We’re heading into the last bank holiday weekend before Christmas (eeeeek), so we’re going to make sure it’s a good one. If you’re looking for something a little quirkier to do than heading to one of Brighton’s fab terraces or tucking into the best meat-free brunches in the city, then listen up! We’ve discovered some of the best things happening in Brighton & Hove this weekend and here’s what we’ve picked for you.
Brighton Mod Weekender
Is it even the August bank holiday weekend in Brighton if the Mod Weekender doesn’t happen? It’s the best transformation back to the Quadrophenia days you can ask for and we can’t wait for those Vespa roars to hit the streets of our vibrant city. Kicking off on Friday, there are three nights of fun and two days of events across The Volks and Komedia, where it all began. You can expect New Untouchables DJs and special guests, a Mod market and live music from artists including The Jack Cades and French Boutik. For us here at BOTI, their scooter cruise is always a highlight, so get down to Madeira Drive and watch them go. The daytime events at The Volks are suitable all ages, so it’s the perfect entertainment for your little ones, too. If the evening fun is more your thing, Komedia open at 10.00pm with a happy hour each night, so it’s time to get your tickets sorted!
Friday 24th – Sunday 26th August; free to spectate, tickets costs vary for events
newuntouchables.com
The vintage yard sale of the year
If you’re into seeking out some of the city’s best vintage fashion, then you’ll be pleased to hear that it’s that time of year again, where the Sydney Street mistresses of fashion have their annual clear out. Yes, it’s the Wolf & Gypsy Vintage Yard Sale and you’re invited! Come with cash at the ready and fill a bag of vintage goods for just £20. That’s all-you-can-stuff clothes, shoes and accessories for both guys and girls. They’ll be open from 11.00am on both Saturday and Sunday, so we’d advise getting your fashion-seeker game on and heading down there early. Happy shopping!
Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th August, 11.00am – 5.00pm; free
Wolf & Gypsy Vintage, 30 Sydney Street, North Laine, Brighton, BN1 4EP
wolfandgypsyvintage.co.uk
Sussex sparkling festival fun
Award-winning Sussex sparkling wine producers Ridgeview bring you Ridgefest, awakening the sleepy side of the Downs this Saturday as it’s set amongst their vines with panoramic views of the beautiful Sussex countryside that’s right on our doorstep. The intimate festival kicks off on Saturday at noon, with access to live music, street food, vineyard tours and wine tastings, all for a reasonable ticket price of just £15. Brighton foodie legends Cin Cin and Mestiza Filipina will be joining Egyptian street food experts CairoVan to provide some top-notch nosh at the site, to help soak up all those bubbles. There are limited tickets left, though, so be quick!
Saturday 25th August, midday – 8.00pm; £15
Ridgeview Vineyard, Fragbarrow Lane, Ditchling Common BN6 8TP
ridgeview.co.uk
Sunday Sessions
When it’s a bank holiday weekend, you know what that means… Sunday becomes fun-day and there are parties all over the city. Head to the Mesmerist Roof Garden for their Bank Holiday Roof Party, where DJ Gold Soundz and Soul Casserole will be taking over the decks to provide a first-class disco, funk, soul and 80s soundtrack for the whole day. What more could you want from a Sunday session?
Sunday 26th August, 2.00pm – late; free
The Mesmerist, 1-3 Prince Albert St, Brighton BN1 1HE
mesmerist.pub
If you’re more into your street party vibe…
The Fiddler’s Street Festival is back this weekend with their third street party of the year, saving the best for last. As always, they’ll be celebrating Brighton’s live music scene by showcasing some of the best local acts on their street party stage, including Giant Peach, The Danny Giles Blues Band and Michael Baker. Come along for the Irish craic and stay for all the drinks served at the bevy of bars, both inside The Fiddler’s Elbow and temporary street pop-ups, meaning you don’t have to miss any of the party. There’s even a glitter bar to add that necessary bank holiday sparkle to the party.
Sunday 26th August, midday – 3.00am; free
The Fiddler’s Elbow, 11-12 Boyce’s St, Brighton BN1 1AN
fiddlerselbow.pub
Hove know how to party…
On the other side of the city, Hove will be showing us what their music minds are made of too, as the annual Ancient Mariner Street Party is back with a bang, bringing bands and DJs including The Hungry Mothers and Bubba Manouche to the street. We’d suggest getting your dancing shoes on for this one and make sure you bring the kids, as there will be plenty of entertainment and games for the little (and big) party goers, too. And if you needed any other reason to head down there on Sunday, there will, of course, be cake!
Sunday 26th August, midday – 1.00am; free
The Ancient Mariner, 59 Rutland Road, Hove BN3 5FE
www.ancientmariner.pub
A slower kind of Sunday
If you’re looking for something a little more downtempo for a Sunday, then why not head to Fabrica for a Sunday Session of The Great Zentangle variety. Drop in on Sunday afternoon and discover more about the Jo Lathwood exhibition, Getting There (shown in the video above), that’s on at the moment. They’re in the deconstruction phase now, as the exhibition comes to an end on 28th August, so get a last look at it this weekend and join in their workshop if you fancy (make sure you reserve, as places are limited). This Sunday’s fun is a collaborative building and drawing workshop on a large group scale, so you’ll all be contributing to the same piece of art, kids too!
Sunday 26th August, 2.00-pm – 4.00pm; free (but donations welcome)
Fabrica, 40 Duke Street, Brighton, BN1 1AG
fabrica.org.uk
Festival of Belonging
You may well recognise this Belonging Bandstand, as it came to Brighton & Hove this summer to promote Newhaven’s Festival of Belonging, happening on Monday. Taking place at Newhaven Fort, the free one-day festival brings fun, food, music and memories to Sussex and you’re invited. From live music and DJs to craft workshops and dance troupes, there will be all sorts of fun and games to get involved in. You can expect to feed your bellies on local food whilst watching film screenings or listening to storytelling, or even get your hands dirty with a bit of screenprinting. From parasol making to stargazing, you won’t want to leave. They’ve just released their last 50 free tickets this week, so get on it!
Monday 27th August, midday – 6.00pm; free
Newhaven Fort, Fort Road, Newhaven, BN9 9EJ
festivalofbelonging.co.uk
Bank holiday beer and burgers
As Brighton & Hove Beer Week kicks off on Friday, there’s a lot going on across the city all weekend to get the beer party started. With National Burger Day on Thursday 23rd (yes, it’s a thing), the team at Hove’s Bison Beer are giving you a chance to celebrate the patty creation in style, as they team up with Burning Sky brewery and Humble Plates to bring you bank holiday beer and burgers on Monday. Head down to tuck into a Humble burger from midday, paired with one of Burning Sky’s best brews as they kick off their tap takeover for the day. The Firle-based award-winning brewery will be serving a selection of beers, including one super special one to be announced on the day. Cheers to that!
Monday 27th August, midday – 11.00pm
Bison Bar & Bottleshop, 57 Church Rd, Hove BN3 2BD
bisonbeer.co.uk
Photo credits: Keith Holman (Mod Weekender – featured image), Bison Beer (Bank holiday beer and burgers)
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