🐦 The i360 Marks 10 Turbulent Years, Neurodiverse City Fest & Organic Ice Cream!

Hello, Brighton & Hove!

What an absolute whirlwind of a weekend! Brighton Pride delivered once again, drawing incredible crowds from across the UK and right around the globe for a phenomenal couple of days. It continues to solidify its place not just as the crown jewel of our city calendar, but as a truly world-class celebration.

And as if the city wasn't already buzzing enough, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds pulled off a surprise pop-up set on the roof of Resident Music in the North Laine. Pure Beatles and U2 rooftop energy, a genuine "you just had to be there" moment that set thousands of Instagram accounts on fire.

If you think we’re pausing to catch our breath, think again. Brighton is rolling straight into another stellar week: we've got Arthur Miller tragedy under the stars at BOAT, veteran Simpsons writer Mike Reiss dropping secrets at Komedia, and a deeply fascinating deep-dive into urban mushroom culture at the Brighton Fungi Social.

Let’s dive into the week!

Here is what’s squawking this week

🏛️ Museum staff secure new pay deal to end long-running strikes.
🏨 Archaeologists uncover Oscar Wilde's hotel suite at the Royal Albion.
🎡 Seafront i360 marks its 10th anniversary under new management.
🩸 NHS issues urgent plea for blood donors amidst summer heatwave.
🍦 Artisanal ice cream spot Brass Monkey featured in our local review.

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🪧 Strikes end as museum staff secure contract deal

A long-running pay and contract dispute at Brighton and Hove Museums Trust has concluded after staff voted to accept a new deal supported by the Unison and GMB unions. Following strikes earlier this year, the agreement preserves existing terms and conditions, grants a 1% pay rise, and establishes formal collective bargaining rights for future negotiations.
→ read more on BBC News

🏛️ Architect demands Angela Rayner "call in" £65m King Alfred plans

Local architect Chris Roche has written to Housing Secretary Angela Rayner urging her to launch a national public inquiry into the approved redevelopment of the King Alfred Leisure Centre. The request argues that the massive seafront build sets a dangerous coastal planning precedent and raises potential heritage concerns for nearby historic Hove neighborhoods.
*→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🎡 Landmark i360 marks 10 turbulent years on seafront

Brighton’s iconic 162-metre observation tower has reached its 10th anniversary following a decade defined by financial struggles, administration, and a £51 million council debt write-off. Now operated by hospitality group Nightcap, the attraction’s new owners have invested over £1 million to upgrade the site and rebuild local visitor support.
→ read more on BBC News

🏥 Local NHS trust offers voluntary severance to cut £128m deficit

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust has invited administrative, clerical, and managerial staff to apply for voluntary resignation under a new severance scheme. The trust—which runs the Royal Sussex County Hospital—introduced the measure to help achieve more than £128 million in mandatory cost savings this financial year.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🩸 Urgent plea for blood donors as stocks drop in heatwave

NHS Blood and Transplant has issued an urgent call for donors in Brighton and across the South East after extreme summer heat caused supplies of key blood types to fall to just three days. Officials are appealing for new volunteers, particularly O-negative, B-negative, and donors of Black heritage to support sickle cell treatments.
→ read more on BBC News

🏨 Fire-damaged Royal Albion Hotel reveals Oscar Wilde connection

Archaeologists restoring the fire-hit Royal Albion Hotel have uncovered an original 1826 wall and fireplace from the suite where author Oscar Wilde stayed in 1894. The historic stay formed a crucial element of the testimony used against Wilde during his infamous 1895 trial for gross indecency.
→ read more on BBC News

🥙 Queen's Road kebab shop faces opposition over 1am licence

The owner of Lebanese Grill on Queen's Road is facing objections from a neighbouring business as he makes a fifth attempt to secure a late-night refreshment licence. The applicant seeks to serve food until 1am daily without selling alcohol, but nearby traders argue the extension will fuel noise and anti-social behaviour near the station.
→ read more on The Argus

Also in the news:

🎾 Controversy over Hove tennis floodlights: Residents near St Ann's Well Gardens have united to oppose plans for 15 eight-metre floodlights, warning the 9pm daily operation will disturb wildlife and shine directly into neighbouring bedrooms.
→ read more on The Argus

🧖 Hove beach sauna project gains public backing: Community group Toasty CIC has submitted plans to build a temporary beachfront sauna complex near Lex’s Café on Hove beach, featuring two saunas, cold plunges, and changing facilities for up to 18 users.
→ read more on The Argus

🌊 Hove beach expansion work begins: Contractors have started pumping thousands of tonnes of channel shingle to extend the beach by 25 metres between Second Avenue and the King Alfred.
→ read more on BBC News

🐎 Off-road horse cart opens South Downs to disabled visitors: The horse-drawn "Obamobile" carriage has hosted trial runs at Devil's Dyke to allow wheelchair users and families to explore rural countryside trails.
→ read more on BBC News

🏠 MP backs new homelessness hub in Peacehaven: MP Chris Ward has praised plans to transform a former church on Meeching Rise into a dedicated rough-sleeping support centre for the Havens area.
→ read more on The Argus

🏃 Man tackles 10 triathlons in 10 days for suicide charity: Athlete Ollie Kirk is completing an endurance challenge across the UK in memory of his father, finishing at Brighton Pier on August 17 to support Grassroots Suicide Prevention.
→ read more on The Argus

🏳️‍🌈 Council leader hails Brighton as LGBTQ+ beacon: Writing for Pride weekend, Council Leader Bella Sankey reflected on the city’s rich queer history stretching from the Victorian era to the UK’s first Trans Pride.
→ read more on The Argus

🎾 Padel court plans backed for Plumpton Racecourse: Planning officers have recommended approval for a new five-court enclosed padel facility on former driver-training land at the racecourse site.
→ read more on BBC News

🌱 Harriet's of Hove

⏰ Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm
📍 31 George Street, Hove BN3 3YB

Tucked away on bustling George Street, Harriet’s of Hove is so much more than just a local shop; it is a quirky, plastic-free refilling haven that makes sustainable living effortless. Armed with your own bags, jars, and bottles, you can stock up on a massive range of plant-based foods, plastic-free dry goods, and eco-friendly household refills at your own pace. Every single purchase here is a vote for a greener city, directly helping to reduce packaging waste, support living wage jobs, and boost local Sussex suppliers.

Beyond their gorgeous zero-waste pantry, Harriet's is all about fostering local community and bringing people together. They offer a fantastic dedicated events space right inside the shop, making it an ideal spot for hosting workshops, classes, talks, and group meetups. Whether you are looking to cut down on single-use plastics, pick up healthy plant-based ingredients, or find a unique space to host your next community event, drop by and show this brilliant local gem some love.

🔗 More Info

🍦 Brass Monkey (my review)

With this ridiculously hot summer we are having, I figured it is high time I feature one of my absolute favourite things in the world: ice cream. I was already completely obsessed with Brass Monkey thanks to their London shop, so the second I realised they had a Brighton outpost, I obviously had to get down there and try it for myself.

No surprise, I absolutely loved the Brighton version as well. They serve up organic homemade ice cream crafted with serious love and passion, and you can absolutely tell. The flavours are super clean, and you can really taste the raw, natural ingredients in every single scoop. It is so incredibly refreshing to eat something where you can visibly see there is no artificial colouring or any nasty additives lurking about.

Tucked right into the vibrant heart of Kensington Gardens, they are renowned for churning everything in small artisanal batches to keep the quality sky high. Whether you are craving a rich pistachio or a sharp fruit sorbet to cut through the heatwave, this place is an absolute must-visit to cool down properly.

📍 16 Kensington Gardens, Brighton, BN1 4AL
🕒 11:30am-5:30pm (Mon to Fri), 11:30am-6:30pm (Sat to Sun)
🔗 Check them out

🏠 The Regency Mansion Apartment

Set on one of Brighton’s most prestigious addresses, this grand 4-bedroom mansion apartment offers an incredible blend of historic Regency elegance and modern luxury. The principal suite is a true standout, featuring arched ceilings over 4 meters high alongside a freestanding bath and walk-in shower. The heart of the home centres around a broad reception room with a striking marble fireplace, while French doors lead out to a private terrace and garden with rear garage access via a private lane. To top it off, residents enjoy exclusive access to 7.5 acres of private enclosures featuring a historic tunnel leading directly to the beach.

📍 Sussex Square, Brighton, East Sussex
💰 £2,200,000
🔗 View on Rightmove

Tue

🎨 Poets Corner Offline Arts Lab | 6:30pm – 9:30pm, Tue @ Poets Ale & Smokehouse Pub-A free weekly meet-up for artists of all disciplines to network, share ongoing creative projects, and discover local collaboration opportunities. More Info

🎭 Bennet Kavanagh and Sasha Ellen Get a Room | 7:30pm, Tue @ Caroline of Brunswick-A back-and-forth comedy experiment pairing one musical comedian with a traditional stand-up for a blend of jokes and funny keyboard songs. More Info

Wed

🎶 Mini August Choir Brighton | 5pm, Wed @ Brighton Electric
A relaxed four-week pop-up singing choir led by Jade Williams featuring modern songs with no auditions or sheet music reading required. More Info

🎤 Randy Feltface: Work in Progress | 7:30pm, Wed @ Komedia (Studio)
A live work-in-progress reading for Radio 4 of Randy's new four-part nature documentary series exploring human nature from a non-human perspective. More Info

🎶 Sound Affects #41: Chris Bethell, Maia Roman, and Baz Francis | 7:30pm, Wed @ East Street Tap-A night of talks exploring music subcultures, personal fan stories, and how sound creates social change featuring writers, musicians, and artists. More Info

🎭 A View From The Bridge | 7pm, Wed, @ Brighton Open Air Theatre
A visceral new outdoor production of Arthur Miller's classic tragedy exploring themes of family boundaries, responsibility, and betrayal on the Brooklyn docks. More Info

🏇 Wednesday - Festival of Racing 2026 | 12:30pm, Wed @ Brighton Racecourse-Day one of Brighton's iconic three-day horse racing festival features the Brighton Mile Challenge, roaming stilt bands, pop-up shops, and family-friendly entertainment. More Info

Thur

🧖 FLUX x YOYO - DEEP LISTENING: GLOW | 7pm, Thu @ YOYO Yard
An immersive sauna sound bath journey combining ambient soundscapes and silent heat sessions with access to cold plunges, hot tubs, and creative space. More Info

🎭 Thick As Thieves Present: QUEERS | 8pm, Thu - Sat @ The Lantern Theatre
A series of dramatic monologues celebrating a century of queer British history, depicting persecution, activism, secrecy, and liberation across changing legal eras. More Info

📻 Radio Blah Blah with Guy Lloyd | 7pm, Thu @ The Actors Pub
An immersive live show blending a broadcast studio setting with live music and comedy performances in the style of classic TV music broadcasts. More Info

📺 Secrets of The Simpsons - An Evening with Mike Reiss | 7:30pm, Thu @ Komedia-Veteran Simpsons writer and comedy producer Mike Reiss shares behind-the-scenes stories, trivia, and insights from writing on the iconic animated series. More Info

🎬 IHS Indie Film Showcase: Brighton! | 6:45pm, Thu @ Caroline of Brunswick
An evening dedicated to showcasing a curated selection of indie short horror films presented by The Independent Horror Society. More Info

Fri

🧠 Neurodiverse City Festival | 12pm (Big Show 5pm), Fri @ New Road
A festival celebrating neurodiversity featuring a free daytime event with activities and art, followed by an evening show with comedy, live music, and headliners Strenuous. More Info

🍄 Brighton Fungi Social | 6pm, Fri @ Stanley Road Department Store
A relaxed evening exploring the world of mushrooms with urban fungi talks, botanical papermaking, health discussions, product samples, and synth music. More Info

🎙️ FILTHY FRIDAYS with JOE FOSTER | 8pm, Fri @ The Brunswick
Award-winning comedian Joe Foster brings razor-sharp stand-up to Hove alongside Komedia New Comedy Award winners Michael Campuzano and Sydney May. More Info

🎧 Sunset Silent Disco | 7pm, Fri @ Whitecliffs Cafe, Bar and Grill
A beachfront sunset silent disco featuring three channels of music spanning 60s/70s hits, 80s/90s classics, and party anthems. More Info

🎵 Arrival Gallery presents Doran Fixes Everything | 7:30pm, Fri @ Arrival Gallery-Brighton-based multidisciplinary artist Doran performs a dreamy live set blending synth-pop, lo-fi electronic music, hip-hop grooves, and nostalgia. More Info

🕺 ELVIS w/Mark A. Wright | 9pm, Fri @ Hove Park Tavern
Entertainer Mark A. Wright performs as Elvis Presley for a lively night of classic rock 'n' roll hits and live music. More Info

Live Music

Blowout UK: The Divided Kingdom Tour | 6pm, Tue @ The Brunswick
Jackson | 8pm, Tue @ The Prince Albert
Merauder | 7pm, Tue @ The Hope & Ruin

Mini August Choir Brighton | 5pm, Wed @ Brighton Electric
Fighting For Unity 12 | 6pm, Wed @ Daltons
Junk | 7pm, Wed @ The Rossi Bar
Resident Lock In: With 1000 Rabbits | 6:30pm, Wed @ Resident Music
Slow Mass + Outlander + Chalk Hands | 7:30pm, Wed @ The Hope & Ruin

Opus Kink | 6pm, Thu @ Concorde 2
Deep Listening: Glow | 7pm, Thu @ Yoyo Yard
WNSDY AT 7 - Tour De Disco w/ support: Sansom, Spooky Huge, Carva | 7pm, Thu @ Waterbear venue

Eli | 7:30pm, Fri @ The Folklore Rooms
Blood Hex + Pain Itself + secret set + Spree | 7pm, Fri @ Pipeline
Lonnie Gunn | 7:30pm, Fri @ The Rossi Bar
The Music Of Laurel Canyon | 8pm, Fri @ Ironworks Studios
Rachel Love | 7:30pm, Fri @ The Prince Albert
Tim Whitehead | 5:30pm, Fri @ St Andrew's Church
Wrestless / Not Coping / Looseleaf | 8pm, Fri @ The Bee's Mouth

Last week's feline trivia was a total success! A comfortable 58.73% of you knew that the black metal cat on Lace House was originally installed to scare off seagulls and pigeons from dropping mess on display cars below. You can check out the full history of the building on the HAPA Architects Lace House Project Page.

This week, we are heading down to Madeira Drive to look at the massive ship anchor resting near the seafront. On 21 January 1980, the cargo ship MS Athena B was hit by gale-force winds, suffered engine failure, and narrowly missed Palace Pier before tearing her hull on a groyne and beaching on the sand. The ship remained stranded for a month before being towed away for scrap, leaving her anchor behind on Madeira Drive as a permanent memorial.