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- 🐦 Japan Comes to Brighton
🐦 Japan Comes to Brighton
Plus: Handmade markets, seaside DJs, rare games & festival vibes.
Ben Watkins
July 25, 2025
Happy Friday, Brighton 👋
Turns out you’ve got great taste — 61% of you nailed last week’s trivia: it was Pink Floyd who debuted The Dark Side of the Moon at Brighton Dome in January ’72. Bowie played just a month later (hence the 22% of you who voted for him). Neither night went smoothly, Floyd’s set was cut short by tech issues and Bowie got banned after fans got a bit too excited with the seating.
Fast forward to this weekend, and Brighton’s still drawing big names. On The Beach wraps up with some huge seaside sets, plus Japanese summer markets, candlelit concerts, cocktails on the sand and dancing at sunset. There’s no shortage of colour on the dark side of the seafront.
Here’s what’s squawking this week:
🎟️ Carl Cox, The Kooks, retro games, markets + more in our top picks
🥬 Our local biz of the week – Brighton’s original ethical grocer
🍽️ Two tasty new openings in Hove & The Lanes
📅 42 more events happening across Brighton & Hove this weekend!
P.S. Read more on the Dome’s history — or to see what’s on next by clicking here. And a quick sorry to those who had link issues on Tuesday — we’re looking into it and really appreciate the heads-up!
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🏖️ On The Beach Festival Feat. Carl Cox, Kaiser Chiefs, The Kooks ⏰ Friday–Sunday, from 1:00 PM–10:30 PM The final three days of big acts and massive sound on Brighton Beach. Friday welcomes the DnB Allstars takeover, featuring heavy hitters like Hybrid Minds, Hedex, and K Motionz. On Saturday, dance legend Carl Cox returns for a one-off vinyl-only DJ set — the fifth year he’s brought the party to the pebbles. And Sunday rounds things off with indie icons Kaiser Chiefs, Razorlight and The Kooks playing crowd-pleasing bangers till the sun goes down. Tickets 🗾 Hanabi – Japanese Summer Market ⏰ Sunday, from 11:00 AM Hanabi brings a slice of Japan to Brighton this Sunday with a colourful, bustling summer market celebrating Japanese food, craft and culture. Expect handmade ceramics, beautiful prints, origami workshops, performances and stalls packed with Japanese street food favourites. A must for anyone who loves ramen, kawaii stationery or a good matcha. More Info 🕯️ Candlelight: A Tribute to Adele + Rings & Dragons ⏰ Friday, 7:00 PM Two magical concerts take over the Royal Pavilion this Friday, lit entirely by candlelight. First, a string quartet delivers a moving tribute to Adele, performing her biggest hits in the ornate surroundings of Brighton’s most iconic venue. Later, the fantasy continues with music from epic sagas like Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones — a must for film score fans and romantics alike. Tickets | 🍸 Gin & Rum Festival ⏰ Saturday, 12:30 PM–10:30 PM Set inside the elegant halls of The Grand, this travelling boozy celebration offers over 120 gins and rums to sample, split across two sessions. There’ll be tasting stations, masterclasses, live music and a resident DJ to soundtrack your sipping. Whether you’re into small-batch craft gins or spiced tropical rums, it’s a spirit lover’s dream day out. Tickets 🍕 Flour Pot Beach Party ⏰ Friday, 2:00 PM–8:00 PM Pizza, cocktails, DJs, and a sea view — this free-entry beach party is the perfect Friday wind-down. Hosted by Flour Pot Kitchen, expect slices by the sea, refreshing spritzes, and a warm, summery atmosphere that kicks off the weekend in style. Walk-ups welcome and vibes guaranteed. More Info 🕹️ Video Game Retro Market Brighton ⏰ Saturday, 11:00 AM–4:00 PM Calling all collectors, gamers and nostalgia junkies — this one-day retro market is packed with classic consoles, rare games, vintage toys and geeky treasures from the golden age of gaming. Expect traders from across the UK selling everything from original Game Boys to mint Sega merch. Whether you’re hunting down a childhood favourite or just browsing, it’s button-mashing heaven. Tickets |
🌾 Infinity Foods Co‑Op
Set in the heart of the North Laine, Infinity Foods Co‑Op isn’t just a shop—it’s a Brighton institution. Founded over 50 years ago, this worker-owned co-operative has grown from a tiny Church Street wholefoods store to one of the South East’s largest hubs for organic, natural, and plant-based living.
From freshly baked sourdoughs (made on site since 1976!) to seasonal organic veg and planet-kind household goods, Infinity is a haven for anyone who likes their shopping ethical, local, and unashamedly wholesome. And it’s all run democratically by the people who work there.
📍 25 North Road, Brighton BN1 1YA
🧭 View on Google
This week, we’re spotlighting two new(ish) openings that have popped up in 2025 and are already giving us reasons to book a table. One brings bold Indian comfort to the Lanes, the other delivers generous Turkish hospitality to Hove.
🍛 The Golden Peacock | Indian Comfort on Ship Street
A fresh addition to Brighton’s dining scene, The Golden Peacock blends traditional Indian flavours with a cosy, contemporary feel. Whether you’re in for a quick weekday thali or a slow evening curry, the vibe is relaxed, the service is friendly, and the dishes are rich with spice and heart. Plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices make it a crowd-pleaser—and the interiors are as warm as the masala.
📍 71 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AE
🧭 View on Google
🔥 Elite Kitchen | Turkish Feasts in Hove
Over in Hove, Elite Kitchen has quietly landed with the kind of welcoming energy and generous portions we could get used to. The menu covers all the bases - big breakfasts, fresh falafel, sizzling grills, and veggie casseroles - and everything comes with proper Turkish hospitality. It’s already gaining fans for its hearty flavours and good vibes, whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeaway on the go.
📍 120 Church Road, Hove BN3 2EA
🧭 View on Google
🗓️ General Events
📝 Short Plays 2025
Sunday, 2:30 PM @ New Venture Theatre, Brighton
A fresh set of short plays directed by newcomers to the NVT stage. Tickets
🧸 Funko Day 2025 BRIGHTON
Saturday, 9:30 AM–6:00 PM @ Forbidden Planet, Brighton
Prizes, silver tickets and free swag for the first 100 shoppers. More Info
🎶 Vinyl Friday at The Better Half
Friday, 7:30 PM–12:30 AM @ The Better Half, Hove
Local legends Mr Fish and Spike spin vinyl at this warm, friendly Friday night hang.
💫 Modern Kintsugi Workshop
Saturday, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM @ Patcham Community Centre
Hands-on session teaching the Japanese art of ceramic repair with gold. Tickets
🧵 Machine Patchwork & Quilting Drop-In
Saturday, 12:00 PM–3:00 PM @ 2 Chapel Mews, Hove
Relaxed Saturday sewing session for quilters of all skill levels. Tickets
🐾 Sniff & Sip Sunday Walk
Sunday, 10:30 AM @ Hollingbury Park, Brighton
Dog walk, tea, and treats with a friendly crew of pups and people. More Info
🌍 Around the World in 8 Dishes
Monday, 5:30 PM–7:30 PM @ Bonsai Plant Kitchen, Brighton
Pop-up tasting menu with eight dishes inspired by Japan, India and more. Tickets
💃 Salsa On The Pier – Pt.4
Friday, 7:30 PM–1:00 AM @ Horatio’s, Brighton Pier
Dance the night away under the stars with salsa, cocktails and live Latin beats. Tickets
👨👩👧👦 Family Events
🎭 The Brighton Bash Carnival: Crowns
Saturday, All Day @ St. Ann’s Well Gardens, Brighton
Family-friendly carnival with music, parades, African-Caribbean food, spoken word and more. Tickets
🕺 Our City Dances with South East Dance
Saturday, 1:30 PM–5:00 PM @ Circus Street, Brighton
Free family-friendly dance fest with workshops, a plant sale and pizza. More Info
🎉 Big Summer JAM
Sunday, 6:30 PM @ Brighton Unitarian Church
Live music, family fun and a quiz with cash prizes — kids go free! More Info
🎙️ A Word With The Bird
Saturday, 2:30 PM @ Sweet@The Yellow Book, Brighton
Family-friendly live comedy chat show with Brighton’s funniest minds. Tickets
🛍️ Markets
🛍️ Brighton Open Market Makers Market
Saturday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM @ The Open Market, Brighton
Art, gifts, crafts, food, and fashion from Brighton’s finest indie makers. More Info
🌿 Hove Square Market
Saturday, 10:00 AM–3:30 PM @ Hove Square
Family-friendly market with food, crafts, tarot readings and more.
🎤 Black Brighton Market
Saturday, 10:00 AM–7:00 PM @ The Actor’s Pub, Brighton
BIPOC-led market with art, music, food and an open mic spotlighting new performers. More Info
🎨 Folk & Bespoke Artisan Craft Fair
Saturday, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM @ Brighthelm Centre, Brighton
Free entry to a market of ethical, handmade, one-of-a-kind goods. More Info
🧺 Brighton Street Market
Saturday, from 7:00 AM–5:00 PM @ Upper Gardner Street
A weekly staple in the North Laine — fruit, veg, antiques, tools, jewellery, furniture and more. More Info
🎪 Preston Park Sunday Market
Sunday, from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM @ Preston Park
Weekly artisanal street‑food and crafts market. More Info
🎤 Live Music & Shows
📝 Hammer & Tongue Brighton: Poetry Jam
Saturday, 2:00 PM–5:00 PM @ Fountain Head, Brighton
Spoken word stars, open mic, and top pub vibes. Tickets
🖤 We Are Still Young: Summer Terrace Party
Saturday, 5:00 PM–10:00 PM @ Concorde 2 Terrace, Brighton
Alternative anthems and emo energy at Brighton’s most nostalgic summer bash. Tickets
🪩 Switch Disco Beach Front Party
Saturday, 2:30 PM–10:30 PM @ Horizon, Brighton
Brighton’s biggest beachfront day party returns with a full-throttle summer soundtrack. Tickets
🎙️ The Horse Loom
Saturday, 7:45 PM @ The Rose Hill, Brighton
Folk/blues night with Steve Malley (Unit Ama) and guests — his first Brighton show in 6 years. Tickets
🎤 Dreamytime Escorts EP Launch
Friday, 8:30 PM @ The Prince Albert, Brighton
Sussex-based garage rock band launch their debut EP with support from El Capitan + Magic Brother. Tickets
🌀 Weatherday
Sunday, 7:00 PM @ The Prince Albert, Brighton
Genre-defying solo artist performs live in a packed Brighton return. Tickets
🧠 Untethered
Friday, 7:00 PM @ Yellow Book Bar, Brighton
Autobiographical comedy exploring OCD and identity, told with heart and humour. Tickets
👑 A Man for All Seasons
Saturday, 7:30 PM @ Theatre Royal Brighton
Final performance of the acclaimed historical drama starring Martin Shaw. Tickets
🎷 Vintage Swing Cabaret
Friday, 7:30 PM–10:30 PM @ The Brunswick, Hove
A Gatsby-inspired cabaret with sequins, sass and old-school glamour. Tickets
🌅 Brighton Sunset Sessions
Sunday, 2:00 PM–9:00 PM @ Brighton Bandstand (Hove side)
Live beachside DJ sets and local talent as the sun goes down — and it’s all free.
⚡ Clash ‘N’ Sleazy Live in Brighton
Saturday, 7:30 PM–11:00 PM @ The Brunswick, Hove
Punk powerhouses pay tribute to The Clash and The Stranglers — loud and live.
🕺 Silent Disco Party – Brighton
Saturday, 3:00 PM–7:00 PM @ Hove Beachfront
Two channels, one party — choose your soundtrack and dance like no one’s watching.
Thanks for reading!