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Happy Friday, Brighton!

We’ve got a massive weekend ahead, from 1,000 women diving into the channel for a good cause to a Pink Floyd experience and the first Spring market of the year. Whether you’re hunting for last-minute mother’s day gifts on the seafront or a Reuben that’ll change your life, we’ve got it.

Here’s what’s squawking this week: 

🌊 1,000 women taking over Sea Lanes for The Big Swim
🎸 Pink Floyd and Britpop classics going symphonic
🥪 The award-winning Kemptown deli you have to try
🛍️ Mother’s day gift hunting at local craft markets

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🛍️ Lola Store

If your jewellery collection needs a refresh that can actually survive a dip in the sea, take a walk away from the Lanes and instead, head down to the seafront. Lola Store has set up shop in the Kings Road Arches, specialising in waterproof gold designed to be non-tarnish. We’re talking 18K gold-plated stainless steel bangles, hoops, and rings starting from around £15. Their ‘Balloon Alphabet’ necklace is just one piece that is a true testament to original design (pictured), and they have much more than just jewellery.

Born from a passion for creativity and craftsmanship, this lifestyle destination is rooted in Brighton’s charm and dedicated to quality over quantity. The shop is a curated collection of handcrafted ware from ceramics to socks and beauty essentials that blend urban style with timeless craftsmanship. They pride themselves on being ahead of the curve, introducing emerging designers and future classics before they hit the mainstream. From ‘Housewives of Brighton & Hove’ hats to Gummy Bear Vases, every item tells a story of individuality. It’s perfect for just a browse or gift-hunting for your next original birthday present. Plus, they have an online store where you can see the latest ‘drops’ of new items for home-delivery.

📍 100-102 Kings Road Arches
⏰ 11-5pm (Mon-Fri), 12-6pm (Sat & Sun)
👩‍💻 Online Store

🥪 Social Board

If you think a sandwich is just a mid-day filler, Social Board in Kemptown will change your mind in a heartbeat. I’ve been several times now since first heading down with mates late last year, and I still remember that first Reuben I ordered. It was packed with flavour and featured some of the most incredible brisket, which feels almost too good for a sandwich. Located on St James’ Street, this isn't your average deli; it's run by a duo of seasoned chefs - including owner Tomas, who spent five years as head chef at the legendary Food For Friends. They’ve taken that fine-dining expertise and squashed it between two slices of Flour Pot Bakery bread, winning "Best Takeaway" at the 2024 BRAVOS for their efforts.

The interior feels like a trendier version of an old school Caff, with a huge blackboard menu and a hidden sun-trap garden at the back that’s perfect for escaping the St James' Street hustle. Choosing what to have is a real challenge due to the array of options like the Cajun chicken, infused with lemon thyme and caramelised onions, and the Szechuan tofu with oyster mushrooms and pickles is a masterclass in vegan fusion. If you’re feeling particularly fragile on a Saturday morning, their full breakfast is a favourite, loaded with everything from halloumi to crispy streaky bacon.

Beyond the food, they are one of the city's greenest spots, with achievements in food waste (just 1%) and using strictly biodegradable packaging for their takeaways. They’ve managed to turn the workday sandwich into a gourmet experience, served up in their little leafy garden or packed away for a walking lunch. Between the artisan bread and the local cakes, it’s become a true Kemptown institution.

📍 21 St James’ Street, Kemptown
⏰ 9-5pm (Mon-Sat), 9-4pm (Sun)
🧑‍💻 Menu & Deliveroo

Fri

☘️ Ardal O'Hanlon: Not Himself
8pm @ Brighton Dome
The comedy legend diagnoses the pathologies and neuroses of humanity with his trademark surreal flourishes and sharp observations. More Info

✨ Komedia Comedy Club
8pm (also Sat) @ Komedia
Three top acts and an MC showcase the best of the UK's independent live comedy circuit. More Info

🎨 Helm Gallery: Take The Streets
6pm @ Helm Gallery
A weekly Friday night takeover fusing art, music, tattoos, and cocktails in one of the city’s most electric creative spaces. More Info

🖼️ Women of Many Worlds Art Exhibition
10am-4pm, Fri & Sat, 1pm-4pm, Sun @ The Grange Art Gallery
Figurative artist Sarah Drewek presents a Spring exhibition celebrating women across different spheres and narratives. More Info

Sat

🌷 Spring & Craft Fair
10:30-2pm @ Stanford Avenue Methodist Church
Browse local crafters and community stalls with a free children’s egg hunt and craft table—perfect for finding unique Mother’s Day gifts. More Info

🦢 London Philharmonic Orchestra: The Firebird
7:30pm @ Brighton Dome
A classical journey through a kingdom of shadow and enchanted firebirds featuring the works of Stravinsky and Mozart. More Info

🎻 Vivaldi Four Seasons by Candlelight
7pm @ Royal Pavilion
Experience Vivaldi’s masterpiece in the stunning Royal Pavilion, performed by the Piccadilly Sinfonietta under the glow of candlelight. More Info

🕯️ Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
9pm @ Royal Pavilion
Experience the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience with modern hits under the glow of candlelight. More Info

🎾 Anyone for Tennis?
7:30pm @ Ropetackle Arts Centre
Comedian Pauline Eyre spills the Pimms on 20 years of Wimbledon gossip in this "ace" show fresh from a sold-out Edinburgh run. More Info

☘️ Alison Spittle: BIG
7:30pm @ Brighton Dome
The award-winning comedian delivers a big show about making yourself smaller after a life-changing encounter on a train. More Info

🎤 Funmbi Omotayo at The Secret Comedy Club
8pm @ Artista
The charismatic circuit headliner takes the stage alongside Ross Smith and Paul Pirie for an intimate night of award-winning comedy. More Info

🛍️ Hove Local Monthly Market
1:30pm-4:30pm @ Cornerstone Community Centre
An eclectic collection of arts and crafts offering a warm welcome and plenty of alternative gift ideas. More Info

🦖 Dinomania Brighton
11am @ Brighton (Various)
An interactive dinosaur experience featuring life-sized dinosaurs, education, and jaw-dropping realism for fans of all ages. More Info

🌊 The Big Swim
11:45am @ Sea Lanes Brighton
1,000 women take to the sea for the UK’s biggest sea swim event celebrating International Women's Day and fundraising for SAS. More Info

Sun

🦄 Last Unicorn Airways
1pm and 3:30pm @ Brighton Dome
A spellbinding sensory-immersive journey and interactive installation based on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Flying Trunk. More Info

🏥 General Medical Emergency Ward 10
7:30pm @ Ropetackle Arts Centre
A pacy, cliché-ridden comic homage to every hospital drama plotline ever seen on the big or small screen. More Info

🎻 Alex James' Britpop Classical
7pm @ Brighton Centre
Blur’s Alex James brings 90's anthems to life with a symphony orchestra and special guests like Phil Daniels. More Info

🍷 Marcel Lucont's Whine List
7:30pm @ The Forge Comedy Club
The deadpan Frenchman serves up an interactive group therapy session, mining the audience’s woes for high-class comedy. More Info

🎸 UK Pink Floyd Experience
7:30pm @ Theatre Royal
Recreating the sights and sounds of the legendary band with over two hours of hits from Dark Side of the Moon and beyond. More Info

🎭 HerStories: An Evening of Monologues
7:30pm @ The Lantern Theatre
A unique celebration of women's voices featuring original monologues, poetry, and fiction performed by female-identifying creatives. More Info

☀️ It's Always Sunny Quiz
6:30pm @ Concorde 2
Expect interpretive dance rounds and Guinness deals at this chaotic tribute to the gang from Paddy’s Pub. More Info

Live Music

Art Themen Organ Trio | St Andrew's Church | 5:30pm, Fri | Tickets
Nova Twins | Chalk | 7pm, Fri | Tickets
Calum Bowie | Patterns | 7pm, Fri | Tickets
Brighton & East Sussex Youth Orchestra | Brighton Dome | 7:30pm, Fri | Tickets
The Brighton Beach Boys | The Brunswick | 7:30pm, Fri | Tickets
Remember Sports + Guests | The Hope & Ruin | 7:30pm, Fri | Tickets
My Darling Clementine | The Prince Albert | 8pm, Fri | Tickets
Ideal Living | Green Door Store | 7:30pm, Fri | Tickets

Echo & The Bunnymen | Brighton Centre | 6:30pm, Sat | Tickets
The Feeling | Chalk | 6pm, Sat | Tickets
Laura Misch and LUXE | The Old Market | 7:30pm, Sat | Tickets
Optimo Espacio (All Day) | Patterns | 5pm, Sat | Tickets
Arctic Numpties | Concorde 2 | 7:30pm, Sat | Tickets
Bella Hardy | The Folklore Rooms | 8pm, Sat | Tickets
HELLS DITCH + Guests | Daltons | 7pm, Sat | Tickets
You. Me. Us | The Brunswick | 8pm, Sat | Tickets
Passion Mango | The Hope & Ruin | 8pm, Sat | Tickets

Bright Light Bright Light | Komedia | 6:30pm, Sun | Tickets
Mary Ocher | The Folklore Rooms | 8pm, Sun | Tickets
Regency Quartet | Brighton Dome | 11am, Sun | Tickets
Moon Unit | The Brunswick | 8pm, Sun | Tickets