🐦 Brighton’s Border Takeover Axed, City Venues Named And Shamed & Midnight Silent Discos On The Sand!

Hello Brighton & Hove!

Do you remember when, not long ago, it was way too hot, and we were all wishing for some cooler weather and maybe even a bit of rain? Hmmm… well, careful what you wish for! If you're looking for reasons to escape the drizzle this week, our city is serving up some absolute blinders.

You can catch everything from tech critic Cory Doctorow dissecting our AI future at the Dome and a deep dive into the radical history of women in fairy tales to a multisensory journey that translates seven human body systems into live string performances. If you'd rather get hands-on, there are 6-week pottery courses kicking off, early-bird beach cleans with mystery prizes in Hove, and even a 101-home planning drama brewing over Benfield Valley.

Let's dive into what's happening!

Here is what’s squawking this week

🗺️ Government pauses Brighton’s planned takeover of Peacehaven.
💼 Five local food and drink venues named for underpaying minimum wage.🎧 Freeform silent disco on the wet sand at Hove Lagoon.
🤖 Cory Doctorow and Carole Cadwalladr dissect the AI future at the Dome
🚂 Historic Waverley paddle steamer to sail from Newhaven.

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🗺️ Government pauses Brighton takeover of Peacehaven

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has announced an immediate pause and review of local government reorganisation plans that would have seen Brighton and Hove absorb East Saltdean, Telscombe, and Peacehaven. The decision follows widespread resistance from residents and threats of legal action from neighbouring East Sussex council leaders who opposed the boundary changes.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🛑 Mounting objections force cabinet review of Hove red route

Brighton and Hove City Council’s cabinet will re-examine controversial plans for a double red line route along Western Road following a 3,800-signature petition and a public meeting in Hove. Local traders, residents, and disability groups warn the scheme will harm independent businesses and restrict blue badge access, while transport leads maintain it is vital for bus reliability.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

💔 Labour's push to privatise Wellington House day centre sparks fury

Cross-party councillors and trade union reps have challenged council plans to close the Wellington House learning disability day centre and transfer services to private providers to save £340,000. Families warned the closure would destroy essential social networks for 21 vulnerable adults, while Unison cautioned that any breakdown in home care could result in far higher residential care costs.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏞️ Developer steps up legal pressure over 101 Benfield Valley homes

Hollybrook Homes is taking Brighton and Hove City Council to the Land Tribunal after town hall leaders refused to lift a restrictive covenant on land off Hangleton Lane. Although the 101-home scheme was granted planning permission, council leaders insist they will stand firm on their election promise to protect the site as a green lung for leisure use.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏠 Derelict Woodingdean pub site approved for 10 affordable homes

Plans to build five houses and five flats on the former Toby Inn site on Cowley Drive have won approval from the planning committee after the site had remained derelict for two decades. Designed by sustainable practice BakerBrown, the 100 per cent affordable housing scheme was welcomed by local councillors as an ideal brownfield development to help tackle the city's housing shortage.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🧺 Council pauses plans to close 14 communal council laundries

Brighton and Hove City Council has halted plans to close 14 communal laundries across 20 housing blocks following strong pushback from tenant representatives and residents. Most of the affected 1960s tower blocks lack space or plumbing for private washing machines, prompting officials to commit to a full consultation before taking further action.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏫 Queen's Park Primary cuts reception intake as city pupil numbers fall

Queen’s Park Primary School has been granted permission to reduce its reception class intake to 30 pupils for the next two years to avoid running at a financial deficit. The decision reflects a citywide decline in the number of primary-age children, with several local primary schools having downsized or closed permanently in recent years.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

Also in the news:

💼 Six local businesses named for underpaying minimum wage: The government has published a list of underpaying employers, including five Brighton and Portslade food and drink venues that collectively owed nearly £10,000 to staff.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🚂 Historic Waverley paddle steamer to sail from Newhaven: The world’s last seagoing paddle steamer will make its first public sailing from Newhaven since the 1980s on September 22, taking passengers on a day trip to the Isle of Wight.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏚️ Landlord slams council after temporary accommodation flat trashed: A 75-year-old property owner returning to sell his Marine Parade flat discovered severe structural damage and missing fixtures after leasing the home to the council.
→ read more on The Argus

☕ Empty Hove shop approved for new independent coffee shop: Councillors voted 8-2 to permit the transformation of 6 Westbourne Place into "Frank's" coffee shop alongside a new residential flat, subject to strict operating conditions.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏊 RNLI issues safety warning as summer beach lifeguards end: Lifeguard patrols across Brighton and Hove beaches have concluded for the season, prompting safety leads to urge autumn swimmers to follow "float to live" advice.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🎶 East Brighton Park music festival faces neighbour objections: Two local residents have lodged formal objections to the Land Beyond Festival's licensing plans for the May bank holiday weekend, citing dispersal and noise concerns.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🤲🏻 Step by Step Brighton

⏰ 1:1 Coaching, Workshops & Support Groups
📍 Brighton & Online

The other week, while attending the Intentional Table lunch, I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Alex Willumsen. What started as a casual conversation quickly turned into a deep, fascinating chat about life and business. I was completely blown away by the work she is doing; she has built and holds together a truly unique niche and hugely important service, right here in our city. As a Certified Stepfamily Coach, Alex founded Step by Step Brighton to address something we rarely talk about openly: the immense pressure, isolation and lack of support that stepmothers face as they navigate a blended family life.

Blending a family is fundamentally different from biological parenting, yet society rarely provides step-parents with the tools, recognition, or community they desperately need to thrive. Through 1:1 and couples coaching, peer-to-peer support groups, and workshops, Alex creates a compassionate, judgment-free village run by women who have actually walked the walk, helping stepmums build healthy dynamics and protect their well-being. It is a phenomenal, heart-led initiative that is quietly saving relationships and supporting local families from the ground up.

If this speaks to you or someone you know, Alex is also participating in The Stepmom Summit 2026, a completely free online event running from September 14th to 18th, featuring Alex alongside a whole panel of global specialists.

She also organises regular Stepmom Walk & Talks; the next one is on the 27th of September at 11:00am (meeting at Preston Park). These casual, 90-minute strolls offer an easy, light space for chit-chat and connection with the group, and they can be incredibly informative and helpful for anyone attending.

🔗 Register for free for The Stepmom Summit 2026
🔗 Follow Step by Step Brighton on Instagram
🔗 Find more info and join upcoming events

🌮 Moksha (my review)

This was my very first time experiencing this spot, and it was undeniable love at first taste. What makes a great cafe for me? Friendly, attentive service, delicious, fresh food, and prices that don’t blow a hole in your wallet. Moksha has it all. Don’t take only my word for it. They won Best Team at the Brighton Restaurant Awards ‘26 and took 2nd place in the Best Brunch category. It is no surprise at all given how truly passionate the whole crew is about what they do, and you can feel that amazing energy every time you walk through the door.

I have been back multiple times since, mostly for breakfast and brunch, and it never misses. Everything is cooked from scratch using fresh, ethically sourced ingredients, and they even make their own delicious homemade hot sauces. Plus, their speciality house blend coffee is done properly an absolute must-try. It is a family-run independent gem where you can always just rock up, feel welcome, and eat exceptionally well. Get yourself down there for a feast.

📍 4-5 York Place, Brighton, BN1 4GU
🕒 8am-4pm (Mon to Fri), 8am-5pm (Sat to Sun)
🔗 Check them out

🏠 The Rottingdean Sanctuary

Hidden behind high boundary walls and electronic double arched timber gates, this secluded 4-bedroom detached residence offers 3,475 sq ft of balanced luxury in picturesque Rottingdean. Approached via a massive paved courtyard with space for multiple vehicles, the ground floor opens into an L-shaped kitchen with vast granite work surfaces and a Range Master cooker. Upstairs, 2 of the 4 double bedrooms feature private ensuite bathrooms, while rear-facing rooms capture distant sea views across the village. Stepping outside, a south-facing rear garden boasts a full-width paved terrace bordering the South Downs National Park. Right, bear with me while I dig through my pockets for a winning lottery ticket...

📍 Bazehill Road, Rottingdean, BN2
💰 £2,500,000
🔗 View on Rightmove

Tue

🫀 ANATOM | 8pm, Tue @ The Old Market
A multi-sensory journey exploring seven human body systems through contemporary-classical live string performances by the Modulus Quartet, paired with immersive film montages and soundscapes. More Info

🤖 Cory Doctorow: The Reverse Centaur's Guide to Life After AI | 7:30pm, Tue @ Brighton Dome-Author and tech critic Cory Doctorow discusses his latest book alongside Carole Cadwalladr, exploring how AI forces humans into relentless work and offering a sharp critique of modern tech. More Info

🎭 Juliette Burton Presents Experimental | 7:45pm, Tue @ Caroline of Brunswick-Award-winning comedian Juliette Burton hosts a monthly creative playground packed with stand-up, interactive games, theatrical experiments, and unpredictable comedy. More Info

🎸 Laura Veirs: Live + Signing | 6:30pm, Tue @ Resident Music
Singer-songwriter Laura Veirs visits for an intimate live in-store set and signing to celebrate Temple Songs, her self-produced new album. More Info

Wed

🏺 6-Week Pottery Courses | 7pm, Wed @ Hot Fox Pottery
A small-group hands-on course covering the core fundamentals of hand-built ceramics, with an option to try out the potter's wheel. More Info

🎵 Dexys Midnight Runners: Solo (Later Set) | 8pm, Wed @ Resident Music
Kevin Rowland returns to Brighton for an intimate in-store performance celebrating Dexys' latest album LOVE, featuring personal stories and acoustic renditions. More Info

🧚 The History Of Fairy Tales & Women | 7pm, Wed @ Brighthelm Church and Community Centre-Uncover the neglected history of women in fairy tales and how their retold stories offer radical critiques of social inequality, followed by a live Q&A. More Info

🎷 Jazz at St Andrews Presents: Tommaso Starace | 5:30pm, Wed @ St Andrew's Church-Saxophonist Tommaso Starace performs alongside trumpeter Chris Coull and pianist Sean Fyfe, delivering a rich blend of swing, bebop, and Latin jazz. More Info

🎙️ Kevin Bridges: Here If You Need Me | 8pm, Wed @ Brighton Dome
Scotland’s comedy powerhouse returns to the stage with a brand-new stand-up show following his record-shattering previous tours. More Info

Thur

💃 Drop-In Lindy Hop Beginners Classes | 7pm, Thu @ Deep Dive Jazz Bar
A fun, beginner-friendly weekly swing dance class. No partner, prior experience, or advance booking required. More Info

🎧 Wildbop at Low Tide | 5:30pm, Thu @ Hove Lagoon
A freeform silent disco dance journey on the wet sand featuring optional ceremonial cacao, intentions, world flavours, deep bass, and Afro trance beats. More Info

🎙️ Neil Delamere: Reinventing The Neil | 8pm, Thu @ Ironworks Studios
Following a sell-out 100-date international tour, the quick-witted Irish comedian delivers an evening of razor-sharp observations, tall tales, and fast-paced improvisation. More Info

🎸 The Mersey Beatles | 7:30pm, Thu @ Theatre Royal
An authentic Beatles tribute performed by Liverpool-born Cavern Club regulars, capturing the hit-filled energy and iconic sound of Fab Four classics. More Info

💃 Bachata Dance Lessons - Beginners and Improvers | 8pm, Thu @ West Beach Hotel-A weekly partner dance class covering the foundational steps, concepts, and rhythms of Dominican Bachata with time to practice to music. More Info

🎭 Macbeth | 7pm, Thu @ Brighton Open Air Theatre
The HandleBards present a high-octane, hilarious open-air production of Shakespeare's Macbeth, packed with mishaps, mayhem, and physical comedy. More Info

🎸 Pat Hamilton | 7pm, Thu @ Komedia
One of Scotland's most promising young artists, who opened the BBC Introducing Stage at TRNSMT, brings his soulful songs and live set to Brighton. More Info

Fri

👑 My Royal Life: An Audience with Lucy Worsley | 7:30pm, Fri @ Theatre Royal-Historian Lucy Worsley takes audiences behind the scenes of Britain’s iconic royal residences, sharing insider history and candid takes on the country's famous kings and queens. More Info

🎧 Hush BOAT Silent Disco | 7pm, Fri @ Brighton Open Air Theatre
A three-channel headphone battle on the open-air turf as legendary local Brighton DJs clash with sets covering deep disco, soul, funk, and alt-classics. More Info

🎷 Jazz at St Andrews Presents: Dominic Howles Septet | 5:30pm, Fri @ St Andrew's Church-Bassist Dominic Howles brings his seven-piece ensemble to Hove for an evening celebrating Blue Note records, featuring a special focus on composer and pianist Duke Pearson. More Info

🎙️ Nabil Abdulrashid with Christian Jegard + Sasha Ellen | 8pm, Fri @ The Old Market-Award-winning, fearless comedian Nabil Abdulrashid headlines an evening of stand-up alongside special guests Christian Jegard and Sasha Ellen, raising funds for Sussex hospitals. More Info

🧹 BMRACS2 x Leave No Trace – Community Beach Clean | 7:45am, Fri @ King Alfred Car Park-Calling all early birds! Join the coastal defence team and Leave No Trace Brighton to help clean up Hove beach, with litter pickers provided and a £25 voucher prize for the most unusual find. More Info

🎵 China Crisis | 7:30pm, Fri @ Concorde 2
The English pop and new wave band bring their classic hits and signature synth-pop sound to Madeira Drive. More Info

🎸 Indiepalooza | 5pm, Fri @ Chalk
A multi-tribute indie festival featuring six top tribute acts performing non-stop hits from The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, Oasis, Sam Fender, Kasabian, and Kaiser Chiefs. More Info

Live Music

Laura Veirs: Live + Signing | Tue @ Resident
Adam Simons | Tue @ Folklore Rooms
NERD BALL: CARTOONS | Tue @ Daltons
Wibble Presents: Long Suffering Wife | Tue @ Rossi Bar
Sunlifter + Marla + Symptoms of Balf | Tue @ Prince Albert
ANATOM | Tue @ The Old Market
Jazz Jam | Tue @ The Brunswick
Kurt Vile & The Violators | Tue @ Chalk
Sarah Gower | Tue @ Green Door Store

Dexys Midnight Runners: Solo Performance | Wed @ Resident
Synch Pulse – No. 28: Dance and Movement | Wed @ Rose Hill
Martha Rose & GRIP TIGHT | Wed @ Rossi Bar
Lunatraktors | Wed @ Folklore Rooms
David Essex | Wed @ Brighton Centre
Dexys Midnight Runners: Solo (Later Set) | Wed @ Resident
LAKE MALICE // I WANNA KNOW IF IT'S REAL TOUR // OFFICAL ALBUM LAUNCH PARTY | Wed @ Daltons
Ratboys | Wed @ Patterns
Sam Tompkins | Wed @ Chalk

Pat Hamilton + Max White | Thu @ Komedia
Natalie Imbruglia: Live + Signing | Thu @ Resident
Ohtis + support | Thu @ Prince Albert
INTOX EXTRAVAGANZA #XXII | Thu @ Daltons
Witch Hook | Thu @ Rossi Bar
My Girl The River | Thu @ Folklore Rooms
Wiyaala & Miha Petric: Songs & Stories from Northern Ghana | Thu @ The Brunswick
School's Back Bring Baby Drag Bingo | Thu @ The Brunswick
Mehfil-e-Rose Hill: Sarod Serenity | Thu @ Rose Hill
Samaki | Thu @ The Brunswick
INDIEPALOOZA FESTIVAL | Thu @ Chalk
wing! + Moon Idle | Thu @ Volks
HH Presents: Sex Mask + Polite Bureaux + Humane + Minor Dents | Thu @ Hope & Ruin

Changing Currents | Fri @ Fortune of War
Changing Currents | Fri @ Fortune of War
ASBO ARMY + LOVEDOGZ + HAKUNA PESA + BLUNT | Fri @ Prince Albert
Woking Calling Live in Brighton | Fri @ The Brunswick
MILER: Single Launch Show | Fri @ Folklore Rooms
BAT'S WOMB | Fri @ Daltons
CREATURES | Fri @ Caroline of Brunswick
Traditional Mutant + Anatolian Grooves (DJ set) | Fri @ Rose Hill
Doctor Who Drag Night! | Fri @ Daltons
Bonobo: Album Launch Show (DJ Set) | Fri @ Patterns
China Crisis | Fri @ Concorde 2
Jeff Darko – The Psychedelic Gospel Tour | Fri @ Komedia
Sweat | Fri @ Rossi Bar
Sea Bastard | Fri @ Dust
THE MACC LADS | Fri @ Chalk
Shallowater + Twine | Fri @ Hope & Ruin
In The Face presents: Off Me Nut Records | Fri @ Volks

Last week's seafront sculpture trivia caught out over 34% of you who guessed "Horizon," but 28.26% correctly identified its official title as Afloat. You can verify the sculpture details directly on the official Brighton & Hove City Council Public Art Page.

This week, we are walking up Dyke Road to St Nicholas Rest Garden. Built in 1840 as an extension cemetery, the park features a terrace of stone burial vaults concealed behind fake doors. Originally planned as a grand layout with 23 vaults and a central pyramid, the project was cut short, leaving only 14 vaults built, with all but one permanently sealed shut.