🐦 Pride, Pints & Playdates

🏳️‍🌈 What. A. Weekend.

Brighton Pride 2025 came, glittered, and absolutely conquered — with drag queens flying high over the seafront, community heroes leading the parade, and Preston Park pulsing with 150+ performers across two joy-soaked days.

Yes, there were hiccups (those queues…), but the spirit of Pride powered through: from Fatboy Slim in the dance tent to Sugababes on stools, Andy Bell in a pink mirrorball suit, and Mariah Carey keeping her 2020 promise.

We’ve rounded up the week’s happenings (including even more live music + shows), but let’s be real: it’s going to take all week to recover!

Here’s what’s squawking today:

🌈 Brighton Pride 2025: Recap + reaction
🎧 Raver Tots hits Madeira Drive
❤️ Palmito: A tiny restaurant worth booking ahead
📅 30+ events in and around Brighton this week

🎉 Brighton Pride 2025: Glitter, Protest & Pop Legends

Brighton Pride 2025 delivered a weekend of unforgettable colour, community, and chaos — from the parade to Preston Park.

Saturday’s parade lit up the streets with NHS heroes and drag royalty marching in unity. On the seafront, Attitude’s i360 party featured fizz, sax solos, and a sky-high drag performance of Defying Gravity.

Across the park, 150+ LGBTQ+ acts brought the noise. Mariah Carey finally took the Brighton Pride stage after a five-year wait — dazzling in a trans Pride mini-dress and “Protect the Dolls” bomber. She paused mid-set to dedicate Hero to the LGBTQ+ community, but reactions were mixed: some praised her vocals and presence, while others found the set choppy and underwhelming.

Sunday saw Sugababes, Will Young, Andy Bell, and Fatboy Slim deliver banger after banger, closing a weekend that was equal parts protest, party, and pure queer joy.

→ The Offical Recap

🖤 Ozzy Forever on Trafalgar Street

A new mural of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne has been unveiled on the side of the Prince Albert pub following his death last month, aged 76. The Brighton venue — known for its star-studded wall featuring the likes of Elvis and Freddie Mercury — added Ozzy to its iconic collection just days after the news broke.

The Black Sabbath frontman performed at the Brighton Dome twice in his career, including a memorable Halloween solo show in 1980. Pub director Chris Taylor said the mural has already become a photo hotspot: “We got up to look at the wall the day after we heard he had died.” A fitting tribute for the Prince of Darkness.

→ Read More

📢 Pride Organisers Apologise After Entry Chaos

Despite the glitter and pop divas, Brighton Pride faced heavy criticism after thousands queued for hours to get into Preston Park and Marine Parade. Attendees described the scenes as “chaotic”, “shambolic” and “an absolute shambles” on social media, with some leaving before even making it through the gates.

Organisers have since issued a public apology, promising a full review and requesting feedback from ticket holders. They also made on-the-fly adjustments to Sunday’s events to ease the flow. Here’s hoping the future brings smoother entries and less sardine-like conditions.

→ Read More

🛍️ Littlehampton Market Makes a Comeback

After being shut down in March due to antisocial behaviour (including reported drinking, drug use, and even violence), Littlehampton’s general market has officially returned to the High Street — this time, run entirely by locals.

Organisers are offering one free stall per week for local charities, with groups like the Littlehampton Bonfire Society calling the market a vital source of fundraising. Police say they’ll continue visible patrols to keep things safe and peaceful this time around.

→ Read More

🎪 Raver Tots Festival

Big beats, little feet — the UK’s biggest family-friendly rave is coming to town! Raver Tots brings together thousands of dancing parents and kids for a day of high-energy fun, featuring top DJs, huge outdoor stages, and plenty of space to rave as a family.

This year, they’re partnering with Brain Tumour Research, backing the Stop the Devastation campaign and raising money to help fund seven research centres across the UK. Expect glitter, basslines, and big fundraising energy. Tickets are running low, so don’t hang about!

🎟️ £30 Kids / £35 Adults - Tickets + Info
📍 Madeira Drive, Brighton
📅 25/8 From 1pm

🎯 Darts Marathon for Macmillan

Grab a pint and throw some darts for a great cause. All skill levels welcome in this 12-hour challenge raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

🎟️ £5 entry - More Info
📍 Duke of Wellington, Brighton
📅 Sat 9 Aug, from 12pm

☕ Cheeky Chappie ChariTEA Party

Afternoon tea with cakes, raffles, and cheeky charm - all raising money for Prostate Cancer UK, hosted by the Max Miller Appreciation Society.

🎟️ £26.05 - Book Here
📍 Pavilion Gardens Café, Brighton
📅 Sun 10 Aug, 2–5pm

🌎 Palmito

If you’re looking to impress with minimal faff and maximum flavour, Palmito is your new go-to. Tucked away near the Brighton-Hove border, this tiny 20-seater bistro punches well above its size with an ever-changing, spice-driven menu that pulls inspiration from Latin America, South Asia, and southern Europe.

Chef-owner Diego brings heart, heritage, and just the right amount of heat, earning his restaurant a prestigious Bib Gourmand from Michelin. The vibe? Understated, unfussy, and quietly romantic. Think smoky or spicey small plates, bold flavours, and a wine list that refuses to be boring.

📍 16 Western Road, Hove
🕐 Tue-Sat, 5-11pm | Fri 12.30-2.30pm | Sat 12-2.30pm
🔗 Michelin Guide

🏡 A Stylish & Quirky Gem

This one’s a real surprise - tucked away on a quiet, one-way street just minutes from the station, this beautifully extended home combines smart design with standout style.

The proud owners, Buzz and Woody (pictured), have kitted this terraced home out with solar panels, bespoke interiors and a walk-on glass roof terrace that’s just begging for a sunset spritz.

📍 Central Brighton
💰 £685,000
🔗 View on Rightmove

Tuesday

🍼 Afternoon Baby & Toddler Play Group (0–3yrs)
1:00pm–3:00pm @ Westdene Barn, Brighton
Montessori toys, storytelling, hot drinks, and biscuits — £5 per adult.
More Info

🧘‍♀️ SUP Yoga @ Lagoon Watersports
6:30–7:30pm @ Hove Lagoon Watersports
Yoga on paddleboards with Sasha & Lee. Float, stretch, and chill.
More Info

🎤 That Music Quiz
8:00–11:00pm @ The Park Crescent
Five rounds of music trivia with £2 entry and cheap drinks.
More Info

💘 Speed Dating in Brighton (Ages 28–45)
7:30–9:30pm @ The Fitz Regent, Brighton
Face-to-face flirty fun for hopeful romantics.
More Info

🎤 The Secret Comedy Club – Open Mic
7:00–11:00pm @ Artista Cafe & Gallery, Brighton
Fresh comics and veteran stand-ups test their best (and worst) material.
More Info

🎭 Scoops Improv Comedy Night
8:00pm @ The Actors, Brighton
Brighton’s best improv comics spin your suggestions into hilarity.
More Info

🎬 Family Film: Wicked
2:00pm @ Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham
Musical prequel to The Wizard of Oz starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
More Info

Wednesday

📖 Brighton Telltales
7:30pm @ Yellow Book Bar
Open mic night for storytellers and spoken word lovers.
More Info

👒 Toy Story Holiday Club
8:45am–3:15pm @ Cottesmore St Marys School
Ages 5+. Slime, aliens, and Buzz Lightyear fun from The Outdoors Project.
More Info

🏇 Brighton Festival of Racing – Opener
From 12:15pm @ Brighton Racecourse
Family-friendly racing with games, music, and seaside charm.
More Info

🍻 Pottery and Pints Taster Workshop
8:30pm @ The Fountain Head, Brighton
Hands-on clay fun with a side of beer. Use code AUG10 for 10% off.
More Info

💘 Brighton Speed Dating (Ages 35–55)
7:00–9:30pm @ The Bootlegger, Brighton
Mini dates for mid-lifers with no swiping involved.
More Info

Thursday

🏰 Arundel Castle’s History Days
10:00am–5:00pm @ Arundel Castle
Knights, pirates, archery, axe-throwing — medieval madness for all.
More Info

🌱 Nature Discovery Sessions
2:00–4:00pm @ Plot 22, Weald Allotments, Hove
Bug hunts, fruit foraging, and craft fun for kids.
More Info

🚶‍♀️ Mental Wellbeing Family Activity Walk
11:00am @ Preston Park
Gentle strolls, reconnecting with nature, and family bonding.

💃 La Glorieta de Brighton: Social Tango
7:00–10:00pm @ Brighton Beach Bandstand
Free outdoor tango with seaside charm.
More Info

🧠 The Good Companions Quiz
7:50–10:00pm @ Good Companions, Brighton
Wacky trivia, visual rounds, and prizes.

🎸 Jam at The Nevill
8:30–11:00pm @ The Nevill Pub
Open mic night for musicians. All instruments and genres welcome.
More Info

Friday

🎉 Opal Medispa Launch Event
5:00–8:00pm @ 35 Ladies Mile Road, Brighton
Free bubbly, facials, goodie bags, and a grand opening glow-up.
More Info

🌇 Sunset Sessions
6:00–10:00pm @ Brighton Beach Bandstand (Hove side)
Free music with a sea breeze.
More Info

🎤 Killer Rock Karaoke – Summer Party
8:00pm @ The Pipeline
12,000 tracks, no paper slips — just noise.
More Info

💃 Salsadelic
9:00pm @ The Palmeira, Hove
Free salsa night with a friendly crowd and big beats.
More Info

Live Music & Shows

🎸 Distress Call – Gas Leak Release Show
Tuesday, 8:00pm @ The Prince Albert
Alt-punk single launch with solid local support.

🎤 Jenny Tian – Jenny’s Travels
Thursday, 8:00pm @ Komedia Brighton
Stand-up from TikTok star Jenny Tian.

🎤 John Bishop: Work In Progress
Thursday, 7:30pm @ Forge Comedy Club
New material from the comedy giant.

🎸 Shaun Kirk (Final Tickets)
Thursday, 7:00pm @ The Brunswick, Hove
Melbourne blues-rock meets soul.

🎶 Jordi Alkema Live
Friday, 7:30pm @ The Folklore Rooms
Folk-pop with Alice Geary and Jack Foz.

🎸 dbcooper – First/Final Headline Show
Friday, 7:00pm @ Green Door Store
One-night-only local gig. £3 entry.

🎸 Live 70s Rock Night – Gen Z Play Dadrock
Friday, 7:00pm @ Daltons
Classic rock anthems with a modern twist.

🎪 At The Edge of the Sea 2025
Friday, 7:00pm @ Concorde 2
Local festival warm-up with a packed lineup.

🎸 Brave Rival in Brighton
Friday, 7:30pm @ Komedia Brighton
High-octane live rock from rising stars.

🎸 JJ Grey & Mofro + Kymara
Wednesday, 7:30pm @ Concorde 2
Soulful southern rock with powerhouse vocals.

🎭 Electra – Brighton Open Air Theatre
Wednesday, 8:00pm @ Dyke Road Park
Award-winning Greek tragedy under the stars.