LIFESTYLE

Phew, this week’s flown by in a flurry. And it may only be September, but we've even seen the first (whisper it) Christmas menus popping up around town (sorry). But it's way too soon to start thinking about that, so let's enjoy the best of what Brighton has in store for us this weekend... You're choc too lateCalling all chocolate lovers! Brighton Chocolate Festival is back with more exhibitors and treats than you can shake your cocoa beans at, from local artisan chocolatiers, such as J.Cocoa and Terre de Sienne, and Brighton's Black Mocha to single-origin dark chocolate from Venezuela's Franceschi Chocolate. And look out for Cocoa Retreat's flavoured chocolates – there's elderflower and the particularly intriguing-sounding olive, too. And while the chocolate festival's going on inside the Brighthelm Centre, the Paper Daisy food and makers market (the last one of the year) will be reigning supreme in the gardens.Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September; 11am – 5pm Brighthelm Centre, North Road, Brighton BN1 1YDbrightonchocolatefestival.co.uk In the black (market)There's a new immersive burlesque night in town to get glammed up for and it's celebrating all things Brighton. Founded by local chef and burlesque fan Romy Alford, The Black Market is set to be an epic result of a dash of 1940s charm lovingly stirred into expertly mixed cocktails (made by Brighton's Mixology School using local brands) and the very best of local burlesque, cabaret and pole talent. On this Saturday's line-up, you'll find the incomparable Lydia L'Scabies (Queen Flea herself), pole supremo Chloe Anderson and the devilishly good 0000spectre, plus three more talented local performers. And there's also a cheeky discount code: enter HELPOUT20 at checkout for a juicy 20 percent off standard seating.Saturday 17th September; 6.30pm – 10pm; from £40 (includes a cocktail)The Old Market, Upper Market Street, Hove BN3 1ASTickets https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca9IrzPo_2L/ All things craft and beautifulThe Beautiful & Useful Craft Fair is landing in the glorious Sussex Prairie Garden this weekend (the best time to visit!). As you might expect, you'll find top designer-makers selling lots of beautiful and useful things at the outdoor event curated by writer and editor Natasha Goodfellow, formerly deputy editor of Homes & Antiques magazine. The stalls – think everything from ceramics to jewellery – are cleverly dotted among the plants, so you can roam the gardens at your leisure checking out all the good stuff. Like these gorgeous candy-coloured pastel egg cups from Aeyglom Ceramics. The very definition of useful and beautiful in our book.Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September; 11am – 5pm; £10; dogs and picnics welcomeSussex Prairie Garden, Wheatsheaf Road, Morlands Farm, Henfield, BN5 9ATbeautiful-useful.co.uk We're not playingHave you ever watched a performance from the stage of the Theatre Royal? If not, now's your chance to get a different perspective from the heart of the action with this intimate puppetry production created and performed by local artist and puppeteer Daisy Jordan and co-written with Ulysses Black. The Sorrowful Tale of Sleeping Sidney sees seven lavish glove puppets and one narrator-puppeteer enact this comically macabre Victorian tale of intrigue, obsession and murder based on the true story of 1870s Brighton's Christiana Edmunds, better known as the Chocolate Cream Killer. We might never see chocolate creams the same way again (maybe don't go before the Chocolate Festival).Friday 16th and Saturday 17th September; 7pm; from £15New Road, Brighton BN1 1SD (entrance via the stage door on Bond Street)Tickets Not your average department storeYou might know The Stanley Road Store from their flea markets or their pop-up fairs during the Open Houses when they bring together some of Brighton’s best designer-makers under one roof. This time around, they’ve got a whopping 52 independent local designer-makers on board and the store is hanging around for a whole three months. Housed in a two storey-building of what used, appropriately, to be part of Brighton’s much-loved Hanningtons department store, you’ll find an eclectic mix of gorgeous creations.From Friday 16th September (opens 6pm) to 23rd December; free54 Market Street, Brighton BN1 1HHthestanleyroadstore.co.uk Prints charmingFor the first time ever, indie local White Wall Cinema are selling off some of their incredible Blu Ray and DVD collection. Yep, this weekend is their postponed (from July due to the raging heatwave) sale where they’ll have over 1,000 film bargains to choose from, as well as film posters and artwork, and curated vintage finds from local seller Jackal Vintage. Plus, they’re turning their spacious outdoor area into a special soundtrack beer garden for the occasion, with DJs spinning the greatest movie songs.Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September; midday – 6pm; freeWagner Hall, 2 Regency Road, BN1 2RUwhitewallcinema.co.uk We're open to itIf you like nosing around other people’s pads then you won’t want to miss the last weekend of the Heritage Open Days. This Saturday and Sunday, you'll still find plenty of events that haven't sold out or don't need pre-booking. Think walking tours around Brighton's different districts, delving into their individual (hidden) histories; access to an old air-raid shelter; and intriguing talks, (such as why the city’s most maligned building material – bungaroosh – isn’t so bad after all). And if you fancy venturing further afield, the 13th century vaulted chamber inside Seaford's Crypt Gallery is a uniquely atmospheric experience. As ever, everything is totally FREE, so go exploring.Until Sunday 18th September, 2022Various locations and timesheritageopendays.org.uk We're (pre-)loving itIt's the last weekend of the pop-up at Gallery 40 featuring heaps of pre-loved fashion, gorgeous jewellery, ceramics, floristry and perfume – all selected or handmade by a bunch of fantastic local women. Think boho-luxe gold and silver jewellery, pre-loved beauties by the likes of Isabel Marant and APC, gloriously romantic forever flower clouds and statement ceramics. And for an added bonus, you can shop safe in the knowledge that you’re supporting small, sustainable businesses with your purchases. It's a win-win.Every day until Sunday 18th September; 11am – 5pm; free40 Gloucester Road, Brighton BN1 4AQ

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