The clocks go back on Sunday, which gives us an extra hour in bed and an excuse to make the most of a busy weekend. With half-term and Halloween straight after, here’s what’s worth leaving the house for. By Nick Staunton
Comedy: The Festival’s Last Laughs
The Brighton Dome Comedy Festival bows out in style. Tonight (Friday), Katherine Ryan brings Firstborn Daughter to the Corn Exchange and Nish Kumar plays the Concert Hall. Sam Campbell’s gloriously odd Kid Giblet follows on Saturday and Sunday.
Over at Komedia, Funny Women Live takes the stage on Saturday. Aurie Styla brings Maverick on Sunday night, and Sooz Kempner’s Imposter is on the same evening. For something lighter on Saturday afternoon, Bogan Bingo is exactly as chaotic as it sounds.
Gigs: A Cure Legend in Town
The big one next week is Lol Tolhurst, founding drummer of The Cure. He plays The Quarters on Wednesday 28 October, and as we reported this week, it’s an intimate venue for a post-punk icon, so tickets won’t last. On Saturday night, BLEEPED takes over the Corn Exchange for something louder.
Exhibitions: Biba and Magic
Brighton Museum is having a moment. The Biba Look: Photography and Fashion celebrates the cult 1960s and 70s label and is a must for anyone with a thing for velvet and smoky eyes. Two new shows open on Saturday: Magic Place, and Making the Masked Singer, which goes behind the scenes of the TV hit’s extraordinary costumes.
Families should catch DRAGONS at the Royal Pavilion before it closes on 1 November, and the science of Alice in Wonderland is still running at Brighton & Hove Museums. Fans of Brighton’s most famous DJ can meet Fatboy Slim at the Pepita Coffee signing event at Brighton Museum on Tuesday 27 October.
Halloween Week
Preston Manor, said to be one of the most haunted houses in England, is hosting Ghostly Gatherings and a ghost tour for young people on 30 October. On Halloween night, Brighton Museum screens Hocus Pocus and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Fishnets optional, but encouraged. Komedia’s Halloween double bill includes an emo anthems party on Friday 30th and Spellbound on Saturday 31st.
Sunday Roast: Book Ahead
With the clocks going back, Sunday is made for a long lunch. The Ginger Pig in Hove remains one of the city’s most reliable roasts. The Chimney House in Prestonville is a cosy neighbourhood favourite, perfect after a blustery walk. Book ahead, as both fill up quickly. For something further afield, the new Town House in Arundel is worth the drive.
Brighton Local Angle
Half-term week is when Brighton’s museums really earn their keep. Most family events are low-cost or free with entry. If you’re a resident, ask about local discounts at the Royal Pavilion before you book. And if you missed last week’s picks, catch up with our Brighton & Hove This Week guide.
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