what to do this weekend: 4th – 6th October

Ok, so the temperature has dropped a little and there are some conkers on the ground. Yes, autumn has crept up a little on us, but doesn’t every season? If our social media feeds are anything to go by, us Brits are finding it hard to cope with how suddenly hot/cold/snowy/windy/wet (delete as appropriate) it is. So to take the pinch out of the autumn switch, we’ve got a weekend guide to celebrate the season. Don’t forget that there’s Quick Draw dating at the Robin Hood pub tonight if you fancy trying your hand at a portrait over a pint…

You beery believe it
Back for its 32nd year, the charming charity festival that is the Hanover Beer Festival lands in the Hanover Community Centre this Friday and Saturday. Yet again, the event’s fabulous curators have selected some of the best, and most unusual, beers (including vegan and gluten-free offerings) to bring to Brighton. Your ticket includes your very own pint or half pint festival glass (very collectable!), tasting notes, branded pencil and your first pint. And don’t worry if you’re not a lover of the brown stuff, there’s plenty of cider, perry and wine available, too. You can’t say fairer than that. It’s possibly the best night out in Hanover and, with proceeds going to the Community Centre, too, you’re getting pissed with a purpose!
Friday 4th and Saturday 5th October; £12 for Friday, £10 Saturday, available to buy from Sir Charles Napier, The Constant Service, Village and Brighton Bierhaus – cash only!
Hanover Community Centre, 33 Southover Street, Brighton BN2 9UD

A near miss in Hove
Ever wondered how the Brighton & Hove coastline may influence an artist’s work? Studio 50 will be hosting a private view of the work of local artist Rupert Hartley, a painter who recently relocated from London and found a home at Studio 50. His new exhibition ‘Near misses’ showcases his latest collection which draws from art and design history using formal geometries as a starting point to explore colour and the painting process. Expect lots of layers and familiar shapes with clever use of colour. Head down to Studio 50 to meet the artist over a drink whilst you check out his latest work. And, if you haven’t been to Studio 50 before, you’re in for a treat – the lovely space also sells a variety of beautiful sustainable goods and regularly holds creative workshops.
Friday 4th October , 6.00pm – 9.00pm; free
Studio 50, 50 Brunswick Street West, Hove BN3 1EL
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Inspired by illustration
This weekend, the Brighton Illustration Fair returns to the Sallis Benney Theatre, celebrating its fifth year of showcasing some of the best artists from near and far. The line-up features talks, workshops and a market place with over 100 artists. Guest artists include London-based Mr Bingo, who’s known for his hilarious Hate Mail project and generally being a potty mouth, all while creating some very honest and funny work, as well as artist and illustrator Charlotte Mei. This year’s Brighton-selected artist is Pippa Toole, who you will soon discover has a penchant for skeletons, leather jackets and dogs. We love.
Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October, 10.00am to 6.00pm; day tickets £5, weekend ticket £7
Sallis Benney, 58-67 Grand Parade, Brighton BN2 0JY
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Feel your best at Restfest
Now this is a festival that sounds like a bit of BOTI, with a day of inspirational speakers, empowering workshops, a pop-up spa and restful festival fun. The women’s wellness festival is the perfect excuse to immerse yourself in over fifty unique activities guaranteed to leave you feeling full of joy… and well-rested, of course.
Sunday 6th October, 9.00am – 6.00pm; £59 + bf
Hilton Avisford Park, Yapton Lane, Walberton, Arundel, BN18 0LS
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