❄️ Good afternoon, Brightonians

Whether you're dodging light snowfall or bracing for the new roadworks down by the Aquarium, there is plenty to talk about over a hot coffee today. We’ve also rounded up some fresh January art shows, a (micro) boozy new date spot in Hove, and enough comedy to keep you laughing through the cold snap.

Here's what's squawking this week:

📰 Pier goes up for sale, sparking a debate among local politicians
🚧 Valley Gardens road works begin, bringing seafront disruption
🍺 A family-run micropub for our date spot of the week
🎟️ Hoedowns, new theatre and a heap of comedy

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🏗️ Palace Pier put up for sale sparks political response

Senior local political figures have described the sale of Brighton Palace Pier as a significant moment for the city, calling it a chance to secure fresh investment while protecting one of Brighton and Hove’s most recognisable landmarks. Labour councillor Jacob Taylor and Lord Steve Bassam both said the pier remains central to the city’s identity and visitor economy.

The council said it will work closely with current and future owners to ensure the Grade II listed pier continues to support jobs, tourism and wider seafront regeneration, alongside projects such as Madeira Terrace, Black Rock and Hove Beach Park.
→ Read more on Brighton and Hove News

🚦 Valley Gardens works begin amid “enormous disruption” warning

Residents have warned that the start of major works at Valley Gardens could cause severe disruption, with fears of increased congestion, pollution and noise both during construction and once the project is completed. The scheme will replace the old Aquarium roundabout with a traffic light-controlled junction linking the seafront to the city centre.

Brighton and Hove City Council says the multi-million-pound redevelopment will improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists and use new smart traffic technology, although temporary road closures and diversions are expected over the coming weeks.
→ Read more on BBC News

🏋️ Youth charity applies to turn The Level cafe into a community gym

A Brighton youth charity has applied for planning permission to convert the former Level cafe into a community gym, aiming to provide affordable and inclusive access to exercise in a central public space. The FMG Project says the building has been closed for years and is vulnerable without active use.

The charity says the proposed alterations are modest, reversible and designed to preserve the character of the Valley Gardens Conservation Area, while bringing a positive, everyday presence back to The Level and supporting health and wellbeing.
→ Read more on The Argus

❄️ Snow carpets Brighton and Hove’s hilly suburbs

A light covering of snow settled across Brighton and Hove’s hillier suburbs overnight as temperatures dipped to negative 7 degrees, with some central streets also seeing more than a dusting. Despite the cold snap, traffic was moving and all bus services continued to run.

Road safety charity RoSPA urged drivers to take extra care, warning that icy conditions can dramatically increase stopping distances, while forecasts suggest the snow will be short-lived as temperatures begin to rise later in the week. Some great photos can also be seen on B&H News below:
→ Read more on Brighton and Hove News

Also in the news:

🦈 Baby shark rescuer saves lives at Brighton hatchery: Diver Gio Reale has gone viral for rescuing and rearing sharks and cuttlefish along the Sussex coast, using social media to highlight British marine life.
→ Read more on BBC News

🎭 Hundreds object to sports pitch near open-air theatre: More than 500 people have objected to BHASVIC plans for an all-weather pitch near Brighton Open Air Theatre, citing concerns about noise disrupting performances.
→ Read more on Brighton and Hove News

🚗 Mechanic told to stop selling cars on green outside his home: A Brighton man is being taken to court after allegedly breaching a council notice banning vehicle storage and repairs on a public green.
→ Read more on Brighton and Hove News

🚐 Wrangle over caravans parked long-term near children’s playground: Councillors are divided over how to deal with caravans parked near a Patcham playground, with concerns raised about enforcement powers and costs.
→ Read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏘️ Bid to let student block to professionals turned down: Planners have rejected a developer’s attempt to rent student flats to non-students, warning it could undermine housing policy and set a precedent for co-living.
→ Read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏅 King recognises people from Brighton and Hove in honours list: Several local residents have been recognised in the New Year Honours for work across charity, health, community service and the arts.
→ Read more on Brighton and Hove News

🖼️ New Year, New Exhibitions

🖌️ Exhibition of Paintings by Norman Mark

Phoenix Art Space, Brighton | 9 Jan - 1 Feb 2026

A new collection of contemporary paintings by Brighton artist Norman Mark, shaped by years spent living in Cape Town, Bodrum, Madeira, Mallorca, and back on the south coast. A reflective, travel-infused show that’s free to visit and well worth a wander. More info

✨ Playing with Light and Data

Gallery 19a, Hollingdean Terrace, Brighton | 10 - 20 Jan 2026

Brighton artist Tim Minter turns ideas around AI, data, and randomness into playful, hands-on artworks filled with glowing lights, movement, and gentle chaos. Expect installations you can interact with rather than just observe. More info

🖼️ Robert MacBryde and Robert Colquhoun: Artists, Lovers, Outsiders

Charleston, Lewes | 5 Jan - 12 Apr 2026

A landmark exhibition exploring the lives and creative partnership of the ‘Two Roberts’, whose work helped shape mid-20th-century British art, from wartime Europe to their years living in Lewes. This is the first major England show dedicated to them since 1962. More info

🌈 Gender Stories + A Queer Night at the Museum

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery | Exhibition: 31 Jan - 12 Apr 2026 | Late: Fri 6 Feb 2026

Gender Stories explores how gender has been understood, expressed, and challenged across cultures and history, combining museum collections with community voices. The exhibition is launched with A Queer Night at the Museum, a one-night late opening featuring performances, live art, fashion, DJs, and drag celebrating gender expression in all its forms.
Gender Stories info | A Queer Night at the Museum

🎨 Ralph Ellis: Artist and Inn Sign Designer

Arundel Museum, Arundel | Until 25 Jan 2026

A deep dive into the life of one of England’s most successful inn sign painters, exploring Ralph Ellis’ career from the 1920s through to the post-war years, alongside the craft and technique behind his iconic pub signs. More info

🍺 BeerBelly

Hove’s newest spot, BeerBelly, isn't trying to be a flashy bar. It’s a stripped-back micropub that trades "vibey" decor for a massive fridge full of things you’ve likely never tried. They’ve managed to balance the beer-geek stuff (casks and sours) with a wine list that doesn't feel like an afterthought, making it the ultimate spot to try out new beers with a wide array of choice and even the option of a trio of 1/3rd pints to do your own little taste-test.

It’s family-owned by Harry and Owen, who were inspired by travel and immersion in the Aussie craft beer scene. Their creation is a warm and welcoming little pub where you can bring the dog, grab a stool, and actually hear yourself think. The 9pm cutoff for kids keeps the evening atmosphere more adult, without being too exclusionary for couples with kids. If you’re tired of generic lagers and loud music, BeerBelly is a more unique, homey and very Brighton and Hove option for your next date night (just get there early if you want a seat!)

⏰ 12pm-10pm, Mon-Sun (Closed on Tue)
📍15 Victoria Terrace, Hove
🧑‍💻 BeerBelly Website

🏡 Location, Location, Location

Right on Marine Parade, sandwiched between scaffolding, this four-storey semi-detached stunner delivers uninterrupted sea views, five bedrooms, and a rare, long, south-facing garden, plus garage, parking, and a separate studio.

📍 Marine Parade
💰 £1,500,000
🔗 View on Rightmove

Jenny Moore: 'Wild Mix'

📌 Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts
📅 Thursday 29 January, 8pm

"a true tour de force for Moore ... enthralling [and] soul shaking" Loud Women

'Wild Mix' is an immersive choral punk musical featuring queer ensemble of friends, lovers, colleagues, housemates. We gather ourselves up to create some kind of embodied, ritual ‘yes’. We ask - is it possible to sing yourself back to life?*

Tuesday

🤹‍♀️ The Unrehearsables
Tuesday, 7:30pm-9:30pm @ The Shoreham Centre
A relaxed, no-pressure drama group for adults who want to try something creative with zero experience needed. More Info

🎤 The Secret Comedy Club Open Mic
Tue, Wed, Fri & Sat, 7:00pm-11:00pm @ Artista Cafe & Gallery
A busy open mic night mixing professionals, semi-pros and first-timers on the South Coast. Tickets

Wednesday

🎭 The Farndale Avenue Murder Mystery
Wed 7 Jan, 7:30pm | Thu 8 Jan, 7:30pm | Fri 9 Jan, 7:30pm | Sat 10 Jan, 2:30pm & 7:30pm @ The Barn Theatre, Southwick 
A brilliantly chaotic whodunnit where everything that can go wrong on opening night definitely does. Tickets

Thursday

👶 Short Stories Tall Tales: The Gingerbread Man
Thursday 8 Jan, 11:30am @ Rope Tackle Centre, Shoreham-by-Sea 
Interactive storytelling for babies, toddlers and carers, brought to life with performance and creative play. Tickets

🎭 The Branding Needs Work
Every Thursday, 7:30pm-9:45pm @ The Caxton Arms 
A friendly new-material comedy night in a warm room, with donations welcomed. More Info

Friday

📖 Story Magic
Friday 9 Jan, 10:00am & 11:00am @ Komedia 
Fideri Fidera’s music, movement and storytelling sessions for little ones aged 9 months to 4 years. Tickets

🖼️ Exhibition of Paintings by Norman Mark
Fri 9 Jan-Sun 1 Feb, 10:00am-5:00pm @ Phoenix Art Space, Window Gallery 
A new collection of contemporary paintings by Brighton artist Norman Mark, with an abstract focus and travel influences. More Info

😂 Peter Kay Live
Friday 9 Jan, 7:00pm @ The Brighton Centre 
Peter Kay returns to stand-up with a huge arena show at the Brighton Centre. RESALE ONLY (£80+) Tickets

🤠 Hoedown Showdown
Friday 9 Jan, 7:30pm @ American Express Stadium 
A country anthems party with live band, line dancing, food outlets and big cowboy-hat energy. More Info

🎤 Komedia Comedy Club
Fri 9 Jan, 8:00pm & Sat 10 Jan, 8:00pm @ Komedia 
Three top acts and an MC at one of Brighton’s best-known comedy venues. Tickets

🎭 Single White Female
Fri 9 Jan, 7:30pm & More future showings @ Theatre Royal Brighton 
A modern stage adaptation of the cult psychological thriller, updated for the digital age. More Info

Live Music

SNM, Left Ventricle, The Skive | | Komedia | Friday, 7:30PM | Tickets
Dry Cleaning | Chalk | Friday, 7:30PM | Tickets
Bere | Pink Moon | Friday, 7:30PM | Tickets
Fyfe Dangerfield (Guillemots) | Ironworks Studios | Tue, 7:30pm | TICKETS
Dwarde | Patterns | Friday, 11:00PM | Tickets

Our Christmas trivia proved a tricky one, because despite 62% of you backing Home Alone, the crown for the highest-grossing Christmas film of all time actually goes to The Grinch:

• The Grinch (2018) - approx $512 million worldwide, making it the top-grossing Christmas film ever.

• Home Alone (1990) - approx $476 million worldwide, and still the highest-grossing live-action Christmas film.

• A Christmas Carol - approx $325 million worldwide.

• Elf - approx $220 million worldwide, but a perennial festive favourite thanks to repeat TV and streaming views.

This week, with the Palace Pier in the news once again with it’s for-sale sign being put up because revenues are down, we’re asking: