the best of the bank holiday action in the city

It’s about time we had another bank holiday, and this time we’re actually getting a sunny one. We know how hard it is to keep on top of what’s going on amongst the madness of the city in May, so here’s our way of helping you find the best of what’s out there this weekend. You can thank us later.

All that glitters (as seen in main image)
One of our favourite festival hangouts, The Warren, opens tonight, Thursday 3rd May (hurrah!), and what better way to celebrate than to head straight for the Headblush Glitta Bar? That’s right, for the whole month of the festival, there’s a glitter artist on hand, just waiting to make you sparkle. (The Headblush ‘Glitta Bar’ is also popping at other venues over the period, including the Spiegeltent.) They’ve even got biodegradable glitter mixes, so there’s no excuse. We haven’t quite decided on whether we’re going to go for glitter brows or a crown, but if we had a beard, we’d definitely be getting it glittered. Get down to The Warren from 6.00pm as entry is free but on a first come, first served basis, and you wouldn’t want to miss those opening fireworks, would you?
From Thursday, 3rd May 2018, from 6.00pm; £5
The Warren, St Peters Church North, York Pl, Brighton BN1 4GU
Headblush Glitta


brighton-bank-holiday
Celebrate street style at The Robin Hood
The Robin Hood comes alive every May bank holiday weekend, bringing their street party (and the sunshine) back to Norfolk Square. Celebrating its ninth year of festival fun, we’d recommend heading there on Sunday 6th May from 12.00pm to see what all the fuss is about. Take full advantage of their Ale & Cider Festival, but make sure you leave room for Vudu food, as they are back with their Cajun meets Creole ‘soul food’, bringing mouthwatering slow-smoked and chargrilled meats to the party. BRING IT. (They also offer vegan-friendly barbecue munchies to feed your belly and your soul). Stick around for their two DJs, seven local bands, cake, face painting and glitter (YES – more glitter). You’re most likely to find us at the Pimms or Aviation Gin cocktail bars!
Sunday, 6th May 2018, from 12.00pm; free
The Robin Hood, 13 Norfolk Place, BN1 2PF
The Robin Hood

Explore sex, faith & humanity (for free)
Turner Prize-winning artist duo Gilbert & George are displaying their playful and ambiguous works at Brighton Museum, with free entry this Saturday as part of the museum’s monthly free days. The partnership have worked and shared their lives together for fifty years (impressive!), so they’ve got plenty to shock you. It’s definitely not one for children, as they’ll be exploring themes along the lines of sex, faith and identity. Don’t say we didn’t warn you… their explicit work could be a little challenging to the eye. What time do they open again…?
Until Sunday, 2nd September 2018; usually £3.50, but free this Saturday, 5th May; from 10.00am
12A Pavilion Parade, Brighton BN1 1EE
brightonmuseums.org.uk

Unleash your inner child
Every year, The Brighton Festival kicks off on Saturday with the Children’s Parade, where around 5,000 children take to the streets for an explosion of bright colours, sculptures and sounds. David Shrigley has chosen the theme ‘Paintings’ for this year’s schools and community organisations to get stuck in to, so we’ll be keeping our eye out for a Mona Lisa or two. Cheer the little people of the city on by following the route from Robert Street to Madeira Parade.
Saturday, 5th May 2018 from 10.30am; free to spectate
Route runs from Robert Street to Madeira Parade
brightonfestival.org

Celebrate women AND ale
Fem.Ale is back in Brighton this weekend, giving locals (of all genders) the chance to celebrate beer brewed by women. Along with female-led music, The Marlborough will be showcasing a HUGE list of female-brewed beer and you’ll have the opportunity to meet the brewers and hear discussions on brewster topics, too. The party kicks off on Friday at midday as they take the crowd into the Fem.Ale world with local DJs, followed by a street party from 1.00pm on Saturday. Join them to soak up your final brews with a post-party roast on Sunday. Sounds good to us!
Friday, 4th May – Sunday, 6th May 2018
The Marlborough, 4 Prince’s St, Brighton BN2 1RD
Fem.Ale Festival

brighton-bank-holiday
Margarita Mondays?
The Foodies Festival returns to Hove Lawns this Saturday from 11.00am and we’ll be heading straight for the Patrón Airstream to grab a Margarita. That’s right, they’re kicking off their ‘Patrón the Summer’ cocktail tour right here in Brighton & Hove. If you still need persuading, the 30+ delicious street food stalls should do it. Not to mention the Prosecco and cream pie throwing. YES, that’s happening. You can also catch local legends Matt Gillan of Pike & Pine (he’s a Michelin-starred chef, don’t cha know) and Great British Menu winner Michael Bremner. Get 30% off tickets with the code below.
Saturday 5th – Monday 7th May 2018; tickets usually £24, use FOODIES30 for 30% off!
Hove Lawns, Kingsway Road, Brighton BN3 2WN
Foodies Festival

There’s simply too much amazing stuff happening in Brighton & Hove this weekend, so head over to our Instagram stories to see what else we’ve found for you.