce seasonal charges for key seafront parking areas—objections must be in by 21 April. → read more on The Argus

🏢 Arson-Hit Showroom to Become Flats: A derelict site on Lewes Road could finally be cleared to make way for 15 flats and a viaduct-inspired block featuring a new bakery. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🛀 Rooftop Hot Tubs Planned for North Road: Platf9rm co-working space has applied for planning permission to install a sauna, bar, and hot tubs on the roof of Tower Point. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🍟 BeFries Makes i360 Relaunch: The cult favourite brand has returned to the city with a new mobile unit now operating on the i360 terrace. → read more on The Argus

🔪 Moulsecoomb to Get Knife Crime Youth Hub: A specialist centre will be set up in the area to provide targeted mentoring and prevention training as part of a government crackdown. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🇮🇹 The Brighton Italian Festival is back!

The BIF is returning for 2026 after a hugely successful debut last October, bringing a massive slice of Mediterranean soul to our seaside city this May. We’ve pulled the best bits from their Fringe programme so you can sort your month with everything from opera and disco to handmade pasta bowls.

🎟️ Book Tickets & More Info

🤩 Festival Event Highlights

🇮🇹 Brighton Italian Street Party

📍Jubilee Square | Sat, 2 May, Midday - Late | 💰 FREE
Jubilee Square transforms into a fun Italian piazza for a full day of authentic street food, artisan gelato, and live music.

🚀 BIF Launch Party

📍Horatio’s Bar, Palace Pier | Sat, 9 May, 7pm - Midnight | 💰 From £5
Kick off the festival at Horatio’s with a high-energy night of reggae, rap, and theatrical character performances set on the iconic Palace Pier.

🤡 A Wander Fool Word

📍 Horatio’s Bar, Palace Pier | Sat, 9 May, 3pm - 4:15pm | 💰 £12 (Adult + Child)
This interactive circus-theatre show is a joyful way for kids to discover new languages through the adventures of Nino the Spanish clown.

👿 Lucifero on Tour

📍 Horatio’s Bar, Palace Pier | Sat, 9 May, 6pm - 7:30pm | 💰 £10
Experience a sharp and hilariously provocative one-devil extravaganza that explores the fallen angel’s troubled relationship with the Almighty.

🎷 Betty Accorsi Quartet

📍 Horatio’s Bar, Palace Pier | Sun, 10 May, 7pm | 💰 £10
Settle in for a night of cinematic jazz as this award-winning saxophonist blends modern sounds with traditional Italian folk influences.

🍝 Spaghetti Disco at Hotel Pelirocco

📍 Hotel Pelirocco | Thu, 28 May, 7pm - Late | 💰 £10
Dance to iconic Italian hits from Mina to Maneskin and enjoy free midnight spaghetti at the city's most legendary rock 'n' roll hotel.

🏺 The Pottery Workshop

📍 16-30 Hollingdean Rd | Date TBC (May), 2pm - 4pm | 💰 £40
Hand-build your own custom 28cm pasta bowl in this tactile two-hour session guided by the experts at Pottery Gagliano.

🎟️ ONE FOR ALL Festival Pass

📍 Various Locations | Throughout May | 💰 £50
Secure one of the limited ‘One For All’ tickets to save over 60% on the entire month's worth of theatre, jazz, and food events.

⭐ Starfish & Coffee

Sitting pretty right at Egremont Gate, this Queens Park staple is celebrating once again after another win as Brighton’s best cafe at the 2026 BRAVOs. Tony Marks, a former radio presenter, took a gamble on an empty shell back in 2017 and named it after a classic Prince track. It has since become a local legend for anyone who’s hard to impress when it comes to a good flat white, and is a properly relaxing neighbourhood spot, just as any local cafe should be.

A common theme with the BRAVOs winners is sourcing the best ingredients and Starfish is no exception, using organic eggs from Mac’s Farm and artisan bread from The Flour Pot (just like the winner of best brunch, Jo & Co). If you are feeling adventurous, go for the curried Greek yoghurt seasonal eggs or the smoky Chorizo Hash with roast peppers. For those who prefer a sweet start, the buttermilk pancakes come topped with grilled peach and goat’s cheese mousse or traditional maple butter. Every plate is put together with the kind of care you would expect from a kitchen with a fine-dining background.

The coffee is just as impressive as the food and comes with a side of ethics. They use Skylark Coffee, a non-profit roaster that supports everything from African farmers to rewilding projects in Sussex. Even their takeaway cups are plastic-free and home-compostable to keep the environmental footprint as light as possible. It’s both family-friendly and dog-friendly, all while feeling like a sophisticated hidden gem.

You can even grab a cheeky mimosa if you are doing a boozy brunch on the weekend. The team is very welcoming and they have built a true community vibe that has real soul. It is no wonder they have stacked up seven awards in total since they opened their doors. Grab a seat in the window and watch the world go by at what is officially the city’s top spot for a caffeine fix.

📍 32 Egremont Place, BN2 0GB
🕣 8:30am-3pm (Mon-Fri), 9am-3pm (Sat-Sun)
🔗 Menu & More

🏡 The Good Life in Ditchling

Sitting on the edge of the village with views straight up to Ditchling Beacon, this 1920s estate is pure country house living with a modern twist. It’s set across two acres of landscaped grounds and features a huge kitchen garden for your own farm-to-table moments, plus a very sleek indoor pool complex and a tennis court that’s currently being eyed up for a padel conversion.

📍 Lodge Hill Lane, Ditchling
💰 £3,750,000
🔗 View on Rightmove

Tue

😂 Rich Hardisty & Rob Auton | 8pm, Tue @ Komedia
Catch an emotive and candidly hilarious stand-up work-in-progress from two of the circuit's most distinctive voices. More Info

🔮 Shoreham Catalyst Club | 7:30pm, Tue @ Ropetackle Arts Centre
The French Salon tradition returns with three guest speakers sharing secret, heart-led topics ranging from philosophy to slime mould. More Info

📽️ Labyrinth in Concert | 6:30pm, Tue @ Brighton Centre
Experience the cult classic film on the big screen accompanied by a live band performing the score alongside Bowie’s original vocals. More Info

🎲 Backgammon - Beginners Night | 6pm, Tue @ The Fitz Regent
Friendly learning sessions for those looking to join Brighton's successful backgammon community. More Info

🐉 Explore the Palace of Dragons | 9:30am, Tue @ Royal Pavilion
A mysterious dragon nest has appeared inside the palace, launching a playful exhibition to discover hidden creatures in the chandeliers. More Info

Wed

⛰️ Banff Mountain Film Festival | 7:30pm, Wed @ Brighton Dome
A thrilling collection of short films from the world’s most prestigious mountain film festival, capturing high-stakes global adventure. More Info

🎤 Susie McCabe: Best Behaviour | 7:30pm, Wed @ Komedia
The Glasgow award-winner brings her subversive and darkly funny storytelling to Brighton following a string of sold-out shows. More Info

🕵️ The Secret Comedy Club | 7pm, Wed @ Artista
Professional comedians test out fresh material alongside rising stars at the city's premier new-material night. More Info

Thu

🤠 Chaps & Straps: Queer Line Dancing | 7pm, Thu @ Komedia
Celebrate one whole year of line dancing with a massive birthday hoedown featuring lessons, queer pop anthems, and a costume contest. More Info

🍏 Pre:Fab! with Colin Hall | 7:30pm, Thu @ Ropetackle Arts Centre
Beatles author Colin Hall shares exclusive documentary clips and stories about The Quarry Men, John Lennon’s very first group. More Info

🎭 Laurie Anderson: The Republic of Love | 7:30pm, Thu @ Brighton Dome
The pioneering artist returns to the city with a solo project exploring the complex relationship between government and love. More Info

📻 Radio Blah Blah LIVE | 7pm, Thu @ The Actors
Guy Lloyd turns radio up to '11' with an immersive live performance show featuring a sharp mix of music and talk. More Info

💬 The Branding Needs Work | 7:30pm, Thu @ Caxton Arms
A supportive, free evening of comedy where experienced and new acts hone their sets in a diverse, varied showcase. More Info

🕺 In Motion Dance Show | 7:30pm, Thu @ BHASVIC
A celebration of department creativity and skill featuring a diverse range of solo and group dance performances. More Info

Fri

👄 Rocky Horror 50th Anniversary | 7:30pm, Fri @ Brighton Dome
Join the original cast (Brad, Magenta, and Columbia) for a 4K remaster screening with a live shadow cast and interactive Q&A. More Info

🍵 Japanese Tea & Matcha Tasting | 9:30am & 12pm, Fri @ Starling Studio
From premium morning brews to modern matcha lattes, discover the textures and rituals of authentic Japanese tea culture. More Info

🌹 Mark Steel: Work in Progress | 7:30pm, Fri @ Caroline of Brunswick
The veteran political firebrand and Radio 4 regular tests out new material with his signature biting wit. More Info

🎪 Short Stories Tall Tales | 11:30am & 1:30pm, Fri @ Ropetackle Arts Centre
Interactive storytelling for ages 0-4 where Hannah Summers brings Bertie’s Big Top circus world to life through sensory play. More Info

✨ Komedia Comedy Club | 8pm, Fri @ Komedia
The Chortle-award-winning pro night returns with three top-tier acts and a resident MC in the city's best comedy basement. More Info

🌿 Culpeper's Medicine Garden | 6pm, Fri @ The Coach House
Join a herbalist and musician for a walk up Whitehawk Hill to uncover the healing folklore and traditional songs of local plants. More Info

🎨 Graham Dean: Becoming Visible | 11am, Fri @ Cameron Contemporary Art
A solo exhibition featuring heroic statement pieces from the artist renowned for his ability to manipulate watercolour. More Info

🧠 Age is a Stage | 11am, Fri @ Theatre Royal Brighton
A creative workshop designed for the older generation who want to break the rules and reignite their creative spark. More Info

Live Music

Ben de la Cour | 7:30pm, Tue @ The Folklore Rooms
Cat Burns | 7pm, Tue @ Brighton Dome
Joshua Radin | 8pm, Tue @ Komedia Brighton

Hackney Colliery Band | 8pm, Wed @ Ropetackle Arts Centre
Bands & Bars | 7pm, Wed & Thu @ The Pipeline
Adriano Adewale & Adrian Brendel | 7pm, Wed @ Brighton College
Speed | 6:30pm, Wed @ Chalk

We call it Jazz | 6:30pm, Thu @ The Brunswick
Covenhoven | 7:30pm, Thu @ The Folklore Rooms
Jordan Ward | 6:30pm, Thu @ Chalk
Ogrepalooza: The Ogretones | 7:30pm, Thu @ Concorde 2
R.U.B (Aus) | 7:30pm, Thu @ Prince Albert

Brown Horse | 8pm, Fri @ Hope & Ruin
Colin Stetson | 8pm, Fri @ Attenborough Centre
Frank Turner & Sleeping Souls | 6pm, Fri @ Chalk
Colour Out of Space 9 | 5:30pm, Fri @ The Old Market
Foreign Affairs | 7pm, Fri @ Dust
Katherine Priddy | 7pm, Fri @ St George's Church
SUEP | 7pm, Fri @ Alphabet

Thank you to Rob, who let me know about messing up on last week’s trivia - the famously zany Chris Eubank, in fact, drove both a Peterbilt Truck AND a Hummer H2! So congratulations to the 87% of you who selected either of these two correct options (with a perfect 50/50 split between the two).

This week we’re off to Italy in celebration of the return of the Brighton Italian Festival next month: