As we rocket through the year and all of its 450 seasons (we’re positive there are more than four here), we somehow find ourselves at the end of August. But we’re refusing to admit it’s the end of summer just yet, even though there are distinct autumnal vibes in the air and it’s getting darker a lot earlier than we might like. Weekly weather rant aside, there’s heaps to look forward to this weekend, from music festivals (two of ’em!) to foodie finds and beautiful bargains.
Don’t miss your chance to check out the glorious old Hippodrome
If you missed out on last year’s open day, which allowed people to see inside Brighton’s Grade II-listed Hippodrome, which has been out of action since 2007, you’ve got another opportunity on Friday. And it’s likely this will be the last chance for the next two years as major building works soon kick off to get the building ready for its planned reopening in May 2026. The theatre’s been everything from a circus to an ice rink over its 124-year history, and happily, much of the original elaborate interior is still intact. Look out for the Rococo-style mouldings, the restored proscenium arch and balcony, and the magnificent show-stealing ceiling. And, excitingly, the theatre will also see its first performances in 60 years with Brighton’s singing barber Peter Joannou and spoken word poet Dave Streeter both taking to the stage hourly from midday.
Friday 30th August; 10am – 4pm; free
52 Middle Street, Brighton, BN1 1AL
Save Our Hippodrome
Rock out all day
We’ve got our favourite rock legend T-shirts at the ready for the return of FemRock this Saturday. The not-for-profit now focuses on promoting both women and LGBTQ+ people in music and we’re behind anything that drives a bit of that. The line-up for their all-dayer this Saturday includes some brilliantly named acts like Brighton queer punks Daffodildos, skate punk band The Glitterbombs, queer alt-pop duo Cowz, and colourful headliner Pink Suits who’ll be gracing our ears with their infectious politically driven punk. Rocking out is hungry work, so you’ll be able to feast on the goodies coming out of Arcobaleno’s kitchen and browse the cool creations at a feminist marketplace.
Saturday 31st August, 3pm – 11pm; from £11
Arcobaleno, 120 Saint Georges Road, Brighton, BN2 1EA
Get tickets
Get your fill of acid action
Why have one all-day music festival when you can have two, right? If your musical leanings tend to more of a psychedelic bent, then you’ll be in aural heaven at Psych Fest, the city’s newest multi-site festival, on Friday. The first release sold out pretty damn quick, but there are still tickets available to see a truly excellent line-up of acid bands (The Horrors, Poigs X7, New Dad, Hutch, Plantoid, and loads more local and not-so-locals acts) across some of Brighton’s best music venues, including a stage at Komedia curated and hosted by comedian Stewart Lee. Get your wristband early if you want to be one of the lucky 500 who get a branded tote. And, if you get peckish in between acts, just flash your wristband at Yeastie Boys and you’ll get half price off pizza at all of their locations.
Friday 30th August; 3pm – 3am (wristband exchange opens at 2pm); £51.75
Various locations, including Concorde 2 , Komedia, The Green Door Store and The Hope & Ruin
brightonpsychfest.com
Swap til you drop at a clothes swap
Fancy a new wardrobe as we head towards the end of summer but don’t want to buy stuff? Then this may be the push you need to have a clear out as the sustainable fashion gang that is Brighton Fashion Collective are hosting a clothes swap on Sunday. You can bring up to five items of clean, good-quality clothing (no rips or stains, no matter how small, and no shoes, gymwear or accessories) and swap them for items that take your fancy. And you’ll even get a free Lush charity pot body lotion on arrival.
Sunday 1st September; midday – 5pm; £5.50 on the door
Lush Hair Lab, 79 Trafalgar Street, Brighton, BN1 4EB
Brighton Fashion Collective
Stuff your face with half-price puds
Dessert restaurants seem to be exploding (ok, not literally, although we’re not averse to it raining bits of brownie) all over the city and now there’s another one to add to your list if mammoth milkshakes and artery-busting sundaes tickle your tastebuds. The Urban Chocolatier launches in Brighton on Saturday and, to celebrate, they’re offering a whopping 50 percent off their seriously decadent (and, yes, Instagrammable) desserts. The menu is stuffed with all kinds of sweet treats, from cake-topped freak shakes to stacked sundaes making choosing just one pretty tough. So, if you’re after a recommendation, the creamy pistachio profiteroles and the chocolate-laden Don Ferrero waffles were our favourites on the pre-launch night.
Launches Saturday 31st August; from 1pm
79 – 80 Western Road, Brighton, BN1 2HA
urbanchocolatier.com
Grab a cheapo cinema ticket
Got a film you’ve been wanting to see at the cinema for ages but it’s all a bit too pricey? Now’s your chance – all movies at Picturehouse cinemas are just £4 all day this Saturday in honour of National Cinema Day. There’s loads to choose from too, whether you’re up for some light-hearted fun with Despicable Me 4, a burst of nostalgia with ET or It Ends With Us, the drama whose serious story of domestic violence has been overshadowed by star Blake Lively’s promotion of her new (apparently not very good) hair line in interviews.
Saturday 31st August; various times and locations; £4
picturehouses.com
Have a party poolside
Ok, it’s not quite the same as if the pool were in your own back garden and you were hosting a legendary American TV-style pool party, but we reckon it’s the next-best thing. Saltdean Lido are celebrating the end of their summer season – and their newly restored building – with a full BBQ menu and snacks to enjoy post-swim. They’ve also got a hula hoop performance and workshop and other fun activities in store. And one exciting thing about the end of season approaching (last swims are on the 12th) is that it means it’s nearly time for Dogtember (14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd)!
Sunday 1st September; midday – 7pm; entry with a swim ticket (full-day swims are £14.50)
The Oval Park, Saltdean Park Rd, Saltdean, Brighton, BN2 8SP
saltdeanlido.co.uk
Coming up next week….
Cinema Crapadiso, Brighton’s so-bad-it’s-good film club (from the brains of chap-hop superstar Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer) is back on Monday with “possibly the greatest shite hip-hop movie of all time” (Caroline of Brunswick; 7pm; free) and don’t miss out on a September feast at The Set – next Thursday is their ‘no menu, new dishes, old tricks’ Omakase night (£45 for 10 excellent courses).
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