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🐦 Sussex Mayor Plans & Comedy Stars Light Up Brighton

🐦 Sussex Mayor Plans & Comedy Stars Light Up Brighton

Brighton boasts England’s best place to live, plus a week packed with stand-up stars and Halloween fun.

Ben Watkins
October 21, 2025

Hello Brighton 👋

Big changes could be brewing for Sussex, with plans for a directly elected mayor edging closer and new council housing on the way. But it’s not all politics, the city’s laughter levels are peaking as the Brighton Dome Comedy Festival rolls on with stars like Romesh Ranganathan, Joanne McNally, and Paul Merton taking the stage. Add a top-notch date spot serving up cocktails with serious class, and you’ve got a weekend that’s shaping up nicely.

Here’s what’s squawking this week:

🏛️ Plans for a directly elected Mayor of Sussex move forward
🏘️ Council to buy three blocks of flats to boost affordable housing
🌳 Brighton neighbourhood named England’s best place to live
😂 Big-name laughs as the Dome Comedy Festival continues

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🏛️ Mayor for Sussex Edges Closer

Brighton and Hove councillors have backed plans to create a directly elected mayor for Sussex, paving the way for a new combined county authority. The proposal could unlock £1.14bn in investment over 30 years to boost housing, transport, and jobs.

Labour supports the plan, calling it a chance to “bring influence and investment closer to communities,” while Greens warn it could centralise too much power. Conservatives questioned whether the plan will benefit rural areas, but Labour’s majority ensured it passed. Elections for the new Sussex Mayor are expected next May, with four candidates already announced: Katy Bourne, Ben Dempsey, Rachel Millward, and Martin Webb.

→ read more on Brighton & Hove News

🏘️ Council to Buy Three Blocks of Flats to Boost Housing Stock

Brighton and Hove City Council will purchase 19 new homes across Brighton and Rottingdean to increase affordable and temporary housing. Thirteen will be used for temporary accommodation, saving the city an estimated £164,000 a year in private rental costs.

The move is part of a wider £50m housing plan that includes selling off unused council properties to fund new homes. Councillor Gill Williams said the investment will strengthen long-term financial resilience and reduce reliance on “spot-purchased” emergency housing, which has driven major overspending this year.

→ read more on Brighton & Hove News

🌳 Brighton Neighbourhood Named Best Place to Live in England

Withdean Woods has been crowned England’s best place to live, topping the Daily Mail’s list of 6,856 neighbourhoods with a score of 85.2 out of 100. The area was praised for its green spaces, safety, air quality, and strong transport links.

The leafy suburb, known for Edwardian homes and woodland walks, outperformed thousands of areas based on house prices, crime, and income. Property experts say Brighton’s ongoing popularity and coastal charm have made it one of the most sought-after and high-value cities in the country.

→ read more from The Argus

🚗 Hundreds of Pavement Parking Fines Issued in Brighton and Hove

New data reveals the council has issued 619 fines for pavement parking since September 2022. The figures, released under a Freedom of Information request, show consistent enforcement against drivers who block pavements and reduce access for pedestrians.

Councillor Trevor Muten said the practice “causes genuine problems” and urged drivers to park “legally and considerately.” He also called on the government to pass new laws banning pavement parking across England and Wales, adding that stronger powers would help councils tackle the issue citywide.

→ read more from The Argus

Also in the news:

🏬 Mystery supermarket targets Hove Curry’s site: A secret supermarket plans to move into the Old Shoreham Road Curry’s store, pending approval to lift a food sales ban. The £14.7m venture could rival Aldi and Sainsbury’s nearby.
→ read more on Brighton & Hove News

🏫 Old school could become council housing: The former St Peter’s Primary in Portslade may be turned into 10 affordable homes as the council tackles homelessness and a citywide housing shortage.
→ read more on Brighton & Hove News

💉 City’s first permanent blood donation centre opens: Brighton’s new Gloucester Place donor hub offers 1,100 weekly appointments - five times more than the old mobile units.
→ read more from BBC News

⛵ Brighton family returns from eight-year voyage: After visiting 40 countries, the Wood family are back home with tales of pirates, storms, and saving sea creatures along the way.
→ read more from BBC News

🚆 Train upgrades complete in £100m South East project: Over 300 trains now have LED lights, USB ports, and new passenger sensors after a five-year GTR modernisation.
→ read more from BBC News

🏳️‍🌈 Residents asked for views on Pride street party: Locals are invited to share feedback on the 2026 Pride event after this year’s version saw fewer incidents and strong support.
→ read more from The Argus

🎭 Brighton Dome Comedy Festival

📆 17-26 Oct | 📍 Brighton Dome | 🎟️ View All Shows

The laughs are in full swing at the Brighton Dome Comedy Festival, bringing nine days of stand-up, improv, and family fun to the city. After early highlights from Rosie Jones, Jen Brister, and Rob Newman, there’s still a stellar lineup ahead. With a few shows already sold out, now’s your chance to catch some of the country’s biggest comedy stars live on stage.

🎟️ Tickets Still Available!

Babatunde Aleshe - High Expectations | Wed, 8pm @ Concert Hall | Taskmaster favourite with sharp, relatable storytelling. More Info
Chris McCausland - Yonks | Fri, 8pm @ Concert Hall | Stand-up from the Have I Got News For You and QI regular, returning with sharp wit and fresh stories from two decades on the circuit. More Info
Joanne McNally - Pinotphile | Fri, 8pm @ Concert Hall | Outrageous dating tales and Pinot-fuelled laughs. More Info
Nick Helm - No One Gets Out Alive | Sat, 9pm @ Corn Exchange | Loud, chaotic, and gloriously unfiltered. More Info
Paul Merton & Suki Webster's Improv Show | Sun, 8pm @ Concert Hall | Unscripted games, stories, and chaos from two improv legends. More Info
Wolf & Owl: Live | Sat, 8pm @ Concert Hall | Romesh Ranganathan and Tom Davis bring their hit podcast to the stage with laughs, surprises, and sweet, unfiltered chaos. Limited tickets from £20.50. More Info

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Comedy This Weekend

Live at Brighton Dome: BLEEPED | Sat, 6pm @ Corn Exchange | Clean, clever comedy for ages 11+. More Info
Olaf Falafel's Stupidest Super Stupid Show So Far | Sun, 11:30am @ Corn Exchange | Kids' comedy gold with farts, cheese, and pogo sticks. More Info
The Young Comedians Comedy Show | Sun, 7pm @ Studio Theatre | Brighton's funniest under-16s take the stage. More Info

🎟️ All shows listed still have tickets available, but not for long!

🍸 The Plotting Parlour

Just off the Old Steine, The Plotting Parlour stands as one of Brighton’s most established cocktail institutions. Elegant, low-lit, and thoughtfully designed, it’s a bar where every detail feels intentional, from the sparkle of the glassware to the soft murmur of conversation. Refined without ever tipping into pretentious, it remains one of the city’s best spots for a perfectly mixed drink. With a second home on Church Road in Hove, The Plotting Parlour now brings its trademark mix of craft and charm to both sides of the city.

An established favourite on Brighton’s cocktail scene, The Plotting Parlour is known for its precision and creativity. Each drink is mixed with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and often using their own premium spirits (which they also sell online, along with pre-mixed cocktails), served with table service that keeps things calm and unhurried. It’s relaxed, intimate, and made for people who appreciate craft over chaos.

The menu celebrates balance and invention, from the Rum Plum Negroni with its winter spice and cocoa warmth to the St Pierre bringing brightness with pear and cardamom. Add a few small plates, a glass of natural wine, or a perfectly chilled beer, and you’ve got an evening that stays with you long after the last sip.

📍 6 Steine Street, Brighton | 34 Church Road, Hove
🕒 Sun-Thurs from 4pm | Fri-Sat from 3pm
🌐 Reservations & Online Store

🌊 The Seaside Sanctuary

Featured in House Beautiful Magazine, this design-lover’s dream on Marine Drive, Rottingdean, is a rare mix of elegance, warmth, and pure Brighton soul. Crafted by an interior and garden designer whose touch is felt in every detail. Sunlight pours through open-plan living spaces framing uninterrupted sea views, while a curated garden with raised decking brings the outside in.

📍 Marine Drive, Rottingdean
💰 £1,000,000
🔗 View on Rightmove

events marked with a * are sponsored

🎸 Moin

➕ Support: Hyperdawn
📅 Wednesday 29 October, 8pm
📍 Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts

The London-based trio, featuring Tom Halstead and Joe Andrews of Raime with percussionist Valentina Magaletti, balance the familiar and the inquisitive. Reworking grunge, shoegaze, and post-rock through an inventive band dynamic, their music carries a visceral immediacy that fully comes alive in their powerful live performances.*

Tuesday

Both Sides Now - UK Screening
6pm-8:30pm @ Fabrica
A bold programme of short films exploring identity, queerness, and speculative futures, curated by videoclub and Dr. Isaac Leung. More Info

Waiting at Eldridge
6:30pm-7:30pm @ The Yellow Book
A haunting mix of storytelling, theatre, and poetry where mortals meet monsters in a magical world. More Info

Pumpkin Carving Competition
7:30pm-9pm @ The Yellow Book
Grab your carving tools and join Brighton’s annual pumpkin showdown. £5 per pumpkin, pre-booking essential. More Info

Christian Jegard: Mr Showbusiness
8pm @ Komedia
The debut comedy hour from BBC New Comedy Award finalist Christian Jegard, mixing vaudeville flair and post-divorce chaos. More Info

The Secret Comedy Club Open Mic
7pm-11pm @ Artista Cafe and Gallery
Brighton’s top open mic comedy night, with pros and newcomers testing new material in a lively underground setting. More Info

Wednesday

Ramon Fear’s Terror Tapes: Live
6:30pm @ The Yellow Book
A live horror-comedy anthology inspired by the likes of Creepshow and Garth Marenghi's Darkplace. More Info

Cardiac Comedy 12
8pm @ Komedia
Brighton’s beloved charity comedy night returns with Laura Lexx, Alasdair Beckett-King, and more, raising funds for the British Heart Foundation. More Info

OBLIVION
7pm-10:30pm @ The Old Market
A Halloween night of films, live art, and music exploring life, death, and the spaces in between. More Info

Sensory Storytelling for Babies
9:25am @ Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham
Interactive storytelling with music, puppetry, and sensory play for little ones aged 0-18 months. More Info

Thursday

Comic Boom Comedy Club
7:30pm @ Komedia
A night of fast-paced fun with top comics and rising stars hosted by Paul F Taylor and Radu Isac. More Info

Bring Your Own Art & Craft Meetup
6:30pm–8:30pm @ Alcampo Lounge
A relaxed social evening for creatives - bring your own project and enjoy some company while you make. More Info

The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals
7:30pm @ The Actors, Brighton
A hilarious cult musical about a man who hates musicals... until his world turns into one. More Info

Friday

Story Magic
10am & 11am @ Komedia
Interactive storytelling classes for under-fours with songs, games, and puppets from the award-winning Fideri Fidera. More Info

Halloween Trail
9:30am-5pm @ One Garden Brighton, Stanmer Park
Follow spooky clues and scenes around One Garden Brighton in this family-friendly trail. Costumes encouraged, suggested £2 donation per child. More Info

Interstellar: Tribute to Hans Zimmer
7pm-8:45pm @ St George’s Church
Experience the magic of Nolan’s sci-fi masterpiece with a live orchestra performing Zimmer’s epic score. More Info

DANCE - Powerful Dance Journeys
8pm-10pm @ Brighthelm Church & Community Centre
Lose yourself in a conscious, sober dance night soundtracked by deep techno and ambient electronic beats. More Info

Vache Baroque - Out of the Deep
7:30pm-9pm @ St Martin’s Church
An immersive concert blending Bach, Purcell, and 17th-century poetry in a hauntingly beautiful setting. More Info

Live Music

🎺 Last week’s trivia question: “What city is considered the birthplace of jazz?” hit all the right notes, with 71% of you correctly choosing New Orleans!

This week, with the Brighton Dome Comedy Festival in full swing and a blue plaque being unveiled at his former Kemptown home, we’re celebrating one of Brighton’s most iconic performers.