what to do this weekend (and beyond): 5th – 8th October

If you love diving into the Brighton & Hove food scene (and you read our news) then you’ve probably heard about OctoberBest already, kicking off this Friday 6th with a whole host of £20 deals across the city. But, if that’s not your bag, then no worries, as we’ve got a whole load of other fun waiting for you. We’ve got paper craft, pints and pretty awesome VR.

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Futures made of virtual reality

We’re well into the Brighton Digital Festival now, but there’s plenty more to experience, as Laurie Anderson & Hsin-Chien Huang’s Chalkroom kicks off at the Attenborough Arts Centre this Thursday 4th October for a run of 22 dates. If virtual reality is your thing (and even if it’s not), then this VR installation by the duo will send you flying. Quite literally, as you’ll travel through a huge structure made of words, drawings and stories. How cool does that sound? There’s only one way to find out…
Thursday 4th – Thursday 25th October, various times; £8
Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts, Gardner Centre Road, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9RA 
attenboroughcentre.com

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Make some rubbish friends

If you live in Brighton then you’re probably familiar with the infamous Hanover Community Noticeboard over on Facebook and the community spirit (and hilarity) that comes with it. And this weekend is no different, as the Hanover Beer Festival returns to the Hanover Community Centre this Friday and Saturday, celebrating over 30 years of the charming charity festival. Promising to bring the best of beer to Brighton, your ticket includes your festival glass, tasting notes and the first pint. You can’t say fairer than that. All proceeds go to the Community Centre too, so you’re getting pissed with a purpose! If you’re local and want to help tidy up and keep the street clean, then how about doing your good deed for the weekend and meeting at the Village pub at 10.30am on Saturday. They’ll provide the claw grabbers!
Friday 5th and Saturday 6th October; £12 for Friday, £10 Saturday, available to buy from Sir Charles Napier, The Constant Service, Village, Brighton Bierhaus and The Independent – cash only!
Hanover Community Centre, 33 Southover Street, Brighton BN2 9UD

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Rock, paper and scissors with succulents
If you fancy losing yourself in a new meditative skill, then our friends over at Between Two Thorns (our favourite houseplant shop!) have the workshop for you. Get comfortable in their gorgeous cosy space and relax for the afternoon as you learn how to create beautiful papercut illustrations. If you’re familiar with one of our favourite local artists Pork Chop Paper Cuts, you’ll know what we’re talking about. And if you don’t, then the friendly team at B2T are the perfect people to take you through traditional examples from around the world, as well as more contemporary artists to inspire your own work. Scapels at the ready as you’ll be taught different cutting techniques so you can crack on and get creative with your own papercut notebook.
Saturday 6th October, 2.00pm – 5.00pm; £40
Between Two Thorns, 67 Upper North Street, Brighton BN1 3FL
facebook.com

Come to Toy town (featured image)
Ever fancied a gig surrounded by all your favourite toys? Well, now you can, as the Toy Museum Folk Club (yes, it’s a thing) is back with Brighton’s newest traditional folk night this Saturday 7th October. Get ready for an intimate acoustic set from Emily Mae Winters as you explore train sets, model planes and a whole new world of nostalgia. It may well be the last chance you get to catch this English-Irish-Americana-influenced folk artist in such an intimate space, as we’re sure she’s set for big folky things. Pop down and you’ll see legendary cartoonist Chris Riddell do live illustrations of the performers on the night. We love this touch.
GET TICKETS
Saturday 7th October, 7.00pm – 10.00pm; £8
Brighton Toy and Model Museum, 52-55 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4EB

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Sow some Wild Oats
Wild Thing Yoga is Brighton’s newest addition to the yogi constabulary and they’ve teamed up with vegan-inspired caterers Oat Kitchen to bring their yoga brunch workshop to the seaside… welcome, Wild Oats (see what they did there?). Get your downward dog ready and head to Exeter Street Hall this Sunday for a candlelit experience for both your mind and body. Wild Thing Yoga will be leading some pranayama (that’s yoga focused around your breathing if you’re new to this), followed by a juicy slow flow to open up the entire body and find freedom in the mind. Sounds like a good Sunday, doesn’t it? Stick around as Oat Kitchen will fill you up post-yoga with a hearty autumnal vegan lunch so you leave with a nourished body and mind.
Sunday 7th October, 1.30pm – 4.30pm; £35 booked through www.paypal.me/wildthingyoga
Exeter Street Hall, 6-17 Exeter Street, Brighton BN1 5PG
wild-thing-yoga.com

barge
(Re)imagine that
And, if you find yourself beachside after the weekend, then wander a little further along to Brighton Marina to the Brighton Barge and from Monday, you’ll be able to see their latest exhibition, (Re)imagined Spaces. Run by Articulate in partnership with the Clock Tower Sanctuary, the 12-month photographic project funded by Arts Council England has found its home on board ONCA’s newest arts space on water. The project is working with young people who identify as homeless or are in insecure housing in the city, giving them a platform to share their experiences and creativity.
Monday 8th – Saturday 13th October, 12.30pm – 6.00pm; free
The Barge at Brighton Marina, The Waterfront, Brighton Marina, Brighton BN2 5UU
onca.org.uk