Hello, Brighton & Hove!

Did anyone else lose their voice on Sunday? Watching the Albion women pull off that 95th-minute winner to head to Wembley was a proper "limbs everywhere" moment.

It’s a massive week for the city; the flags are up, and the Great Escape is officially taking over. Between the music and the news that our local foxes have learned to unlock "fox-proof" bins, there’s plenty to get stuck into.

Here’s what’s squawking this week: 

⚽️ From 95th-minute winners to our first-ever trip to Wembley.
🎸 450 bands and a city-wide takeover for the Great Escape.
🍔 Hove says 'no thanks' to a new McDonald’s drive-through.
🦊 Our local foxes are officially smarter than our 'fox-proof' bins.

Fancy reaching over 5,200 Brightonians? Just reply to this email to ask about our options.

🚌 Cost of Brighton and Hove free bus passes to hit £12m

The cost of providing free bus travel for elderly and disabled residents in Brighton and Hove is set to exceed £12 million this year, driven by a 16% surge in qualifying pass holders. Council leaders are now exploring alternative funding sources, including parking enforcement and bike-share income, to plug a projected £1.5 million shortfall. → read more on Brighton and Hove News

🚌 Bus drivers boycott the Hangleton route over road safety

Drivers on the 5, 5A, and 95 routes have refused to serve several streets in Hangleton, citing "deteriorating" road surfaces that pose a risk to vehicles and passengers. Brighton and Hove Buses apologised for the disruption, stating that services will only resume once emergency repairs are carried out to ensure the roads are safe for transit. → read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏗️ Council to trigger new 'City Plan' blueprint for 2041

Brighton and Hove City Council is set to approve a formal timetable for its new strategic planning document, which will allocate sites for homes and workspaces across the city until 2041. The plan aims to address controversial "urban fringe" developments and the rise of build-to-rent schemes while awaiting clarity on potential local government boundary changes.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

⚽ Brighton women reach first ever FA Cup final with late winner

Brighton and Hove Albion Women secured a historic place at Wembley after a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory against Liverpool, sealed by a 95th-minute winner from substitute Nadine Noordam. The Seagulls recovered from a two-goal deficit to set up a final clash against Manchester City on 31 May.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🗳️ No overall control for Sussex councils after Reform UK surge

Local elections have left both East and West Sussex county councils in a state of "no overall control" following significant gains by Reform UK. In East Sussex, Reform is the largest party with 22 seats, while in West Sussex, they are tied with the Liberal Democrats at 23 seats each, sparking urgent cross-party talks to form potential coalitions. → read more on BBC News

🍔 Councillors reject McDonald’s drive-through plans in Hove

Brighton and Hove City Council’s planning committee has unanimously refused permission for a new McDonald’s drive-through on Old Shoreham Road following intense community opposition. The decision was based on concerns regarding road safety for local schoolchildren, health inequalities, and the preservation of protected industrial employment space. → read more on Brighton and Hove News

Also in the news:

🚲 Naked Bike Ride: The 20th-anniversary event has been postponed from its June date due to safety concerns regarding clashing protests. → read more on BBC News

🏖️ Newhaven West Beach: A new Bill has been introduced in Parliament in a fresh attempt to reopen the sandy beach which has been closed to the public since 2008. → read more on The Argus

🏫 School Shared House: Residents and local councillors have raised concerns over the unpermitted conversion of a former school site into a 47-person temporary shared house. → read more on Brighton and Hove News

🍽️ The Gingerman closure: The Michelin-guide restaurant will shut after 28 years in Brighton, with owners citing rising taxes and operational costs as the "final nail in the coffin". → read more on Brighton and Hove News

🚽 Public toilets reopening: Councillor Alison Thomson has highlighted the successful reopening of 14 public toilets across the city, arguing that keeping these facilities free is vital for public health, local businesses, and community independence. → read more on Brighton and Hove News

🦊 Cunning foxes: Residents in Brighton have captured doorbell footage of urban foxes successfully unlocking "fox-proof" food waste bins, despite the handles being in the locked position. → read more on Brighton and Hove News

🍹 Takeaway cocktail row: Sussex Police and licensing officials have objected to Café Coho's bid to sell takeaway beer and margaritas, citing concerns over crime hotspots and public drinking. → read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏏 Sussex victory: Sussex completed a comfortable seven-wicket win over Leicestershire at Hove, chasing down 87 runs on the final day thanks to an unbeaten 42 from Tom Alsop. → read more on BBC Sport

🚆 Train services restored: Rail lines through Sussex have returned to normal following significant disruption caused by a landslip and subsequent engineering works over the weekend. → read more on BBC News

Are You Ready to Actually Retire?

Knowing when to retire means knowing what it costs, how long your money needs to last, and where the income comes from. When to Retire: A Quick and Easy Planning Guide helps investors with $1,000,000 or more work through all of it.

Download your free guide.

🎨 New Hove Sculpture Trail Leaflet

📆 Available Now
📍 Hove Museum & Art Gallery

The Hove Civic Society has officially released its brand-new Hove Sculpture Trail Leaflet, a dedicated guide designed to help locals and visitors navigate the city’s growing collection of public art. It’s a curated route that tells the story behind each piece, from the historic landmarks to the contemporary additions that have recently popped up along the seafront and through Hove’s green spaces.

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a local monument and wondering about its origin, this is your definitive map. The trail highlights the society's ongoing mission to bring world-class sculpture to our streets, turning the pavement into a free, open-air gallery for everyone. It’s the perfect companion for a weekend stroll, offering a bit of cultural context while you get your steps in. You can grab a physical copy of the map to tuck in your pocket next time you're passing the museum.

🔗 Pick up your digital copy here

🎸 The Great Escape: Brighton’s Sonic Takeover

📆 Wed 13 May – Sat 16 May
📍 Various Venues & Brighton Beach

Known as the ultimate launchpad for emerging talent, The Great Escape officially kicks off the UK festival season by turning the entire city into a massive stage. With over 450 artists performing across 35+ walkable venues, it’s where you go to find your next favourite artist before they’re headlining Glastonbury.

While much of the festival is ticketed, the real magic happens at the pop-up sites and the Alternative Escape. From the sprawling beach site to the takeover of Jubilee Square, the city vibrates with a DIY energy that invites everyone from hardcore music fans to curious locals to discover something loud, new, and completely unexpected.

🔗 Event information

🎤 The Beach Site
The festival’s custom-built hub on the shingle features multiple stages, including "The Deep End" and "The Jetty." This is the place to catch high-energy sets like the gritty, anthemic rock of Keo or the soulful, sunrise vibes of Nectar Woode, who is already being tipped as the voice of 2026.
📍 Brighton Beach (Near the Palace Pier)
🗓️ Wed 13 May – Sat 16 May

🎪 Jubilee Square Hub
A dedicated festival space in the heart of the North Laine, hosted by local radio legends Platform B. This is the city's focal point for free-to-access performances and communal vibes. Keep an eye out here for the experimental art-rock of The Orchestra (For Now), a sprawling collective that perfectly captures Brighton’s eccentric creative spirit.
📍 Jubilee Square
🗓️ Wed 13 May – Sat 16 May

📽️ The Alternative Escape
Running parallel to the main event, the "Alternative" strand features unofficial shows in pubs, tiny basements, and secret spots. It’s the quintessential Brighton experience: stumbling into a local bar and finding a world-class band like Sweden’s Girl Scout or the intense, post-punk sounds of Mandy, Indiana playing a spontaneous set for the price of a pint.
📍 Citywide
🗓️ Wed 13 May – Sat 16 May

⬇️ Get the official TGE mobile App on iOS or Android

🍲 Namo - My Review!

Namo is a proper Ship Street gem that packs a massive amount of soul into a beautifully compact space. What started as a lockdown project has evolved into a permanent home in the heart of the Lanes, and it still carries that lovely, personal feel of someone cooking for friends. The founder’s Northern Thai heritage is at the front of everything they do, delivering food that is authentic and full of character.

I popped in last week and was immediately struck by how spotless the place is. It has a brilliant, intimate energy that makes it a top tier choice for a date. Even though the place was buzzing and full to the rafters, the staff were incredibly welcoming, and the food arrived remarkably quickly. It is rare to find a spot that handles a busy service with that much grace.

I started with the Khanun Rolls, which are spiced jackfruit rolls with a sharp tamarind dip. They are a total game changer. For the main, the Mee Korat was outstanding, featuring king prawns and chilli glazed noodles with a perfect hit of tamarind. I washed it all down with a refreshing lychee drink and a fragrant Lanna Herbal tea.

If you are around during the day, their Lunch Express menu is a total steal for a proper midday feed. It is a sophisticated yet unpretentious spot where you can actually hear your date speak while tucking into some of Brighton's best Thai food. Keep an eye on their Instagram too, as they often post vibrant specials that you won't want to miss.

📍 24 Ship Street, BN1 1AD
🕒 12:30-3pm & 5:30-9pm (Wed-Fri), 12:30-4pm & 5-9:30pm (Sat), 12:30-4pm & 5:30-8pm (Sun)
🔗 Book a table

🏠 The Hove Coastal Crown Jewel

This six bedroom Victorian powerhouse is a masterclass in high end heritage situated just a pebble’s throw from the beach. It boasts a bespoke DeVOL kitchen and marble clad bathrooms alongside a designer garden barn that serves as a “luxury hotel suite” for guests you actually like. The home features a rare Hove miracle in the form of private parking and striking brass pipework that is almost too pretty to hide. It is the ultimate dream for anyone wanting to host a black tie gala and a sticky fingered family brunch in the same breath.

📍 Walsingham Road, Hove
💰 £2,500,000
🔗 View on Rightmove

Tue

🎭 Good Vibes by George Bartlett | 7:00pm, Tue & Wed @ The Lantern Theatre
A sharp and heartfelt stand-up show exploring sexual identity, therapy, and the messy search for happiness. More Info

✨ Andrew Frost - Pretending | 9:00pm, Tue-Sun @ The Lantern Theatre
A comedic magic show focused on suspending disbelief through humor, surprises, and general deceitfulness. More Info

💃 Ladyboys of Bangkok: Full Moon | 7:00pm, Tue @ Preston Park
A dazzling cabaret celebration featuring spectacular choreography, couture, and pop hits under a tropical theme. More Info

🎸 The Adam Buxton Band | 8:00pm, Tue @ Brighton Dome
An intimate evening of music and jingles celebrating the release of the podcaster's debut album, Buckle Up. More Info

🎙️ Patti Smith | 8:00pm, Tue @ Brighton Dome
A performance of rock and poetry from the iconic punk poet and songwriter. More Info

🎬 Hans Zimmer’s Hollywood | 8:30pm, Tue @ St Paul's Church
A live concert intersplicing modern film scores with silent cinematography and digital Hollywood cameos. More Info

Wed

🎨 Moments of Kalmfulness gallery | Ongoing until Fri @The Seafront Gallery
An exhibition exploring the concept of 'kalmfulness' and achievable ways to reduce everyday stress. More Info

🎤 Nick Mohammed is Mr Swallow: Show Pony | 7:30pm, Wed @ Brighton Dome
The Ted Lasso star performs a personal comedy show featuring magic, music, and critiques of his own career. More Info

🎭 West End On Sea | 7:00pm, Wed @ Brighton Open Air Theatre
A celebration of musical theatre featuring local West End performers and a live band. More Info

🎶 Allegra | 7:30pm, Wed @ Theatre Royal
A musical production following a woman whose irresistible urge to sing brings an imaginary orchestra into the real world. More Info

Thu

🏆 The Worst Person Awards | 7:00pm, Thu @ The Yellow Book
A comedy event where performers and audience members nominate the worst person they know for a cash prize. More Info

🎪 Caravanserai Festival | 12:00pm, Thu @ Caravanserai
An eclectic, creative festival world featuring multiple venues, food, bars, and free outdoor community programming. More Info

📚 Andi Osho & Dorothy Koomson - At All Costs | 7:30pm, Thu @ Brighton Dome
A literary discussion with two acclaimed authors about their latest books and characters who take matters into their own hands. More Info

Fri

✨ Age is a Stage | 11:00am, Fri @ Theatre Royal
Creative workshops designed for the older generation to reignite their playful and artistic sparks. More Info

☕ Coffee Meeting Brighton For Women In Music | 11:00am, Fri @ Werks Central
A community networking event supporting and empowering women working within the music industry. More Info

🏃 Flight: One Mans Journey | 5:00pm, Fri @ The Lantern Theatre
A one-man show featuring 21 different characters exploring themes of belonging and identity. More Info

🖤 The Dance of Time: A New Black Comedy | 7:00pm, Fri @ The Lantern Theatre
A thought-provoking world premiere play examining humanity and love in the face of impending tragedy. More Info

🍑 Peaches | 7:00pm, Fri @ Brighton Dome
The iconic Berlin-based musician and performance artist brings her fearless electro-pop and gender-bending show to the stage. More Info

Live Music

Spirit of Gravity: The Electronic Escape | Rossi Bar | 12 May
The Grift Escape! ashram + Balkavik + Then Petrov Boys | Prince Albert | 12 May
Patti Smith Quartet | Brighton Dome | 12 May
The Adam Buxton Band | Brighton Dome | 12 May

The Great Escape | Gilska | Concorde 2 | 13 May
Post Electric Artists presents The XCERTS | The Brunswick | 13 May
Patti Smith: An Evening of Words and Music | Brighton Dome | 13 May
The Great Escape | Vera Ellen | Hope & Ruin | 13 May
Submotion Orchestra | Chalk | 13 May

Kingfishr | Brighton Dome | 14 May
The Alternative Escape Showcase | The Brunswick | 14 May
The Great Escape | FEZ | Prince Albert | 14 May
The Great Escape | Walt Disco | Waterbear Venue | 14 May
The Great Escape | JAEL | Hope & Ruin | 14 May

PIAS Presents: High Vis, Gurriers, The Haunted Youth | Tide Beach Club | 15 May
b:electronic presents: Hospital30 | Patterns | 15 May
Peaches | Brighton Dome - Concert Hall | 15 May
City Wall X Dave Clarke | Concorde 2 | 15 May
Rossi Bar Bash curated by Fat Lloyd | Rossi Bar | 15 May
The Great Escape | Noonzy| Prince Albert | 15 May
Mithras Trio | Brighton Dome | 15 May
ACID BOX & ABYSS BREWING PRESENTS SUPER FUZZ | Daltons | 15 May
The Great Escape | Girl Tones | Hope & Ruin | 15 May
Snakepit w/ Killbox (Audio & Ed Rush) | Volks | 15 May

Last week's trivia was a certified hit! No surprise, 91% of you knew that Waterloo was the song that saw ABBA take the Eurovision crown at the Brighton Dome back in '74. My, my, at Waterloo Napoleon did surrender, but Brighton definitely won that night.

This week, we’re swapping pop stars for police procedurals. One of Brighton’s most famous residents, best-selling author Peter James, has spent decades putting our city on the literary map with his Detective Superintendent Roy Grace series. But did you know his dedication to the role goes far beyond just writing?