🐦 The Big Warm Up

Good Morning Brighton,

This week’s full of summer oddities and local gems — from reptile encounters and bushcraft courses to folklore cabaret, Pride warm-ups, and a disco tour as the city gets ready for the biggest weekend of the year. A little smaller but just as full of heart, Brunswick Fest is also back, and the council wants your say on how Brighton’s boundaries could change.

Here’s what’s squawking today:

🗳️ Help shape Brighton’s boundaries
🥳 Brunswick Fest is back
🖼️ Art, DJs & cocktails at Helm
🎶 Live shows, music and family summer fun

Let’s Squawk 🐥

🗳️ Where Should We Grow Next?

Brighton & Hove City Council is inviting locals to help shape how the city could grow. There are currently four new boundary proposals up for consultation - think more neighbours from Peacehaven, Saltdean, or even Newhaven possibly joining the Brighton & Hove family.

The changes could affect local service delivery and transport connections, as well as how Brighton’s voice is heard across Sussex. If you care about protecting the city’s character or getting a say in future services, this is your moment to get involved.

The online survey is open until 25 August and there’s a planned engagement event in Saltdean where residents can share feedback and questions. Council leader Bella Sankey has called it a “once-in-a-generation chance” to set the city’s direction.

→ More from the Council + Survey

🦁 “We Never Could Have Dreamed of Lionesses’ Success”

Hove local Julia Brunton was among the first women to play for England after the FA lifted its 50-year ban on women’s football in 1971. The ban came just as women’s matches were drawing crowds of over 50,000, following a wartime boom in factory teams who played hundreds of games and raised funds for charity.

Julia made her England debut in 1972 as a substitute in a 3-2 win over Scotland. She told BBC News, “It was so different in those days,” recalling how players would sometimes have to change in their cars due to a lack of locker rooms. After her England career, Julia moved to Brighton, played for local teams and helped lay the groundwork for women’s football in the city.

In 2022, she finally received her England cap, meeting the Lionesses and marking fifty years since her debut. Julia and her pioneering teammates remain proud of how far the women’s game has come.

→ Read the full article

🏡 Housing for All: A Brighter Blueprint

Brighton’s annual housing strategy puts a focus on creating more safe, sustainable, and genuinely affordable homes for all. Councillor Ellen McLeay has described the new approach as “humane,” recognising real-life challenges for renters, first-time buyers, and people at risk of homelessness.

The council highlights ongoing work in greener buildings, reducing waiting lists, and helping vulnerable residents stay secure in their homes. While progress continues, the council is encouraging locals to share their experiences and ideas to help shape the city’s future.

→ Read the full article

Also in the news:

🚌 Park & Ride is back for summer! Four weekends in August (plus Bank Holiday), park at Sussex Uni for £7 and hop a bus to the city centre—runs every 15 minutes, 9am–9pm. If it’s a hit, it could stick around.

🍕 Pommy’s Pizza plans a buzzier Imperial Arcade with an alcohol licence bid—hoping to turn this hidden gem on Western Road into a livelier spot for locals and traders alike.

🎶 Coldplay raised £3,330 for Brighton’s Justlife charity with a VIP ticket and signed drumskin auction—helping support those living in temporary accommodation across the city.

🏞️ Brunswick Festival is Back!

One of Hove’s friendliest traditions returns late August—Brunswick Festival in leafy Brunswick Square. Expect live music, market stalls, family activities, food, crafts, and that unbeatable community buzz.

It’s summer in Hove at its best, perfect for meeting neighbours or just lazing in the sun. Full line-up and dates dropping soon!

👉 More info & Announcements

🌻 Charity of the Week: Brighton Permaculture Trust

Looking to make Brighton a little greener? This week we’re celebrating Brighton Permaculture Trust. The team behind city orchards, eco-building projects, and hands-on workshops that make sustainability fun.

Ever fancied pressing apples at Apple Day, or learning how to grow your own urban jungle? Whether you want to volunteer, upskill, or just find your green gang, there’s plenty to dig into.

See what they’re up to (and how you can join in) at brightonpermaculture.org.uk.

🖼️ Helm: Art, Cocktails & Coffee

If you want a date that’s anything but ordinary, head to Helm. By day it’s perfect for coffee and a stroll around the art, but by night, Helm transforms into a buzzing bar—this month with a dreamy mid-century twist.

Hotel Helm (on now!) is their new, free exhibition—think vintage hotel vibes, surreal art, and community buzz. The show runs ‘til August 26th, with works by Poppy Faun, Bonnie and Clyde, Richard Heeps and Piers Henry.

🍸 Don’t miss the special Hennessy cocktails made just for the show—like the Piña Colada Matcha and the spicy Henny-rita. There’s also a CBD cocktail for the non-drinkers!

🎧 Fridays feature live DJs and even a tattooist for the brave, as well as events like Puppy Yoga (10/8), a book club (30/7) and a monthly kids art club (3/8).

📍 North Laine, BN1
🕐 Mon–Sun, 10-6 or 10-11(Thu-Sat)
🔗 Checkout Their Beautiful Website (& Events)

🏡 The Ultimate Hove Mansion

If you’re after space, style, and serious wow-factor, “Avallon” on Tongdean Avenue is about as showstopping as it gets. This six-bedroom, seven-bathroom modern mansion has over 9,100 sq ft of living space, state-of-the-art tech, and an indoor pool with every luxury you can think of. There’s even a private cinema, games room, bar, gym, and a self-contained guest suite.

📍 Tongdean Avenue, Hove
💰 £4,950,000
🔗 View on Rightmove

Tuesday

🎈 Bounce @ Hove Park
10am–11:30am @ Hove Park
Inflatables galore for kids aged 1–11, from helter skelters and assault courses to bounce pillows and soft play.
Tickets

👑 Cinderella (Family Theatre)
2pm @ Brighton Open Air Theatre
A magical fairytale romp packed with silliness and sparkle. Great for all ages.
Tickets

🕺 Social Tango by the Sea
7–10pm @ Brighton Beach Bandstand
If the weather holds, it’s tango time at sunset with DJ Michael Barrow.
More Info

🎤 Curryoke
5–11pm @ The Hope & Ruin, Brighton
Curry specials and karaoke hosted by Eddie The Goatboy. Enough said.
More Info

🎭 Acting Summer School for Kids (6–11 yrs)
10am–4pm @ ACT, Rock Place
Five days of drama, imagination and a performance finale. No experience needed.
More Info

👶 Afternoon Baby and Toddler Play Group (0–3yrs)
1–3pm @ Westdene Barn, Brighton
A relaxed weekly playgroup with storytelling, other parents to chat to, and a free cuppa.
More Info

💬 Brighton Slamologue
7:30–9pm @ Yellow Book Bar, Brighton
A monologue slam night with quirky, offbeat 2–3 minute performances from existing plays.
Tickets

😂 Cool-Aid Comedy
8–10:30pm @ Caroline of Brunswick, Brighton
New material comedy night with pros, semi-pros, and brave newcomers.
More Info

Wednesday

🚶 Mental Wellbeing Family Activity Walk
11am–12pm @ Hove Park
Family-friendly walk exploring emotions, nature, and mental wellbeing.
Tickets

🧘‍♀️ Community Yoga Class
12–1pm @ About Balance, Brighton
Low-cost, accessible lunchtime yoga with Tammy – perfect for beginners or a midday reset.
More Info

🐞 Summer Holiday Nature Discovery Sessions
2–4pm @ Plot 22, Weald Allotments, Hove
Bug hunts, nature crafts, and outdoor snacks for kids and families.
More Info

☕ Martlets Grief Cafe
3–4:30pm @ Wayfield Avenue, Hove
A gentle space to connect over coffee with others who understand.
More Info

🧚 The Court (Folk Horror Performance)
7:30–9:30pm @ Yellow Book Bar, Brighton
A folklore and folk horror cabaret led by local artist Queen Mab.
More Info

Thursday

🧥 Kindly Brighton Pride Clothes Swap
5–8pm @ 21 York Place, Brighton
Bring your pre-loved (but not socks or undies) and swap for your next Pride outfit.
More Info

🦎 Reptile Show – Summer Holiday Special
10am–2pm @ The Palmeira, Hove
A hands-on wildlife show with reptiles, photo ops, kids’ meals and fundraising for Macmillan.
More Info

Friday

🐶 Community Pet Care Drop-in
From 2pm @ A Coombs Pet Centre
Free health checks, grooming, and advice for your furry friends — no booking needed.
More Info

🔥 Back to Nature Bush-craft Course
10am @ Stanmer Organics
Carve, cook, and light fires in the forest. Four-week wild living skills course.
Tickets

🧒 Kids Club Adventures (ages 8–15)
3:30–6:30pm @ Dice Saloon, Brighton
Miniature painting, board games, and D&D — after school fun for game-curious kids.
More Info

🌈 Pride Silent Disco Tour
6–7pm @ Victoria Gardens, Brighton
One-hour rainbow-fuelled dance tour through Brighton. 50% of proceeds go to Switchboard.
Tickets

🕺 Drag in the Park: Family Edition
2pm @ Brighton Open Air Theatre
Dance, sparkle, and Disney singalongs with top UK drag performers.
Tickets

🎵 Live Music & Shows

🎶 The Perfect English Weather + Lovejoy
Wed, 7:30pm @ The Folklore Rooms
An album launch of Brighton indie-pop nostalgia and dreamy folk.

🎤 Patients / Matt Finucane / Cephos Powders
Tue, 8–11pm @ Daltons
Indie pop, neo-goth, and post-punk weirdness – all for a fiver.

🎧 ChopChop + Lello + DJ Fiery Biscuits
Tue, 8pm @ The Prince Albert
Lo-fi beats, synth experiments, and raw Brighton DIY energy.

🎸 Summer Blood Storm Tour
Wed, 6–10pm @ Chalk
Goth-punk icon returns with a heavy dose of Murderdolls nostalgia.

🎷 Queer Jazz Brighton Pride Special
Thu, 7–10pm @ Alphabet
Neo-soul, jazz and electronic celebration featuring Akin Soul, Plumm X, Hen D.

🎤 Pride Rock 2025
Fri, 6pm @ Chalk
Sophie Lloyd, BEX, and Lady Rage headline a stacked Pride rock night.

🎙️ Suspiciously Elvis
Fri, 6–11pm @ Hollingbury Golf Course
BBQ, beers, and a full evening of Elvis tribute fun with the King himself.

🥁 Auditory Hallucinations: Ryosuke Kiyasu / Shark Stuff / The Brothers Bula
Fri, 8–11pm @ The Prince Albert
Experimental snare drum chaos and genre-bending rock in one surreal triple bill.

🎸 Chris Cohen ± Brighton
Fri, 7–10pm @ The Green Door Store
Indie art-rock brilliance from the former Deerhoof guitarist.

🎶 No Worries If Not: A Formal Horse / Sugar Darling / Orgodemir
Wed, 7:30–10:30pm @ The Green Door Store
Avant-garde rock, satirical lullabies, and sonic weirdness. No worries if not.