Free tote bags, personalised art and matcha: here’s what’s happening at Free People’s Brighton opening weekend

Brighton's newest fashion store is opening this weekend – and if you're partial to a free tote bag and a gratis iced matcha, you might want to make a beeline for East Street. Boho fashion brand Free People is opening its first-ever Brighton store on Friday 19th June, and it's marking the occasion with a weekend of giveaways, exclusive drinks and collaborations with local creatives. The biggest draw might be the limited-edition canvas tote bags designed by Brighton illustrator Ruby Hughes featuring colourful seaside-inspired artwork. And unlike many launch freebies, you don't necessarily have to spend big to get one. On Friday, every purchase comes with a complimentary tote bag (while stocks last). And, over the weekend, there's an even better deal: head to The Milk Shed on Prince Albert Street to try one of two drinks created exclusively for the launch – a Cherry Cold Brew or Iced Peach Mebla Matcha – then take the voucher they'll give you back to the store to receive a tote bag for free, no Free People purchase required. If you're a tote bag enthusiast (even an inadvertent one), you might want to move fast on this one. The opening weekend also puts the spotlight on local creatives. On Friday from 11am – 4pm, illustrator Ruby will be in store creating personalised artwork live. And, if you spend £150 or more, you'll receive a complimentary custom-painted canvas to take home. Meanwhile, The Milk Shed (yes, they of those coveted drinkable desserts and gooey cookies) will be popping up in-store on Friday from 10am – 4pm serving those exclusive drinks, before the collaboration moves to its Prince Albert Street café for the rest of the weekend. The new boutique takes over the former Hobbs unit on East Street, bringing another fashion brand to a stretch that's recently welcomed the likes of Charlotte Tilbury and Nobody's Child. Its Free People's first Brighton location and its 10th in the UK and the brand says Brighton's creative energy and relaxed coastal lifestyle made the city a natural fit for its latest store. The 1,234 sq ft space has been designed with Brighton in mind, featuring plenty of natural light, pink tones and seaside-inspired interiors. It will stock Free People’s signature collections, including its Americana-inspired denim and heritage line alongside its holiday-ready range of breezy summer pieces. So if you're after a free coffee to fuel your browsing or an excuse to add another tote bag to your collection, this might be it. Opening weekend from Fri 19th June – Sun 21st June; 10am – 6pm; free, but you can reserve a spot here48 - 49 East Street, Brightonfreepeople.com

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