🐦 Hot Days, Cool Plans

Happy Friday, Brighton & Hove! 👋

Just as the weekend arrives, the heat is officially back on in Brighton! My thoughts have immediately turned to finding a good pub garden or grabbing an ice cream on the pebbles. So, we've pulled together three great spots to help you soak up the sun, plus a full guide to the best events happening in this glorious weather.

Here’s what’s squawking this week:

📰 Major funding secured for the arches
❤️ A special fundraiser for Rainbows Hospice at Sea Life Brighton
🍴Our Heatwave Picks from ice cream by the beach to a lively food market
🗓️ Your weekend guide to summer markets, gigs, family fun and more!

Significant Funding Secured for Seafront Arches Restoration

Brighton & Hove City Council has secured £21 million from the Department for Transport for the ongoing restoration of the King's Road arches. This substantial investment is crucial for maintaining the seafront's safety and structural integrity.

The funds are allocated for phases four and five of the project, covering areas behind the King's Road playground and paddling pool, and west of Shelter Hall. This work aims to enhance security for seafront businesses and preserve the promenade.

Click Here for further information.

Council's Proposed Boundary Expansion Sparks Local Opposition

Brighton & Hove City Council is considering expanding its boundaries to include parts of East Sussex, such as East Saltdean, Peacehaven, Telscombe, Newhaven, and potentially Kingston. This proposal has generated significant local opposition.

Lewes District Council leaders object strongly, citing a lack of consultation. The expansion's stated purpose is to address Brighton's housing needs. However, residents and politicians in the affected towns fear their communities could be overlooked. A public consultation for Brighton & Hove residents is scheduled for 25th July, with Lewes District Council also planning its own.

Click Here for a detailed report on this issue.

Bob Dylan to Commence UK Tour in Brighton

Esteemed musician Bob Dylan will begin his "Rough and Rowdy Ways" UK tour at the Brighton Centre on November 7th.

Tickets for the tour go on sale on Friday, 18th July at 10 am. All performances will be phone-free, requiring mobile devices to be placed in a Yondr pouch upon entry.

Click Here for ticketing information and further details.

🐠 Evening at SEA LIFE Brighton: A Fundraiser for Rainbows Hospice

Get ready for an exclusive evening at SEA LIFE Brighton next Saturday, 19th July, supporting Rainbows, a children's hospice charity. This private event offers a unique opportunity to explore the aquarium after hours and includes a special glass-bottom boat tour.

Attendees will receive a glass of bubbly upon arrival and can enjoy presentations from those supported by Rainbows, along with a raffle featuring various prizes. Rainbows provides vital support for children and young adults with long-term illnesses and their families, offering a safe environment for activities like music and arts sessions, hydrotherapy, and much-needed respite. Your participation will contribute directly to their continued valuable work.

📅 Date and time: Saturday, 19th July, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
📍 Location: SEA LIFE Brighton
💰 Ticket Link | Donation Link

This weather calls for two things: cold pints and even colder ice cream. If you're looking to escape the kitchen and eat out in the sunshine, we've picked three brilliant spots, from a classic seaside ice cream parlour to a bustling beach-side food market.

🍦 Marrocco's

For a true taste of Italian sunshine, Marrocco's in Hove is the quintessential spot. Enjoy their classic Italian ice cream right by the beach, a delightful and casual experience perfect for soaking up the sea air on a warm day.

🏖️ Prime beachfront location + exceptional ice cream
📍 Hove Beach

🍹 The Garden Bar

Nestled away in Hove, The Garden Bar provides a wonderfully tranquil escape with its inviting outdoor garden setting. It's a popular choice for those seeking a relaxed environment to enjoy drinks and conversation, making it ideal for a leisurely afternoon or an early evening unwinding.

🥂 Perfect for an evening unwind
📍 Portland Road, Hove

🍽️ Shelter Hall Market 

Shelter Hall Market on Brighton Beach offers a bustling and vibrant destination for food and drink, right by the sea. It hosts a diverse range of vendors, making it an excellent spot to explore various culinary delights while enjoying the lively coastal atmosphere.

🌯 Huge choice of food vendors
📍 Brighton Beach

🏠 Hove's Texan Oasis

Discover this distinctive 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home on Stanford Close, Hove. At 4031 sq ft, it boasts unique style with a swimming pool, palm trees, and a Texan longhorn skull inside. A spacious, open-plan layout makes it ideal for entertaining.

💰 Guide Price £2,250,000
📍 Stanford Close, Hove
🔗 View on Rightmove

🌟 Top Picks

🎉 Oving Green Farm Festival 
Sat 12pm-6pm @ Bulstrode Farm
Our first festival on the farm with a dog show, sheep racing, meet the animals, a bar, live music, market stalls, and burgers from farm beef. More Info

👻 Brighton After Dark Murder and Ghost Tour 
Sat 8pm-9:30pm @ St Nicholas' Church 
Discover the dark side of Brighton with an actor and tour guide, featuring chilling tales of murder and punishment. Not suitable for under 16s. More Info

🐻 The Garden Party BBW 2025 
Sat 12pm-7pm @ Dorset Street 
A fantastic LGBT-friendly garden party with non-stop fun and entertainment, including the announcement of Mr. Brighton Bear 2025! Free admission. More Info

🤘 Bright'n Sleazy Fest 
Fri from 7pm @ Daltons 
Get ready for a full weekend of alternative music. High energy and great vibes! (Runs until Sun 10:00 pm) Tickets

🎪 Family Fun Under the Big Top – Summer Fiesta 2025 
Sun 11:30am-5pm @ Hove Park 
A full day of family-friendly shows under a 220-seat circus tent, featuring new acts, Dylan the Magician, The Seabream Sisters, and Guru Dudu silent disco parades. Tickets

🎶 The Bass Bin - Beach Picnic 
Sat 4pm-10:30pm @ West Pier, Brighton Seafront 
Back on the beach for good tunes, good people, and unbeatable Brighton seaside energy. Expect Reggae, Bassline, Jungle, Drum & Bass, and Donk. More Info

🗓️ General Events

🛍️ Summer Vintage Clothes Pop-up 
Fri 10:30am-9pm Sat 10:30am-6pm @ The Circles Store, North Laine
Hunt for unique retro treasures and pre-loved summer classics, all while supporting a great charity. Plus, there are party vibes and a bar on Friday from 6 pm! More Info

👒 Victorian Beach Party 
Sat from 11am @ Brighton and Hove (beach) 
A free event for Victorian aficionados! Picnic on the beach, sport your newest bathing suit, and enjoy an evening walk. Dress code: Strictly Late Victorian. More Info

🥕 Preston Park Market 
Sun (All Day) @ Preston Park 
Head to the park for their biggest line-up yet, with over 30 wonderful traders for you to shop and enjoy, under sunny skies! More Info

🌿 Coastal Foraging Workshop - Sea Vegetables and Sea Weed 
Sat 7pm-9pm @ Valet Car Wash, Asda Brighton Marina
Learn to identify and forage wild sea vegetables and seaweed sustainably and safely on a guided beach stroll. Expect to get a bit wet! Tickets

🌸 Wild Flower Open Day 
Sun 11am-4pm @ Stanmer Park 
Join the Wild Flower Conservation Society for a family-friendly day with wildflowers for sale, moth trap reveal, expert talks, children's activities, and more. More Info

🎷 Jazz Breakfast 
Sun 10:15am-12:30pm @ Ironworks Studio 
Ease into your morning with smooth live jazz, fresh coffee, and good vibes. Tickets

👗 Brighton's Vintage Superstore Kilo Sale 
Sat 11am-4pm @ St Bartholomew's Church
Grab a bag and fill it with 9 tonnes of amazing preloved vintage styles from the 60s onwards, all at just £20 per kilo! More Info

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Events

☀️ Carden Summer Fete 
Sat 10:30am-2pm @ Carden Primary School
Join for an inflatable obstacle course, talent show, live music, amazing raffle, hot dogs, bar, candy floss, ice creams, stalls, games and much more! Free entry! More Info

🐶 PAW Patrol Live! "The Great Pirate Adventure" 
Sat 2pm (Doors 1pm) @ Brighton Centre 
Bring the little ones for an unforgettable pirate adventure with the PAW Patrol gang! Tickets

🎡 Summer Fair 
Sat 11am-3pm @ St Barnabas Church Hove
A fantastic summer fair with various stalls and activities for all to enjoy. More Info

🎤 Live Music & Shows

🎶 Mango Ritual with Akila Richards and Friends 
Fri 8pm-9:30pm @ Brighton Dome, Church Street 
An immersive and captivating live experience blending poetry, live music, and performed dance. Tickets

🎸 Cheekface + Martha 
Fri 6:30pm @ Chalk 
Indie-pop perfection at a top venue. Get dancing! Tickets

🎶 Kevin Rowland: In Conversation + Book Signing 
Fri 6pm @ Resident 
A rare chat with the Dexys Midnight Runners legend. Don't miss it! Tickets

😂 The Comedy Experiment Preview with Ian Stone 
Sat 4pm-6:30pm @ 39 Ditchling Road 
A new material comedy gig with a range of abilities, featuring a TV headliner's preview. Free to book, but a suggested £5+ donation. 18+ only. More Info & Tickets

🎤 Sham 69 
Sat 6pm @ Chalk 
Punk rock icons hit Chalk for a high-energy night. Expect a lively crowd! Tickets

🎭 Great Expectations by Charles Dickens 
Sat 2:30pm-5pm @ The Barn Theatre, Southwick 
A captivating adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel. Tickets

🎸 Guitar Wolf + Electric Cowboy Club 
Sat 8pm-11pm @ The Prince Albert, 48 Trafalgar Street 
Wild Japanese garage punk takes over the Albert. It's going to be loud! Tickets

🎧 Houseum Party: Holo, Ricky Razu & DJ Houseum 
Sat 11pm @ Patterns 
Groove to top electronic beats by the seafront. Get your dancing shoes on! Tickets

A huge well done to the 79% of you who correctly answered last week's trivia! The bonkers railway that travelled through the sea between Brighton and Rottingdean was, of course, The Daddy Long Legs.

With the news that the legendary Bob Dylan is starting his UK tour right here in Brighton, this week's question just had to be music-related.