The Brighton Squawk
Posts
🐦 Cats on Parade, Strictly Sparkle & a Bus Gate Battle

🐦 Cats on Parade, Strictly Sparkle & a Bus Gate Battle

Plus a classy wine bar, a dream Regency home, and all the best things to do this week in Brighton.

Ben Watkins
October 07, 2025

Hello Brighton 👋

Another week of Brighton quirks, with crumbling terraces, curious cats, and a bus gate battle or two. From ironwork woes on Madeira Terrace to hundreds of felines stealing the spotlight, there’s plenty to purr about. Plus, a local charity bringing Strictly sparkle, a wine bar you’ll want to linger in, and a Regency dream home with sea views to make your estate agent blush.

Here’s what’s squawking this week:
🏗️ Madeira Terrace delays as stress tests reveal weak ironwork
🐈 Hundreds join Brighton’s first-ever Cat Tour for charity
❤️ Strictly sparkle for Amaze Sussex’s big fundraise
🍷 Brighton’s coziest wine bar for a classic date night

Got an event or business to promote?

Fancy reaching 5,000+ Brightonians? Just reply to this email to enquire. We’ve got a range of options for small to big budgets and everything in between.

🏗️ Madeira Terrace Delays Loom as Tests Continue

The first phase of the long-awaited Madeira Terrace restoration could overrun its summer 2026 target after stress tests revealed weaknesses in some of the historic cast iron structure. Contractors J T Mackley & Co say up to 20% of the tested pieces need further checks, and if replacements are required, the bespoke casting process could add six months to the timeline.

Despite setbacks, the team remains hopeful most of the original structure can be saved. The new lift is progressing smoothly, and work on the retaining wall has been completed faster and cheaper than expected. Once finished, the 27 restored arches will stand with buffer gaps on either side to protect them from any collapse of the unrestored sections.

→ read more on Brighton & Hove News

🐈 Hundreds Join Brighton’s First-Ever Cat Tour

More than 200 feline fans hit the streets for Brighton Cat Tour, believed to be the UK’s first, with 25 cat owners opening their homes for visitors to meet their moggies. The 3-mile route wound from Seven Dials to Hanover, raising over £1,700 for City Cat Shelter.

The event, inspired by a viral Toronto cat walk, sold 164 tickets in its first 24 hours and attracted guests from across Europe and the US. Organiser Stefan Gutierrez hopes the idea will spread: “United by cats - imagine that.”

→ read more from BBC News

🚗 Driver Fined Twice Slams ‘Confusing’ Bus Gate Signs

A Telscombe Cliffs man says he’ll take his case to tribunal after receiving two fines for driving through Brighton’s Marlborough Place bus gate. John Neville claims signs were “facing the wrong way” and road markings “illegible,” insisting he thought he was following rules for local traffic.

The council says signage is adequate but will fix a worn marking and a damaged sign. Last year, Brighton’s four city-centre bus gates caught nearly 30,000 drivers, generating millions in fines since their 2021 rollout.

→ read more on Brighton & Hove News

Also in the news:

🎾 Brighton tennis player Sonay Kartal becomes British No. 2: The 23-year-old from Hove reached the China Open quarter-finals, beating world No. 5 Mirra Andreeva before falling to Linda Noskova. She says she’s “on the right path” to the world top 10.
→ read more on Brighton & Hove News

🌿 Nature reserve reopens after work to boost wildlife: Bramber Brooks in West Sussex now features new wetland ponds, recycled-plastic bridges, and walkways designed to support birds, fish, and dragonflies as part of the Wilder Horsham District initiative.
→ read more from BBC News

🏠 Local flat owners forced to pay £55k to buy back homes: A group of residents discovered their managing company had been dissolved, losing their freehold and insurance. The case has reignited calls for faster regulation of property agents.
→ read more from BBC News

🏨 Brighton fire hotel demolition refused by council: The city council rejected plans to demolish part of the fire-damaged Royal Albion Hotel, citing “substantial harm” to heritage and a lack of replacement plans for the Grade II-listed building.
→ read more from BBC News

❤️ Amaze Sussex

Supporting families with disabled children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across East Sussex, Amaze is a true lifeline for local parents and carers. Whether your child has a diagnosis or not, the charity offers free information, advice, and hands-on support, from workshops and youth groups to social events that bring families together.

This week, they’re adding a touch of sparkle with a special fundraiser:

💃 Strictly Comes to Lewes (Charity Fundraiser)
Fri 10 Oct @ All Saints Centre, Lewes
Get your glitter on for a Strictly-style night of dancing and live music from the Les Paul Big Band. Tickets are £20 via Amaze or on the door, raising funds for Sussex families with disabled children. More Info

Beyond the ballroom, Amaze runs a year-round programme of groups and meetups designed to connect, empower, and uplift families. Think confidence-boosting youth sessions like Power Group and Thursday Youth Group, alongside parent spaces such as Parents Like Us, The Breakfast Club, and weekly Coffee Mornings for carers of children with complex needs.

🙌 Get Involved: Volunteer with Amaze
Amaze depends on dedicated volunteers, from parent befrienders and SENDIASS helpers to young peer supporters, trustees, and fundraising crew. Whatever your skills or schedule, there’s a way to make a difference. Learn more or reach out at [email protected].

🍷 The Wine Cellar

Tucked away in a beautifully restored 1930s cellar beside Victoria Gardens, The Wine Cellar nails that cosy Lanes vibe, all exposed brick, candlelight, and bottle-lined shelves that make you want to stay all night. The team really know their stuff but keep things relaxed and down-to-earth, helping you find new favourites without a whiff of wine snobbery.

Their wine tasting experience (£39.95pp) is a local favourite for good reason: five generous pours with fresh bread, olive oil, local cheeses, cured meats, and olives. It’s less a formal tasting and more a chat over drinks with mates who happen to be wine pros. Expect to leave with a smile, a mild buzz, and a few new phrases to use when describing a wine on your next meal out.

If you’re sharing, the Connoisseur Platter or baked camembert with truffle and rosemary are spot-on, both made for two and are good value. Whether you’re popping in for a single glass or making a full evening of it, The Wine Cellar brings warmth, charm, and that easy Brighton magic.

📍 17 Marlborough Place
⏰ Mon-Fri 4pm-11pm, Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-8pm
🔗 Book your table

🏛️ Regency Dream on the Seafront

A slice of Brighton history with sea views for days. This six-storey Kemp Town showpiece comes with five bedrooms, original Regency reception rooms, a private roof terrace, and even its own Belvedere tower. Complete with a self-contained apartment and access to the private Kemp Town Enclosures, it’s less a house, more a landmark.

📍 Arundel Terrace, Kemp Town
💰 £2,350,000
🔗 View on Rightmove

events marked with a * are sponsoredTuesday

🎄 Komedia Christmas Party

📅 4th-20th December 2025
📍 Komedia Brighton

The ultimate festive night out is back! Enjoy a delicious three-course meal, award-winning comedy, and an after-party that keeps the fun going ‘til late. Perfect for friends, teams, and office parties, all under one roof at the Best Comedy Venue in the South & East (Chortle 2025).*

Tuesday

🎭 2:22 A Ghost Story
7:30pm + showings all week @ Theatre Royal
A gripping, funny, supernatural thriller from Danny Robins, creator of BBC’s Uncanny. More Info

📚 Shoreham Wordfest: Gill Hornby - Miss Austen
8pm-9:30pm @ Ropetackle Arts Centre
Author Gill Hornby discusses her bestselling novels and upcoming BBC adaptation. More Info

😂 Stefania Licari: I Can Make You Italian in 55 Minutes
8pm @ Komedia
Award-winning comic Stefania Licari promises to make you more Italian, sexier, and happier in under an hour. More Info

🧠 Quiz Dating (Singles Pub Quiz)
8pm @ Molly Malones
A fun mix of trivia and dating for singles aged 45-65. Bring a friend and test your smarts! More Info

🎭 Scoops Improv Comedy Night
8pm-10pm @ The Actors
Top improv troupes perform hilarious scenes made up entirely on the spot. More Info

🎭 Bring Your Own Baby Comedy
12pm @ Komedia
Daytime comedy party with top UK acts, music, buggy parking and baby-friendly vibes. Adults 16+, babies under 15 months. More Info

Wednesday

🎭 Eddie Izzard: Hamlet
8pm @ Corn Exchange
Eddie Izzard performs her acclaimed solo version of Hamlet, direct from New York and London runs. Tickets

💘 Speed Dating for 45-65
7:30pm-9:30pm @ The Fitz Regent
Fun and relaxed speed dating night for singles aged 45-65. More Info

🎭 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
7:30pm @ The Barn Theatre, Southwick
Award-winning adaptation of the bestselling novel about a gifted boy’s gripping mystery. More Info

📚 Shoreham Wordfest: Murder Most Florid
7:30pm-9pm @ Ropetackle Arts Centre
Forensic botanist Dr Mark Spencer on how plants help solve crimes. More Info

🏛️ Autumn Lecture Series - Sussex History
2pm-3:30pm @ Arundel Museum
Local author Chris Hare kicks off a new lecture series on Sussex history. More Info

Thursday

📚 Coast Is Queer: Opening Event - Archive Beyond Words
6:30pm @ Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts
Kicking off the UK’s biggest LGBTQ+ literature festival with Topher Campbell’s performance lecture. More Info

🎭 Milo Edwards: How Revolting! Sorry To Offend
8pm @ Komedia
Award-winning comedian Milo Edwards returns with a filthy and hilarious new hour. More Info

🎭 The Portrait Guy with Paul Foot
7:30pm @ The Actors Pub
Live podcast with Guy Lloyd and Paul Foot, chatting and painting each other’s portraits. More Info

🚋 Volk’s Electric Railway Driver Experience Days
9:30am-3:40pm @ Aquarium Station
Go behind the controls of the world’s oldest electric railway. More Info

🎭 Sensory Storytelling for Toddlers
10:30am @ All Saints Church, Hove
Interactive storytelling with drama, puppetry and play for ages 18 months+. More Info

🎭 Matt Parker - Getting Triggy With It
7:30pm @ The Old Market
Maths meets comedy as YouTuber and author Matt Parker dives deep into numbers. Tickets

Friday

🎧 Blow Up
9pm @ Komedia
Legendary London club night returns with DJ Paul Tunkin and live band The Forty Fours. More Info

💃 Line Dancing - Traffic Light Party
8pm @ The Walrus
Singles line dancing night with music, fun, and cowboy energy. More Info

🎭 BREMF Players - Les Caractères de l’Amour
7:30pm-9:30pm @ St Martin’s Church
Baroque opera from Ensemble Molière and Baroque Collective Singers. More Info

🎨 Take The Streets
7pm @ Helm Gallery
Weekly art, music and cocktail night with live DJ and tattooing. Free entry. More Info

Ongoing

📚 Coast Is Queer (Festival)
Thu - Sun @ Attenborough Centre + citywide
Talks, panels, workshops and performances celebrating LGBTQ+ writing. More Info

🖼️ Play Back Forward Exhibition
10am-5pm @ Hove Museum of Creativity
Explore the legacy of early film pioneers George Albert Smith and Laura Bayley Smith. More Info

🎃 Sompting Pumpkins
@ Pumpkin Picking Patch, Sompting
Pick pumpkins, enjoy crafts, food, and family fun at this local farm event. More Info

💪 Brighton Wellness Festival
Various venues until 8 Oct
City-wide wellness celebration with yoga, sound baths, and workshops. More Info

Live Music

Last week we asked: Brighton & Hove ranks first in the UK for the number of what per capita?

The winning answer was “All of the above” (36.7%), and for once, everyone was right (kind of). Brighton really does top the charts for cafes, pubs, and vegan restaurants.

We’ve got a cafe for every 800 locals, we’re equal first with Liverpool for pubs, and we’ve officially been crowned the most vegan-friendly city in Britain.

This week, in the UK’s most LGBTQ+ friendly city, we’re rewinding to 1826, when ‘the first modern lesbian’ and diarist Anne Lister visited Brighton, accompanied by her lover Marianna Lawton, and learned the hard way that “taking the waters” wasn’t quite the health remedy it was promised to be. Read the full article from Brighton Museums on our LGBTQ+ history.