👻 Hello Brightonians!

The spookiest week of the year has arrived, and we’ve brewed up a Halloween-packed edition filled with everything from eerie ghost walks to family pumpkin trails. Whether you’re after a fright-filled night out or something fun for the little monsters, there’s loads going on across the city.

To squeeze it all in, we’ve had to temporarily drop a few of our usual sections (email size limits are scarier than ghosts), but don’t worry, they’ll be back next week!

Here’s what’s squawking this week:

🚧 Major Brighton road closures and council news
🏘️ New homes and housing plans across the city
🎃 Family pumpkin trails and spooky fun for all ages
👻 Haunted club nights, creepy cocktails, and Halloween parties

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🚧 London Road and Preston Road to Close for 18 Months

One of Brighton’s busiest routes, the A23 London Road and Preston Road, is set for long-term disruption as phased closure works begin. The affected stretch runs from Rookery Close to Tongdean Lane and includes adjacent roads, along with a temporary suspension of the bus and cycle lanes. Brighton and Hove City Council said the closures are necessary to allow contractors to carry out essential scheme works safely, with pedestrian access maintained and diversions clearly signposted.

The temporary order, which came into effect on October 20, could remain in place until April 2027. The council has said the works will take place in phases “as and when required,” but with the A23 being one of the city’s key transport arteries, drivers are being warned to expect significant delays and diversions throughout the 18-month period.

→ read more on The Argus

🌸 Floral Clock Consultation ‘Flawed,’ Say Tories

Hove’s iconic Floral Clock has sparked more political debate after Conservative councillors accused Brighton and Hove City Council of running a “flawed” consultation that didn’t include an option to keep it. Councillor Alistair McNair criticised the process, saying residents were effectively asked for input after the decision to scrap the landmark had already been made. More than 3,000 residents have since signed a petition calling for the Floral Clock to be restored.

Labour councillor Alan Robins, who oversees sports and recreation, appeared to soften his stance this month, confirming that the original clockmakers are exploring options for a new electric clock or possible alternatives such as a sundial or sculpture. With more than 1,100 residents responding to the consultation, the final decision will now rest with a working group set up to review results, but the public mood is clear: many want the clock to stay.

→ read more on Brighton & Hove News

🏘️ Council to Buy Three Blocks of Flats to Boost Housing Stock

Brighton and Hove City Council has approved plans to purchase 19 new homes across Brighton and Rottingdean in a move to expand its stock of affordable and temporary housing. Thirteen of the properties will be used for temporary accommodation, saving the council around £164,000 a year in private rental costs. The homes, spread across Freehold Terrace, Beech Grove, and Vaughan Williams Way, are part of a wider £50m housing strategy.

Labour councillor Gill Williams said the investment will help the city meet its target of 2,000 new affordable homes within five years while easing financial pressure from record levels of homelessness. The council also plans to sell off disused sites and offices to fund the purchases, including part of Bartholomew House and several vacant properties earmarked for redevelopment.

→ read more on The Argus

🎾 Neighbours Object to Padel Court Plans in Hove

Plans to install new floodlit padel courts at Hove Fitness Centre have drawn objections from nearby residents, who say the “sharp, gunshot-like” racket noise would ruin their peace. The club hopes to replace two underused tennis courts with three glass-panelled padel courts that can be used year-round from 8am to 9pm daily. Almost 40 people have commented on the plans, most in support, but five neighbours have filed formal objections, citing noise, light pollution, and harm to local wildlife.

Supporters say the project will revitalise an unused space and introduce one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports. However, opponents point to the recent noise abatement order issued against Withdean Leisure Centre’s padel courts earlier this year. The council will now consider whether the proposed hours and design can balance community recreation with neighbourhood tranquillity.

→ read more on Brighton & Hove News

Also in the news:

🖼️ Brighton Museum reopens with Dali and Pride exhibits: The £2m refurbishment sees Brighton Museum reopen with Passion, Power & Protest, featuring Salvador Dali’s Mae West sofa and artwork from Pride and Black Lives Matter.
→ read more from BBC News

☂️ Businesses react to Imperial Arcade revamp: Traders welcome the colourful umbrella ceiling at Imperial Arcade but say the space still needs work and promised refurbishments.
→ read more from The Argus

🏫 Brighton and Hove’s best schools revealed: Brighton Girls tops the city’s GCSE rankings, followed by Brighton College and King’s School, according to new government data.
→ read more from The Argus

⚕️ Hove hospital staff threaten strike action: Workers at The Montefiore Hospital may strike after a union survey found high stress and fear of management retaliation.
→ read more on Brighton & Hove News

🎭 £800m creative industries push across Greater Brighton: Local leaders back a new plan to boost creative jobs and training in one of the region’s fastest-growing sectors.
→ read more on Brighton & Hove News

🗳️ Councillors claim they were ‘gagged’ over election breaches: Tory councillors say they were blocked from raising alleged pre-election rule violations by Labour.
→ read more on Brighton & Hove News

🎃 Best Halloween Events in Brighton & Hove

Whether you’re after a spine-chilling night out or a pumpkin-filled family day, Brighton’s packed with eerie fun this Halloween. Here’s your guide to the city’s top spooky happenings for adults and families alike.

👻 Adult Events

😈 Halloween Party
8pm-12am @ Blossoms Cocktail Bar
Join us for a spooktacular night at Blossoms! The tables are gone, the lights are low and the dancefloor is ready for a night that’s more trick than treat. Dress to impress (or to scare), bring your friends and enjoy ghoulish cocktails and late-night vibes. Tickets

🧙 Spellbound Halloween Party
11pm-5am @ Komedia
Firmly established as one of Brighton’s best-loved monthly clubs, Spellbound - The Alternative 80s Night features DJs Simon Price and Jayney BlamBlam spinning goth, post-punk, new wave and more. Expect dark anthems, big hair and a room full of black eyeliner. More Info

🕺 South Coast Soul Revue Halloween Gig
7pm-11:15pm @ The Brunswick
We’re taking over the entire Brunswick for a Halloween party like no other. Expect killer grooves, monster moves and spooky soul vibes. Dress to distress for the costume contest, with live music from South Coast Soul Revue all night. More Info

🔮 Tattoo & Tarot Halloween Soirée
12pm-6pm @ North Laine Brewhouse
The Brewhouse becomes an eerie den of fate, fortune and fresh ink. Enjoy free tarot readings, spooky flash tattoos from three local artists and a haunting soundtrack. Expect devilish décor and classic horror flicks. More Info

🎧 808 vs 909 Halloween Day Party
3pm-8pm @ Pryzm
Get ready to swap your cocktail for a cauldron of spooky sips. A spine-tingling afternoon of classic anthems, Halloween hits and hands-in-the-air energy as Pryzm transforms into a haunted house of pure party magic. More Info

🖤 Black Parade Halloween Party
11pm @ Komedia
The UK’s biggest emo night returns for a huge Halloween special. Expect all the emo anthems from My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Blink-182 and more. Fancy dress encouraged for Brighton’s loudest and blackest night. More Info

☠️ After Dark Murder & Ghost Tour
Evening slots @ Brighton City Centre
Discover the dark side of Brighton on this eerie guided walk with tales of Victorian crime, ghosts and murder most foul. Not suitable for under 16s or the faint-hearted. More Info

🕸️ Family Events

👻 Ghost Walk of the Lanes
6pm & 7:30pm @ The Lanes
Brighton’s longest-running ghost walk returns with extra Halloween dates. Wander through haunted alleyways and hear spine-chilling tales from the city’s darker past. No need to book, just turn up. More Info

🎃 Pumpkin Picking Patch & Halloween Maze
10:30am-7pm @ Brighton Patch
Pick the perfect pumpkin, explore the Halloween Mystery Maze and enjoy fun photo spots and crafts. Great for families, with tickets for all ages. More Info

👻 The Haunted Pub 
12pm-Late @ The George Payne Pub, Hove 
Face painting, creepy critters, kids disco and spooky specials all weekend long.  
More Info

🎃 Halloween Ghost Hunt 
4:30-6:30pm @ Hangleton Manor, Hove 
Annual kids’ Halloween adventure hosted by local Rotary Clubs, £5 entry with prize included. More Info

🧡 Pumpkin Picking & Spooky Fun
10:30am-4:30pm @ Preston Manor Gardens
Celebrate Halloween with pumpkin picking, crafts, and The Witches Maze. Toast marshmallows, meet friendly witches and enjoy autumnal fun in a magical garden setting. More Info

🕺 Kids Halloween Disco Party (4–11yrs) 
2–4pm @ The Railway Inn, Portslade 
Family-friendly Halloween disco with games, music, and spooky fun for all ages.  
More Info

🎃 Pumpkin Trail 
10am-1pm @ St Ann’s Well Gardens, Hove 
Pick up a trail sheet and find pumpkin pictures hidden around the park.  
More Info

🎉 Pumpkin Party 
5-8pm @ Café Lawn, St Ann’s Well Gardens, Hove 
Spooky disco, crafts, face painting and Halloween treats for the whole family.  
More Info

📽️ Halloween @ Saltdean Lido
Saltdean Lido is going all out this Halloween with a full week of spooky fun for all ages inside its newly refurbished art deco venue. Expect lantern-making, bingo, kids’ discos and late-night Halloween parties. View All Events

Highlights include:

🎨 Trick or Treat Lantern Decorating - Tue 28 Oct
🛍️ Trick or Treat Bag Decorating - Wed 29 Oct
🍝 Deco Trattoria with Stu Bakes - Multiple Dates
🎭 Cabaret Life Drawing - Thu 30 Oct
🧛 Now That’s What I Call Bingo HALLOWEEN - Fri 31 Oct
🕺 KIDS Tropicana Nights Halloween Special - Sat 1 Nov
💃 Tropicana Nights Halloween Special - Sat 1 Nov

Tuesday

🎬 Hallo-Screen
7pm @ The Actors Pub, Brighton
A night of funny and spooky film, sketches and live performances. Come along and be prepared to Hallo-Scream!
More Info

👻 The Shadow in the Mirror
6:30-7:30pm @ The Yellow Book, Brighton
A gripping one-man play exploring Edwin Ashcroft's ruthless ambition and inner turmoil in a dark, poetic thriller.
More Info

Wednesday

🎤 Henry Normal: The Slide Show
8pm (Doors 7:30pm) @ Komedia, Brighton
A multimedia spectacular of poetry, photos, jokes and stories as Henry reflects on fame, life lessons and laughter.
More Info

🎭 Brighton Horrorfest: Elysium
8-9pm @ The Yellow Book Bar, Brighton
Award-winning Ghouls Aloud bring suburban nightmares to life in this wickedly funny and twisted Halloween tale.
More Info

🎨 Halloween Frightest - A Spooktacular Art Event
10am-4pm @ Brighton Fishing Museum
Over 30 local artists showcase hauntingly good art in this spooky, family-friendly exhibition.
More Info

😂 Rotunda Comedy
8-10:30pm @ Rotunda Café Bar, Preston Road, Brighton
Monthly comedy night hosted by the legendary Stephen Grant with top local and national acts.
More Info

🎮 Minecraft Costume Mask Making Workshop (8-12yrs)
11am-12pm @ Puzzle Bored, 27 New Road, Brighton
Kids design and craft their own Minecraft-inspired Halloween mask in this fun, creative art session.
More Info

🪆 Crafty Kids: Halloween Shadow Puppets (3-11yrs)
11:30am & 2pm @ Brighton Dome - Anita's Room
Create and perform with your own spooky shadow puppets in this family-friendly Halloween workshop.
More Info

Thursday

💃 Drag Music Bingo: Halloween Edition
6:30-10pm @ Shelter Hall, Brighton
Join drag queens Amethyst Love and Kandi Krush for outrageous bingo, tunes, and Halloween fun.
More Info

🍔 Eat, Drink & Play
6:45-9pm @ Buzz Bingo Brighton
Book now for Bingo, Burger and a Drink for just £6 in this lively Thursday night special.
More Info

🏀 Casual Mixed Adult Basketball (30+)
7-8pm @ Moulsecoomb Community Leisure Centre
Join local players for casual weekly basketball meetups, open to all abilities.
More Info

🎡 Frighton Palace Pier - Spooktacular Family Fun
10am-4pm @ Brighton Palace Pier
Family Halloween fun with puppet shows, mask making, trick-or-treat trails and more.
More Info

Friday

📚 Story Magic
10am & 11am @ Komedia, Brighton
Interactive storytelling, music and games for children aged 9 months to 4 years with Fideri Fidera.
More Info

😂 Komedia Comedy Club
7pm @ Komedia, Brighton
A Brighton institution showcasing three top comics and an MC in an award-winning venue.
More Info

🎭 The Talented Mr Ripley
7:30pm @ Theatre Royal, Brighton
Patricia Highsmith's psychological thriller brought to life in a gripping new stage adaptation.
More Info

🧙‍♀️ Halloween Celebration at The Stirling Pub
8:30-11:30pm @ The Stirling Arms, Hove
Fancy dress prizes, spooky tunes from DJ Josh and £5 cocktails all night long.
More Info

💀 Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)
Fri-Sat @ Shelter Hall, Brighton
Mexican street food, live mariachi band and vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations.
More Info

✨ Autumn Spells!
11:30am, 1pm & 2:30pm @ Theatre Royal, Brighton
Magical autumn storytelling and wizarding fun for little witches and wizards.
More Info

🎺 Last week’s trivia question: Brighton’s comedy crown goes to… Max Miller! With 66.3% of the votes, most of you correctly guessed that the cheeky “Cheeky Chappie” himself was honoured last week, a true Brighton legend once hailed as the greatest comedian of his generation.

🎃 This week’s question takes a spooky turn. This Brighton landmark is said to be the most haunted in the city, and during filming for Most Haunted, the TV crew experienced one of their most active nights of paranormal activity with flickering lights, self-locking doors, and even a ghostly hand on a doorknob. Over the years, stories have told of a White Lady, an elegant Lady in Grey, and a medieval nun who once guided travellers on their way. Spoilers Here!