what to do this weekend: 7th – 9th September

What a weekend guide we’ve got for you this week! Once again, there’s a shed load of fun going on in Brighton & Hove, so we’ve gone to the trouble of picking our favourites for you. Aren’t you lucky? If you didn’t manage to snap up some free tickets to the Redstripe gig on Friday, don’t fret, as we’ve got some great alternatives for you. Saturday sees Fatboy Slim open the first LagoonFest in Hove and FriendsFest lands in Preston Park, whilst women of the city are also invited to Trafalgar Lane to become a street artist. Like the sound of that? Then don’t forget about the return of the incredible work from artist Thomas Buckley as his immersive beach cocktail experience comes to Pop-Up Brighton this weekend too. And that little lot is just what we’ve told you about already. Oh yes, there’s more…

Late night Lido fun
If a sea swim isn’t your cup of tea, then head over to Saltdean Lido on Friday night and dive into their final late-night swim of the year, as they’ll be making the most of the last of our gorgeous summer (fingers crossed!). Not only can you take a pleasant dip, but you’ll also be able to enjoy some pizza and live music while sipping a drink or two from their bar. They promise a fun evening for the family, with the Chill Pedal band playing songs you can sing and dance along to. What’s not to love?
Friday 7th September, 7.00pm – 9.00pm; £3 entry
Saltdean Lido, Saltdean Park Road, Saltdean, BN2 8SP
Get tickets here
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Hunting history
This weekend, Heritage Open Days start across Sussex, with the first of two jam-packed weekends for history lovers. Thousands of historic venues celebrate the history hidden behind their closed doors by opening to the public… and everything is free. From tours of the iconic Duke of Yorks cinema and The Preston Manor Dog Cemetary to a visit to the Old Police Cells in the city, there’s something to float everyone’s boat. Some of the events require booking, so get in there now and plan some history hunting for the next two weekends. If you’re a fan of nature, join Elspeth Broady and friends on Sunday for a walk around The Level area to find out more about the history of public planting, from the street trees of Viaduct Rise to the elm avenues of The Level, there are some beauties to look at. Take some time to stop, look and enjoy!
Thursday 6th – Sunday 9th, Thursday 13th – Sunday 16th September (booking required for some events)
Various locations across Brighton, Hove and Sussex
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Those were our salad days
This fabulously uplifting musical romped into Brighton last night, putting huge smiles on the audience’s faces (and irrepressible taps in their toes). It tells the tale of recent graduates Timothy and Jane who are fed up with their pushy parents, so decide to get jobs and get responsible. Somehow this ends up with the pair looking after a piano in a park and, needless to say, musical madness ensues. If you need a bit of cheering up or just fancy a fun break from the everyday seriousness that can be life, then get yourself down to the Theatre Royal for a night (or afternoon) of sauce and silliness! Plus, if you’re a soaps fan, you may even spot the odd familiar face (hello, Wendi Peters!).
Until Saturday 8th September; from £13
Theatre Royal Brighton, New Road, Brighton BN1 1SD

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Sonic Switch
One of our favourite club nights is back this Saturday, as Sonic Switch returns to the Green Door Store for a night of musical magic. Brighton record label Tru Thoughts have a killer set list planned for their monthly night, which always includes celebrating some of the best local talent around. Which is where it all started… underneath Rob’s stairs, in fact. They are behind local music legends like Hot 8 Brass Band and Alice Russell, so it’s safe to say you can trust that they’ll bring the ultimate party, as Robert Luis works his way through genres from Bass, Hip Hop and Soul to Drum & Bass, reggae, garage, jazz and disco. They always bring a massive range of music styles and tempos that fill the perfect music shaped whole in your Saturday night.
Saturday 8th September, 11.00pm – 4.00am; free entry all night
The Green Door Store, 7 Trafalgar Arches, Brighton BN1 4FQ
sonicswitch.co.uk

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Poltergeists and Pints
There are plenty of pubs in Brighton & Hove and this Sunday you’re invited to join in the discovery of some spirits of the supernatural variety… yes, we’re talking your ghosts and ghouls rather than your gin & slim. Meeting at the Clock Tower, you’ll be taken to some of the city’s haunted hostelries to find out about the stories behind their spooky history. You’ll, of course, grab a drink while you’re at it. It’s not for the faint-hearted, as you’ll be told tales of murdered landladies and even the ghost of the Ripper. The good news is you don’t need to book, so if you fancy adding some low-cost spook to your Sunday, then this one’s for you!
Sunday 9th September, 8.00 – 9.45pm; £5
Meet at the Clock Tower at the top of North Street, Brighton BN1 3GJ