Have you heard? It’s Friday, which means it’s essentially the weekend. Which means it’s time to do something other than work. And, you may have noticed, but the sun is STILL blimmin’ shining. This seems very unusual and we have no idea what’s going on, but we’re certainly going to be making the most of it (until we get too hot again, at least). You’ve got our Pick of the Week and there’s obviously the beach and our favourite terraces, but if you’re looking for something a bit different, have a squiz at our selection of what’s going on in our fair city this weekend (oh, and none of it involves That There Football Tournament ‘cos we reckon you know all about that already):
Broken home
If you’re not otherwise engaged (we’re talking the F word) this evening, then this documentary is well worth your time. Delving into what happened to the unaccompanied children who, despite having a claim to UK protection, were abandoned in Calais in 2016, Calais Children: A Case to Answer is a tough but important watch. Following the 60-minute documentary, director Sue Clayton will be answering questions about the hard-hitting film.
Friday 29th June, 7.30pm – 9.30pm; free but donations to the work supporting the Calais Children appreciated
Kemptown Crypt Community Centre, 35 St George’s Road, Brighton BN2 1ED
Calais Children
Sing it loud
It’s the annual Street Choirs Festival today and tomorrow and leading Brighton a cappella community choir Hullabaloo Quire are this year’s hosts. To celebrate, they’re holding a free massed sing under that most divisive of landmarks, the i360. Over 1,000 singers from all over the UK will perform a broad repertoire, including ‘Human’ by Music in Detention where they’ll be joined by local rapper Marshall Mandiangu, . The event is completely free, but they’ll be collecting for this year’s charities, Music in Detention, who do fantastic work with immigration detainees, and youth music organisation Audio Active. This may or may not be an incentive, but Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas will be introducing the event. You can also see amazing choirs from Brighton and across the UK in action at Friday and Saturday’s Street Choirs Festival Brighton Dome events, and they’ll be popping up to sing in different spots around the city on Saturday afternoon, too.
Saturday 30th June, 12.30pm – 1.30pm; free
Western Arches event space (next to the i360), Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN
Hullabaloo Quire
(Psycho)stick it to ’em
Sometimes you just need a bit of comedy metal to soothe the existential ache in your soul. And Psychostick are just the men for the job. Their live shows are predictable only in that you can guarantee that they will be insane, hilarious and utterly unforgettable in equal parts. If you’re not familiar with their off-the-wall brand of comedy-infused metal, check out our particular favourite, ‘Obey the Beard‘. But before you scoff that this is just a joke band, the comedy isn’t there to hide a lack of skill – nope, these boys can switch effortlessly between a wide range of styles, and the vocals from Rob Kersey are just as strong. Support includes local drum n’ bass metal band Magna Carta, with the Do The Thing improv comedy troupe keeping us amused between sets. And if you’re keen for more of the same afterwards, there’s the afterparty at Apocalypse.
Saturday 30th June, 7.00pm; from £12
Patterns Brighton, 10 Marine Parade, Brighton BN2 1TL
patternsbrighton.com
Plastic not-at-all fantastic. Period.
This is terrifying, but apparently 700,0000 panty liners, 2.5 million tampons and 1.4 million sanitary towels are flushed down the loo every day. Most of these products are predominantly made of plastic, so that’s a helluva lot of non-biodegradable stuff that’s washing up on our beaches, not to mention damaging the wider environment and choking marine life. The Marine Conservation Society and biodegradable menstrual product producer Natracare are waging war on this plastic this July with a Plastic Period Protest march this Sunday. They’re calling on all women and people with menstrual cycles to save our oceans and stop bunging sanitary products down the loo. It’s time to Sea Red, dress in red and get involved.
Sunday 1st July 11.30am – 12.45pm; free
Entrance to Brighton Palace Pier, Madeira Drive, Brighton BN2 1TW
Plastic Period Protest
This little Brightonian went to market
The Brighton Market is a relatively recent addition, but we’re very glad it’s here. Taking place monthly (the first Sunday of each month), it has over 40 stalls, featuring products lovingly made by Sussex locals; think everything from hot jerk chicken sauce (for humans) and handmade dog biscuits to unique gifts, art, clothes and homewares. There’s plenty of delicious food and regular entertainment, too, and with the seafront, the Marina’s boats and the Undercliff Walk just a short stroll away, we reckon it’s a pretty lovely way to spend a sunny afternoon. And we have it on good authority that the sun has got his hat well and truly wedged on this weekend.
Sunday 1st July, 11.00am – 4.00pm; free
The Brighton Market, Marina Square, Brighton Marina, Brighton, BN2 5WA
brightonmarket.co.uk
Funny business
If you were inspired by the improv you saw during the Fringe (or Do The Thing at Psychostick), then why not have a go yourself, it’s great for building confidence (honestly) and just generally having a laugh. And what else are Sunday evenings for, right? (Please note: this is a rhetorical question and the answer is not football.) Ironclad Improv’s classes are varied, fun-filled and, above all, friendly. They’re open to all levels, whether you’re trembling at the very thought of putting yourself out there or are a seasoned performer firing out quips like you’re in a quick-draw shootout. We’ve even spotted the Disco Bunny there.
Sunday 1st July (and every Sunday), 7.00pm; £7 (drop-in, no need to book)
Sweet @ The Welly, Duke of Wellington, 70 Upper Gloucester Road, Brighton BN1 3LQ
Ironclad Improv
Photo credits: Sue Clayton (Broken home), Hullabaloo Quire (Sing it loud)
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