what to do this weekend: 23rd – 25th November

It’s hard to believe that we’re diving head first into the final weekend of November, but here we are and, as always, there’s a lot of fun to keep you entertained, too. We’ve already told you about the choctastic cocktail pop up and Daniel Wakeford Experience coming to the city, shared some of our favourite outdoor drinking haunts to get cosy in and picked our favourite local designer-makers to spend some time stalking on Etsy. But, if you’re looking to discover even more this weekend, we’ve got it…

The Mitres Touch (Featured image)
35 North Road is home to an amazing contemporary art space in the city and their latest exhibition does not disappoint. The Mitres Touch launched this week and will be running until 22nd December, inviting you into a unique collection of artists’ work, selected and curated by fine art framers, Rainsford & James. Being regularly in the company of amazing artworks, but rarely getting to see what happens once it leaves their workshop, they wanted to create a world built around some of their favourite artists. From Hizze Fletcher-King (feature image) to Becky Blair (who recently designed a gorgeous rug for the Habitat store launch), you’re in for a treat.
Open Thursdays – Saturdays until 22nd December, 11.00am – 5.30pm; free
35 North Rd, Brighton BN1 1YB

weekend
Tis the season to paint holly
Local watercolour legend Jola will be heading to Between Two Thorns on Saturday for a masterclass in creating the perfect festive artwork. The two-and-a-half hour session is the ideal class for a beginner or intermediate watercolour artist, as all the basics will be covered in an easy-to-follow guide to help you create a final piece of artwork that can be used as a Christmas card or framed gift. The Christmas holly plant will be what you’re recreating, but the skills you get from the session can be transferred to tackling any subject you want to have a go at. All the art supplies (and refreshments!) will be provided, so rock up and paint away.
Saturday 24th November, 2.00pm – 5.00pm; £35
Between Two Thorns, 67 Upper North Street, Brighton, BN1 3FL
Book tickets

weekend
Gin when you’re winning

Yes, really, we’ve got another gin festival for you, but this time, it’s The Great British Gin Festival, which hits Hove this Saturday as part of its 25-date UK tour. You’ll receive a gin glass and ‘bible’ (it is in a church, after all) on arrival, guiding you through the tasting experience, where there are over 100 different blends of the stuff. There will be an interesting mix of flavours and brands, from internationally known household brands to more quirky producers, so make sure your palate is open to a range of tastes, from Parma Violets to chocolate. There will be talks from some of the best gin producers and the all-important gin cocktail demos, too… perfect timing ahead of the festive season, we think you’ll agree! From magicians to swing bands, there will be plenty of fun to keep you entertained in between gins, too.
Saturday 24th November, afternoon or evening sessions; from £15 + booking fee
All Saints’ Church, The Drive, Hove, BN3 3QE
Book tickets here

weekend
Get cultured (and nosey)
The Artists Open Houses are back this weekend for some festive magic. Every weekend for the next three weeks, you’ll have the chance to explore the weird and wonderful artwork of some of the city’s most interesting artists. And you’ll probably pick up a few Christmas gifts while you’re all it. With various trails all over the city, there is plenty of time to get around and take in some art, whilst also having a good old nosey inside their houses, if you like that sort of thing. The Christmas Open Houses are our favourite, as there’s a festive welcome wherever you go. 11 Rugby Road (pictured) returns with two floors of festive crafts and fun, with a forest of decorated trees filling the lounge and a candy-cane kitchen serving golden mulled wine. We are in. You’ll find everything from unique art and sculptures to paper craft, so it’s well worth a trot around town. We love the fact that the festival is a community event, too, including work from artists with learning disabilities and artists who have experienced periods of homelessness.
Sat 24th & Sun 25th November, Sat 1st & Sund 2nd December, Sat 8th & Sun 9th December
Various locations in Brighton, Hove and Sussex
aoh.org.uk