Afternoon, Brighton

This week’s headlines have some progress on the Madeira Terrace lift, an Amex tribute wall U-turn, as well as two locals looking likely to get ‘freedom of the city’ honours. We’re also spotlighting Kemptown’s The Pickle for a top-tier deli sandwich and rounding up some of the best NYE plans before they sell out. Plus, it’s another jam-packed week of events and gigs, with an extra heaping of festive theatre shows.

Here's what's squawking this week:

📰 Madeira Terrace progress, a school toilet fire and a BHA U-turn
🎇 NYE events for everyone before the tickets run out
🥒 A Kemptown walking date with a new Cafe/Deli spot
🎟️ Celebrity shows, theatre and Christmas concerts

Got an event or business to promote?

Fancy reaching over 5,200 Brightonians? Just reply to this email to enquire. We’ve got a range of options for small to big budgets and everything in between.

🏗️ Going up: new Madeira Terrace lift tower starts taking off

Brighton’s long-awaited Madeira Terrace lift has taken a visible step forward, with the lift tower now being built on site as part of phase one of the restoration. Better news for the timeline too: the council says the original cast iron components have now passed further testing and can be reused, avoiding a potential six-month delay that would have pushed completion beyond the summer 2026 target. 
→ Read more on Brighton and Hove News

📚 Cardinal Newman toilet fire: pupils sent home, 15-year-old arrested

Cardinal Newman Catholic School in Hove sent Years 10 and 11 home after a fire in the boys’ toilets caused damage and smoke spread to other areas, with emergency services called around 9am on Friday 12 December. Police later arrested a 15-year-old on suspicion of arson; they’ve been released on bail while Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire and Rescue continue their investigation.
→ Read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏅 Council set to honour two ‘exceptional’ city champions

Brighton and Hove City Council is set to consider awarding the Freedom of the City to Emily Kenward, founder of Time to Talk Befriending, and Mesfin Abraham Ghebre-Ghiorghis for long-standing public service and community impact.

The recommendations will be considered at a special council meeting on Thursday, with tributes highlighting Kenward’s work tackling loneliness and Ghebre-Ghiorghis’s decades of commitment to race equality and local democracy.
→ Read more on BBC News

⚽ Brighton U-turns after fans fury over Amex tribute wall

Brighton have apologised after backlash to plans to remove the Heritage Tile Wall at the Amex, which holds more than 2,500 fan-paid tribute tiles, and replace it with a paid virtual version. After a petition passed 3,400 signatures, the club says it will install a physical replacement instead, transferring all existing messages for free, with no changes to the current wall until the end of the season.
→ Read more on BBC Sport

Also in the news:

⛪ Synagogue restoration project gets £113k grant: Middle Street Synagogue has secured a £112,740 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant to help stabilise and progress plans to bring the landmark building back into wider community use. → Read more on Brighton and Hove News

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Youth hub planned for Brighton and Hove in government plan: Brighton and Hove is set to be among the first areas to get a “Young Futures” hub, with eight centres expected to open by March 2026 as part of a £70m rollout.
→ Read more on The Argus

🗑️ Seagulls and rats add to repeated mess from overflowing communal bin: Residents near St Michael’s Place and Clifton Hill say a broken-lid communal bin keeps overflowing, with the council blaming access issues and planning to move it for easier emptying. → Read more on Brighton and Hove News

🚧 Brighton road closures for Valley Gardens works confirmed: A six-month traffic order starting Monday 15 December runs to 15 June 2026, with multiple suspensions and closures linked to Valley Gardens Phase 3 and changes around the seafront gyratory. → Read more on The Argus

🏥 New boss takes charge of trust that runs Brighton hospitals: University Hospitals Sussex has appointed Dr Andy Heeps as chief executive with immediate effect after he served as interim since July. → Read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏠 £2m agreed for council home survey: The Council has approved a £2m, two-year specialist survey of its 12,000 homes as it continues tackling a repairs backlog and new requirements like Awaab’s Law. → Read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏉 Inclusive rugby club celebrates 10th birthday: Brighton and Hove Sea Serpents RFC marked a decade with a graduation match for new recruits at Hove Recreation Ground, highlighting their community-first ethos. → Read more on BBC News

🚻 Could city centre park finally get public loos again?: A lease has been signed for the refurbished MacLaren Pavilion at The Level, with the new tenant aiming to open a cafe kiosk and bring back much-needed public toilets in the new year. → Read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏗️ Plans to demolish King Alfred’s bowling alley submitted: Demolition plans have been filed for the long-closed underground bowling alley at King Alfred ahead of a proposed new leisure centre, with demolition pencilled in for March and lasting around 18 weeks if approved. → Read more on Brighton and Hove News

🌧️ Fundraisers sleep rough for homelessness charity: Clock Tower Sanctuary’s Big City Sleepout saw 33 people brave a wet night by the i360, raising more than £20,000 to support 16 to 25-year-olds facing homelessness. → Read more on BBC News

🎉 NYE: Before They Sell Out!

New Year’s Eve is doing what it always does: quietly creeping up, then suddenly every decent ticket is “final release”. If you’re aiming for live music, a proper dance, or something family-friendly that gets the celebration done before bedtime, these are the Brighton-area picks worth booking now. (There’s also one for the brave souls starting 2026 with a New Year’s Day party!)

🥂 New Year’s Eve at Saltdean Lido
Wed 31 Dec, 8pm-12.30am | Saltdean
Ring in 2026 at the iconic Saltdean Lido with live music from local favourites Maida Vale, followed by DJ Nick keeping the party going. Expect funk, soul and crowd-pleasers, plus a complimentary glass of fizz at midnight. Dinner bookings are available at Deco beforehand if you want to make a full night of it. Dress to impress. Tickets are non-refundable.
Tickets from £30

🎧 Shelter Hall NYE Silent Disco
Wed 31 Dec, 9.30pm-12.30am | Shelter Hall, Brighton
Three channels, one dancefloor and hundreds of headphones as The Silent DJs take over Shelter Hall for Brighton’s biggest NYE silent disco. Switch between party anthems, classics and current hits, and sing your way into 2026. 
Tickets from £21.60

💃 NYE Pop Up House Party 2026
Wed 31 Dec, from 8pm | The Railway Inn
Two dancefloors, extended 3am close and a heavyweight house line-up featuring Mikee Hollywood, Lizzie Curious and Richard Earnshaw. Old skool vocal house, club anthems and a heated beer garden for late-night breaks.
Tickets from £19.50

🕺 NYE Family Daytime Disco
Wed 31 Dec, 2pm-4pm | The Brunswick, Hove 
A brilliant early celebration for families, packed with party games, cheesy tunes, competitions, balloons and a countdown with confetti cannons. Aimed at ages 5-11 but welcoming all ages.
Adults £9.50, children £12.50

🔥 New Year’s Day Party at The Black Lion
Thu 1 Jan, from 3pm | The Black Lion, Brighton
Skip the NYE chaos and start 2026 properly with an all-day house party. Two arenas of music from deep and Afro house on the heated terrace to heavier underground sounds inside. Once it’s full, it’s full.
Tickets from £6.50

🥒 The Pickle

Nothing beats a Brighton wander around some of Brighton’s coolest neighbourhoods with something tasty in hand, and a Kemptown walking date at The Pickle is a top-tier choice. Pick up one of their punchy pickle lemonades, grab an outrageously good deli sandwich (Mortadella & Fig or the Tuna Melt both deliver), then head off for a festive mooch with snacks in hand to the seafront or The Lanes. Their sandwiches are pleasingly affordable too, around £6 to £9, so you can justify “just one dessert” without financial consequences.

Inside, it’s got that cool, laid-back energy with a little mini-store with house pickles on offer, plus great tunes, a cosy outdoor perch for prime people-watching, and owners who are welcoming and clearly obsessed with good ingredients (especially anything brined). The menu shifts all the time, but pickles keep popping up as the star, from sausage rolls to pickle ham croissants, plus lighter bits like a variety of salads or a Korean Egg pot if you fancy balance. And do not ignore the sweet stuff: Guy’s Bonoffee Pie is a must-try, as is the babka, a sweet braided cake from Eastern Europe, both come in a walk-and-eat pot of pudding that’s basically made for date-night strolling.

🫙 17th January workshops: Fermenting at The Pickle (2hrs - 3 slots)
⏰ 8am-3pm, Tue-Sat
📍8 Bristol Road, Kemptown
📷 @thepickleofbrighton

🏡 Victorian Elegance with a Modern Edge

Tucked behind the easterly wing of Sussex Square, this rare three-storey townhouse has its own street entrance via Bristol Place and a private walled garden, then unfolds into a seriously stylish home where period bones meet crisp modern finishes. The showstopper is the open-plan lower ground floor with exposed brick Lutyens arches and atrium skylights, plus three beautiful bedrooms upstairs and resident access to Sussex Square’s communal gardens and it’s private beach tunnel.

📍 Sussex Square, BN2
💰 £1,500,000
🔗 View on Rightmove

Tuesday

🎭 An Evening with (the late) Anna Mann: Christmas Party!
7pm @ Komedia, North Laine
Colin Hoult resurrects his award-winning alter ego Anna Mann for a festive night of sharp character comedy and audience banter. More Info

🎪 Wicked Wizard of Oz - A Cirque Spectacular
Tue 16 Dec 6pm & Wed 17 Dec 6pm @ Brighton Centre, Kings Road
A high-energy arena show mixing circus, aerial stunts and panto-style storytelling inspired by The Wizard of Oz. More Info

🎶 Kate Rusby - Christmas Is Merry Tour 2025
7pm @ Brighton Dome, Church Street
Kate Rusby celebrates 20 years of her beloved Christmas tour with a heart-warming festive concert. More Info

😂 The Secret Comedy Club Open Mic AKA See You Next Tuesday
7pm @ Artista Cafe & Gallery, Kemptown
A popular open mic comedy night featuring professionals, semi-pros and first-timers from across the South Coast. More Info

Wednesday

📖 Story Magic
Wed 10am & 11:30am, Fri 10am & 11am @ Komedia, North Laine
A playful storytelling class combining music, movement, songs and puppets for children aged 9 months to 4 years. More Info

🎭 The Gift
Wed-Sun, 7:30pm (Sun 5:30pm) @ The Old Market, Hove
An immersive theatrical ritual blending performance, food and audience participation into a unique festive experience. More Info

🎄 Christmas at the Barn
7:30pm @ Barn Theatre, Southwick
A festive local theatre production filled with seasonal music, storytelling and community spirit. More Info

😂 Adam Riches: Dungeons n’ Bastards ‘The 12 Beans of Christmas’
8pm @ Komedia, North Laine
Adam Riches returns as Sean Bean for a chaotic medieval-themed Christmas comedy packed with games and absurdity. More Info

😂 Rotunda Comedy Christmas!
8pm @ Rotunda Café Bar, Preston Road
A festive stand-up comedy night featuring top UK acts led by Tom Toal. More Info

Thursday

🎭 Musicals Mayhem
Thu 18-Wed 24 Dec, various times @ Brighton Dome, Church Street
Le Gateau Chocolat delivers a joyful, drag-infused celebration of musical theatre classics. More Info

🎼 The Music of Zimmer vs Williams
7:30pm @ Brighton Centre, Kings Road
The London Concert Orchestra performs iconic film scores by Hans Zimmer and John Williams. More Info

🌲 A Folk Horror Christmas
8pm @ Komedia, North Laine
The Witchcraft and Vagrancy Act perform eerie seasonal folk songs steeped in folklore and dark atmosphere. More Info

Friday

🕯️ Winter Solstice Celebrations
Fri 19 & Sat 20 Dec, 4-8pm @ One Garden Brighton, Stanmer Park
A magical winter market with lantern parade, live music, food stalls and seasonal treats. SOLD OUT - Waiting List Only
More Info

🧺 Sip & Weave: A Festive Seagrass Basket Workshop
5:45-8:45pm @ The George Payne, Hove
A relaxed creative workshop learning seagrass basket weaving in a cosy festive setting.
More Info

🎷 Jazz At St Andrews Christmas Special
5:30pm @ St Andrew’s Church, Hove
A festive jazz concert with swing classics, carols, mince pies and mulled wine.
More Info

🎭 A Christmas Carol - A One-Man Performance
6pm @ The Brunswick, Hove
Dickens’ festive classic brought to life through storytelling and physical theatre by a single performer.
More Info

🎄 Now That’s What I Call A Xmas Party
7pm @ American Express Stadium, Falmer
A fully immersive Christmas party experience with wraparound visuals, music and an AI host. More Info

😂 The Secret Comedy Club Friday
7pm @ Artista Cafe & Gallery, Kemptown
A lively Friday night comedy show with a rotating line-up of established and emerging acts. More Info

🎸 Absolute Bowie Christmas Special
7pm @ Concorde 2, Madeira Drive
A high-energy Christmas tribute concert celebrating the greatest hits of David Bowie. More Info

🎤 Organoke
7:30pm @ Brighton Dome, Church Street
A festive karaoke night powered by a live band and the Brighton Dome’s mighty organ. More Info

😂 Freak of Nature Comedy
8pm @ Caxton Arms, North Laine
A free Friday night comedy show featuring established comedians from across the South Coast. More Info

Live Music

Fyfe Dangerfield (Guillemots) | Ironworks Studios | Tue, 7:30pm | TICKETS
Kate Rusby | Brighton Dome | Tue, 7:00pm | TICKETS
New Age Collective | Patterns | Tue, 7:00pm | TICKETS
The Dirty Mojo's (Xmas Party) | Daltons Showrooms + Bar | Tue, 7:30pm | TICKETS
The Beyene Affair | A L P H A B E T | Tue, 7:30pm | TICKETS

John Smith | The Folklore Rooms | Wed, 4:00pm | TICKETS
SPOOKY HUGE | Prince Albert | Wed, 7:30pm | TICKETS
John Smith | The Folklore Rooms | Wed, 7:30pm | TICKETS
Baz Francis | The Lewes Road Inn | Wed, 7:30pm | TICKETS
 
Hana Piranha - A Very Unholy Christmas Party | Pink Moon | Thu, 7:00pm | TICKETS
Kissing on Camera | The Rossi Bar | Thu, 7:00pm | TICKETS
Top Left Club + Now We're All Doomed + Pleasure Hunt | Prince Albert | Thu, 8:00pm | TICKETS

Absolute Bowie | Brighton Concorde 2 | Fri, 7:00pm | TICKETS
The Popguns (Christmas Special) | Prince Albert | Fri, 7:30pm | TICKETS
Andy Robbins | The Font | Fri, 9:00pm | TICKETS
Aftershock - Dirty Dike (DnB Set) + Pete Cannon | Volks Club | Fri, 11:00pm | TICKETS

Last week’s trivia had you split almost perfectly down the middle, with just about half of you correctly guessing that the earliest traces of wine were found in modern-day Georgia, with wine believed to have originated in the Caucasus region.

This week we’re back on the Christmas theme, and with the Christmas Carol one-man show at The Brunswick, we’re asking…