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- 🐦 Bridgerton on Strings, Exotic Butterflies & 150 Muscle Cars
🐦 Bridgerton on Strings, Exotic Butterflies & 150 Muscle Cars
From a candlelit string orchestra to a newly restored tropical palm house, plus a massive vintage car convoy cruising down to the cliffs.
Béla Molnar
June 12, 2026
Hello, Brighton and Hove
We have stepped into June, which means our coastline is gearing up for a fully fledged summer season. The beach festival stages are already going up on the pebbles, and FIFA World Cup fever is about to hit the town with a massive new fan zone venue landing right on the beach. At the same time, our historic institutions are finding new life, from a restored 1950s palm house reopening as a tropical sanctuary to a legendary local cinema taking its screens outdoors for the summer. Whether you are tracking down rare vinyl in Shoreham or hiding out in a steep Hanover backstreet for the ultimate plate of comfort food, put the kettle on and let us dive straight in.
Here is what’s squawking this week:
⚽ DUST turns into a vintage jersey stadium to kick off early World Cup fever.
🎻 The Royal Pavilion gets a romantic Netflix makeover under thousands of candles.
🦋 Stanmer Estate’s historic 1952 Palm House reopens as a tropical butterfly sanctuary.
🏎️ A massive convoy of 150+ American muscle cars takes over the Roedean cliffs.
🍿 A 1910 Edwardian cinema built on an old brewery is ready for the outdoors.
12/6/2026 - 14/6/2026
🎻 Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings 🕣 7pm, Sat 13 Jun Step into the spectacular Regency splendour of the Royal Pavilion for the ultimate musical event of the season. Surrounded by the breathtaking, soft glow of thousands of candles, a live string ensemble will perform your favourite modern pop melodies and romantic themes from the hit Netflix series. 🎟️ More Info ⚽ Indie Rock Night: World Cup Footy Shirts 🕣 11pm, Sat 13 Jun With World Cup fever kicking off, the club is turning into a stadium of indie anthems and football classics. Dig out your country's vintage jersey or channel your inner noughties WAG to bag a free shot on entry. There will be flag face painting, FIFA on the giant screen, and cheap drinks to fuel a night of top-tier indie tracks and guilty pleasures. 🎟️ More Info 🎵 Simon & Garfunkel - | 🌅 Glorious Day Festival 🕣 1pm-10:30pm, Sat 13 Jun The boutique festival returns to Hove Lawns, and fingers crossed the weather gods play ball because this should be a sun-soaked event. Dust off your sunglasses and prepare to cut some shapes on the grass as the sun sets over the sea. The organisers have pulled together a cracker of an eclectic line-up, featuring Groove Armada (DJ set), Jocelyn Brown, Fat Tony and Norman Jay MBE to name but a few. 🎟️ More Info 🏃♂️ Inflatable 5K Run 🕣 9am-2pm, Sat 13 Jun The world's biggest inflatable obstacle course is landing in Brighton for a day of pure lighthearted chaos. You can choose your distance, ranging from a manageable 2.5k lap to a proper 15k challenge, and face giant slides, bouncy tunnels, and massive climbing walls. There are no intense lap times to worry about here because it is just about having a laugh, tackling the course at your own pace, and claiming your finisher's medal at the end. 🎟️ More Info 🔮 ScryHard Magic: The Gathering Commander Night 🕣 6:30pm-11pm, Fri 12 Jun Whether you are a seasoned spellcaster or have never even picked up a deck, this casual tabletop night is all about the social side of the game. Grab a pint, meet some fellow nerds, and jump into a casual pod. They have plenty of spare decks if you need to borrow one, and the crew are more than happy to teach beginners the ropes without any pressure. 🎟️ More Info 🎬 Sama Brighton Film Festival 🕣 Mon 15 Jun to Fri 19 Jun An incredible offshoot of Stockholm's long-running Sama Film Festival is landing in Brighton for a five-day takeover. Originally founded 17 years ago with a focus on Afghan cinema, the festival shines a light on powerful international films made under conditions of conflict, censorship, and exile. Spanning multiple independent venues across the city, you can catch curated screenings, short film nights, and live Q&As. 🎟️ More Info 🦋 Sussex Butterfly Gardens 🕣 10am-5pm, Daily An ambitious restoration has transformed Stanmer Estate's historic 1952 Palm House into a vibrant, ethically managed butterfly sanctuary. This climate-controlled 'living classroom' is home to hundreds of exotic butterflies, moths, and other invertebrates that thrive alongside lush tropical plants. Visitors can wander through the structure to learn about different global climates and species in a unique partnership with Plumpton College. 🎟️ More Info |
📽️ Duke of York’s - Picture House
I've been thinking lately about where we watch films, and honestly, nothing compares to the memories we all have at the Duke of York’s. We’ve all looked up at those iconic 20-foot can-can legs on Preston Road, but the actual history of this place is wild. Opened way back in 1910 by a trailblazing actress-manager named Violet Melnotte-Wyatt, it’s officially the oldest purpose-built cinema in the UK. It was built right on the site of the old Amber Ale Brewery, and those original brewery walls literally still form the back of the auditorium today.
It has lived a thousand lives to get here, going from an elegant Edwardian palace to a total "fleapit," and it even hosted legendary, illegal punk rock gigs in the 80s. Even those famous rooftop legs were actually rescued from a closed theatre in Oxford before the building was completely restored. What I love most is how the team keeps it accessible for everyone, running free Silver Screen clubs with tea and biscuits for over-60s, relaxed screenings, and a £3 Saturday Kids' Club.
On top of all that history, they are still mixing things up; this summer, they are taking the magic outside and bringing back their legendary outdoor cinema sessions to the grounds of Preston Manor for four summer weekends. If you haven't been in for a while, skip the home streaming this weekend, grab a drink at the upstairs terrace bar, and support a true local institution.
📍 Preston Road, BN1 4NA
🕒 Cinema opens 30 mins before first film; Upstairs bar open daily from 11:00am
💰 Prices vary (Happy Mondays deals; £5.99 U25 tickets Mon-Thu)
🔗 Find Out More & Book Tickets
🍺 The Geese
If you love your comfort food and haven't yet dragged yourself over to Hanover to experience The Geese, you are seriously neglecting your duties as a local. Tucked away on Southover Street on one of the steepest hills in the entire city, this place is an absolute neighbourhood treasure. It doesn't rely on flashy gimmicks or sleek corporate design. Instead, it focuses on doing a few things spectacularly well, resulting in the kind of unpretentious, legendary status that most pubs can only dream of.
While they serve up a cracking selection of local craft ales and premium spirits, the real reason everyone packs into the place is their world-class bangers and mash menu. They have completely elevated the humble British classic into a high art form, letting you customise your plate with an unbelievable lineup of locally sourced gourmet sausages, massive heaps of specialised mash flavours, and rivers of incredibly rich homemade gravies. They cater beautifully to vegans and vegetarians too, meaning nobody has to miss out on the ultimate comfort feast.
The atmosphere is always bursting with lively community energy, especially if you pop in during one of their famous live traditional Irish music sessions. The staff are brilliantly friendly, the regulars are a wonderful mix of Hanover creatives, and the whole place just feels incredibly welcoming. It is the perfect antidote to a cold evening or a heavy weekend, and a stark reminder that Brighton’s best spots are hidden away on the residential hills.
📍 16 Southover Street, BN2 9UA
🕒 Mon-Thu 4pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am & Sun 12pm-10.30pm
🔗 Visit their website & see the menu
 🎧 On The Beach: Fatboy Slim 📅 Thu 16 Jul & Sun 19 Jul Fatboy Slim brings a massive homecoming celebration to the pebbles for Big Beach Boutique 7. With Friday and Saturday fully sold out, legendary party-starters can still catch the iconic DJ on Thursday and Sunday for an unforgettable open-air dance music experience right on the Brighton seafront.  🏳️🌈 Pride on The Park - Brighton Pride 📅 Sat 1 Aug & Sun 2 Aug The official Brighton & Hove Pride fundraiser returns for an inclusive weekend of music, protest, and celebration. This year's stellar lineup features massive performances from Raye, Jessie J, Diana Ross, and Paris Hilton, alongside top-tier electronic talent like Armand Van Helden, The Blessed Madonna, and Purple Disco Machine. 🎟️ Buy Tickets |  🎷 Madness presents Madrophenia 📅 Fri 24 Jul The legendary Nutty Boys are heading to the coast to headline a momentous outdoor summer party. Madness will perform their massive catalogue of iconic British anthems live on the pebbles, with a fantastic supporting lineup featuring reggae royalty David Rodigan and the high-energy Hot 8 Brass Band. 🎟️ Buy Tickets  🎸 On The Beach: The Maccabees 📅 Sat, 25 Jul A massive full-circle homecoming show topping an incredible cross-section of British indie. Joining them on the Editors, Miles Kane, Anna Calvi, Ash, Badly Drawn Boy, and local favourites Lime Garden. The band aims to top the legendary energy of an early Brighton gig that famously got them banned when fans hung from the ceiling.
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12/6/2026 - 14/6/2026
Fri
🎨 Pop Art Panic Party! (Private view) | 7pm, Fri @ Brighton Rocks Bar
Brighton artist Barrie J Davies opens his chaotic new exhibition. Expect loud, funny street-pop art that remixes popular culture icons through a wonderfully irreverent lens. More Info
🎙️ Filthy Fridays with Spencer Jones & Gail Porter | 8pm, Fri @ The Brunswick
Catch a hilarious night of comedy featuring BAFTA-nominated Spencer Jones. Expect his signature surreal style blending loop pedals, prop work, and physical clowning. More Info
🎸 Could Be Real Tribute Festival | 3.30pm, Fri @ Hove Lawns
Catch some of the UK's finest tribute artists performing classic tracks from ABBA, Queen, Oasis, and Fleetwood Mac live on the seafront. More Info
📸 A Mindful Discovery Photo Walk | 7pm & 9pm, Fri @ Jubilee Library
See Brighton's urban core through a gentle, slower lens designed to teach creative smartphone or camera framing techniques. More Info
🎸 Elvis Costello & The Imposters | 7pm, Fri @ Brighton Dome Concert Hall
Two-time Grammy winner Elvis Costello returns to Brighton, performing alongside Charlie Sexton and special guest Chris Difford for an unforgettable night of classic hits. More Info
🎭 Jane Eyre | 7pm Fri & 2pm / 7pm Sat @ Brighton Open Air Theatre
Dive into Jane’s inner world with Polly Teale’s bold reimagining of the classic tale. This psychological adaptation brings Bertha Mason out of the shadows as the living embodiment of Jane’s own suppressed passion and rage. More Info
🎸 Queen - A Celebration | 8pm, Fri @ Ironworks Studios
Celebrate the legacy of Queen with an evening of massive singalong anthems and rock classics performed by local entertainers. The night features live performances, a Queen-themed quiz, and a dedicated disco in the bar afterward. More Info
Sat
🎙️ Jen Brister: Reactive | 7:30pm, Sat @ Brighton Dome Concert Hall
Brister finds herself in a constant state of exacerbation at the state of the world and people in general. She’s been told she needs to chill the hell out, but can Jen actually find her zen? Spoiler: it seems highly unlikely. More Info
🎈 Rottingdean & Saltdean Lions Fayre | 11am, Sat @ Rottingdean Village Green
As shown in Screenshot 2026-06-11 at 18.20.35.jpg, the Rottingdean & Saltdean Lions Club is hosting a fun-filled community fayre. Stop by for a licensed bar serving real ale, a barbecue, a raffle, various stalls, arena events, and refreshments. Admission is completely free! More Info
🎉 Festa Junina do Clube dos Sabiás 2026 | 1pm, Sat @ Brunswick Primary School
Celebrate traditional Brazilian culture at this lively community festival. Enjoy live music, a Maracatu drum workshop, a DJ set, traditional quadrilha folk dancing, games, and authentic food stalls. More Info
🎙️ The Forge Comedy Club | 8pm, Sat @ Ironworks Studios
Enjoy a night of stand-up at Brighton's award-winning comedy venue. The stellar lineup features Rob Deering, Dee Allum, Alexander Bennett, and MC Stephen Grant. Doors open at 7pm with fresh Pizzaface pizzas available to order at the bar. More Info
👃 Scent Sounds Live | 6:30pm, Sat @ Wild Iris Perfumerie
Join fragrance writer Thomas Dunckley to match music tracks from two albums to distinct scents. Smell the blotters, guess the fragrances, and take home a goody bag of fragrant treats. More Info
Sun
🎙️ Edinburgh Fringe Preview: Rob Copland & Roger O'Sullivan | 7:30pm, Sun @ Komedia (Studio) - Catch two incredible Edinburgh Comedy Award-honoured comics testing out their new material back-to-back: featuring high-energy Victoria Wood Prize-winner Rob Copland and Best Newcomer nominee Roger O'Sullivan. More Info
🎤 Fearlessly Taylor | 2pm, Sun @ Brighton Open Air Theatre
Experience an exhilarating tribute to Taylor Swift with this show-stopping, whirlwind journey through her legendary career, featuring replica costumes and massive pop hits. More Info
⚽ The Lounges Derby: Alcampo vs Fuego | Sun @ Withdean Sports Complex
Two of Brighton's most beloved cafe bars face off in a 5-a-side football match to raise vital funds for Grassroots Suicide Prevention and the Chailey Heritage Foundation. Pop down to cheer them on and support a great cause. More Info
🏺 Mindful Potting for Carers Week | 1:30pm, Sun @ The Mud House
Celebrate Carers Week with a relaxing, mindful clay pottery session. This is an inclusive, pay-what-you-can / pay-what-you-feel workshop. This workshop is open to carers of all kinds, whether you care for a family member, friend, partner, child, or community member. More Info
🥩 Summer BBQ Sundays at STEM | 12pm, Sun @ Hove
Firing up the coals with a premium, laid-back barbecue menu. Enjoy beer-can-roasted chicken, sticky baby-back ribs, and Cornish mackerel with seasonal sides, custom cocktails, and chilled wine. More Info
Live Music
A Tribute to Grant Green | 7:30pm, Fri @ The Rock Inn Kemptown
Daresay | 8pm, Fri @ The Folklore Rooms
Die Twice | 7:30pm, Fri @ Alphabet
Elvis Costello | 7pm, Fri @ Brighton Dome
Joe Carnall Jnr | 7:30pm, Fri @ The Hare & Hounds
Leon Vynehall | 7pm, Fri @ Concorde 2
Novo Speed: A Journey Into House, Techno & Electro | 8pm, Fri @ Tempest
Punchlove | 7pm, Fri @ The Brunswick
Queen - A Celebration | 8pm, Fri @ Ironworks Studios
Doll Circus, Family of Strangers, Gripper Lee | 7pm, Fri @ Pipeline
Simon Spillett | 5:30pm, Fri @ St Andrew's Church
Spanish Horses + The Roebucks + Motor Show | 7:30pm, Fri @ The Hope & Ruin
A Summer Evening with the Bees | 7:30pm, Sat @ St Augustine's Centre
The Beat ft Ranking Jr | 6:30pm, Sat @ Chalk
Blue Sky Falling | 7:30pm, Sat @ Komedia
The Brighton WarmupMusic with Matt | 7pm, Sat @ Laughing Horse @ a&o Hostel Bar
Candlelight: Best of Bridgerton on Strings | 7pm, Sat @ Royal Pavilion
Candlelight: Coldplay vs Ed Sheeran | 9pm, Sat @ Royal Pavilion
Powerful Dance Journeys | 8pm, Sat @ Brighthelm Church and Community Centre
Fink: Live + Signing | 6:30pm, Sat @ Resident Music
Groovy Arts Club Night | 7:30pm, Sat @ Pipeline
Kee. | 7:30pm, Sat @ The Prince Albert
Starbenders | 7pm, Sat @ Patterns
Black Veil Brides | 7:30pm, Sun @ Concorde 2
Melrose Avenue | 7pm, Sun @ Chalk
Patrick Circus Ep Release Show | 7pm, Sun @ The Green Door Store
This Will Destroy You | 7pm, Sun @ Dust Brighton
This Will Destroy You | 7pm, Sun @ Zahara