Hello Brighton & Hove!

It feels like everyone is back from summer holidays, school and work are in full swing, and the city is packed with insanely quirky events. We have a massive weekend ahead! Now, I absolutely love table tennis or ping-pong, as I call it and the Brighton Dome is completely indulging in it this Saturday. None other than Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim) is getting involved alongside Jane Horrocks and David Shrigley for a lively match and chat, followed by a free-play session hosted by the Brighton Table Tennis Club. There is officially zero excuse not to flex your ping-pong muscles this weekend!

Beyond the paddles, the city is buzzing with non-stop energy over the next few days. You can catch everything from 80s progressive rock icons Marillion live at the Dome and guided kayaking between the iconic piers to a delicious dim sum pop-up, stand-up wine tastings at Komedia, and a silent film turned live rock opera at The Old Market.

Let's dive in!

Here is what’s squawking this week:

🏓 Norman Cook plays live table tennis at the Dome.
🚲 Hundreds of naked cyclists take over Preston Park for the annual ride.
🎥 Fritz Lang’s silent film Metropolis transformed into a live rock concert.
🥟 Fresh dim sum and Asian-inspired bites pop up at The Windmill.
🍷 Stand-up comedy paired with a six-varietal wine tasting at Komedia.

🍸 Brighton Gin

I have a real soft spot for this business because it is fuelled by pure local passion and a fiercely independent spirit. (see what I did there 😆) Founded in 2012 by Kathy Caton and her team, the company began with months of home experimentation, recipe trial and error, and testing blends on gin-loving friends until they hit on the ultimate local spirit.

Every single bottle is still washed, filled, labelled, and wax-dipped by hand locally, no industrial factory production lines in sight. They are the UK’s first certified 100% vegan craft gin (right down to the wax tops and label gum), naturally gluten-free, and they even do local deliveries using a specially adapted gin bike to keep their carbon footprint down. Beyond producing award-winning spirits, they run popular distillery tours, cocktail experiences, and local refill stations.

They also run The Bottom’s Rest tucked away on Lower Market Street in Hove. The historic 1860s corner pub was once ruled by the redoubtable 1980s landlady, Muriel, who presided over a legendary mix of punks, Goths, and regulars, each with a smouldering cigarette in hand.

Whether you're booking a distillery tour, enjoying a drink or two at the Bottom’s Rest or looking to pick up a proper local bottle for the weekend, give one of our most iconic local producers the support they deserve.

📍 HQ Brighton Spirits Co. - 35a Vale Road, BN41 1GD
📍Bottom’s Rest - 16 Lower Market Street, Hove BN3 1AT
💰 Small-batch craft gin, distillery tours, gift sets, and refills
🔗 Book A Tour Or Shop Online

🍺 The Howard

If you are willing to venture up into the colourful backstreets of Hanover, you will find an absolute gem tucked away on Howard Road. This place effortlessly strikes a balance between a proper, rustic local boozer and an incredible neighbourhood food destination, complete with stripped-wood flooring and warm, relaxed lighting.

Having recently celebrated its 1st birthday, the venue continues to build a massive reputation for its fantastic dual personality in the kitchen. Alongside their authentic Spanish tapas menu, they work in exciting collaboration with Zazzy Kitchen, an amazing Asian fusion kitchen serving up incredible flavour-packed dishes. Come Sunday, they pivot to serving one of the top 20 awarded roasts in the city, drawing locals from all over for their massive plates and legendary gravy. Behind the bar, you will find brilliantly kept local real ales, fantastic craft beers, and a genuinely welcoming, dog-friendly atmosphere that makes you want to stay all evening.

📍 1 Howard Road, Brighton, BN2 9TP
🕒 Mon to Fri 4pm-12am, Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 12pm-10pm
🍽️ Kitchen: Wed to Fri 5pm-9pm, Sat 1pm-8pm, Sun 12pm-6pm
🔗 Visit their website

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

🧹 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

Sat

🍝 Patricia’s Pasta Pop Up | 7pm, Sat @ Hearth Cafe and Garden
A relaxed pop-up dining experience centred around fresh, delicious handmade pasta. More Info

🎪 The Hangout Brighton Fundraiser | 3pm, Sat @ Hove Lawns (opp. The Brunswick)-An outdoor community fundraiser featuring yoga, handstand workshops, 80s aerobics, life drawing, juggling, salsa, and sunset live music. More Info

🎸 Dr Hook Songbook | 7pm, Sat @ Brighton Open Air Theatre
A live tribute show breathing new life into the timeless country-rock classics of Dr Hook, featuring hits like 'Sylvia's Mother' and 'Sexy Eyes'. More Info

🩰 Brighton Ballet School Open Day | 9:30am, Sat @ BHASVIC Sports Centre
Free ballet and dance taster classes for new children, teens, and adults, plus a cake sale, tea and coffee, second-hand designer dancewear, merchandise, hair accessories, and free onsite parking. More Info

🛍️ Brighton's Vintage Kilo Sale | 11am, Sat @ St Bartholomew's Church
Rummage through 9 tonnes of handpicked vintage clothing from the 60s onwards and pay by weight at £20 per kilo. More Info

🪂 Bungee Jump at Brighton Marina | 10am, Sat & Sun @ Brighton Marina
Take an exhilarating leap of faith with a 160ft bungee jump over the water, offering an intense adrenaline rush and unmatched coastal views. More Info

🎷 Jazz Jamboree Orchestra | 7pm, Sat @ Secret Garden Kemptown
An intimate open-air evening of toe-tapping live music performed by the Sussex-based ensemble, featuring a rich sound and eclectic jazz repertoire. More Info

🎥 Vox Lumiere Metropolis | 7:30pm, Sat @ The Old Market
An explosive live experience transforming Fritz Lang's classic silent film Metropolis into a hybrid rock concert, theatrical event, and cinematic showcase. More Info

🦅 Nature on Tap | 1pm, Sat @ Beak Brewery, Lewes
Explore the dramatic chalk cliffs of Lewes with expert guides, spot peregrine falcons, and enjoy local heritage stories alongside a complimentary craft beer. More Info

🛍️ Curate & Rotate Pop-Up | Sat 12 Sep @ Brighton Lanes
A curated pre-loved resale experience where you can shop and sell standout pieces from independent and contemporary brands. More Info

🚣 Kayaking Between the Piers | 10am, Sat @ Brighton Watersports
A 2-hour small-group guided kayaking session exploring the iconic Palace and West Piers with optional lunch afterwards at Lucky Beach. More Info

Sun

🎤 Simon and Garfunkel Through the Years | 2pm, Sun @ Brighton Open Air Theatre-Critically acclaimed world-class tribute featuring stunning vocal harmonies and hits like 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' and 'Mrs Robinson'. More Info

🎭 Drop In Improv | 7pm, Sun @ Presuming Ed's Coffee House
A fun, supportive improv workshop led by the Cast Iron Theatre, perfect for both total beginners and experienced performers looking to build their skills. More Info

🍷 An Idiot's Guide to Wine | 3:30pm & 6:30pm, Sun @ Komedia
The hit Australian comedy sensation pairs live stand-up with a guided wine tasting featuring six different varietals from around the world. More Info

📚 Caitlin Moran - How To Be Hopeful | 7:30pm, Sun @ Brighton Dome
Bestselling author Caitlin Moran tours her new book alongside guest hosts, featuring an audience Q&A and signed copies of How To Be Hopeful. More Info

🎧 Long Play Sessions: Radiohead 'The Bends' & Björk 'Post' | 7:30pm, Sun @ The Bee's Mouth-An album-listening session celebrating two seminal 1990s masterpieces played loud, paired for contrast, and enjoyed alongside fellow music fans. More Info

🎸 Marillion | 7pm, Sun @ Brighton Dome (Concert Hall)
The 80s progressive rock icons, fronted by Steve Hogarth, return for an evening of classic tracks and modern atmospheric prog. More Info

🪄 Piff and Pop | 7:30pm, Sun @ Theatre Royal
Legendary magician Penn Jillette teams up with fan-favourite comedy-magician Piff the Magic Dragon for a unique, high-energy magic and comedy spectacle. More Info

Live Music

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

BATTLE HYMNS (FREE!) | Sat @ Caroline of Brunswick
NOVO SPEED | Sat @ Alphabet
Clémentine Blue | Sat @ Folklore Rooms
Solid Birds Flying - Album Launch | Sat @ The Brunswick
Amongst Liars w/ Coast Noir & The Better Dead | Sat @ The Pipeline
The Go Kid Music Club is back! GO BANANAS!! | Sat @ The Brunswick
Portmeirion + special guest DJ Format | Sat @ Rose Hill
SPY + Dry Socket + more TBA | Sat @ Hope & Ruin
Dream State | Sat @ Volks
Karen Dió | Sat @ Green Door Store
Degs and Friends - Hazard, Evil b, JFB, Degs, Oko | Sat @ Volks

Hove Record Fair | Sun @ The Brunswick
Monkish + Gripper Lee + Spock on the Bus + Jetheads | Sun @ The Pipeline
Lucca Mae | Sun @ Folklore Rooms
Marillion | Sun @ Brighton Dome - Concert Hall
Just Keep Moving | Sun @ Patterns
Wrong Côtes + Total Melt + Adam Lygo (Album Launch) | Sun @ Prince Albert
Brighton Sundae | Sun @ Fortune of War
MC Grammar: The Mic Drop Tour! | Sun @ The Old Market
VSC BRIGHTON INVITES YOU TO A POST-PUNK FUNDRAISER | Sun @ Prince Albert
Wheels In Motion | Sun @ Komedia
Monkish + Gripper Lee + Spock on the Bus + Jetheads Big Lemon | Sun @ The Pipeline
Mechanicals + Support | Sun @ The Brunswick
Hove Record Fair | Sun @ The Brunswick
SLACK CITY PRESENTS VINCE & JO HAVE A PRE-SHOW SHOW | Sun @ Daltons
SLACK CITY PRESENTS SLACK SUNDAY WITH VINCE & JO | Sun @ Daltons
Roots Garden Sound System | Sun @ Concorde 2
Big Band @ Brunswick: Brighton Jazz Mafia | Sun @ The Brunswick
Sounds of Soviet Underground + The Beyenne Affair + Joanna and The Dropouts | Sun @ Hope & Ruin