Hello, Brighton and Hove

With the wild festival month finally behind us, June kicks off with a completely refreshed vibe across the city. If you’re dodging the packed seafront promenade this weekend, the backstreets are loaded with unique pockets of life. You could be catching alternative comedy master Stephen K Amos live at the open-air theatre, joining a mindful evening photo walk from Jubilee Library, or listening to live jazz strings at St Andrew's Church. Grab a brew and let’s dive straight in.

Here is what’s squawking this week:

🌊 Clear plastic from the coast alongside musician Chloe Slater at the West Pier.
🛍️ Saltdean Lido hosts a free vintage market packed with clothes, records, and curios.
🎨 Saint Bartholomew's Church transforms into a curated local craft market.
🖖 The Toy Museum celebrates 60 years of Star Trek with rare sci-fi memorabilia.
📝 Head out to Saddlescombe Farm for a free nature-inspired creative writing workshop.

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🌾 Infinity Foods

I need to talk to you about an absolute legendary pillar of our community. If you live in Brighton, you’ve definitely walked past Infinity Foods on North Road, and you probably think of it as just that brilliant, massive shop with the best organic veg selection in the South East. But the actual story of the business, the people, and how it’s run behind the scenes is mind-blowing. Honestly, it is the ultimate blueprint for what a community-driven business should actually look like.

Most people don't know that it literally started over 50 years ago, in 1971, as a tiny, humble shop inside a converted house on Church Street, opened by three friends who just wanted to sell basic, unadulterated whole foods. By 1979, they did something radical: they officially converted the entire business into a workers' cooperative. That means it is completely, democratically owned and run by the people who actually work there. There are no corporate fat cats or detached shareholders pulling the strings; the staff collectively make all the decisions, manage the finances, and decide exactly how to pour their profits back into protecting the business and supporting local causes.

And their impact on our area goes way deeper than just the grocery aisles. Did you know that back in the 70s, as they expanded, the team actually used their extra space to house and launch the Brighton Natural Health Centre? It’s now a completely independent registered charity, but it was literally birthed out of the Infinity team’s dedication to community wellbeing. Even their legendary on-site bakery has been doing its thing using traditional, additive-free methods since 1976! They employ around 100 local people now, and some of the members have been there since the 80s and 90s, keeping that beautiful, progressive grassroots culture alive for decades. On top of all that history, they are still finding fresh ways to give back, you can download their new digital community card app now to skip the plastic, unlock student and group rewards, and easily support their ethical projects directly while you shop.

If you haven't been in for a while, or only ever pop in for a quick snack, you seriously need to treat your next visit as a celebration of proper Brighton history. It’s a masterclass in what happens when locals look after locals, proving that ethical trading and worker power can thrive for half a century without losing its soul. Go show some love to the team this weekend they are the living, breathing heart of the North Laine.

📍 26-28 North Road, North Laine, BN1 1YA
🕒 Mon-Sat: 9:30am - 6:00pm, Sun: 11:00am - 5:00pm
🔗 infinityfoodsretail.coop
🔗 Get Your Community Card

🍺 The Watchmaker’s Arms

If you appreciate a proper pint and haven't made the pilgrimage up to Hove Station to find The Watchmaker’s Arms, you are seriously missing out on a bit of local history.
It actually opened back in 2015 as Brighton and Hove’s very first micropub, completely tearing up the rulebook of what a local should be. There are no buzzing fruit machines, no blaring telleys, and absolutely no corporate lager taps. Instead, it is a brilliantly stripped-back, conversational haven built entirely around the art of a good chat and an exceptional drink.

The whole concept is a massive nod to the building’s past life as a clock repair shop, and the history is baked right into the walls. It is run by proper enthusiasts who genuinely care about what ends up in your glass, featuring a constantly shifting board of five top-tier cask ales and four craft ciders sourced directly from independent microbreweries. Because they swap things out the moment a barrel runs dry, every single visit feels like a completely new tasting session. They even brew their own unique creations right on site, so you are literally drinking a piece of Hove heritage.

What makes the place so special is how it completely forces you to interact with the room. The seating is intimate, the regulars are incredibly welcoming, and within five minutes of sitting down, you’ll inevitably find yourself locked into a fascinating conversation with a complete stranger about anything from local politics to obscure hops. It is the ultimate antidote to the sterile, modern pub chain. If you want an authentic, independent pint with a brilliant backstory, do yourself a favour and track this one down.

📍 84 Goldstone Villas, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 3RU
🕒 Mon-Tue 5pm-9pm Wed-Thu 4pm to 10pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-10.30pm, Sun 12pm-9pm
🔗 Visit their website & see the live tap list

Fri

🍵 Japanese Tea Tasting: Flavours from Dawn to Dusk | 12pm, Fri @ Starling Studio
Take an immersive journey through a day in Japan by exploring five premium teas curated to match moments from morning focus to evening calm. More Info

🎹 Jeff Goldblum: Meet & Greet + Signing | 4:30pm, Fri @ Resident Music
Meet Hollywood royalty live in the shop on album release day as the legendary actor celebrates his new jazz record 'Night Blooms'. More Info

📸 A Mindful Discovery Photo Walk | 7pm, Fri @ Jubilee Library
See Brighton's urban core through a gentle, slower lens designed to teach creative smartphone or camera framing techniques. More Info

🎤 Stephen K Amos, Harriet Kemsley and MC Suzi Ruffell | 7pm, Fri @ Brighton Open Air Theatre - A stellar triple-bill comedy gala features top-tier comedy club talent from the UK circuit live on the outdoor stage. More Info

🎸 Maximilian | 7pm, Fri @ Pink Moon
The sublime local singer-songwriter celebrates his brand-new EP launch with intimate live support from Shipyard Groan. More Info

🎭 The Maydays: Confessions! | 7:30pm, Fri @ Komedia
Improv superstars take anonymous audience secrets and transform them into hilarious, spontaneous comedy sketches, songs, and stories. More Info

💃 The Brighton Bellesque Experience | 7:30pm, Fri @ Horizon Nightclub
An immersive, body-positive celebration packed with playful interaction, confidence-boosting movement, and sensual performance art. More Info

🎭 Howard Katz By Patrick Marber | 7:30pm, Fri @ The Lantern Theatre
Experience a dark, character-driven theatrical drama tracing the chaotic mid-life breakdown and flashbacks of a cynical talent agent. More Info

⚽ Active Future Futsal Academy (Ages 8-13) | 6:30pm, Fri @ Longhill Sports Centre
A fast-paced indoor futsal academy focusing on ball contact and quick reflexes, complete with two free taster sessions for kids. More Info

🎭 Bad Luck Cabaret | 7:30pm, Fri @ Daltons Synthrock trailblazer Laurie Black hosts an chaotic night of fringe frivolity, featuring cabaret sets from Ella The Great, AFLO. the poet, Sirona Thorneycroft, and headliner Cazeleon. More Info

Sat

🕵️ The Spy Who Came In From The Cold | 2:30pm & 7:30pm, Sat @ Theatre Royal Ralf Little stars as Alec Leamas in a taut, twisting stage adaptation of John le Carré's classic Cold War espionage thriller. More Info

🎤 Kerry Godliman Phil Ellis MC Stephen Grant | 7:30pm, Sat @ Brighton Open Air
Taskmaster stars Kerry Godliman and Phil Ellis team up for a brilliant night of outdoor stand-up comedy, hosted by award-winning resident MC Stephen Grant. More Info

🎭 Howard Katz By Patrick Marber | 7:30pm, Sat @ The Lantern Theatre Experience a dark, character-driven theatrical drama tracing the chaotic mid-life breakdown and flashbacks of a cynical talent agent. More Info

🗣️ Girls Night Out Fest: Talks & Screenings | 12pm, Sat @ Pink Moon
Pink Moon hosts a daytime lineup of panels, writing workshops, and a screening of the DIY scene documentary 'Causing A Scene'. Run entirely by women and non-binary creatives, this multi-venue festival donates all profits directly to the Brighton Women's Centre. More Info

🛍️ June Makers Market | 10am–3pm, Sat @ Montague Place, Kemptown Village
Browse a dog-friendly community market showcasing handcrafted gifts, local art, and fresh bakes from independent makers right opposite The Pickle of Brighton. More Info

🎈 Bags Of Fun - Summer Fair | 11am–3pm, Sat @ Woodingdean Primary School
Organised by the school's PTFA, this classic community summer fair features a bouncy castle, local market stalls, games, live performances, and plenty of refreshments. Be sure to grab tickets for the grand raffle packed with prizes backed by local businesses to help raise funds for the school. More Info

Sun

📖 Nice! Stories and Rhymes with Michael Rosen | 11am, Sun @ Brighton Dome To celebrate his 80th birthday, the beloved poet delivers a lively family show performing lifetime classics like We're Going on a Bear Hunt alongside brand-new work. More Info

🎵 The Reggae Brunch | 2pm, Sun @ Horizon Nightclub The legendary day party makes its Brighton debut with non-stop reggae, dancehall, and R&B riddims, Caribbean food, and bottomless rum punch from 2pm–3pm. More Info

🎤 Mike Wozniak: The Bench | 7:30pm, Sun @ Theatre Royal The Taskmaster and Three Bean Salad favourite hits the road with a brand-new stand-up hour centered heavily around a specific bench. More Info

🎭 Fate Train | Sun @ Vantage Point Norse myth collide beautifully with modern grief in this surreal, poetic post-fringe play tracking a soul trying to escape a deal with fate. More Info

📝 Downs to the Sea: Embracing Your Inner Flow | 12pm, Sun @ Saddlescombe Farm
A free, nature-inspired writing workshop led by Jackie Mendoza using water imagery to help you disconnect from digital noise and tap into your creativity. Taxi shares from Brighton Station are available. More Info

🎈 Rotary Family Festival & Big Help Out | Sun @ Hove Park
This free, massive community festival connects thousands of visitors with local causes, featuring live music, dance performances, a fun dog show, food stalls, a new Wellbeing Hub, and an expanded interactive Children's Zone. More Info

🧘 Free Beach Meditation | 10:30am, Sun @ Brighton Beach (West Pier)
Bodhisattva KMC hosts a free 30-minute guided beach meditation right in front of the West Pier (opposite the i360). Open to everyone, this session offers a peaceful space to explore your mind and tap into inner calm—just bring a cushion or blanket to stay comfortable. More Info

🏃 Brighton 10 Mile | 9am, Sun @ Black Rock Station
Lace up your trainers for a flat, fast, fully closed road race along the vibrant seafront and through the city centre. Perfect for locking in a personal best, this scenic course starts and finishes at the Black Rock events space. Note that a strict 2-hour cut-off is in place due to scheduled road reopenings. More Info

Live Music

The Anna Howie Band | 7:30pm, Fri @ The Brunswick
Aural Detritus Concert Series | 7:30pm, Fri @ Friends' Meeting House
chest. | 8pm, Fri @ The Hope & Ruin
Definitely Oasis | 7pm, Fri @ Patterns
Disco On The Terrace | 6pm, Fri @ Concorde 2
George Michael- A Celebration | 8pm, Fri @ Ironworks Studios
Hang Massive | 7pm, Fri @ Chalk
Iamwarface | 8pm, Fri @ The Prince Albert
Jeff Goldblum: Meet & Greet + Signing (early Eve) | 4:30pm, Fri @ Resident Music
Matt Holborn | 5:30pm, Fri @ St Andrew's Church
Painted Bird | 7:30pm, Fri @ The Rossi Bar
Pussyliquor / Not Richard / Chub | 7:30pm, Fri @ Brighton Electric
Ray Lamontagne | 7pm, Fri @ Brighton Dome
Ray Lamontagne | 7pm, Fri @ Concert Hall, Brighton
Rinse Out! Sounds of the Underground | 8pm, Fri @ Waterbear venue
Shake Some Acton #152 | 7pm, Fri @ Pipeline
Sly5thave + Avijé | 7pm, Fri @ Alphabet
Vent 414 | 7pm, Fri @ Concorde 2
Vivid People 80s & 90s Brighton Weekender | 6pm, Fri @ Oculist

10 Years Of Ditz | 8pm, Sat @ The Prince Albert
Ayo Bamidele Acoustic Session | 7pm, Sat @ Saint Augustine’s Arts and Events Centre
Bee Reiki Trio | 6:45pm, Sat @ Friends' Meeting House
Down by The Sea | 2pm, Sat @ The Prince Albert
Fractured + Syöseböys | 8pm, Sat @ Pipeline
Guestlist 002 | 9pm, Sat @ Waterbear venue
Hollowpoint + Is This Ok + Spooky Huge | 7:30pm, Sat @ The Hope & Ruin
Just Lust - DJ Club Night | 8pm, Sat @ The Rossi Bar
Klio Blonz (Flute) & Jane Beament (Piano) | 2pm, Sat @ Friends' Meeting House
M@D On The Beach ft Smokin Jo | 6pm, Sat @ Carats Cafe Bar
Nightmares On Wax | 3pm, Sat @ Quarters
Sultans Of Ping | 6:30pm, Sat @ Chalk
Vivid People 80s & 90s Brighton Weekender | 4pm, Sat @ Concorde 2

Brighton Sundae w/ Russ Dewbury | 2pm, Sun @ Patterns
Family Art Club | 7pm, Sun @ The Prince Albert
Mark Wastell / Dominic Lash and more 6:45pm, Sun @ Friends' Meeting House
Soma Dolls | 7pm, Sun @ The Brunswick
Tuppenny Bunters | 3:45pm, Sun @ Pipeline
Vivid People 80s & 90s Brighton Weekender | 2:20pm, Sun @ Tempest