👋 Good afternoon, Brighton & Hove

The January chill is finally lifting, and not just because the temperature is rising. Brighton is shaking off its winter slumber with a packed calendar, from heavy-hitting talks by authors and politicians in nearby Lewes to comedy, choirs, and theatre. Plus, we’ve got some surprisingly positive news about our city’s most popular landmark.

Here's what's squawking this week:

🗑️ New communal food waste bins begin their rollout across the city
🚨 St James Street safety plans after antisocial issues
🏛️ Big names head to Lewes as the Speakers Festival kicks off
❤️ A versatile new date spot opens its doors on Dukes Lane

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🎡 Dozens of buyers show interest in Brighton Palace Pier

More than 40 potential buyers have expressed interest in purchasing Brighton Palace Pier, according to the attraction’s chief executive. The Grade II listed pier was put on the market this month after years of difficult trading linked to rising costs, poor summer weather and declining visitor numbers.

Chief executive Anne Ackord said most interested parties want to keep the pier operating largely as it is, while introducing new ideas that respect its heritage. The pier, which opened in 1899, remains one of Brighton’s most visited attractions despite recent financial pressure.

→ read more on BBC News

♻️ Communal food waste bins begin appearing across the city

Communal food waste bins have started appearing on streets across Brighton and Hove ahead of a major expansion of food waste collections this spring. From March, around 76,000 households in central neighbourhoods, including Kemptown, Seven Dials and Hanover will be included in the scheme.

The council says bins are being installed in phases near existing communal waste points, with residents set to receive indoor food caddies soon. New specialist vehicles with on-board jet washers will be used to keep collection sites clean, and a public map showing bin locations is expected before the service officially launches.

→ read more on Brighton & Hove News

🚨 Council to draw up safety plan for St James’s Street

Brighton and Hove City Council has agreed to develop a coordinated public safety plan for St James’s Street in Kemp Town, following long-running concerns from residents and businesses over antisocial behaviour. Shop owners have previously reported regular issues, including drug dealing, shoplifting and staff being physically attacked while at work.

The move follows pressure from Labour councillor Gary Wilkinson, who raised the issue at a full council meeting and warned that short-term fixes were failing. The council has now committed to bringing together ward councillors, Sussex Police, council services and local stakeholders early this year to create a joined-up plan covering safety, crime and the wider street environment.

→ read more on The Argus

🍺 Historic Hangleton Manor pub closes but could reopen soon

One of the most distinctive pubs in Brighton and Hove has closed, with hopes it could reopen as early as next month under a new tenant. The Grade II listed Hangleton Manor shut last weekend after being managed directly by its owner, Hall and Woodhouse.

The brewery says the pub will reopen as a tenanted venue with a new landlord, menus and ideas, after attracting interest from prospective operators. A sign at the site suggests trading could resume in February, with the company describing the 500-year-old building as the oldest secular structure in Brighton and Hove and a major community landmark.

→ read more on Brighton & Hove News

Also in the news:

🔥 Talks under way to refurbish fire-damaged Royal Albion Hotel: Owners of the Royal Albion Hotel say they are in pre-application discussions with the council over plans to refurbish the seafront landmark, which was badly damaged by fire in 2023. → read more on BBC News

🛒 Ikea introduces new policy to prevent large groups entering Brighton store: Ikea has brought in a new “precautionary measure” at its Churchill Square store following recent incidents, after apologising for wrongly refusing entry to two customers. → read more on The Argus

🌿 Brighton ecologist aims to spot 6,000 species in a year: A Brighton-based ecologist is attempting to record 6,000 different species in 2026, using the challenge to raise money for Sussex Wildlife Trust and encourage others to get involved in nature spotting. → read more on BBC News

🚗 Drivers could face fines for pavement parking across the city: Brighton and Hove City Council has welcomed new government powers that will allow wider enforcement against pavement parking, aimed at improving safety and accessibility. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🏀 Mayor opens recycled sports pitch in Hangleton Park: A new multi-use games area made from recycled materials has opened in Hangleton Park, saving the council thousands compared to building a new facility from scratch. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🏠 Temporary housing numbers hit four-year high: More than 2,000 households a month were placed in temporary accommodation in Brighton and Hove late last year, adding millions of pounds of pressure to the council’s budget. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

⚽ Hundreds object to proposed BHASVIC sports pitch: Plans for a new artificial pitch near Brighton Open Air Theatre have attracted more than 900 objections, with concerns raised over noise and disruption to performances. → read more on BBC News

🔵 Brighton sign All Blacks performance expert: Brighton and Hove Albion are set to appoint former New Zealand Rugby high-performance lead Mike Anthony as head of player development and performance. → read more on The Argus

🚧 Hole opens up in newly resurfaced Portland Road: A hole has appeared on Portland Road in Hove just weeks after resurfacing work, with councillors saying the issue has been marked as a repair priority. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🎬 Brighton College celebrates former pupil Chloé Zhao’s new film: Brighton College has praised Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao following the release of her latest film Hamnet, which is tipped for awards success. → read more on The Argus

🚀 Three Brighton start-ups named among UK’s top 100: My Skin Feels, Sampl Technologies and Bikebook have all been recognised in the 2026 Startups 100 Index for innovation and growth potential. → read more on The Argus

⚖️ Mechanic to face trial over cars stored on public green: A Brighton mechanic has pleaded not guilty to breaching a council order banning him from storing and repairing unroadworthy vehicles on public land. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🎭 Brighton Open Air Theatre Appeal

Brighton Open Air Theatre is under threat from the proposed installation of all-weather pitches just 50 metres from the venue, which could seriously impact performances due to noise. Despite discussions since May 2025, BOAT has not been referenced in the Noise Impact Assessment submitted with the planning application.

Supporters are encouraged to contact BOAT directly to learn more and show their support:

🎤 Lewes Speakers Festival 2026

Fri 16-Sun 18 Jan @ All Saints Centre, Lewes
Lewes Speakers Festival brings leading thinkers, writers and public figures to Lewes for three days of sharp ideas, big conversations and lively debate. Expect politics, culture, history and global affairs to be explored through talks, panels and workshops in an intimate festival setting. More Info

Single tickets from £14 (2 for £13 each, 3+ for £12 each).
Passes: Fri evening £35, Sat £60, Sun £60 (excl workshops), Sat+Sun £85
All festival £95 (excl workshops).

Friday

⚖️ Jeremy Corbyn - Inequality, Justice and the Future of Fairness in Britain | 12:30-1:40pm & 2:00-3:10pm
🏛️ Sam Freedman - Failed State: Why Britain Is Struggling | 3:30-4:40pm
📚 Richard Overy - Rain of Ruin: Tokyo, Hiroshima and the Surrender of Japan | 5:00-6:10pm
💬 Sir Ed Davey (with James MacCleary MP) - Why I Care: And Why Care Matters | 6:30-7:40pm
🌱 Caroline Lucas - England: How to Reclaim Our National Story | 8:00-9:10pm

Saturday

🛡️ Maggie Oliver & Jade - Speaking Out on Grooming, Justice and Safeguarding | 9:50-11:00am
🤖 Parmy Olson - Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT and the Race That Will Change the World | 11:20am-12:30pm
📖 Xinran Xue - The Book of Secrets: A Family’s Story of Modern China | 12:50-2:00pm
🎙️ Iain Dale (with Alex Puffette) - Margaret Thatcher: The Prime Ministers Series | 2:20-3:30pm
👑 Norman Baker - Royal Mint & National Debt: The Truth About the Royals’ Finances | 3:50-5:00pm
🛰️ Dr Andrew Monaghan - Blitzkrieg and the Russian Art of War | 5:20-6:30pm
🎖️ Dame Penny Mordaunt - Pomp & Circumstance: Why Britain’s Traditions Matter | 6:50-8:00pm
🧠 Claudia Hammond (with Prof Robin Banerjee) - Overwhelmed: Ways to Take the Pressure Off | 8:20-9:30pm

Sunday

🧾 Prof Clive Webb - Vietdamned: How the World’s Greatest Minds Put America on Trial | 9:50-11:00am
🎶 Volya Voices - Traditional Ukrainian Choir | 11:00-11:20am & 12:25-12:45pm (Free)
🍲 Olia Hercules - Strong Roots: A Ukrainian Family Story | 11:20am-12:30pm
🏛️ Chris Mullin - The Starmer Government: An Interim Report | 12:50-2:00pm
🛰️ Bob Seely - The New Total War: Russia, Ukraine and the West | 2:20-3:30pm
⚖️ Prof David Betz - Could the UK Be Heading Toward Civil Conflict? | 3:50-5:00pm
🧠 Dr Theodore Dalrymple - An Englishman’s Home Is His Car Park | 5:20-6:30pm
🪖 Gen Sir Barney White-Spunner - Nations in Arms: Five Armies That Made Europe | 6:50-8:00pm

Sunday Workshops

🎨 Diana Yeliseieva - Ukrainian Samchykivka Folk Art Workshop | 9:50-11:10am & 1:00-2:20pm
🧿 Iryna Holoshchapova - Travnytsia Herbal Doll Workshop | 2:40-3:40pm & 4:00-5:00pm

More Info & Tickets

🍹 Rumour Has It

A new addition has landed on the historic Dukes Lane. Rumour Has It is the city’s newest aperitivo-style sanctuary that is perfect for a date at any time of day, a coffee and focaccia brunch, or an evening cocktail (all for only £10!). Open for just six weeks, this spot swaps the city rush for a Mediterranean pace and a vinyl-only soundtrack.

The transition from day to night is seamless. After the morning coffee rush, the bar shifts into a sophisticated evening lineup of rare spirits and curated spritzes you won't find elsewhere in town. The team doesn’t skimp on the cellar either, pouring a full spectrum of white, red, rosé, and skin-contact orange wines alongside a rotating selection of crisp keg beers.

If you’re heading there for lunch, they’ve got a surprisingly brilliant food split. You'll find authentic Cockney pie, mash, and liquor served from 12pm-4pm, alongside fresh, loaded daily focaccias (with plenty of vegan options). It’s a great shout if you want to impress someone with something more creative than a standard pint, and keep an eye on their Instagram for their regular portrait painting and other art events, too.

📍10 Dukes Lane, BN1
🕣 10am-10pm, Mon-Sun (Closed Tue)
📷 View Their Instagram

🤑 Rental Royalty

A seriously high-spec detached home, newly renovated and packed with modern wow-factor, from the 8m bi-fold doors and south facing garden packed with trees and an outdoor living space, to the Sonos sound system, gym room and luxury finishes throughout.

📍 Wayland Avenue, Withdean
💰 £7,000 a Month
🔗 View on Rightmove

Tuesday

🎤 The Secret Comedy Club Open Mic (AKA See You Next Tuesday)
Tuesday, 7:00-10:30pm @ Artista Cafe and Gallery, Brighton
A popular South Coast open mic night featuring professionals, semi-pros and new comics, with last entry at 8pm. More Info

🎷 Jazz Jam
Tuesday, 8:00pm @ The Brunswick, Hove
Brighton’s longest-running jazz jam brings top musicians from across the South Coast, hosted by Paul Richards. More Info

♟️ Brighton Backgammon - Beginners Night
Tuesday, 6:00-11:00pm @ The Fitz Regent, Brighton
A free, friendly beginners session welcoming anyone curious about learning or improving their backgammon game. More Info

Thursday

🎭 Stephen K Amos: Now We’re Talking
Thursday, 8:00pm (doors 7:30pm) @ Komedia, Brighton
Stephen K Amos returns with sharp, freewheeling stand-up packed with punchlines, observations and no-filter comedy. More Info

🎶 Pitchblack Playback: Bob Dylan - Desire (50th Anniversary)
Thursday, 8:00-9:45pm @ The Old Market, Hove
A seated, immersive album listening session in complete darkness celebrating 50 years of Bob Dylan’s Desire. More Info

🎤 The Branding Needs Work
Thursday, 7:30-9:45pm @ Caxton Arms, Brighton
A relaxed comedy night where comedians test new material, hosted by Brighton Fringe nominee Simon Harriyott. More Info

🎶 Hove Rock Choir
Thursday, 10:00am @ Central United Reformed Church, Hove
A welcoming community choir session led by Charlotte Nash, open to all with no audition required. More Info

Friday

🎭 4000 Days
Selected dates, 16-24 Jan @ New Venture Theatre, Bedford Place, Brighton
A powerful new play about love, memory and identity as a man wakes from a coma unable to remember the last decade of his life. (some shows sold out More Info

👶 Story Magic
Friday, 10:00am & 11:00am @ Komedia, Brighton
Music, movement and storytelling sessions for children aged 9 months to 4 years, led by Fideri Fidera. More Info

🎭 Komedia Comedy Club
Friday, 8:00pm @ Komedia, Brighton
Three top comedy acts and an MC at one of the UK’s most celebrated independent comedy venues. More Info

🎤 An Evening With Joe Thomas
Friday, 8:00pm @ Artista Cafe and Gallery, Brighton
A special evening with The Inbetweeners star Joe Thomas, talking comedy, TV and more. More Info

☕ Just Friends Coffee Morning
Friday, 10:15am-12:15pm @ Jubilee Library, Brighton
A relaxed coffee morning for people who live alone and carers, open to everyone with no membership required. More Info

🧸 The Gingerbread Man (Short Stories Tall Tales)
Friday, 11:30am & 1:30pm @ Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham
Interactive storytelling and creative play for babies and pre-schoolers, with a different story each month. More Info

🎤 Freak of Nature Comedy
Friday, 8:00-10:30pm @ Caxton Arms, Brighton
A free Friday night comedy showcase featuring established comedians from across the South Coast. More Info

Live Music

Mosquito Nights (Die Twice Residency) | Rossi Bar | Tue, Jan 13 | Tickets
BABYTEETH | Green Door Store | Tue, Jan 13 | Tickets

NERD BALL: 3026 | Daltons | Wed, Jan 14 | Tickets
2 and a Half Pigeons Poetry Night | Rossi Bar | Wed, Jan 14 | Tickets
Supercollider | Green Door Store | Wed, Jan 14 | Tickets

Smugglers Fest | The Brunswick | Thu, Jan 15 | Tickets
Adam Ash | Folklore Rooms | Thu, Jan 15 | Tickets
Pitchblack Playback: Bob Dylan – Desire (50th Anniversary) | The Old Market | Thu, Jan 15 | Tickets
Distress Call | Green Door Store | Thu, Jan 15 | Tickets

The Zomigs + Beauty Princess + Mind From + Joy Machines | Pipeline | Fri, Jan 16 | Tickets
Aladdin Sane: Brighton Beach Boys | The Brunswick | Fri, Jan 16 | Tickets
metal_4_sudan (fundraiser) | Daltons | Fri, Jan 16 | Tickets
Chasing Dolls | Rossi Bar | Fri, Jan 16 | Tickets
Cavetown: Acoustic Performance | Resident | Fri, Jan 16 | Tickets
Paulie Boy Blues (and the Yorkshire Puddings) | Hope & Ruin | Fri, Jan 16 | Tickets 

Last week, we asked: How many visitors did the Palace Pier get in 2025 (rounded to the nearest 1M). Only 39% got it right with 4 million, rounded up from 3.9m, no wonder the bids are coming in thick a fast!

This week, we’re looking at perhaps the most famous book set in Brighton and Hove, inspired by Lewes Speakers Festival happening this weekend.