It looks like it might *finally* be summer, if that’s not tempting fate too much to type. As well as the advent of some actually seasonal weather, there’s lots to celebrate this weekend – Trans Pride, for starters. We’ve also got great music, a beach party, and details on where to get your hands on some excellent foodie freebies. (And if you’re after some more money or a new opportunity so you can make the most of the summer, check out Jooble for summer jobs in Brighton, and make your weekends even more exciting.)
Celebrate Trans Pride
This weekend, it’s time to celebrate trans lives and gender diversity with a wide range of joyous events. Brighton has the largest event of its kind outside the US and was also the first one in Europe and this year it’s bigger than ever. So big, in fact, that they’ve outgrown their previous post-march home of Brunswick Gardens. They’re now celebrating across four areas after the march, which kicks off at midday after the 11.30am speeches at Jubilee Square. Afterwards, head to Brighton Dome’s Corn Exchange for performances and community stalls; you’ll find speakers at Jubilee Square; community stalls, a bar and a dance tent at New Steine Gardens; and an alcohol-free family picnic area with community stalls and performances at Dorset Gardens. Incredibly, there are still a few tickets left for (always epic) official Traumfrau after-party at the Dome (8.30pm; from £8). On Sunday, head to the gorgeous Stanmer Sauna Garden for a special Trans Pride garden sauna for a fiver.
Friday 19th – Sunday 21st July; various times, prices and locations
transpridebrighton.org
Nab a free ice-cream
To mark National Ice-Cream Day (we’re 100 percent on board with this particular holiday), several gelato sellers have promised copious amounts of the creamy stuff for free. First up, head to Brighton Pier on Saturday. Oreo (of the American chocolate sandwich cookie) will have a stand there from 10am to 7.30pm with seating, a giant Connect 4 and, most importantly, the chance to try one of the brand’s tasty iced treats. They’ll have Oreo ice-cream sticks, sandwiches or cones on offer for absolutely zero pence. On to Sunday, get your morning coffee or tea from boba tea specialists Cupp Bubble Tea on Bond Street and you’ll be rewarded with a taste of their new brown sugar boba ice-cream. They’ve limited these to the first 100 people so don’t hang around! Hotel Chocolat are also getting in on the ice act at their North Street shop with complimentary tastings of their Ice Cream of the Gods – ice-cream infused with crushed roasted cacao nibs – on Sunday.
Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July; various times and locations
Get a craft beer for a fiver at Brighton’s newest taproom
Cardiff microbrewery Mad Dog has opened a taproom in the heart of Brighton – its first outside Wales – and, to celebrate, they’ve slashed their prices for the opening week. That means you can get a pint of one of their vegan, gluten-free, preservative-free brews for a fiver until Thursday, 25th July. We went to the launch night on Thursday and were all over their Saison D’Etre saison beer and the Bramble Tart sour. Read more about it here.
24 Duke Street, Brighton, BN1 1AG
maddogbrew.co.uk
Head to a full moon party
Somehow it’s full moon time again. And the weather’s actual playing ball for this month’s Buck moon, so expect a huge turnout for Ruby Moon’s joyful monthly event. DJ Ben Williams and Yoga in the Lanes will be bringing the party as the crowd bids farewell to the last month with another evening of fun yoga, dance, paddleboarding and swimming – we reckon it’s definitely warm enough now for even the least intrepid bathers. Bring marshmallows for toasting on the firepit! (And if you’re down the Brighton end of town, we’d recommend a trip to Bison Beach Bar for their full moon party with DJs and fire performers.)
Sunday 21st July; 8.30pm; free
Meet on the beach in front of Hove Lawns Cafe (look for the Ruby Moon banner)
The Lawns Cafe, Hove Promenade, Kingsway, Brighton
rubymoon.org.uk
Go to this Brighton band’s single launch party
Brighton-based 80s-style band Kovak have got a ridiculously catchy new single out –’Giving Up Love’ – and they’re launching the electro-disco-rock track with a live show (10pm) at The Prince Albert on Saturday. They’ll be supported by hyperfunk disco band Zkeletonz with a DJ set from The Go! Team and Slack City Radio’s Guy Lloyd on hosting duty. Don’t miss it – this is their first single in ten years!
Saturday 21st July; from 8pm; from £9.38
48 Trafalgar Street, Brighton, BN1 4ED
princealbertbrighton.co.uk
Like what you read? Sign up to our weekly(ish) newsletter…
