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Hello, Brighton & Hove!

It is the final bank holiday weekend of the year, so it is time to make the absolute most of it! The annual Mod Weekender is officially taking over the city across multiple venues, bringing polished chrome, sharp suits, and classic 60s soul to town for an unmissable four-day run. Music fans are truly spoiled for choice across the board, with a massive lineup of tributes ranging from Ludovico Einaudi, Whitney Houston, and Queen to Duran Duran and Amy Winehouse. Plus, there are stage shows, comedy, and even a brilliant open-air production of Pinocchio on Monday.

I also wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the heartbreaking loss of the legend Dolly Parton. If you want to raise a glass and celebrate her incredible life, head down to Brighton Open Air Theatre tonight for Jolene: The Dolly Parton Experience and sing along to her iconic hits under the stars. If you need to step away from all the noise this long weekend, don't forget The Intentional Table retreat-style afternoon on Bank Holiday Monday, where Brighton Squawk subscribers get an exclusive 50% off with code BWF50. (ps. I’ll be attending, so please come and say hello)

Let's dive in and make it a weekend to remember!

Here is what’s squawking this week:

🎸 Four-day Mod Weekender invades town across multiple iconic venues.
💃 Three days of glittering burlesque take over Wagner Hall.
🌱 Slower, intentional retreat afternoon lands at PLATF9RM in Hove Town Hall.
☕ Bella Union Vinyl Shop celebrates its first birthday this week.
💃 Latin dance and workshops take over Marina Studios for SBK Festival.

🎧 Bella Union Vinyl Shop

Our music scene in Brighton is famous for its independent heart, and this record shop is a total gem. Run by former Cocteau Twins member Simon Raymonde and his team, this spot serves as the physical home for their legendary independent record label and artist management business, bringing a world-class roster right to our doorstep.

There is no better time to pop in: they just celebrated their first birthday last night, making this their official birthday weekend! Beyond championing their own artists from Beach House and Fleet Foxes to Father John Misty, they curate a handpicked collection of independent releases, limited vinyl pressings, and niche magazines you won't find on standard high-street shelves.

What I love most about it is how the space feels like a genuine community hub for music nerds, complete with a warm welcome and expert recommendations. Skip the online algorithms this weekend, head down to see them, and wish them a Happy Birthday and taste their delicious coffee!

📍 6-7 Gloucester St, Brighton BN1 4EW
🕒 Mon & Tue: 8:30am-5pm, Wed-Fri: 8:30am-6pm, Sat & Sun: 10am–5pm
💰 Vinyl records, CDs, merchandise, and indie releases
🔗 Browse & Order Online

🍺 Hand in Hand

If you appreciate a proper local pub with serious craft credentials, nothing hits the mark quite like the Hand in Hand/Hand Brew Co. Born out of Kemptown’s legendary Hand in Hand pub back in 2016, this independent, female-led brewing outfit has turned an iconic corner spot into one of the most awarded and inclusive beer destinations in the UK.

Most people don't know that behind their cosy, eclectic pub vibes lies a powerhouse of national craft beer awards. Run by founders Jen and Clark alongside multi-award-winning Head Brewer Kate Hyde, they brew an incredible range of accessible, vegan-friendly beers that actually do good. Through their 'Art You Can Drink' series, they donate over 20% of profits straight to charity, proving you can pair brilliant brewing with massive community impact.

What I love most is how they’ve preserved that authentic, warm Kemptown atmosphere while quietly becoming national champions for diversity and local craft. Skip the commercial brewery taps this weekend, head down to Upper St James’s Street, and go support a true local treasure.

📍 33 Upper St James’s Street, Kemptown, BN2 1JN
🕒 Monday to Saturday 12-12pm, Sunday 12-11:30pm.
💰 Award-winning vegan craft beers, cask ales, and merch
🔗 Explore Their Beers

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Fri

🎸 All Or Nothing: The Experience | 7pm, Fri @ Ironworks Studios
A live concert show performed by the West End cast celebrating the music and story of iconic mod band Small Faces, featuring hits like Itchycoo Park, Lazy Sunday, Tin Soldier, and All or Nothing. More Info

🎷 Brighton Rhythm & Soul Weekend 2026 | 7pm, Fri–Sun @ The Koko Club (Queens Hotel)-A weekend celebration of rhythm and soul featuring top DJs, dancing, and late-night sets at the beachfront Koko Club. More Info

🎷 Jazz at St Andrews Presents: Louise Messenger | 5:30pm, Fri @ St Andrew's Church-An early evening of classic swing and sultry vocals inspired by mid-century icons, bringing lively energy and timeless standards to an intimate church setting. More Info

🤠 Jolene: The Dolly Parton Experience | 7pm, Fri @ Brighton Open Air Theatre
A lively country tribute packed with iconic hits, dazzling costumes, and big singalong energy under the evening sky. More Info

💃 Latino Fest Beach Party | 6pm, Fri @ Horizon Nightclub
A massive summer gathering featuring high-energy Reggaeton, Salsa, Dembow, and Baile Funk across multiple dance floors and a terrace overlooking the coast. More Info

🎹 Tribute to Ludovico Einaudi | 7:30pm, Fri @ St. George’s Church
Need to unplug? Escape into an evening of hypnotically peaceful, minimalist piano melodies (Nuvole Bianche, Experience) bathed in soft, atmospheric lighting. More Info

🎸 No Apologies | 8pm, Fri & Sat @ The Old Market
An award-winning collision of theatre and nineties grunge that reimagines an iconic 1993 acoustic TV performance, featuring a live six-piece tribute ensemble and an exclusive Q&A with legendary music writer Everett True on the opening night. More Info

🛵 Brighton Mod Weekender 2026 | Fri-Mon @ The Volks & The Komedia
The annual invasion of tailored suits and polished chrome hits the coast for four days of pure 1960s soul, garage, and beat. Expect daytime vinyl markets on the seafront, afternoon scooter line-ups, and late-night club sessions across town. More Info

Sat

🎤 Whitney: Queen of the Night | 7:30pm, Sat @ Theatre Royal Brighton
A powerhouse live production sweeping through three decades of pop-soul belters with a full band and big vocal moments. More Info

🎻 Candlelight: Tribute to Queen | 7pm, Sat @ Royal Pavilion
A string quartet reimagines stadium anthems surrounded by hundreds of flickering candles inside the opulent Music Room. More Info

🎨 Sussex Painters, Sculptors, Printmakers & Illustrators Exhibition | 11am, Sat & Sun @ BN9 Studio, Marine Workshops-A showcase of fine art, sculpture, and printmaking from Sussex’s longest-running artist society, originally founded in 1924 alongside the Bloomsbury Group. More Info

🎹 Duran Duran- A Celebration | 8pm, Sat @ Ironworks Studios
Brighton vocalists bring the 80s icons to life with hit singles and deep cuts, backed by fan trivia, prizes, and a late-night bar disco. More Info

🎷 The Great Gatsby | 2pm & 7pm, Sat @ Brighton Open Air Theatre
This Is My Theatre brings F. Scott Fitzgerald's roaring 20s tale of obsession and lavish parties to life with a live jazz score and dynamic ensemble acting under the open sky. More Info

🎸 The Jam'd: Tribute to The Jam | 1pm, Sat @ Concorde 2
A high-energy, authentic tribute to Paul Weller's iconic trio, packed with power-pop passion, brass sections, and a full lineup of support bands. More Info

🦪 Oyster Master Class by Riddle and Finns | 10:30am, Sat @ Riddle & Finns
An immersive 90-minute workshop covering oyster provenance, shucking techniques, and curated seafood tastings alongside champagne. More Info

Sun

🎧 Stick It On: 25th Anniversary Celebration | 12pm, Sun @ The King & Queen
A massive day-to-night party featuring Soul II Soul legend Jazzie B, open-deck DJ slots, and free jerk chicken for early arrivals. More Info

🪩 Sunset Groove on the sands | 7pm, Sun @ In front of Babble Bar, Hove
An outdoor dance class using silent disco headphones to blend simple guided movement with barefoot beachfront freedom as the sun goes down. More Info

🎷 Absolute Amy: Live | 6pm, Sun @ Patterns
A soulful live homage capturing the distinct voice, iconic style, and timeless hits of Amy Winehouse on the seafront stage. More Info

🪩 Day Fever | 3pm, Sun @ Concorde 2
A daytime clubbing phenomenon serving up classic 20th-century hits so you can dance the afternoon away and still get a decent night's sleep. More Info

🤼 Live Wrestling: Summer Suplex | 2pm, Sun @ Brighton Open Air Theatre
A high-flying outdoor showdown featuring top UK ring talent, headlined by a chaotic Lumberjack Match where out-of-bounds wrestlers get hurled right back into the action. More Info

🕺 Northern Soul All-dayer | 3pm, Sun @ Queens Hotel Brighton
The traditional weekender finale delivering floor-filling rare soul tracks, top guest DJs, and relentless dancing straight through to midnight. More Info

✏️ Tom Gates Epic Stage Show | 12:30pm & 3:30pm, Sun @ Theatre Royal Brighton-Liz Pichon's bestselling books come to life with live music, doodles, and family-friendly comedy as Tom navigates school and monster plans. More Info

Mon

🪵 Pinocchio | 4pm, Mon @ Brighton Open Air Theatre
Illyria outdoor theatre brings Carlo Collodi's iconic wooden puppet to life in an energetic, open-air family show full of invention and classic adventure. More Info

🎪 The Revel Puck Circus: A Glimmer Daze Gambit | 1pm, Mon @ Victoria Gardens-A high-octane, story-led family show packed with acrobatic spectacle as two dreamers attempt to join a big top troupe. More Info

Live Music

CRAB | Fri @ The Brunswick
Spotlight Events | Fri @ Fortune of War
DRAGGED TO THE PITT | Fri @ Caroline of Brunswick
Sweet Jonny + Neepo Babies + The Last of the Lovely Days + Blush | Fri @ Prince Albert
THE CHORDS UK + CIRCA79 + TRES KINGS + CANADA HILL + AFTERSHOW DJ | Fri @ Daltons
Barren Sea | Fri @ Folklore Rooms
Chloe Leigh & Pals #5 | Fri @ The Brunswick
Hitty | 9pm, Fri @ Quarters
80s RE-MIX | Fri @ Caroline of Brunswick
The Flex – Hi NRG / Italo Disco Club Night | Fri @ Rossi Bar
THE OFFIE MAG SOCIAL | Fri @ Alphabet
WARBY | Fri @ Alphabet
Everlast: Live + Signing | 6:30pm, Fri @ Resident
Sunshine Soul: Luke Solomon & Marcia Carr | Fri @ Patterns
Distress Call | 7pm, Fri @ Dust
Reggaeton Party (Brighton) August | Fri @ Dust
The Jam'd + 3 Top Supports | 5pm, Fri @ Concorde 2
The Signatures - Northern Soul Live | 6pm, Fri @ Chalk
Knife Bride | Fri @ Green Door Store
Sandhouse, Bighead, Hornet & Thimble | 7:30pm, Fri @ Hope & Ruin

Soul & Strings: Flow | Sat @ The Brunswick
Chaps and Straps | Sat @ The Brunswick
Rumble Near The Beach DJ Special | Sat @ Prince Albert
Snail Tank’s Heavy Afternoon Tea | Sat @ The Brunswick
Lost in the sound | Sat @ The Brunswick
Simply Weller | Sat @ Prince Albert
SPLIT DOGS + SNATCH + QUICK ROMANCE + THE CLUBHEADS | Sat @ Daltons
LATIN NIGHT with SelvaSistema DJs and special guests | Sat @ Fortune of War
RELEASE THE BATS (FREE!) | Sat @ Caroline of Brunswick
Mod Weekender: Purple Hearts | Sat @ Patterns
Solstice Sounds | Sat @ Folklore Rooms
Planet V Summer All Dayer | Sat @ Concorde 2
WEIRD NIGHTMARE | Sat @ Alphabet
Tickety Boo – Mod Weekender Special | Sat @ Rossi Bar
Small Fakers + Maximum Who | Sat @ Chalk
PUSSYLIQUOR | Sat @ Green Door Store
Fossil Fuel’s Mod Weekender Bash | Sat @ Hope & Ruin

The Clubheads, Brainface, & Design Fault (fundraiser for Brighton Women's Centre) | Sun @ Presuming Ed
Monophonic! | Sun @ Fortune of War
Think Artillery | Sun @ The Brunswick
Summer On The Terrace With Day Fever | Sun @ Concorde 2
Machine Learning | Sun @ The Brunswick
Brothers In The Blues | Sun @ The BrunswickA
bsolute Amy | Sun @ Patterns
OVERPOWER + RAD + EXHUME + MORE TBA | Sun @ Daltons
DOOMSDAY 2026 OFFICIAL AFTER PARTY (FREE) | Sun @ Caroline of Brunswick
Marlon Bianco | Sun @ Folklore Rooms
2manydjs | Sun @ Quarters
Doomsday Festival – 10th Anniversary Special | Sun @ Green Door Store
Winnipeg, MN + Pascoe + Hitman Sheela | Sun @ Hope & Ruin

122 Music Management: Hove Calling | Mon @ The Brunswick
Open Mic Night | Mon @ The Brunswick
Benji Green's Rubber Band | Mon @ Folklore Rooms
Easy Skankin' Reggae Party Bank Holiday Special | Mon @ Fortune of War
SUPERFRIENDS KING OF THE MOTHS ALBUM RELEASE SHOW | Mon @ Daltons