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🐦 Mods, Music & Markets
Brighton revs up for a Bank Holiday packed with scooters, soul, and seaside fun.
Ben Watkins
August 22, 2025
Happy Friday Brighton!
Bank Holiday weekend has come and the city schedule is packed, from scooters taking over the seafront to celebrate the Mod Weekender’s 20th birthday to luminescent concerts at the Pavilion. Add in dog shows in the park, antiques at the races, and a family rave by the sea, plus a delicious (and cute) foodie find, design-driven discoveries, loads of live music and you’ve got a cracking end of summer weekend sorted!
Here’s what’s squawking this week:
🛵 Brighton Mod Weekender is back with a bunch of goings-on
🐾 Family fun from dog shows in Hove Park to raving toddlers on the beach
🍲 Japanese soul food, Spciy Chai Lattes and design-driven goods
🎶 40+ gigs, markets, performances and Bank Holiday fun!
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🛵 Brighton Mod Weekender 2025 (20th Anniversary Special) ⏰ Now - Sun It’s the 20th anniversary of Brighton’s legendary Mod Weekender! And the line-up is bigger than ever. Expect four days of live bands, DJ sets, scooter ride-outs, vintage markets, and a free exhibition outside the i360 showcasing two decades of Mod culture. Highlights include headline gigs from The Rifles, Purple Hearts, and The Molotovs, plus late-night parties with the New Untouchables DJ collective at Komedia. Daytimes are all about the Volks terrace sessions (free entry and family friendly) where DJs spin classics alongside the vintage market packed with vinyl, bespoke clothing, and memorabilia. The scooter ride-out on Sunday ends by the seafront before the famous Scooter Competition outside Volks (3–4pm). Whether you’re a lifelong mod or just here for the spectacle, this is Brighton’s most iconic Bank Holiday tradition. 🎬 Hayao Miyazaki’s Dreams ⏰ Sat, 5:30 - 7:15pm Step into the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli with this magical live concert. Featuring music from classics like Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro, performed in one of Brighton’s most atmospheric venues. A must for anime lovers and music fans alike. 🎟️ Tickets 👕 The Wild Washerwomen ⏰ Fri 2pm & Sat 3pm Seven unhappy washerwomen down tools and set off on a riotous, musical rampage in this brand‑new adaptation of John Yeoman’s classic picture book. Expect songs, slapstick and gloriously messy mayhem (goat cart included!) in a fast, family‑friendly show for all ages. Runtime 1hr 15m; doors open 1 hour before the performance. 🎟️ Tickets | 🕯️ Candlelight Concerts at the Royal Pavilion ⏰ Sat, 7pm (Vs) & 9pm (Hans) Two spellbinding candlelit performances under the chandeliers of the Royal Pavilion. At 7pm, the Sussex String Quartet take on the biggest hits of Coldplay and Ed Sheeran. At 9pm, they dive into Hans Zimmer’s most iconic soundtracks, from Gladiator to Interstellar. An unforgettable Bank Holiday evening. 🎟️ Tickets 🐾 Family Fun Day & Dog Show ⏰ Saturday, 11am - 5pm A full-on family day out with charity stalls, tasty food, and plenty of wagging tails. The dog show competitions are always a highlight, with rosettes and prizes up for grabs. Add in an auction and community spirit and you’ve got one of the most wholesome events of the weekend. 👶 Raver Tots Festival ⏰ Mon, 1pm - 6pm The ultimate family-friendly beach rave returns, bringing So Solid Crew, Artful Dodger, DJ Hype, and more big names. With funfair rides, arts & crafts, face painting, food stalls, and a buzzing dancefloor, it’s a magical mix of festival vibes for all ages (from 0 years!). Advance booking essential. 🎟️ Tickets 🛍️ Antiques & Vintage Fair ⏰ Sun, 9:30am - 3:30pm A treasure trove of retro finds with more than 130 sellers showcasing antiques, collectibles, fashion, and unique homeware. Whether you’re a serious collector or just hunting for a quirky bargain, this fair has become a Bank Holiday staple. |
✨ DOWSE - Created & Curated Goods
Move over Ikea. If you like your homeware and gifts with a big dose of heart, creativity, and “where did you find that?” energy, head to DOWSE in the North Laine.
Founded by Berlin-born designer Susannah Dowse, the shop is a treasure trove of carefully made jewellery, prints, homeware, accessories, and playful lifestyle pieces. All beautiful, unique, and designed to spark joy.
Alongside her own work, Susannah champions emerging makers and creative brands, so every visit feels like stumbling into a mini gallery of affordable, design-led gems. Just a few of their goods are pictured above: ghost lamps, snail-shaped butter-holders, bold graphic mugs, and jewellery that makes you smile. You’ll find it all in store, and online if you can’t wait.
🍲 MOGUMOGU
We’re back in Preston Circus with MoguMogu (roughly “nom nom” in Japanese) is as cosy and charming as its name suggests. It blurs the line between relaxed café and restaurant, serving matcha lattes, yuzu sodas, single-origin hot chocolate as well as hearty, home-style Japanese comfort food like Japanese curry rice and Oyakodon.
Standouts include steaming donburi bowls topped with crispy katsu or tender karaage chicken, fluffy takoyaki, and light tempura. Veggies get their due too, with mushroom don and tofu tempura. Don’t miss the homemade cat puddings (adorable and delicious) alongside indulgent drinks like Sea Salt Caramel Latte, Spicy Chai, and Iced Honey Lemonade.
It’s pet-friendly and easy to drop into, though booking is a smart move. Brighton may be full of sushi joints, but few places deliver this kind of soulful, everyday Japanese comfort food.
📍 81 London Road, BN1
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🗓 Wed–Sun: 11am–7pm(ish)
Events marked with a * are sponsored
General Events
🪑 Woodwork Class - Make a 3 legged Oak Stool
Sat 13th September 10am - 4pm
Learn woodworking skills and take home a solid oak stool - handmade by you!
This one day course is suitable for beginners.*
Taught by a mastercraftsperson Chris Murphy Design
😆 Komedia Comedy Club
Fri & Sat, 8pm (doors 7pm) @ Komedia
Top stand-up at Brighton’s best-loved comedy venue, featuring Will Duggan (MC), Prince Abdi, Carey Marx, and Archie Maddocks. Tickets
🍪 Bee May Bakery Pop-Up
Fri, from 4pm @ Vine Bar
Cookie queen returns with tiramisu bakes — walk-ins only until sell-out. More Info
🎬 Hayao Miyazaki’s Dreams
Sat 5:30–7:15pm @ St George’s Church
An enchanting live concert celebrating the iconic Japanese director’s anime soundtracks. Tickets
🎲 Old Skool Bingo
Sat 6:30–9:30pm @ Players Brighton
Lively night of retro bingo with a party atmosphere. More Info
🤝 Connection Jam
Sat 10am–12:30pm @ Neighbourhuud
Playful social event with guided activities designed to spark real conversations and connections. More Info
😂 The Secret Comedy Club
Fri 7–11pm & Sat 7–10:30pm @ Artista Cafe & Gallery
Brighton’s award-winning small comedy club and audience favourite for intimate stand-up. Tickets
💿 5th Brighton Rhythm & Soul Weekend
Fri–Mon @ The KOKO Club (Queens Hotel)
Four days of Northern Soul, ModSoul, and Sussex Soul Club takeovers — a true Bank Holiday soul marathon. More Info
🎶 VAMOS Reggaeton Outdoor Beach Party
Sat 3–10pm @ Horizon
Terrace summer fiesta with reggaeton beats and sunshine vibes. More Info
🌺 Aloha, Brighton! (10th Birthday Bash)
Sat 23 Aug, from 8pm @ The Robin Hood
Hawaiian-themed 10th birthday party with DJs, dancing, and tiki vibes. More Info
🍋 Last Summer Spritz at Cin Cin
Sat, 12:30–4pm @ Cin Cin, Hove
Final terrace takeover with Regal Rogue spritzes and Capsule Records DJs (£35). Tickets
🕯️ Candlelight: Coldplay vs Ed Sheeran
Sat 7pm @ Royal Pavilion
String quartet tribute featuring Coldplay and Ed Sheeran’s biggest hits under candlelight. Tickets
🕯️ Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works
Sat 9pm @ Royal Pavilion
Iconic soundtracks from Gladiator to Interstellar performed by the Sussex String Quartet under candlelight. Tickets
🍺 Hop Girl Summer Beer Launch
Sun, 12pm–6pm @ UnBarred Brewery
IPA launch with Bitter Women Brewery, creative stalls, and DIY badge/earring workshops. More Info
🔥 BBQ Bonanza & Craft Market
Sun, from 12pm @ Curio, Lewes Road
Craft goods, grilled steaks, snacks and Basque cheesecake until sell-out. More Info
🎧 Age Against The Machine
Sun 3–7pm @ CHALK
The over-30s daytime party for grown-up ravers, back by demand. More Info
🛍️ Antiques & Vintage Fair
Sun 9:30am–3:30pm @ Brighton Racecourse
130+ sellers offering unique treasures and retro finds. More Info
🎶 Day Dream Festival presented by Hey Girl Magazine
Mon 2–11pm @ Dalton’s, Madeira Drive
7 live artists, 3 DJs, and all profits to Choose Love & Women for Women International. A glittery Bank Holiday party full of music, dancing, and good vibes. Tickets
👨👩👧 Family Events
🐾 Family Fun Day & Dog Show
Sat 11am–5pm @ Hove Park
Charity fun day with stalls, food, dog show competitions, and an auction. More Info
🌍 Independence Day of Ukraine 2025
Sat 1–5pm @ Brighton Congress Hall
Family-friendly celebration with live music, crafts, workshops, food, and a charity auction. Free entry with registration. More Info
👶 Raver Tots Festival Brighton Beach 2025
Mon 1–6pm @ Black Rock Beach
Massive family-friendly beach rave with So Solid Crew, Artful Dodger, DJ Hype, funfair rides, crafts, food stalls, and glitter. Tickets
🎶 Live Music & Shows
🎤 The Jam’d + Sharp Class + The Chelsea Curve + Cian Downing | Concorde 2 | Fri 5pm | Tickets
🎸 Full Throttle – A Night of Rock | Daltons | Fri 8pm | Tickets
🌀 Powerful Dance Journeys | Brighthelm Centre | Fri 8–10pm | Tickets
🎤 Mod Weekender: The Molotovs + The Len Price 3 | Patterns | Fri 7pm | Tickets
🎶 The Kinx (Kinks Tribute) | CHALK | Fri 6pm | Tickets
🎸 Witchrot | Green Door Store | Fri 7pm | Tickets
🎵 AEON presents: MarcelDune + UNICA | Patterns | Sat 11pm | Tickets
🎵 Back By 9 (90s & 00s RnB & Garage) | Revolution Brighton | Sat 4–9pm | Tickets
💃 Free Disco, Funk & Soul Terrace Party | Patterns Brighton | Sat 3–10pm | Tickets
🎸 The Small Fakers + Maximum Who | CHALK | Sat 6–10pm | Tickets
🎺 SPAGETTI presents – about:blank | Alphabet | Sat 10pm–2am | Tickets
🎤 Rumble Near The Beach! | Prince Albert | Sat 7pm | Tickets
🎧 Modcast Brighton Beano | Patterns Brighton | Sun 2–11pm | Tickets
🎚️ Greg Wilson | Concorde 2 | Sun 4–10pm | Tickets
🎺 The Brighton Ska Train presents Jerry Dammers | Volks Nightclub | Sun 6pm–1am | Tickets
🌌 ACIDFEST: Brighton Psych Night | The Bee’s Mouth | Sun 7–11:45pm | Tickets
🥁 Smokin Bones Club presents Noise & Order: Petbrick + more | Green Door Store | Sun time tbc | Tickets
🎸 New Street Adventure + Telecom | Komedia | Sun 7pm | Tickets
🌴 Easy Skankin’ Reggae Party (Bank Holiday Special) | Fortune of War | Mon 8pm | Tickets
🎤 WHOMANS live | The Folklore Rooms | Mon 7:30pm | Tickets
💼 Voluntary Directors Wanted - Brighton & Hove Community Land Trust
Help shape community-led housing in Brighton & Hove with Brighton & Hove Community Land Trust. No experience needed — just enthusiasm, commitment, and a willingness to learn. We welcome people from all backgrounds. Email [email protected] to get involved today. Apply by Sept 8