Good afternoon, Brighton

Even more big housing decisions, a community pub in crisis and new seafront saunas are in the headlines, plus the Santa Dash is about to turn the promenade red. Our date spot is serving golden winter vibes, and there are loads of brilliant events lined up across the city from Dara O’briain to Dizzy Rascal.

Here's what's squawking this week:

📰 1,000-home Toads Hole Valley plans resubmitted  
🛁 New Hove seafront saunas spark pollution concerns  
🎅 Santa Dash returns to the seafront this Saturday  
🍯 We visit Apiary for a warm, honey-toned winter escape

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🏠 1,000-home ‘Toads Hole Valley’ estate plans resubmitted

Developers have resubmitted plans for the 1,062-home Toads Hole Valley project in Hove to give themselves more time to begin work. The updated outline application merges earlier approvals for 880 homes and a later extension for 182 homes and sports pitches, while removing the previously planned secondary school due to falling pupil numbers. The site now proposes additional housing and new sports facilities instead.

If approved, the development would include 40 per cent affordable housing, a neighbourhood centre with a surgery and shops, public open space and upgraded wildlife habitats. Surveys highlight significant ecological value, including an exceptional number of slow worms and breeding hazel dormice. As the bid is outline only, appearance and layout would be decided later as “reserved matters”.

→ Read the full story on Brighton & Hove News

🧑‍🏫 Award-winning teacher hailed a ‘real rock and roll’ inspiration

Brighton teacher Jolie Bartley, head of performing arts at Varndean School, has won Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School at the 2025 Pearson National Teaching Awards. She learned of her win during rehearsals for School of Rock, receiving a surprise video call from Hollywood actor Jack Black, who praised her as a “real rock and roll teacher”. The One Show also visited the school to celebrate her achievement.

Bartley was selected from thousands of nominees for her innovative, inclusive approach and the confidence she inspires in students. Each year she leads large-scale productions involving more than 250 young people across acting, music, backstage roles and costume. Her headteacher praised her dedication and community spirit ahead of the awards ceremony in London.

→ Read the full story on BBC News

🍺 Brighton’s community pub The Bevy set to be sold

The team behind The Bevy, Brighton’s first community pub, has confirmed the building will be put up for sale in 2026 by its landlord, the East Brighton Trust. With major repair costs, rising bills and winter pressures, the pub says it cannot afford to buy the property and will temporarily reduce opening hours from January, closing completely at weekends.

Despite the challenges, The Bevy stresses it remains “more than a pub”, hosting popular community events including seniors lunches, disability discos and its Music & Memories café. More than 250 residents rely on its programmes each month, and the team hopes new owners can be found to keep the venue serving the area. A public meeting will be held on 14 December for locals to share ideas.

→ Read the full story on Brighton & Hove News

🛁 New saunas proposed for Hove seafront draw pollution concerns

Rockwater has submitted plans to replace three pandemic-era beach-hut kiosks on Hove seafront with three new hut-style saunas, but the proposal has sparked objections over potential wood-burning pollution and competition with nearby independent sauna operators. Drawings for the scheme show flues on the building, prompting residents to question how the saunas will be powered and whether smoke could impact local sports players and beach users.

Others object to what they see as Rockwater’s expanding presence on the promenade, arguing smaller traders are unable to operate in the area due to existing licensing rules. The council’s seafront development manager supports the plan so long as the footprint does not increase, but nine public objections have been submitted so far.

→ Read the full story on Brighton & Hove News

Also in the news:

🛑 Residents asked for views on city’s new Red Route: A six week consultation has opened on plans for double red lines on Western Road, banning all stopping to improve safety and cut congestion.
→ Read more on BBC News

🍷 Aldi wins alcohol licence just days before opening: Councillors approved the new Hove Aldi’s licence after a delayed hearing, despite neighbour concerns over loitering and lighting.
→ Read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏘️ New Moulsecoomb streets are named: Residents chose Flintfield Drive, Thorncroft Close and Chalkvale Mews for the new 200-home council development now under construction.
→ Read more on Brighton and Hove News

💉 Flu jabs offered in Brighton pub: The NHS is running a pop up vaccination clinic at The Bevy to boost winter jab uptake as flu cases rise early.
→ Read more on BBC News

🤝 Community groups tackle winter loneliness: Gladrags’ Memories Matter events are helping older Brighton residents connect through vintage clothes, music and storytelling.
→ Read more on BBC News

🎨 Artists open homes for festive AOH trail: More than 60 artists are opening their homes across Brighton and Sussex, including pottery finalist Adam Johnson on Rugby Road.
→ Read more on BBC News

🎅 Santa Dash takes over the seafront this Saturday

Brighton’s jolliest tradition is back this weekend and it is impossible not to smile when hundreds of Santas charge down the seafront in a wave of red suits and snowy beards. There’s still time to participate, and don’t worry about not having trained, as you can do it at your own pace, or watch with a hot chocolate in hand; either way, the Brighton Santa Dash is always one of the most uplifting charity moments of the year.

🏃‍♂️ Brighton Santa Dash 2025

Saturday 6 December, 10.30am (recommended arrival of 9.45am @ Hove Lawns (opposite Adelaide Crescent)
Entry is £20 plus a small handling fee and includes your race spot, a full Santa suit and a shiny bespoke medal to take home. The route is a flat out-and-back stretch along the Esplanade to Hove Lagoon, perfect whether you plan to jog, stroll or sprint (so don’t worry about not having trained for it and joining last minute!)

⏰ What to expect on the day

Brighton does not do Christmas halfway so you can expect a sea of red hats, lots of music and plenty of chances for brilliant photos.

• Arrive early: Get there around 9.45am to pick up your Santa suit and get ready.

• Kids’ 400m Dash: A free mini race at 10.20am with medals for every child. Just turn up.

• Main event: The 5k dash starts promptly at 10.30am. Flat route, easy vibes and guaranteed fun.

❤️ Why it matters

The Santa Dash supports Rockinghorse Children’s Charity, helping young patients at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital. Your festive dash helps fund vital care, equipment and support for local families during some of their toughest moments.

Ready to join the red-suited stampede this Saturday? Register for the Brighton Santa Dash

To raise more money for a great cause, can set up a JustGiving page here or email [email protected] for help with fundraising.

🐝 Apiary

Sitting opposite Norfolk Square, this honey-themed cafe/bar has that warm amber glow that instantly slows the world down. The interiors mix hive-like details with natural wood and soft lighting, creating a space that feels intimate without being overly formal. Their cocktails are the star: clever, balanced and lightly honey-kissed, with enough variety to keep things interesting whether you prefer something bright and citrusy or rich and aromatic.

Food-wise, it is easy to graze your way through the evening. Their sharing plates are thoughtful without feeling fussy, and the wine and mead list has some fun surprises if you want to try something different. They currently have a festive set menu, which works for everything from cosy date nights to groups of up to twenty. Everyone picks their own dishes, so no compromising, and only groups of seven or more need to pre-order. So, if you are looking for somewhere that feels both relaxed and memorable, Apiary is a standout pick.

📍 50 Norfolk Square
⏰ Wed-Thu 5pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-11.30pm, Sun 12pm-9pm
🧑‍💻 Bookings, Menus & More

🏡 5-Floor Hillside Eco-Home

This contemporary four-bedroom eco home on Withdean Road is built into the hillside with sweeping views, double-height living spaces and beautifully finished interiors across five levels. With solar panels, a low-maintenance garden (with a mini basketball court!) and easy access to Preston Park Station and the Downs, it is a rare blend of style, privacy and convenience.

📍 Withdean Road
💰 Guide Price £1,500,000
🔗 View on Rightmove

Tuesday

🎤 New Act Night
2 Dec 2025, 8pm @ Komedia
Brand new comedians from Jill Edwards Comedy Workshops take the stage for the first time. More Info

🎭 Scoops Improv Comedy Night
2 Dec, 8pm @ The Actors
A rotating cast of improv comedians perform a spontaneous show based on audience suggestions. More Info

🎨 Dada Cabaret and Christmas Party 2025
2 Dec, 7pm @ The Southern Belle, Hove
A night of art, anti-art and participatory creativity to end the year. More Info

🎭 Nachtland by Marius Von Mayenburg
2 Dec, 7:45pm @ The Lantern Theatre
A couple uncovers a painting signed "A. Hitler," sparking questions of art and morality. More Info

🎵 One Voice 2025: Create Music
2 Dec, various times @ Brighton Dome
Over 2400 young performers join for a huge musical celebration. More Info

Wednesday

🎤 Bogan Bingo
3 Dec 2025, 8pm @ Komedia
A chaotic comedy bingo night with 80s anthems and Aussie mayhem. More Info

📖 Brighton Telltales
3 Dec, 7:30pm @ Yellow Book Bar
A friendly spoken-word night open to all performers and listeners. More Info

🎤 Cool-Aid Comedy
3 Dec, 8pm @ Caroline of Brunswick
Brighton’s longest-running new-material comedy night. More Info

🎭 Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
3 Dec, 7:30pm @ Ropetackle Centre
A chilling and heartfelt one-man retelling of Dickens’ classic. More Info

🎵 Dizzee Rascal
3 Dec, 7:30pm @ Concorde 2
A high-energy night with grime pioneer Dizzee Rascal. Tickets

Thursday

🎄 Komedia Christmas Party
4 Dec, 6:30pm @ Komedia
Festive dinner, comedy and dancing at Komedia’s annual Christmas party. More Info

🎤 Radu Isac: Sadly Funny
4 Dec, 8pm @ Artista Cafe & Gallery
The “comedian’s comedian” brings his latest show to Brighton. More Info

🪐 The Star That Refused to Fade
4 Dec, 7pm @ Wagner Hall
Explore the 37-year mystery behind Supernova 1987A and its ghost particles. More Info

🖌️ The Portrait Guy with Spencer Jones
4 Dec, 7:30pm @ The Actors Pub
A live podcast where guests chat while painting each other’s portraits. More Info

🎵 Dizzee Rascal
4 Dec, 7:30pm @ Concorde 2
Second night of Dizzee’s Brighton run. Tickets

🎻 Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
4 Dec, 7pm & 9pm @ Royal Pavilion
A candlelit performance of Vivaldi’s masterpiece by string quartet. More Info

Friday

🍝 Create Your Own Winter Pasta Supper Club
5 Dec, 6pm @ Open Bakery
Make and enjoy a full winter pasta feast with wine. More Info

🎭 Filthy Fridays Christmas Special
5 Dec, 8pm @ Nautilus Lounge
A festive night of comedy with headliner Mark Silcox. Tickets

🎷 Jazz at St Andrew’s: Simon Savage
5 Dec, 5:30pm @ St Andrew’s Church
A bebop concert featuring the works of Roy Hilton. More Info

🎭 Here & Now - The Steps Musical
5 Dec, 7:30pm @ Theatre Royal
A feel-good musical built around the hits of Steps. More Info

🎤 Dara O’Briain: Re:Creation
5 & 6 Dec, 8pm @ Brighton Dome
Dara returns with a night of storytelling and quickfire stand-up. More Info

🎄 Santa And The Pirates
5 Dec, 4pm @ Ropetackle Arts Centre
A fun festive family show featuring pirates raiding the North Pole. More Info

🎄 Carols in the Park
5 Dec, 6pm @ Queen’s Park, Brighton
A community carols night with brass band, choir, mince pies and mulled wine. More Info

Live Music

Harpy | DUST | Tue 7:00pm | Tickets
Araya | The Folklore Rooms | Tue 7:30pm | Tickets
Soft Loft | Green Door Store | Tue 7:00pm | Tickets
Oreglo | The Hope & Ruin | Tue 7:00pm | Tickets

The Sherlocks | Boileroom | Wed 7:00pm | Tickets
Old Mervs | Green Door Store | Wed 7:30pm | Tickets
Orions Belte | The Hope & Ruin | Wed 7:30pm | Tickets
The Butterfly Wheel | The Folklore Rooms | Wed 7:30pm | Tickets

Cliff Richard | Brighton Centre | Thu 6:30pm | Tickets
SANAM | Patterns | Thu 7:00pm | Tickets
Currls (Album Fundraiser) | Green Door Store | Thu 7:00pm | Tickets
Immersion | Alphabet | Thu 7:00pm | Tickets
The Small Fortunes | The Brunswick | Thu 7:00pm | Tickets
Wreckless Eric | Prince Albert | Thu 8:00pm | Tickets

The Last Dinner Party | Brighton Centre | Fri 6:30pm | Tickets
The Liminanas | Chalk | Fri 6:30pm | Tickets
Dub Pistols | Concorde 2 | Fri 7:00pm | Tickets
Pet Needs | Green Door Store | Fri 7:00pm | Tickets
Marmozets | Patterns | Fri 7:00pm | Tickets
Numskull | The Hope & Ruin | Fri 7:30pm | Tickets
Mozey | Concorde 2 | Fri 11:00pm | Tickets
Conducta (All Night Long) | Patterns | Fri 11:00pm | Tickets
Andy C | Quarters | Fri 11:00pm | Tickets

Last week’s trivia asked which instrument leads the sing-alongs in traditional Bavarian bierhauses, and 60.7% of you nailed it with the accordion, the lively staple that keeps the whole beer hall swaying.

Inspired by this weekend’s Santa Dash, here’s your next festive head-scratcher.