☀️ Hello, Brighton & Hove!

This week we’ve got stories on the battle to save our historic seafront railings and a first look at the new King Alfred’s splashier future. Plus, we’re down The Lanes for Anatolian eats and looking at the best charity community events this month, including midnight sleep-outs and how you can get involved with this weekend’s Brighton Marathon, even if you’re not a runner.

Here’s what’s squawking this week:

💰 Seafront heritage maintenance hits a funding snag
🏊 Interactive flumes and fountains for the new King Alfred
🐱 A new Anatolian date spot supporting street cats
⛺ Seafront sleep-outs and South Downs hikes for good causes

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🌊 Council admits it cannot maintain all seafront heritage

Brighton & Hove City Council says it will be unable to maintain the entire length of the seafront this summer, despite securing a £280,000 maintenance budget. The funding is earmarked for refurbishing Victorian railings, shelters, and benches between Hove Lagoon and Saltdean, but officials warned it will not cover every structure. Priority is being given to areas with the greatest impact on public safety while the council explores alternative income streams to bridge the funding gap.

→ Read more on BBC News

🏊 King Alfred kids' pool features revealed to calm parent fears

Brighton and Hove City Council has released more details on the proposed swimming facilities at the new King Alfred after families complained the initial plans looked bland. The updated specs include interactive water play, fountains, and a slide or flume similar to those in Center Parcs. To avoid city-wide disappointment, each pool will have its own filtration system, meaning a contamination incident in one won't force the closure of the entire complex.

→ Read more on Brighton & Hove News

🧠 Provider denies "six-hour" cut to Preston Park mental health hub

Southdown, which runs the Preston Park Wellbeing Hub, has hit back at claims that services are being slashed to just six hours a week. While over 3,000 people signed a petition against "dangerous" cuts, the provider insists the site will stay open four days a week for groups and seven evenings a week for crisis support. A redesign is underway to move toward neighbourhood-based care, though campaigners still fear the loss of the structured daytime "lifeline" that has supported 400 vulnerable residents.

→ Read more on The Argus

🏥 Residents urged to seek help despite six-day doctor strike

NHS bosses are pleading with the public not to delay seeking medical care as resident doctors begin a six-day strike starting at 7am today. The walkout, which lasts until Monday morning, is expected to be particularly challenging as it follows the busy Easter bank holiday. While non-urgent appointments may be rescheduled, A&E and 999 services remain open for life-threatening emergencies, and patients are advised to use 111 online for urgent but non-critical advice.

→ Read more on Brighton & Hove News

🏠 Human rabbit hutch student house approved in Bevendean

A semi-detached home on Auckland Drive can now house eight students instead of five, despite councillors describing the proposed bedrooms as dehumanising. While the plans met minimum space requirements, some members of the Planning Committee likened the cramped living conditions to a rabbit hutch. Neighbours raised concerns over noise and the loss of family housing in an area already heavily populated by students.

→ Read more on Brighton & Hove News

Also in the news:

🥚 Frida Kahlo Wins Devil’s Dyke Egg Roll: Nearly 400 people gathered for the 30th annual Easter Monday tradition, with an "incredible" hand-painted Frida Kahlo egg taking the top prize after tumbling down the 330ft valley. → read more on BBC News

🚁 Drone Warning as Hospital Helipad Goes Live: Health chiefs have warned drone owners that flying near the Royal Sussex could force emergency air ambulances to divert, risking the lives of critically injured patients. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🎭 Hippodrome Capacity Boosted to 2,300: Planners have approved a capacity increase for the Middle Street venue as owner Matsim commits £3 million to a new acoustic roof to keep noise away from neighbours. → read more on The Argus

🛑 Council to Investigate Toxic Rubber Crumb: Brighton and Hove City Council has agreed to produce a report on the health and environmental risks of 3G sports pitches following concerns over microplastics and respiratory health. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

📉 Mental Health Staff Survey Reveals Low Morale: A "stark" report found 37% of staff at Sussex Partnership NHS Trust are thinking of leaving, with many citing unrealistic time pressures and an inability to provide the care they want. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🕶️ Blind Artist to Run Marathon Using AI: Clarke Reynolds will attempt a world-first on 12 April, using Meta AI glasses to allow remote volunteers from around the globe to guide him through the 26.2-mile Brighton course. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🎨 Happy Mountain Tackles Graffiti Tags: Community groups and local councillors spent a morning painting over graffiti dark spots in the Moulsecoomb area to support residents tired of mindless tagging on their homes. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🗳️ County Council Quiz: Do you know how 80% of your council tax is actually spent? As the 7 May elections loom, here's a chance to TAKE THE QUIZ to find out. → read more on BBC News

🤝 "Friend In Need" Heroes Support 1,000 Patients: A hospital volunteer service providing companionship to patients in their final hours has celebrated a successful first year, with plans to expand across Sussex. → read more on BBC News

🇮🇹 Brighton Italian Festival Returns: The city will be Giro d’Italia central throughout May, with a line-up featuring Spaghetti Discos, Sicilian folk choirs, and weekly regional menus at local cafés. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🐔 200 Hens Need a Home: The British Hen Welfare Trust is looking for owners in Worthing to save 200 ex-commercial layers from slaughter this Sunday—register by 2pm Friday to adopt. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🌿 HempWell Shortlisted for Dynamic Award: The North Laine CBD shop has been nominated for a Customer Service Excellence Award for the second year running, highlighting the impact of women in local business. → read more on The Argus

☀️ 4 Community Events This Month For a Great Cause

If you're looking to do some good while getting out and about this month, the city has some heavy hitters on the calendar. From coastal marathons to sleeping under the stars, here’s how to support some vital local causes.

🎭 Moments for MacMillan Showcase

The Performers College crew is taking over the Methodist Church for an evening of dancing, singing, and acting. This showcase is all about celebrating Brighton’s local talent while raising vital funds for MacMillan Cancer Support. Expect high-energy performances, a raffle, and plenty of food, with every penny going toward helping those affected by cancer across the Sussex community.

📍Brighton & Hove Methodist Church | Sat 25 Apr, 5pm-8:30pm
🎟️ Donation based | Book your spot

🏃 Brighton Marathon Weekend & Brighton Miles

The city’s biggest running festival is finally here, and it's not just for the elite. Saturday kicks off with the Brighton Miles at Preston Park, a free, inclusive event for all ages where you can run, walk, or even join the "Superhero Wave" in full costume. On Sunday, the main event takes over as thousands tackle the 10K and the full 26.2-mile course, weaving through local neighbourhoods and along the seafront for that legendary finish by the beach.

📍 Preston Park & Citywide | Sat 11 - Sun 12 Apr
🎟️ Free (Miles) - £35+ (10K/Marathon) | Register or donate here

⛺ The Brighton Big World Sleep Out

Sussex Homeless Support is marking 11 years of frontline work with another massive night of solidarity at The Volks. It kicks off with a live gig featuring local bands and DJs until 11:30pm, followed by a midnight sleep-out on the seafront to raise funds for the city's most vulnerable. It’s a powerful way to support a charity that delivers 400 hot meals and over a tonne of supplies every single week to those who need them most.

📍The Volks, Madeira Drive | Sun 19 - Mon 20 Apr, 7pm-7am
🎟️ £10 for the gig (Sleep out is free) | Sleep Out or Buy Gig Tickets

🥾 Life after Cancer South Downs Fundraising Hike

If you fancy a challenge with a view, join this 10 or 20-mile trek from Eastbourne across the iconic Seven Sisters and Beachy Head. Led by professional guides, the hike raises money to support adults navigating the difficult transition into life after cancer treatment. It’s open to all fitness levels with a provided training plan, making it a great way to connect with a supportive community while exploring the South Downs.

📍Beachy Head Rd Car Park, Eastbourne | Sat 25 Apr, 7:45am-6pm
🎟️ £35 registration | Join the hike

🐈 Istanbull Katz

If you’re looking for a date spot that combines a refined aesthetic with a genuine heart, Istanbull Katz is the most intriguing new arrival in The Lanes. On Little East Street, this intimate space is the latest project from local cat-loving entrepreneur Ash (the force behind Munchies Cat Café). Inspired by the historic streets of Istanbull, where cats and humans have coexisted for centuries, the restaurant has a sophisticated yet not formal feel. Its deep teal walls, flickering red taper candles, and white tablecloths make it a very soothing environment from the busy Lanes streets.

The kitchen, led by a specialist chef from Istanbul, moves far beyond the standard kebab-house tropes to explore contemporary Anatolian cuisine. The focus here is on regional authenticity and seasonal ingredients, presented with a lighter, modern touch. You might start with a vibrant Meze Trio featuring smoky muhammara and blistered peppers, or dive into the ‘Siron’, a rare traditional dough-scroll dish from northeastern Turkey that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else in the city. The showstopper, however, is the Iskender Short Rib, a posh, indulgent rework of the Turkish classic that swaps traditional doner for melt-in-the-mouth braised beef and burnt butter.

What makes a meal here even more satisfying is the menu's purpose-led ethos. In keeping with Ash’s dedication to animal welfare, a portion of every meal goes directly toward supporting street cat welfare in Istanbul. Even the wine list is a talking point, with interesting Turkish producers and native grapes like Kalecik Karasim, from vineyards you certainly won’t find at Sainsbury’s.

Open only between Thursday and Sunday, you can settle in with a glass of potent raki to set the pace for meze and conversation, perhaps finishing with the crispy Kadayif (a golden shredded-wheat pastry with a molten centre and saffron-scented custard). Whether you’re stopping by for that signature dessert or just a quiet drink to start the evening, Istanbull Katz is the latest higher-end dining spot in The Lanes that offers something a little more meaningful than the competition.

📍 3 Little East Street, BN1 1HT
🕣 Thu: 5:30pm-11pm, Fri-Sat: 12pm-11pm, Sun: 12pm-9:30pm
🔗 Menu & More

💎 The Bondi Beach of Brighton

Architecturally designed by Scott Theobald, this 6,000 sq ft Roedean Way residence looks more like a high-end Sydney coastal villa than a typical Sussex home. It’s a masterclass in modern design with polished concrete, featuring a double-height wall of glass that frames the Channel, a 4kW solar array for eco-credentials, and a primary suite that takes up the entire top floor!

📍 Roedean Way, Brighton
💰 £4,000,000
🔗 View on Rightmove

Tue

🤝 Defending Arts and Culture | 7pm, Tue @ The Southern Belle
A vital conversation exploring how solidarity is built and sustained within Brighton & Hove's creative landscape. More Info

👠 The Cheryl & Kitty Show | 7pm, Tue @ Komedia Brighton
A high-camp cabaret extravaganza featuring show-stopping musical numbers and non-stop carnage. More Info

🍷 Notes: Wine & Music Pairing | 7:30pm, Tue @ The Old Market
Sylvie Lewis blends storytelling with melody and wine education in this soulful evening curated by Quaff Wine. More Info

🥧 Waitress The Musical | 7:45pm, Tue @ Theatre Royal Brighton
The hit Broadway musical serves up a story of friendship and dreams with a female-led creative team. More Info

🖼️ Africa Inspired | 11am, Tue @ The Regency Town House
Explore paintings, mosaics, and sculptures from four artists inspired by African themes and landscapes. More Info

🐉 Explore the Palace of Dragons | 9:30am, Tue @ Royal Pavilion
Discover hidden creatures and a mysterious dragon nest in this playful exhibition inside the palace. More Info

Wed

🧩 Queer Tales for Autistic Folk | 8pm, Wed @ Komedia
Award-winning comedian Cerys Bradley leads a bonkers, interactive choose-your-own-story comedy show. More Info

🎤 Georgie Jones: And The World Spins Anyway | 8pm, Wed @ Komedia
Poet and performer Georgie Jones shares heart-warming and humorous work capturing the messiness of modern life. More Info

Thu

🎯 Premier League Darts | 6pm, Thu @ Brighton Centre
The world's top darts stars battle it out on the seafront for the coveted title. More Info

Horrible Histories - The Concert | 6:30pm, Thu @ Brighton Dome
The BAFTA-winning series comes to life with Shakespeare and a cast of historical characters in this ultimate family concert. More Info

💪 Lachlan Werner: Wondertwunk | 9:30pm, Thu @ Komedia Brighton
Physical comedy and ventriloquism collide in this story of the world's strongest (and weakest-looking) boy. More Info

📽️ Lana Del Rey - A Celebration | 8pm, Thu @ Ironworks Studios
A night of cinematic ballads and hazy glamour celebrating the mood and music of Lana Del Rey. More Info

🌊 Monster - by Naomi Wood | 8pm, Thu @ The Old Market
A relatable true story about the transformative power of wild swimming and learning to love the ocean. More Info

🎲 Critical Wit | 7:30pm, Thu @ Artista
Advanced Improv and Dragons: a chaotic night where comedians quest through a realm controlled by the audience. More Info

Fri

🎭 Pick Of The Fringe | 8pm, Fri @ Ironworks Studios
A hand-picked showcase of the best music, cabaret, and comedy entering this year's Brighton Fringe. More Info

✨ The Brighton Bellesque Experience | 7pm, Fri @ Horizon
An immersive, body-positive celebration of movement, sensual performance, and confidence. More Info

🏏 Sussex vs Warwickshire Cricket | 11am, Fri @ Sussex County Cricket Ground
First-class action returns to Hove as Sussex take on Warwickshire in the County Championship. More Info

🏺 Hand-Building Pottery | 6:30pm, Fri @ Cornerstone Community Centre
A relaxed BYOB workshop teaching traditional techniques like coiling and slab building for unique creations. More Info

✈️ Royal Air Force Town Show | 9:30am, Fri @ Brighton i360
See a Chinook aircraft replica and meet the RAF team as their flagship recruitment roadshow hits the seafront.

📖 Story Magic | 10am and 11am, Fri @ Komedia Brighton
Music, movement, and storytelling fun designed to engage toddlers and young children. More Info

Live Music

Bibi Club | 8pm, Tue @ Prince Albert
Art School Girlfriend | 7pm, Tue @ Dust
Anna Lowenstein | 7:30pm, Tue @ Folklore Rooms

Idlewild | 7:30pm, Wed @ Concorde 2
Vanessa Forero | 7:30pm, Wed @ Folklore Rooms
RIA RUA | 8pm, Wed @ Hope & Ruin

Arlo Parks | 7pm, Thu @ Chalk
Pastel | 7:30pm, Thu @ Green Door Store
The Kairos | 6pm, Thu @ Patterns
The Ukrainians | 8pm, Thu @ Prince Albert
Keiron Phelan & Peace Signs | 7:30pm, Thu @ Folklore Rooms

Bruce Foxton | 7pm, Fri @ Chalk
Beat To Quarters | 6pm, Fri @ Komedia
Lime Garden | 6pm & 8pm, Fri @ Resident
Umut Adan | 8pm, Fri @ Rose Hill
Wonk Unit | 8pm, Fri @ Prince Albert
Nick Hudson | 7:30pm, Fri @ Folklore Rooms
Jazz at St Andrews | 5:30pm, Fri @ St Andrew's Church
Taylor Swift by Candlelight | 7pm, Fri @ St George's Church

Last week’s Easter-themed trivia asked the country of origin for Easter’s link to rabbits and egg hunts. It was a tricky one, with just 45.3% getting it correct! The Easter bunny comes from German Lutheran traditions of the ‘Easter Hare’, judging children’s behaviour (like Father Christmas), while egg hunts evolved from the medieval practice of eating eggs as a special treat to celebrate the end of Lenten fasting. These customs eventually merged, with the rabbit/hare hiding the eggs for children to find on Easter morning.

This week we’re back in Brighton with local legend Chris Eubank Snr returning to Hove this Saturday for his homecoming show at The Old Market. We’re looking back at his eccentric peak. Besides the monocle and the jodhpurs, do you remember the vehicle he famously drove around the city?