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🐦 Sunshine, Shakespeare & Street Food
Big festivals, hidden gems, and a record-breaking 45 things to do in the city
Ben Watkins
August 15, 2025
Good morning Brightonians & Hovites,
The weekend forecast? Sunny, hot, and with a high chance of live music, sizzling street food, Shakespeare, and 90s bangers. We’ve got two new spots for pints & plates, open-air theatre at Arundel Castle, a countryside festival, and 2025’s final plant sale for all you green-fingered types.
Here’s what’s squawking this week:
🎪 Our favourite picks including Shakespeare in the twilight
🍷 A hidden gem wine bar/merchant
🍲 Two brand new openings serving up hotpot and flat whites
🎶 A record-breaking 45 events happening across the city
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🎪 Brunswick Festival 2025 ⏰ Saturday & Sunday, from 12:00 PM One of Hove’s longest-running community celebrations returns for another weekend of live music, street food, and family fun. Stroll through the buzzing square while enjoying performances from local bands, sampling flavours from around the world, and soaking up the community atmosphere that makes this festival a summer favourite. 🌏 Magic of Thailand Festival ⏰ Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 AM–7:00 PM A colourful two-day celebration of Thai culture with mouthwatering street food, authentic crafts, traditional dance, Muay Thai boxing, and the always-popular ladyboy cabaret shows. From sizzling curries to handcrafted trinkets, this is your passport to Thailand without leaving Brighton. Tickets available. 🎪 Tribal Earth Festival ⏰ Ongoing to Sunday Set in the scenic Sussex countryside, Tribal Earth brings together live music, drumming circles, world dance, fire shows, craft workshops, yoga, forest school, and so much more. This vibrant family-friendly gathering raises funds for homeless young people in Brighton and is packed with activities for all ages, from sunrise meditation to late-night performances under the stars. | 🌱 Plant Sale – Final of the Year ⏰ Saturday, 11:00 AM–12:30 PM The last plant sale of 2025 is here, offering incredible bargains on everything from lush houseplants to garden-ready blooms. Whether you’re looking to green up your home or pick up a gift for a fellow plant lover, this is your final chance before March 2026 — so get in early and bring a bag. 🎶 Amplitude Summer Party ⏰ Saturday, from 4:00 PM Soak up the sun with laid-back garden party vibes as DJ Andy Chick takes you on a journey through dub, downtempo, cosmic disco, and more. With great drinks, a friendly crowd, and tunes that will keep you swaying into the evening, this is the perfect way to round off your Saturday. Free entry! 🎭 Shakespeare Under the Stars ⏰ Friday & Saturday, 7:30 PM–10:00 PM Experience Shakespeare’s uproarious comedy The Merry Wives in the stunning open-air setting of Arundel Castle. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and enjoy an evening of wit, romance, and laughter under the night sky. 🎧 90s Silent Disco at The Royal Pavilion Gardens* ⏰ Saturday, 5:00 PM–10:00 PM Grab your headphones and choose your channel — three live DJs will be spinning nothing but 90s bangers in this open-air silent disco right in front of Brighton’s iconic Royal Pavilion. |
🍷 9 Vines Wine Merchants & Bar
Part wine shop, part wine bar, and fully run by someone who’s been around the grape block, 9 Vines is owner Marc’s “Greatest Hits” from over 20 years in the wine game. This independent merchant has 750+ bottles covering everything from everyday easy drinkers to fine vintages from new to old world, plus spirits, ciders, and beers.
Pull up a chair for a tasting from the ever-changing by-the-glass list and pair it with some food from one of their visiting food vans (there’s local Wagyu smash burgers on Saturday!)
📍 7 Woodland Parade, Hove
🧭 View on Google
🍔 Food Truck Schedule
🏛️ St Vincent’s Centre - Tower House
More than just a community centre, Tower House is a warm and welcoming hub for people over 50 in Brighton & Hove. From art groups and exercise classes to a lively craft club, there’s something for everyone.
Run by the St Vincent de Paul Society, it also offers vital support groups – including stroke recovery, dementia support, and sessions for carers – all alongside a friendly, dog-friendly coffee shop that’s open to all.
👀 Fresh on the Scene: The Greenhouse & DAIU
🪴The Greenhouse
Hove’s trendiest hangout spot has arrived, and it’s every bit as fresh as its name. The Greenhouse is a bright, airy café and bar pouring expertly brewed specialty coffee by day and carefully chosen wines, craft cocktails, IPA, and lager on tap by night.
With its open-fronted design and relaxed buzz, it’s the perfect spot for the sunny weekend ahead — whether you’re starting the day with a flat white or winding down with a glass in hand as the sun sets.
📍 55 Church Rd, Hove
🧭 View on Google
🍲 DAIU Brighton
Brighton’s newest buffet (£35 Adult / £25 Kids) spot is already turning heads — and taste buds. DAIU combines the best of hot pot, BBQ, and sushi with a huge choice of fresh seafood, meats, vegetables, and a dessert counter that’s impossible to ignore (sorry, calorie counters).
From sizzling BBQ teppanyaki and bubbling hot pot broths to delicate tempura prawns, fresh sushi rolls, and sweet bubble tea to finish, there’s something to please every palate — with plenty of vegetarian options too.
📍 11 Black Lion Street, BN1
🧭 View on Google
🗓️ General Events
🎵 Reggae Session with King Tafari Love Muzic
Sat 16 Aug, 5pm–12am @ The Lewes Road Inn
Brighton’s original reggae soundsystem returns for a night of pure vibes, with guest selector Mighty Dan Dan Jah Kingdom on the decks. Free entry
🛍️ The Seaside Siblinghood Creativity Fair
Sat 16 Aug, 11am–5pm @ Brighton Unitarian Church
A craft fair filled with handmade stalls, workshops, and local creators. More Info
🔥 Craft Market & Summer BBQ
Sat 16 Aug, 12pm–4pm @ The Lewes Road Inn
Browse local crafts, enjoy a BBQ, and take on the spicy wing challenge. Live music at 5pm. Free entry. More Info
🤠 The Bevy Country Night
Sat 16 Aug, from 7pm @ The Bevy Pub
Live country DJ tunes, fancy dress, a bucking bronco, themed eats, and plenty of line dancing. More Info
🎪 DedFest 2025
Sat 16–Sun 17 Aug @ Crockstead Fields, Lewes
Independent local outdoor festival showcasing the best new music in the countryside. Free Entry
🌊 Brighton Wellness Retreat
Sat 16–Sun 17 Aug, from 9am @ SEAGYM Brighton
A weekend of movement, mindfulness, and coastal adventures blending yoga, fitness, and relaxation. Tickets
🕵️ Murder Mystery – The Fashion House
Fri 15 Aug, 7pm @ Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel
A glamonrous 1920s fashion show takes a deadly twist in this interactive murder mystery dinner. More Info
🍺 Karaoke Night
Sun 17 Aug, 7pm–10pm @ The Sussex
Sing your heart out with DJ Spoons after Boogie Bingo. Food served until 9pm. More Info
🎶 Brighton All Dayer
Sat 16 Aug, 2pm–12am @ King & Queen
Underground 70s/80s dance grooves on vinyl from top UK and European DJs, plus food and drink. Tickets
🎧 The Bass Bin – Summer Scorcher Outdoor Terrace Party
Sat 16 Aug, 4pm–10pm @ Volks Nightclub
Free-entry outdoor rave with bass-heavy beats and a full DJ line-up. More Info
🎷 Soul Casserole
Fri 15 Aug, 7pm–12am @ Saltdean Lido Ballroom
An outdoor evening of funk, soul, disco, jazz, and reggae with BBQ and drinks. More Info
🎵 90’s Babes, Y2Slay & More: Music Bingo
Fri 15 Aug, 8pm–10pm @ The Walrus
Mark off iconic hits on your bingo card while DJ Sturdy Thighs spins the bangers. More Info
Family Events
🪐 Galaxy Workshop for Kids (Ages 6–12)
Fri 15 Aug, 10:30am–11:30am @ Wagner Hall
A hands-on space art workshop inspired by images from the James Webb Space Telescope. More Info
🦋 Butterfly Walk
Sat 16 Aug, 11am–12:30pm @ St Ann’s Well Gardens
Join a guided walk to spot and learn about local butterflies with expert Dan Danahar. £5 per person, booking essential. More Info
🎲 Kids Club Adventures (Ages 8–15)
Fri 15 Aug, 3:30pm–6:30pm @ Dice Saloon
An afternoon of board games, Dungeons & Dragons, and creative play. More Info
🎮 Nintendo Brighton’s Switch 2 Bananza!
Sun 17 Aug, 2pm @ Dice Saloon
Meet fellow Nintendo fans and play the latest Switch 2 games. Free ticket required. More Info
🪵 The Outdoors Project Summer Holiday Clubs
Fri 15 Aug, 8am–5pm @ Lancing College Prep, Hove
Action-packed outdoor fun with games, nature crafts, campfire cooking, Harry Potter Quidditch, bushcraft, Nerf battles, and more. More Info
Live Shows & Performances
🎭 Twelfth Night
Fri 15 Aug, 7pm @ Brighton Open Air Theatre
Shakespeare’s bittersweet romantic comedy of love, mistaken identity, and shipwrecks. Tickets
😂 Summer Comedy Festival
Sat 16 Aug, 7:30pm @ Brighton Open Air Theatre
A night of stand-up from top UK comedians including Laura Smyth, Jack Skipper, and MC Stephen Grant. Tickets
🎻 Irish, Welsh and English Folk Night
Fri 15 Aug, 7:30pm–11pm @ The Brunswick
A summer evening of timeless melodies and tales from Ireland, Wales, and England, celebrating the event’s first birthday. More Info
🎭 Les Misérables – Let the People Sing
Fri 15 Aug, 7:15pm & Sat 16 Aug, 2pm & 7:15pm @ Theatre Royal Brighton
A spectacular performance of the world’s most beloved musical, filled with passion, resilience, and unforgettable songs. Tickets
🥧 The Alternative Comedy Jam’s Lemon Meringue Pie Day
Fri 15 Aug, 8pm–10pm @ Caroline of Brunswick
A night of alternative comedy with games, giveaways, and pies galore. Free Entry
🎭 Much Ado About Nothing
Sun 17 Aug, 3pm @ St Ann’s Well Gardens
Open-air performance by Young Actors Group of Shakespeare’s witty romantic comedy in the walled garden. More Info
Live Music
Kid Creole & The Coconuts | Friday 6pm–10pm | Chalk | Tickets
Withered Hand + The Loves + Lonely Tourist | Friday 7pm–3am | Daltons | Tickets
I Love Afrobeats | Friday 11pm–4am | Horizon Club, Brighton | Tickets
Battle of the Bands: Mashed vs. Bench Team vs. The Dead Red Lips | Friday 8pm | The Lewes Road Inn | Tickets
Wimp + Prom + Chasm + mydiary | Friday 7pm | Green Door Store | Tickets
Mess’O’Blues Live | Friday 9pm | The Neptune Inn | Tickets
Ray Coyote | Friday 7 pm | The Prince Albert | Tickets
Mötley Crüde | Saturday 7pm | Dust | Tickets
Greymatter | Saturday 6:45pm–9:30pm | Bottoms Rest | Tickets
Robin Kester x Tessa Rose Jackson | Sunday 7:30pm | The Folklore Rooms | Tickets
Madalitso Band | Saturday 7pm | The Rose Hill | Tickets
Reggae Session with King Tafari Love Muzic | Saturday 5pm–12am | The Lewes Road Inn | Tickets
The Spellbound Synth Special | Saturday 9pm–3am | Komedia | Tickets
Humdinger – with Rory McLeod & Hullabaloo Community Quire | Saturday 7pm–10pm | The Brunswick | Tickets
Fanny Lumsden | Sunday 7pm | Komedia | Tickets
Roots Garden Summer Sessions 2025 | Sunday 2pm–9pm | Concorde 2 | Tickets