our essential guide for locals — gigs, theatre, comedy, pubs and more
Summer is properly here and Brighton is doing what it does best. Here’s everything worth knowing about this weekend.
Friday 3 July
The night opens with serious range. Ho99o9 bring their high-energy noise-punk to Patterns — one of the more intense gigs the city will see this month, and not one for the faint-hearted. Over at Concorde 2, Stipe — a dedicated R.E.M. tribute — take the main stage, which is exactly the kind of thing Brighton does brilliantly on a Friday. For something more leftfield, King Ayisoba plays the Rose Hill, bringing his Ghanaian guitar and percussion sound to one of the city’s best small venues. The Green Door Store has The Dirty Nil — Canadian punk rock, loud and tight. At Resident on Gardner Street, mary in the junkyard play a live set and signing session, which is worth getting there early for. The Brunswick has two separate shows — Filthy Friday with Ben Norris and In Turn, making it worth checking the listings for exact times. Down at Volks on the seafront, Donk The Beach kicks off if you want something properly silly and fun.
At the Theatre Royal, Jinkx Monsoon brings Speaking of Witch — her new comedy and concert show — to New Road, with tickets from around £42.
Saturday 4 July
Saturday has one standout club night: O’Flynn’s Summer Terrace Party at Concorde 2 is one of the better electronic bookings Brighton has had this month. Crazy P bring their Summer Disco to Quarters — always a reliable Saturday. For metal heads, the Metal 2 The Masses Grand Final lands at Daltons. At the Brunswick, SKORTS play a live set. Komedia has The Puppet Folk Experience in the afternoon and the Rosie Brown Band plus The Reed Conservation Society in the evening — two very different shows worth checking individually.
At the Theatre Royal, Brainiac Live brings its family science show to the stage, and Stories With Skip — Camping is a perfect first theatre trip for small children, with tickets from £7. Over at Brighton Dome, Disabled + Disobedient: Golden Hour runs in the Studio Theatre from £5.
Sunday 5 July
Sunday is more relaxed but still well worth getting out for. The Hove Record Fair runs at The Brunswick — a must for anyone who buys vinyl, and free to browse. The TANABATA Japanese Star Festival takes over the Open Market from 10am — food, crafts and community, and completely free. At the Caroline of Brunswick, Sunset Sounds is a free outdoor afternoon music session. At Hope & Ruin, Underpass headline with support from SNM, Table Football and Leisure Threat. At Brighton Electric, Shobek, Artemisia Nathair and Jo Burke play an evening show for fans of more experimental sounds.
Eating and Drinking
The North Laine remains the most reliable stretch for eating before a gig. The Dorset on North Road does solid pub food. Moshimo on the Lanes is the city’s best Japanese. For a proper pint, the Evening Star on Surrey Street is one of the finest real ale pubs in Sussex and worth a visit any weekend regardless of what else is on.
