🐦 E-Scooter trials, Rainbow 5K Run & Citywide LEGO Scavenger Hunts!

Hello, Brighton & Hove!

Get ready, because one of the absolute titans of the city’s annual calendar is right on our doorstep: Brighton Pride arrives this weekend! The city is already shifting into full celebration mode, and while we will be breaking down the full weekend lineup in deep detail in our Friday edition, the pre-parties are kicking off early. You can jump into the 5th annual Rainbow 5K run at Hove Park, catch high-energy open-air drag under the stars at BOAT, or pop into Aesop on Bond Street for a completely free pop-up queer library.

Outside of the Pride buildup, there is plenty happening right across town over the next few days. You can catch high-flying acrobats as Circus Zyair, put your dancing shoes on for a sunset silent disco at Hollingbury Hillfort, or take the kids on a massive LEGO minifigure hunt hiding across 125 local shop windows. Plus, New Orleans brass legends The Hot 8 Brass Band are playing an intimate pub set, and actors are going head-to-head for cash prizes at The Yellow Book's monologue slam.

Grab your glitter, keep your eyes on the skies, and let’s dive into the week ahead!

Here is what’s squawking this week

🛴 Regulated e-scooter hire trial launches across the city.
🎧 Open-air sunset silent disco lands at Hollingbury Hillfort.
👑 Alfie Ordinary hosts high-energy open-air drag at BOAT.
📚 Free pop-up queer library opens at Aesop on Bond Street.
🏖️ 25-metre beach extension begins at Hove seafront.

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🏖️ Major beach replenishment project begins in Hove

Work begins next week to pump thousands of tonnes of shingle from the English Channel to extend the beach between the King Alfred Leisure Centre and Second Avenue by 25 metres. The four-week scheme forms part of a coastal defence project designed to protect nearby homes from erosion and prevent sea-driven shingle from washing onto the promenade.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

👮 Armed officers deployed for Brighton Pride following Berlin attack

Sussex Police will deploy armed, plain-clothed, and uniformed officers across the city for Brighton Pride following a deadly terror attack in Germany. City leaders and police reassured the public that comprehensive security operations are in place to safeguard the 500,000 visitors expected to attend the UK's largest Pride festival.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🛴 Official e-scooter hire trial launches across Brighton and Hove

Brighton and Hove City Council has launched a new regulated e-scooter hire scheme featuring speed limits capped at 12.5mph, GPS geofencing, and registration plates. Rental hubs are operating along the seafront and at key railway stations, with free minute bundles provided for jobseekers and Universal Credit claimants.
→ read more on The Argus

🧹 Council faces recruitment struggles over seasonal toilet cleaner pay

Independent councillors have called for higher wages for seasonal public toilet cleaners, arguing the £14.50 hourly rate fails to attract and retain staff for the demanding role. Town hall officials confirmed that while recruitment is challenging, the majority of the city's 15 seasonal positions have been filled for the summer.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

📂 Opposition leader challenges council over Freedom of Information delays

Green councillor Steve Davis has raised serious concerns over information transparency after figures revealed over a quarter of Freedom of Information requests to the council were answered late. The report cited internal staffing pressures and a "nervousness" among council officers about releasing politically sensitive documents.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏗️ Madeira Terrace lift design branded "dull" by conservation group

The Regency Society of Brighton and Hove has criticized the newly unveiled red-brick lift structure at Madeira Terrace, comparing its design to a Second World War watchtower. While some residents welcomed the durable brick construction, critics labeled the design an uninspiring, missed opportunity for the city's iconic seafront.
→ read more on The Argus

🗳️ Coldean neighbourhood plan referendum set for autumn

Residents in Coldean will head to the polls this autumn to vote on a draft neighbourhood plan following its approval by city planning inspectors. The proposed framework aims to protect local green spaces, restrict houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), and prioritize the development of family-sized homes.
→ read more on BBC News

Also in the news:

🔴 Thousands sign petition opposing Western Road red route: A 3,800-signature petition was presented to the council objecting to double red lines on Western Road over fears the scheme will harm local trade and access.
→ read more on The Argus

💰 Rising £65m King Alfred cost prompts fresh questions: Campaigners and councillors have demanded financial clarity over the £65 million King Alfred redevelopment after project expenditure reached £6.12 million ahead of planning decisions.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏠 Hove hostel earmarked for student HMO conversion: Plans have been lodged to convert Seadragon Backpackers in Waterloo Street into a six-bed student house in multiple occupation.
→ read more on The Argus

📚 Academic study highlights school attendance over admissions: UCL Professor Adam Dennett has urged local leaders to focus on attendance rather than school admission boundaries to boost pupil attainment across the city.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🎭 Chitty Chitty Bang Bang cast performs at children's hospice: Performers from the Brighton Theatre Group brought musical entertainment to families at Chestnut Tree House's annual Chestival event.
→ read more on The Argus

🧠 THE MAG

⏰ Online Blog & Newsletter
📍 Brighton & Hove

I know how tough it is to start a brand new project from scratch, so when local resident Stephen Ashfield got in touch with me, I knew I had to share his story. After surviving a heart attack last year, Stephen was recently diagnosed as autistic at 65, also with ADHD symptoms. While the diagnosis answered a lifetime of questions, navigating this new world led him to realize just how hard it is to find local support, groups, and events for neurodivergent adults across Brighton and Hove.

Instead of just sitting back, Stephen decided to launch THE MAG (Monthly Autism/ADHD Guide), a completely free, non-profit local blog created to bring all our city's ND events, resources, and support groups into one handy place. Alongside it, his sister blog THE MAG EXTRA shares helpful reviews on books, podcasts, and news to help others on a similar voyage of self-discovery. Starting something new like this takes serious guts, so if you've got a local group to share, want to offer some words of encouragement, or just want to follow along on his journey, let’s show Stephen some proper Brighton love by dropping him a line of encouragement; [email protected]

🔗 Read Stephen's story and subscribe to THE MAG
 

🍊 Burnt Orange (my review)

Many of my friends have been raving about it for ages, so I finally pulled my finger out and had my own Burnt Orange experience. Honestly, this review could easily be one sentence: delicious food served by fun, lovely, proper professional staff in a gorgeous venue. Job done!

But seriously, it is an absolute must. These guys have hit the nail on the head in every single sense. Right, I’ll stop gushing for a second: I had an amazing dinner in their courtyard garden the other week. I hadn’t booked a table, but instead of the usual snooty eye roll or a flat "sorry, we're full", I got a warm smile and immediate hustle to see where they could squeeze me in. A quick twelve-minute “wait” and I was seated. I had a few different people looking after me throughout the night, and every single one of them was brilliant: smiling, happy to chat through the menu, and full of top recommendations. They’ve completely nailed that rare balance of being properly friendly without losing an ounce of professionalism.

Now, onto the important bit: the food:

• Spiced Calamari Fritti

• Crab on Toast

• Halloumi

• Grilled Marinated Prawns

• Roasted Cod

What do you mean I overordered?! 😅 Worth every bite.

📍 59 Middle Street, Brighton
🕒 12pm-12am (Mon to Thu), 12pm-1am (Fri to Sat), 12pm-11pm (Sun)
🔗 Book a table

🏠 The Carlisle Road Project

Situated just a minute's walk from Hove beach, this classic 6-bedroom Edwardian residence sits on the largest plot on the road. Spanning over 3,000 sq ft with planning in place to convert back into a grand family home, it retains stunning period details including original cornicing, stained glass, and a grand marble open fireplace. The ground floor flows through to a sun-drenched conservatory dining room, while the 1st floor features a private balcony with sea views. Outside, a generous west-facing garden offers total natural privacy alongside off-street parking. With scope to add another 1,000 sq ft in the loft, it is an exceptional canvas to build a forever home just moments from the water.

📍 Carlisle Road, Hove
💰 Guide Price £2,000,000
🔗 View on Rightmove

Tue

🎭 Loveplay | 8pm, Tue @ The Lantern Theatre
Moira Buffini's play charts 2,000 years of romance, satire, and human relationships unfolding at a single address in London across the centuries. More Info

🎪 Circus Zyair | 4pm & 7pm (Sun 2pm), Tue-Sun @ Hove Lawns
High-energy circus show featuring acrobats, daredevil stuntmen, and family-friendly entertainment on the seafront lawns. More Info

📚 An Evening With Steve Cavanagh | 6:30pm, Tue @ Waterstones Brighton
Bestselling author Steve Cavanagh discusses his latest Eddie Flynn legal thriller, One Of Us Is Guilty, followed by a book signing. More Info

✂️ Collage Club: Pride Edition | 6pm, Tue @ The Joker
Bring a magazine and create art at this free, drop-in collage night celebrating Gay Pride under the theme "Love Love Love" (scissors, glue, and paper provided). More Info

Wed

🎭 The Brighton Slamologue | 7:30pm, Wed @ The Yellow Book
A monologue slam where actors perform 2–3 minute speeches from existing plays, with selected audience members voting to award cash prizes to the night's winners. More Info

🎧 Daylight Disco Club: Hollingbury Hillfort Sunset & Moonrise Silent Disco | 8:15pm, Wed @ Hollingbury Hillfort-An open-air silent disco high above the city featuring three channels of music while watching the sunset and moonrise over Brighton. More Info

🧩 Brighton Bricks Summer Minifigure Trails | Ongoing till 6 Sep @ Multiple Brighton & Hove Locations-Family-friendly LEGO scavenger hunts featuring hidden minifigures in over 125 shop windows across Fiveways, Shoreham, North Laine, London Road, and Kemptown. More Info

Thur

🎙️ Comic Boom | 7:30pm, Thu @ Komedia
A fast-paced showcase of comedy's rising stars alongside a top headline comic, delivering a warm and upbeat night of stand-up. More Info

🎺 The Hot 8 Brass Band | 7:30pm, Thu @ The Hare & Hounds
Grammy-nominated New Orleans brass ensemble bringing their fusion of traditional jazz, funk, hip hop, and rap to an intimate pub venue. More Info

🍾 Pride at the Pavilion | 6:30pm, Thu @ Royal Pavilion
An evening of English sparkling wine, bowl food, and live entertainment within the iconic historic estate, raising funds for Brighton & Hove Museums and the Pride Foundation. More Info

🍓 Fruity: Pride Opening Party | 11pm, Thu @ Revenge
Kickstart Pride weekend with Y2K, R&B, and Queer Pop classics at the official opening party, with £1 from every ticket supporting local LGBTQ+ community groups. More Info

Fri

🏃 Brighton and Hove Frontrunners 5k Rainbow Run | 6pm, Fri @ Hove Park
The iconic 5K fun run returns for its fifth year as part of Pride Weekend, bringing together community, celebration, and purpose in a vibrant evening run. More Info

🎸 New Wave Breakers: Pride Opening Party | 8pm, Fri @ The Brunswick
Brighton's New Wave Breakers kick off Pride weekend with a set of late-70s and 80s new wave classics, deep cuts, and post-punk favourites. More Info

🎷 Chris Coull's Bluenote Sextet | 5:30pm, Fri @ St Andrew's Church
Trumpeter Chris Coull leads a Sussex line-up celebrating the 1960s Blue Note era with transcriptions of hard-bop gems from John Coltrane, Freddie Hubbard, and Art Blakey. More Info

👑 Drag in the Park: Pride Edition | 7pm, Fri @ Brighton Open Air Theatre
Host Alfie Ordinary leads a high-energy open-air drag extravaganza featuring a lineup of top UK drag performers. More Info

👑 Drag in the Park: Family Edition | 2pm, Fri @ Brighton Open Air Theatre
An all-ages open-air party featuring pop and Disney sing-alongs led by top UK drag queens. More Info

🏒 Heated Rivalry Club Night | 9pm, Fri @ Concorde 2
A thematic club night inspired by the viral book and series, celebrating high-stakes chemistry, tension, and late-night energy on the seafront. More Info

🌈 Don't Tell Mama's Brighton Pride Summer Party | 6pm, Fri @ Brighton i360 Beach Terrace-Kick off Pride weekend with an open-air beachfront party featuring drag host Eileen Dover, a Dolly Parton tribute, high-energy DJs, and live vocals. More Info

📚 The Aesop Queer Library UK | Fri-Sun@ Aesop Brighton
A pop-up reading room offering complimentary books by LGBTQIA+ authors and allies with no purchase required, celebrating queer stories and voices. More Info

🧘 Pride Warm-Up Sauna Session | 6:30pm, Fri @ Beach Box Sauna Spa
Ease into the weekend with Pop Divas-inspired Aufguss sauna sessions, live organic house and afro beats from DJ Em Perrin, and complimentary local kombucha on the beach. More Info

Live Music

The Secret Comedy Club Tuesdays | 8pm, Tue @ Artista
La Sécurité + Support | 7:30pm, Tue @ Daltons

Jeanie & The White Boys + Le Lamb + Blousey | 7:30pm, Wed @ The Hope & Ruin
Say She She | 7:30pm, Wed @ Concorde 2
Shugi, with support from Benchy & The Gazers, BADSTUNT, and MONKEYGUn | 7:30pm, Wed @ Pipeline

Deep Listening: Walk | 7pm, Thu @ Yellowave Beach Sports Venue
The Hot 8 Brass Band | 7:30pm, Thu @ The Hare & Hounds
Shake Some Acton #166: Mikabomb, Deaf Devils, Love Bites | 7pm, Thu @ The Prince Albert
Songer: Live + Signing | 6:30pm, Thu @ Resident Music

Freemasons Friday - Pride Pre-Party | 8pm, Fri @ OHSO Socail
Nick Cave | 1pm, Fri @ Preston Park
Vivaldi Four Seasons by Candlelight | 7pm, Fri @ Royal Pavilion
Candlelight: Hans Zimmer's Best Works | 9pm, Fri @ Royal Pavilion
Chris Coull's Bluenote Sextet | 5:30pm, Fri @ St Andrew's Church
False Futures | 7:30pm, Fri @ The Rossi Bar
FME HOUSE Pre-Pride Boat Party | 3:45pm, Fri @ Brighton Marina
Heated Rivalry Club Night | 9pm, Fri @ Concorde 2
Latino Fest Summer Terrace Party (Brighton) | 6pm, Fri @ Horizon Nightclub
New Wave Breakers: Brunswick Pride Opening Party | 8pm, Fri @ The Brunswick Pub
Pre Pride Party | 7:30pm, Fri @ The Hope & Ruin
Pride Pre-party at Black Lion | 6pm, Fri @ Black Lion
Pride Rock Feat. Cassyette | 6pm, Fri @ Chalk
Pride Terrace Party With Dj Du Jour | 6pm, Fri @ Patterns
Songs For Lughnasadh | 8pm, Fri @ The Folklore Rooms

SORRY! I made a mistake last week, and the poll questions haven’t been updated to the correct trivia questions 😟

Here it is again: we are looking up at the corner of Lace House (39 Old Steine), where a famous black ceramic cat can be seen climbing the building. Installed in the late 1920s when the site was used as a motor showroom, the feline statue was mounted for a very specific, practical purpose.