what’s on in brighton and hove this weekend: 14th – 16th September

If last night’s sunset across Brighton and Hove was anything to go by, this weekend feels like the start of the autumnal change. And if that means swapping a chilly dip in the channel for a cosy pub fire, then we’re ok with that. Brighton Digital Festival kicks off this weekend, with the launch party at Phoenix Brighton tonight and as we wait for the start of this year’s Cinecity programme in November (we’ll share that when we get it!), we’ve put together our guide to some of the best fun to be had in the city this weekend. Here’s what we’ve got for you…

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Pre-loved pop-up

We love what the guys over at Hove’s Igigi store do, so any excuse to head over there and check out their new products, we are there. Kicking off this Friday, the Igigi Cafe (upstairs at the store) will be hosting the Secret Store pop-up. They will have rails stuffed full of gorgeous pre-loved pieces that the Secret Store team have been busy sourcing and are ready to share, from brands including Jigsaw, Whistles and Hush, ready to transform your wardrobe for its autumnal update. They’ll have dresses, cashmere, coats and loads more, so it’s well worth popping down. If you need to fuel your shopping experience, we’d recommend booking in for brunch at The Set in Regency Square – the perfect start to your Saturday or Sunday.
Friday 14th – Sunday 16th September, 10.00am – 4.00pm Friday and Saturday, 11.00am – 3.00pm Sunday
Upstairs at Igigi, 31A, Western Road, Hove BN3 1AF

Have yourself a BeFries Friday (featured image)
Oh yes, Snack Night is back at BeFries on Friday 14th September, making it an unavoidable destination for a Friday night feed. With an unlimited supply of BeFries, BeBeer (yes, they have their own label beer) and their famous snack selection including the delicious kipcorn, is there really anywhere else you need to go to start your weekend? Add to your feel-good Friday factor by picking up one of their incredible sauces while you’re there and they’ll donate 50p from every jar sold to Brighton Dome’s #buildbrightondome project. Their double-dunk method of cooking means the fries are super fluffy on the inside (like their smiley team) and crunchy on the outside, too.
Friday 14th September, 5.00pm – 9.00pm; prices vary
BeFries, 46 West St, Brighton BN1 2RA

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Plant power weekend

Brighton is a great place to be if you’re looking for some plant power and this weekend is no exception. London-based artisan vegan cheese makers Black Arts Vegan are bringing their Vegan Market to Brighton’s Brighthelm Centre on Saturday (11.00am – 4.00pm) and it’s going to be a good one. With street food, nut milks, bakeries, chocolatiers, homewares, art, apothecary, beauty and, of course, their amazing non-dairy cheese on offer, you’ll be staying there to sample the lot! If you’re looking for an extra portion of vegan goodness for your weekend, then get your fix over at the Cowley Club on Sunday as they host the first of two vegan cookery classes this month. You’ll learn the basics of vegan cooking along with some serious knife skills, whilst also learning how to do it all on a budget. Yes, please! Whether you’re considering a switch to the vegan diet, or are already a fully fledged plant lover, this workshop is a fab way of getting to know the power of the plant. There are only a few spaces left, so get in there quick. The next one is on 30th September.
Sunday 16th September, 11.55am – 5.00pm; email vegancookeryclass@gmail.com to book
The Cowley Club, 12 London Rd, Brighton BN1 4JA

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Saturday sounds and strokes
If you’re into your art (or even if you’re not), Clarkes are hosting an acrylic painting class at their Bond Street store this Saturday, giving you the chance to learn painting techniques and let your creative juices flow. The class is perfect for all levels and ideal for beginners as all your materials are included, so you can see how you get on and treat yourself to a set of colours at the end of it. To help spark a new level of creativity, you’ll be treated to some live acoustic music as the soundtrack to your strokes. Why not take some inspiration from local artists or wander to the store via Trafalgar Lane to see some of the city’s fab street art, as you’ll have the chance to create your own take-home masterpiece to don your very own walls.
Saturday 15th September, 3.30pm – 5.30pm; £20pp; call 01273 728811 or pop in to book
Clarkes – The Art Shop, 11 Bond Street, Brighton BN1 1RD

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Sunday swing in the sky

Ever fancied a go at a bit of swing dancing? Well, if you head down to the BA i360 this Sunday morning from 8.30am, you’ll have the chance to mix swing dancing with some breathtaking panoramic sights of the city. Local dance legends Swing Patrol are inviting you on board to take flight, then dance for 40 minutes when you get to the top, with more dancing to be had on the decking once your feet are firmly back on the ground. If you’re new to all things swing, there will be a ‘learning corner’ you can head to on the decking, with sessions every 45 minutes from 10.15am until 11.45am to learn some basic steps and get into the, ahem, swing of things.
Sunday 16th September, 8.30am – 12.00pm; free
BAi360, Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN

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A walk around the history of Hove
On Sunday there’s the chance to join a guided tour of modern Hove, discovering its history and how it’s changed over the years from an ancient burial mound to a single street and beyond. You’ll start at the Floral Clock at 3.00pm and saunter through a wealth of history, from Palmeira Avenue’s ancient burial mounds and the mysterious Goldstone to bullfighting and beach battles. Prince Regent firmly put Hove on the map and there is plenty of history still to be discovered. We’d recommend starting with a roast at one of Hove’s incredible pubs, try old-school favourite the Lion and Lobster or a more modern twist at Lucky Beach’s kitchen take-over at Temple Bar – fill your bellies and your minds!
Sunday 16th September, 3.00pm – 4.30pm; £5
Meet at the Floral Clock, at the top of Palmeira Square and Church Road

Photo credit: XDB Photography (BeFries – featured image)