🐦 Green By-Election Victory, Super Hans Book Signing & MasterChef Mushroom Feasts!

Hello Brighton & Hove!

There is no shortage of reasons to get out of the house this week. Between meeting a cult comedy legend at Resident Music, checking out six-course mushroom tasting menus, and catching acclaimed new theatre, the city is packed with things to do. Add in a Green Party victory celebration and plenty of live music, and your schedule is sorted.

Let's get straight to it.

Here Is What's Squawking This Week

🛑 Councillors challenge Western Road red route scheme.
🏗️ Consultation opens for 42 Woodingdean council flats.
🗳️ Greens win Queen's Park by-election.
🎪 Land Beyond Festival secures 4 year licence.
🛵 Police launch citywide illegal e-bike crackdown.

Fancy reaching over 10,000+ Brightonians? Just reply to this email to ask about our options.

🛑 Fourteen councillors trigger formal call-in over Western Road red route

Fourteen cross-party councillors have submitted a formal request to call in the cabinet's decision to implement a red route along Western Road. The opposition members argue the scheme lacks specific local evidence, lacks a prior economic impact assessment, and unfairly restricts access for disabled blue badge holders and delivery vehicles.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏗️ Public consultation opens for 42 affordable council flats in Woodingdean

Brighton and Hove City Council is hosting a public consultation to unveil plans for up to 42 affordable council-rented flats on Warren Road in Woodingdean. The proposed development on the site of the former swimming pool and Victorian Warren Farm school cottages aims to provide housing for residents currently living in temporary accommodation.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🗳️ Green Party candidate Mark Strong wins Queen’s Park council by-election

The Green Party’s Mark Strong has secured victory in the Queen’s Park ward by-election with 1,139 votes, beating Labour's Steve Gladwin by more than 300 votes. The election—triggered by the resignation of former Labour councillor Milla Gauge over trans safeguarding concerns—saw a turnout of 33.36 per cent.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🎪 Council grants four-year drinks licence for Land Beyond Festival

Brighton and Hove City Council’s licensing panel has granted a four-year premises licence for the Land Beyond Festival in East Brighton Park. Organisers addressed neighbour concerns regarding dispersal and litter by agreeing to enhanced security marshalling, stricter age restrictions, and dedicated clean-up teams for future events.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🛵 Sussex Police urge public to report illegal e-bikes and e-scooters

Brighton Police are appealing to residents to report the illegal use of high-powered e-bikes and modified e-scooters across the city as part of Operation Scramble. Officers noted that only council-backed Beryl rental scooters and legal pedal-assist bikes with a top speed of 15.5mph are permitted on public roads and pavements.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🗳️ Coldean voters overwhelmingly approve new Neighbourhood Plan

Coldean residents have voted decisively in favour of adopting their local Neighbourhood Plan, with 374 "yes" votes to 43 "no" votes in a recent referendum. The community-led planning framework automatically becomes official council policy, aimed at protecting green spaces and restricting further houses in multiple occupation.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🎼 Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra appointed resident ensemble at Brighton Dome

The Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra has been named the resident ensemble at Brighton Dome, cementing a century-long performance partnership that began in 1928. The appointment will see the 100-year-old orchestra develop collaborative cultural programming for the venue's upcoming autumn season.
→ read more on BBC News

Also in the news:

🎵 Fatboy Slim reveals he has never been paid for Glastonbury sets: Brighton DJ Norman Cook confirmed he receives no fee for performing at Glastonbury, describing the event as an incomparable cultural experience.
→ read more on The Argus

🐑 Brighton animal rights activist sentenced for Sandringham lamb theft: Activist Rosa Sharkey has been ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work after taking three lambs from the King’s Sandringham estate.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

♿ Tory motion accuses council of neglecting elderly and disabled needs: Conservative councillor Anne Meadows is calling for a dedicated task group to establish a "disabled-first" policy across parking and highways schemes.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏘️ Greens call for comprehensive audit of council housing services: Councillor Bruno De Oliviera has submitted a motion requesting a full review of homelessness, repairs, and temporary accommodation procedures to create trauma-informed services.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🚧 Six-week gas works closure announced for Neville Avenue in Hove: Brighton and Hove City Council has published a public notice confirming the westbound carriageway of Neville Avenue will shut from October 5 for gas governor replacements.
→ read more on The Argus

☕ Hove coffee shop makes case for late-night drinks licence: The owners of Intenso Espresso Bar on Portland Road presented their case to licensing panels for serving alcohol alongside evening meals until 10.30pm.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🚌 Hove bus stop relocation plans trigger parking permit removal: Proposed changes on New Church Road would see a bus stop moved between Pembroke Avenue and Pembroke Gardens, replacing existing permit bays with double yellow lines.
→ read more on The Argus

🎃 October Unpacked

⏰ 1st – 31st October 2026
📍 Across Brighton & Hove

Summer always seems to grab all the glory in Brighton, but autumn in our city is every bit as vibrant. That is exactly why I am fully backing October Unpacked, a fantastic non-profit campaign created by the Brighton & Hove Tourism Alliance and supported by local independent businesses to give autumn the spotlight it deserves. They have gathered 100+ events, food deals, live gigs, theatre shows, and workshops into one handy hub, giving us the perfect excuse to explore our own city and try somewhere new without the chaotic summer crowds.

It is built as much for us locals as for visitors, making it easier than ever to support our high street and creative scene. Plus, if you run a local venue or are hosting an event this month, you can add your listing completely for free to reach more people across Brighton and Hove. It is a brilliant, collaborative community push, so let's get out there and make the most of what our city has to offer this autumn.

🔗 Follow @OctoberUnpacked on Instagram for daily updates

🍜 Siam Siam

If you are wandering down Preston Street near the old West Pier and craving proper, home-style Thai food, this spot is an absolute gem. It is a lovely little family-run operation where everything feels cooked with real care, the kind of authentic, soul-warming cooking that genuinely tastes like a Thai mother feeding her family.

The menu is stacked with incredible comfort food, from classic street snacks like Chicken Satay with homemade peanut sauce to punchy Tom Yum, slow-cooked Massaman Curry, and their signature Pineapple Fried Rice. Whether you are tucking into a plate of wok-fried Pad See Ew or sharing a massive Siam Siam Feast platter, the flavours are vibrant, fresh, and spot on every time. Combined with the warm, homely atmosphere, it is easily one of the most comforting dining spots in Brighton.

📍 74 Preston Street, Brighton, BN1 2HG
🕒 12pm to 3pm & 5pm to 11pm (Wed to Mon), Closed (Tue)
🔗 Check them out

🏠 The Queen's Park Corner House

Occupying a substantial detached corner plot on prestigious East Drive, this meticulously renovated 6-bedroom residence spans over 4,200 sq ft with commanding views across open parkland. Designed for effortless modern living, the ground floor boasts underfloor heating throughout and a newly extended kitchen with granite worktops, a separate pantry, and a dedicated utility room. The top floor is devoted to a magnificent principal suite featuring an en-suite bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe bigger than most city apartments. Outside, landscaped wraparound gardens surround the home, alongside a detached double garage with mains water and drainage, offering incredible studio or gym potential just moments from Brighton College. BRB, off to ask my bank manager if my good personality counts toward a deposit.

📍 East Drive, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2
💰 Offers in Excess of £2,500,000
🔗 View on Rightmove

Tue

🐍 Matt King Aka Super Hans: Meet & Greet + Signing | 6:15pm, Tue @ Resident Music-An exclusive chance to meet the cult Peep Show legend in person as he signs copies of his unfiltered, chaos-filled new memoir. More Info

🐕 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time | 7:30pm, Tue to Sat @ Theatre Royal-The National Theatre's acclaimed stage adaptation follows 15-year-old Christopher as he sets out to solve the mysterious death of a neighbour's dog, uncovering unexpected family truths along the way. More Info

🎸 Keo: Unplugged Album Launch Show (Earlier Show) | 5pm, Tue @ Chalk
An intimate, stripped-back performance celebrating the release of their debut album Put A Smile On For Me, added early due to huge demand. More Info

🎭 Cast Iron Theatre Table Read | 6pm, Tue @ Open House
A supportive, free workshop for writers to bring work-in-progress script extracts, hear them read aloud by fellow creatives, and receive constructive feedback. More Info

🎤 Mark Thomas: 40 in Stand Up Years | 8pm, Tue @ Komedia
The veteran alternative comedian celebrates four decades at the microphone with a brand-new tour reflecting on his life in activist stand-up, politics, and comedy by the numbers. More Info

🎶 BLURRED LINES | 7pm, Tue @ ALPHABET
A live musical showcase where diverse artists collaborate on stage to fuse genres and create brand new sounds. More Info

✍️ Real Writers Circle - Reinvention as a Writer | 6pm, Tue @ The Walrus
Thriller author Brooke Robinson shares insights on navigating industry changes, adapting creative styles, and evolving as an author through peer discussion and feedback. More Info

Wed

🌙 Li Jin Hao: Falling from a Moon | 8pm, Wed @ Komedia
A surreal stand-up comedy hour exploring nostalgia, time travel, and the absurdity of modern life with quirky observational humour. More Info

🎭 Crush | 8pm, Tue & Wed @ Brighton Dome (Studio Theatre)
A heartwarming British-Somali rom-com following two teens who connect in a clinic waiting room through art, poetry, and an awkward meet-cute. More Info

🥃 Brighton Whisky Club tasting | 7:30pm, Wed @ Cut Your Wolf Loose-An exclusive whisky tasting evening hosted by the local whisky club featuring single malts from Indian distillery Paul John. More Info

🎙️ Rotunda Comedy | 8pm, Wed @ Rotunda Cafe Bar
A monthly stand-up showcase featuring TV-credited comics Matt Green, Michael Akadiri, Yuriko Kotani, and Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist Markus Birdman. More Info

⚡ Brighton Film Club: Back to the Future | 6pm, Wed 30 Sep @ Fabrica
A screening of the 80s classic, followed by a lively, moderated debate testing the movie against "Ten Perfect Film Criteria," featuring free pizza slices for students, provided by Pizza Pilgrims. More Info

🥦 £2 Talk Happy Healthy Eaters - Nutrition for Kids with Gabbrielle Looney | 7:30pm, Wed @ Exeter Street Hall-A stress-relieving talk by nutritionist Gabbi Looney offering practical advice on managing picky eating, supporting neurodivergent children's sensory needs, and building healthy food habits. More Info

Thur

🎙️ Comedy Night: Mike Gunn & Friends | 8pm, Thu @ Rockwater
A cosy evening of top-tier stand-up comedy hosted at Hove's beachfront venue, featuring headliner Mike Gunn alongside a stellar lineup of guest comics. More Info

🎬 Selected 16 | 6:30pm, Thu 1 Oct @ Fabrica
A curated evening of nine experimental short films from emerging UK artists exploring themes of memory, identity, and ecology, with an optional pizza slice and pint deal available before the screening. More Info

📚 Boozy & Bookish Charity Quiz Night | 7pm, Thu @ The Duke Of Wellington
A cosy, book-themed trivia night featuring spot prizes, a book tombola, and a charity raffle in support of Amaze Sussex and the city-wide BookBench trail. More Info

🎬 New Genesis Film Festival 2026 | 3pm, Thu @ ODEON
A showcase celebrating the best student short films from across the UK and beyond, followed by a local social mixer to connect with fellow creatives while raising money for MIND UK. More Info

📻 Radio Blah Blah with Guy Lloyd LIVE | 7pm, Thu @ The Actors
An immersive, fast-paced live radio broadcast event featuring interviews and performances from Hibbett & Christopher, The Stanford Family Band, and Tia Ice. More Info

Fri

🎙️ Darren McGarvey: The Trauma Industrial Complex | 7:30pm, Fri @ The Old Market-An engaging multimedia live show blending comedy, spoken word, and sharp social commentary to examine class, trauma, and our modern obsession with oversharing. More Info

🩰 FASTED | 2.30pm & 7:30pm, Fri & Sat @ St. Mary's Church Kemp Town
An immersive and dreamlike performance following two English ballet dancers on a 1970s Soviet Siberian journey, exploring obsession and body image aboard the Trans-Siberian Express. More Info

🪩 Queer History Clubbing: framing the night, making a scene | 8pm, Fri @ The Oculist-An immersive launch night celebrating four decades of local LGBTQ+ nightlife, blending iconic archive visuals and photography with live DJ sets to transport you through decades of club culture. More Info

🪘 African Soul Rebels and support | 7:30pm, Fri @ Brighton Dome (Corn Exchange)-A high-energy live celebration of fearless African artists reshaping tradition, blending rhythm, resistance, and joy in a powerful revival of the trailblazing music series. More Info

🍄 Shroomami Tasting Menu with Ollie Hunter, MasterChef Finalist | 6pm, Fri @ Flour Pot Bakery (Fiveways)-An exclusive six-course culinary evening highlighting umami-rich mushroom dishes and innovative new products, introduced by the acclaimed chef and sustainability champion. More Info

🏛️ City of Dreams | 7pm, Fri @ St George's Church
A narrative and musical journey tracing the cultural flourishing of Renaissance Florence, from Brunelleschi's famous dome to the birth of the very first opera. More Info

📸 Photoworks Festival ‘26 Conference: Un/Stable: Lands, Anxieties, Dreams | 9:30am, Fri @ University of Brighton (Edward Street & Grand Parade)
A day-long photography symposium exploring personal and collective geographies, ecological anxieties, and archive disruption through talks, artist panels, and interactive performances. More Info

🎥 Film Screening of Joanna Hogg’s Unrelated | 7:30pm, Fri @ The Regency Town House-An intimate screening of Joanna Hogg's acclaimed debut feature film in a historic setting, accompanied by wine from Beacon Down Vineyards. More Info

🎧 Stereo MCs | 7pm, Fri @ Concorde 2
The legendary London hip-hop and electronica outfit bring their iconic dance-floor rhythms and classic nineties beats to the seafront. More Info

Live Music

SHAKE SOME ACTON #175. CLUB BRAT, THE GOODS, JOEL CUSAMANO | Tue @ Prince Albert
QUEER REGENCY REVEL | Tue @ Daltons
Her Name Was? | Tue @ Rossi Bar
Nellie Feldman | Tue @ Folklore Rooms
Mammal Hands | Tue @ The Old Market
Keo | Tue @ Chalk
Cracked Lime + VCSB + Blitzer FREE ENTRY | Tue @ Hope & Ruin

Murdock and the Mortals/Captain Dann Hootenanny | Wed @ The Brunswick
Spitalfield | Wed @ Patterns
Dylan John Thomas: Live + Signing | Wed @ Resident
Gaffa Tape Sandy & Really Big Really Clever + Muttering | Wed @ Prince Albert
Francis Of Delirium | Wed @ Dust
STONED STATUES + VRONA + CALESCENCE | Wed @ Daltons
Selkie | Wed @ Folklore Rooms
Man/Woman/Chainsaw | Wed @ Concorde 2
Blue Lion Band | Wed @ The Brunswick
Real Sounds presents: Third Sound | Wed @ Rossi Bar
Party101 | Wed @ Brighton Centre
Bridge City Sinners | Wed @ Chalk
Agenda Collective 2nd Birthday Party | Wed @ Green Door Store
H&R ONE’S 2 WATCH: Fat Lloyd + Laikk + Larlin + Watching Alice | Wed @ Hope & Ruin

The Spirit of Gravity – experimental music night | Thu @ Rossi Bar
Devin Townsend: Metamorphosis - Solo | Thu @ The Old Market
Strictly Dan | Thu @ The Brunswick
Return of The Backs | Thu @ The Brunswick
MORAG TONG + DRUIDESS + ADUR + HIGH | Thu @ Prince Albert
FIGHTING FOR UNITY | Thu @ Daltons
The Harvest Moon Sessions | Thu @ Komedia
WHITE FLOWERS | Thu @ Alphabet
Brighton Early Music Festival: Early Music Open Mic | Thu @ Rose Hill
A Night of Father John Misty | Thu @ Folklore Rooms
SOFY: Acoustic Set + Signing | Thu @ Resident
The Tubs | Thu @ Chalk
DICE | Thu @ Green Door Store
Porchlight | Thu @ Hope & Ruin

Tunes in the Lanes: Brighton & Hove Green Party Bash | Fri @ Komedia
THE FIFTH FOUNDATION | Fri @ Alphabet
Banda Tamanduá | Fri @ The Brunswick
Kirk Brandon acoustic with Sam Sansbury | Fri @ Prince Albert
Vigilantes | Fri @ The Pipeline
Freaks Off A Leash Back To School | Fri @ Dust
JOE & THE SHITBOYS + SUPPORT TBA | Fri @ Daltons
THE VICIOUS CHARM PARTY | Fri @ Alphabet
Belver | Fri @ Folklore Rooms
Fat Lloyd | Fri @ Rossi Bar
African Soul Rebels - Les Amazones d’Afrique, Gasper Nali & N’famady Kouyaté | Fri @ Brighton Dome - Corn Exchange
Mind Frog | Fri @ Green Door Store
H&R ONE’S 2 WATCH: Nil by Habit + Sad Dads + Christian Le Surf | Fri @ Hope & Ruin

Last week's Norfolk Square trivia was a close race! A winning 29.41% of voters correctly identified the NHS ambulance, while 70.59% split their choices across the bus, fire engine, and delivery van. You can read about Dave Clapham's community installations here.

This week, we are looking at a forgotten piece of local history near Brighton Station. Outside the Sainsbury's on Fenchurch Walk, a blue plaque marks the site where part of the former railway locomotive works was repurposed in 1957 to build cars under licence.