Screamers

Aug 2007 (monthly)

Screamers is Brighton's monthly gay comedy night, often featuring Tina C, the country & western drag star who introduces a star-studded bill.

World Beard and Moustache Championships

1 Sep 2007 (biennial)

Wild and wonderful whiskers are on display as the World Beard and Moustache Championships visits the Brighton Centre in 2007. Come to marvel at the length, breadth and diversity of facial hair - just don't mention the word "shave"...

Ace Café Reunion

7 Sep 2007 (annual)

Disciples of chrome and leather descend on Brighton's centre for the annual celebration of biking and the original Ace Café on London's North Circular. Up to 40,000 sparkling machines get involved, after a weekend of celebrating in London.

Sand Sculpture Festival

Jun - Sep 2007 (annual)

Around 60 international artists congregate in Brighton this summer for one of the world's largest sand sculpture festivals. The Marina is set to become home to the Colosseum and many other historical images of ancient Rome, carved out of sand and secured with water, which can easily withstand winds up to Force 7.

UK Air Guitar Championships

Sep 2007 (annual)

Yes, the time is fast approaching. Flex those fingertips and dig deep into the wardrobe to find your spandex pants. This final heat of the UK Air Guitar Championships is at Brighton's Concorde 2.

Preston Manor

1 Apr - 30 Sep 2007; not Mon (annual)

Preston Manor is one of Brighton's hidden gems - a perfectly preserved Edwardian manor house which the public can explore, unhindered by any roped-off areas. It is as if the posh Edwardian family have just popped out for a picnic and you are snooping around their home.

Volk's Railway

1 Apr - 30 Sep 2007 (annual)

The Volks Railway on Brighton beach was the first public electric railway in the world. It was opened on 4 August 1883 by Magnus Volk, the man who designed and built it from scratch. Today the railway can carry up to 40 passengers for about a mile along the beach and is a lovely way to get to the Marina from the centre of town.

Brighton & Hove Food & Drink Festival

7 - 30 Sep 2007 (annual)

The Brighton & Hove Food & Drink festival celebrates the best of food and drink in Sussex for the fifth time. Local delicacies will be the star of the show, with special events taking place across Brighton and Hove including markets, live demonstrations and competitions.

Thomas Dolby

4 Oct 2007

British keyboard whizz-kid Thomas Dolby is taking his one-man show on tour. This date is at the Concorde 2 in Brighton.

Alice Cooper/Motorhead/Joan Jett

13 Nov 2007

Theatrical rocker Alice Cooper, the man who gave the world such songs as School's Out and Eighteen, performs at the Brighton Centre along with Motorhead and Joan Jett.

Brighton Museum and Art Gallery

Daily; not Mon

The Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, situated in the cultural heart of the city opposite the Royal Pavillion, has fine collections of fashion, art and design, including an impressive collection of Art Deco and Art Nouveau. There are also images and objects from the city's history and a section devoted to the history of performance.

Hove Lagoon

Daily

Have you ever fancied learning how to sail, windsurf or drive a powerboat? Now you can, at Hove Lagoon in Brighton, where friendly, professional instructors offer short or long courses. Kids can enjoy fun-packed Activity Weeks during the summer or half-term to learn windsurfing, sailing, land and team sports and games.

Gardner Arts Centre

Daily

Located within the grounds of the University of Sussex, the Gardner Arts Centre is a performing arts and film venue with a capacity of 482. Presenting a wealth of diverse acts and productions throughout the year, the centre also showcases all the best movies, from Hollywood to Bollywood.

Royal Pavilion

Daily

Just behind Brighton Seafront the Royal Pavilion rises like a mirage of Eastern exoticism. It was the Prince Regent (George IV) who commissioned John Nash to adapt a standard structure into this splendid folly (1815-1823) inspired by the Mughal architecture (onion domes and intricate decoration) of India.

Joogleberry Playhouse

Daily

With a mission to spread a little "Joogleberry magic" to the world, the Joogleberry Playhouse offers a lively mix of cabaret, jazz, folk, flamenco and lots more in a renovated listed building in the heart of Brighton. Alongside the performances, it has a critically-acclaimed restaurant with dishes ranging from simple sandwiches and tasty tapas to delicious Sunday roasts with all the trimmings.

Komedia

Daily

Komedia is an extremely popular arts venue in the heart of the North Laine cultural district in Brighton. A recent refurbishment has resulted in larger performance areas, the new Café Bar on Gardner Street and Foyer Bar on Regent Street, the latter becoming the main entrance to the club. Divided into two areas, Komedia Upstairs presents theatre, cabaret, music and children's shows, whilst Komedia Downstairs is home to the Kronenbourg Krater Comedy Club.

Outlet Stores at Brighton Marina

Daily; not Sun

Bargain hunters make a beeline for Brighton Marina, where the city's only outlet shopping centre offers a great selection of designer goodies at up to 50% off the original prices.

Snooper's Paradise

Daily

Brighton's North Laines are the perfect place for a spot of antique hunting, and Snoopers Paradise on Kensington Gardens is a great place to pick your way through a jumble of second-hand and retro furniture, curious knick knacks and vintage odds and ends. The shop is a collection of stalls all under one big roof, so you're bound to find something you want to take home.

The Lanes

Daily

The Lanes, a densely packed collection of narrow streets and alleyways (and the wynds and twittens that connect them), made up the original fishing village of Brighthelmstone - Brighton in a former life. Covering an area of approximately one square mile, they are now a shopper's paradise, home to an extraordinary mix of antiques, jewellery, interior design and famous designer labels, chocolatiers, historic pubs and quality restaurants.

The Brighton Toy and Model Museum

Daily; not Mon or Sun

The Brighton Toy and Model Museum houses the priceless tin-plate O-Gauge working railway, along with 10,000 other exhibits.

Brighton Beachfront

Daily

Brighton beachfront is the heart of this buzzing seaside city and has undergone a transformation in the last decade. It stretches from Brighton Pier, with its bumper cars and Victorian games arcade, to what was the ghostly West Pier, now partially subsided into the waters after a huge fire.

Preston Park

Daily

Preston Park covers 63 acres, with a formal rose garden, six bowling greens and 12 tennis courts, plus a children's playground, a croquet lawn, a garden for the blind and a small pond with stepping stones.

Revenge

Daily

Brighton's biggest gay club, Revenge is an award-winning venue in a superb location that packs out weekly with a variety of nights.

Nudist Beach

Daily

When the sun shines, bottoms are bared on Brighton's nudist beach, at the far end of the seafront, between Peter Pan's playground and the Marina.

North Laine

Daily

The North Laine shopping area (just north of Brighton's city centre) is the reason Brighton has a strong reputation for non-chain, owner-run quirky shops. With over 350 outlets selling everything from percussion instruments to crystals, juggling balls and Latin American furniture, shopping here is an integral part of Brighton's appeal.

Jubilee Library

Daily; not Sun

The Jubilee Library in Brighton was opened on World Book Day in March 2005 and sets a noble example by being energy efficient and running on natural energy provided by the wind and sun. It has a large IT centre with facilities for the visually and hearing impaired and a Sound and Vision area that houses an impressive world cinema and music selection.

Sea Life Centre

Daily

Believe it or not, Brighton's Sea Life Centre is the oldest aquarium in the world. Once a place to sit on rickety chairs and watch an old-fashioned show where seals juggled balls on their noses, it has undergone a serious revamp and now boasts one of the longest underwater viewing tunnels in Europe. From Easter 2007 the newest feature, Submarine Adventure, opens, taking visitors on a virtual journey through the oceans.

Evolution Arts & Natural Health Centre

Daily

If you've been promising yourself time to take up an extracurricular course of any kind, try the Evolution Centre in Brighton. From African drumming to life drawing and massage, there's very little on the arts and natural health front that you can't get your teeth into.

The Cricketers

Daily

Brighton's oldest pub, The Cricketers offers real ale and a relaxed atmosphere in the heart of The Lanes. Originally patronised by local fishermen, it is packed with random pub paraphernalia and decorated with an abundance of brass. There are lots of nooks and crannies in which to wedge yourself, even on the busiest nights.

The Honey Club

Daily; not Tue

Some of the biggest names in clubland appear at Brighton's two-roomed Honey Club, which provides a varied selection of music throughout the week.

Screamers

Aug 2007 (monthly)

Screamers is Brighton's monthly gay comedy night, often featuring Tina C, the country & western drag star who introduces a star-studded bill.

World Beard & Moustache Championships

1 Sep 2007 (annual)

The World Beard and Moustache Championships is a biennial event participated by beard and moustache wearers from all over the world. A different country hosts the event as decided by The World Beard & Moustache Association each year with the Brighton Centre hosting 2007 bristly spectacular.

Volk's Railway

1 Apr - 30 Sep 2007 (annual)

The Volks Railway on Brighton beach was the first public electric railway in the world. It was opened on 4 August 1883 by Magnus Volk, the man who designed and built it from scratch. Today the railway can carry up to 40 passengers for about a mile along the beach and is a lovely way to get to the Marina from the centre of town.

UK Air Guitar Championships

Sep 2007 (annual)

Yes, the time is fast approaching. Flex those fingertips and dig deep into the wardrobe to find your spandex pants. This final heat of the UK Air Guitar Championships is at Brighton's Concorde 2.

The Great Escape Festival

May 2008 (annual)

T-Mobile Street Gigs join forces with The Great Escape for a bigger, better version of last year's new music festival. Bands from all over the world take over Brighton's venues, both big and secret...

The Funky Joogle Do

Dec 2007 (annual)

Two floors of celebration, a delicious buffet, live music from seven-piece band F.N.U.K. and a very late bar make this evening at the Joogleberry Playhouse a good way to start 2007. Wigs, shades and platforms are preferred but not essential...

The Barlow Collection

1 Sep 2007 - 31 Jul 2008; Tue and Thu only (annual)

The Barlow Collection at the University of Brighton is a unique collection of Chinese works of art from the 12th century BC to the 18th century AD. It includes outstanding examples of archaic ritual bronze vessels, pottery tomb figures and burial vessels, fine porcelains, carved jades as well as a number of Korean celadon wares. There are several exhibitions through the year.

Streets of Brighton

May 2008 (annual)

The North Laine area of Brighton hosts a three-day extravaganza of street entertainment as part of the Brighton Festival.

Speedway

Dec 2007 (annual)

The annual Brighton Bonanza brings indoor motorcycle racing to the Brighton Centre.

Sand Sculpture Festival

Jun - Sep 2007 (annual)

Around 60 international artists congregate in Brighton this summer for one of the world's largest sand sculpture festivals. The Marina is set to become home to the Colosseum and many other historical images of ancient Rome, carved out of sand and secured with water, which can easily withstand winds up to Force 7.

Rock 'n' Gem Show

Nov 2007 (annual)

Scores of crystal, mineral, fossil and gemstone experts gather at Brighton Racecourse for two days devoted to some of planet Earth's more interesting offerings, as well as giving top tips on what crystals can do for your mind, body and soul.

Regency Banquet

27 Sep 2007 (annual)

The Regency Banquet is the only fully costumed event which takes place in the stunning setting of the Banqueting Room at the Royal Pavilion. Diners dress in authentic Regency period costume and are hosted by the Prince Regent himself.

Red Party

Dec 2007 (annual)

Wild Fruit's annual fundraising Red Party at Creation fills three rooms with scarlet hues. DJ Seamus Haji and vocal diva Catherine Ellis are just two of the highlights in 2006.

Preston Manor

1 Apr - 30 Sep 2007; not Mon (annual)

Preston Manor is one of Brighton's hidden gems - a perfectly preserved Edwardian manor house which the public can explore, unhindered by any roped-off areas. It is as if the posh Edwardian family have just popped out for a picnic and you are snooping around their home.

National Speed Trials

8 Sep 2007 (annual)

Arguably the oldest motoring competition in the UK, the Brighton Speed Trials are a feast for the eyes of any petrol head. Cars and bikes of all shapes and sizes fill every inch of Madeira Drive, near Brighton Pier, from the oldest veterans to the newest of the Max Power Mob. Various prizes are awarded, including one for the fastest 100m sprint on wheels!

Modelworld

Feb 2008 (annual)

Don't expect to meet Kate Moss during this event at the Brighton Centre. Instead, watch out for roaming robots, miniature railways and radio-controlled cars. Yes, it's that kind of modelling.

Magners Paramount Comedy Festival

4 - 20 Oct 2007 (annual)

Fresh on the heels of Edinburgh Fringe, Brighton hosts the Magners Paramount Comedy Festival, its own homage to all things funny. The Dome venues play host to performances including Grumpy Old Women, Ross Noble, Frank Skinner, Jimmy Carr and Sean Hughes.

Loop Festival

18 Aug 2007 (annual)

Brighton hosts a new all-dayer event this summer, Loop, in Victoria Gardens. Confirmed to appear include Foals, The Aliens, The Bays, Husky Rescue, Metronomy, Bonobo, Mira Calix, Clark, The Go! Team, Icarus, Ultre and David E Sugar. More acts will be confirmed nearer to the event.

London to Brighton Bike Ride

Jun 2008 (annual)

Every year around 27,000 riders take part in Europe's biggest fund-raising cycling event, pedalling all the way from London to Brighton on the south coast - a distance of 58 miles.

Festive Fayre

Dec 2007 (annual)

Brighton Marina gets into the spirit of Christmas with a two-day event offering festive gifts and food.

Festival of Fiery Foods

15 - 16 Sep 2007 (annual)

The Festival of Fiery Foods at Brighton's Ovingdean Hall School offers a huge variety of hot and spicy food and drinks from around the globe. It's your chance to try nature's napalm, if you can stomach it.

Creative Stitches and Hobbycrafts

Feb 2008 (annual)

The Creative Stitches and Hobbycrafts show at the Brighton Centre welcomes 150 exhibitors selling card-making supplies, fabric, yarn, sewing machines, patchwork & quilting accessories, books, tapestry, art materials and much more.

Burning The Clocks

Dec 2007 (annual)

This annual community event in Brighton is a fairly new one, but gets more impressive each year. It involves a children's lantern parade through the city centre, finishing with a firework display from the beach next to Madeira Drive. Many of the paper lanterns are burnt too.

Bump, Baby & Beyond

Nov 2007 (annual)

Nappies, buggies, cots, feeding equipment, car-seats, play-mats, you name it, the Bump, Baby & Beyond show at the Brighton Racecourse has everything on offer to entertain and nurture your little one, as well as plenty for expectant mothers...

Brighton Ska Festival

Apr 2008 (annual)

Now firmly established on the live music calendar in the city, the fifth Brighton Ska Festival, held at Concorde 2, looks set to be one of the best so far. Too Many Crooks and The Hotknives headline a bill of ten bands.

Brighton Science Festival

Feb 2008 (annual)

Brighton's Science Festival takes over a number of city venues every February. Highlights of the The Big Science Sunday (18 February) include talks by "media" scientists like Ben Goldacre, David Bodanis and Steve Jones. There are plenty of activities for families too - including Bright Sparks Day, White Heat Day and Science Magic.

Brighton Royal Pavilion Wedding Fair

Feb 2008 (annual)

Held in the elegant setting of Brighton Royal Pavilion, this wedding fair showcases all you need for your big day - dresses, caterers, marquees and honeymoon ideas included. There are also fashion shows every morning and twice in the afternoons.

Brighton Pride Festival & Parade

Jul - Aug 2008 (annual)

Brighton Pride takes over the town for a week in summer, culminating in a flamboyant parade from the seafront to Preston Park on the final Saturday and street parties on St James's St.

Brighton Photo Fringe

Oct 2007 (annual)

The Brighton Photo Fringe runs in parallel with the Brighton Photo Biennial, using the increased awareness of photography in the media and public to create opportunities for photographers that are based in Brighton and surrounding areas. Exhibitions take place all over Brighton, Hove and Shoreham.

Brighton Frocks

Jun 2008 (annual)

Brighton Frocks presents local designers at St George's Church. The event is held annually to celebrate the diversity of Brigton fashion, seeking national recognition for local designers and aiming to put the city on the UK fashion map.

Brighton Fringe Festival

May 2008 (annual)

Every year, venues across Brighton play host to the biggest Arts Festival in England and its accompanying Fringe. The range of events included in the Fringe continues to expand, taking in everything from circus to exhibitions, classical concerts, club nights and street theatre. If you hold an arts event of any kind in the Brighton area during the month of May, you can be a part of it.

Brighton Festival

May 2008 (annual)

Every May, Brighton becomes a festival city for three weeks as everything from opera to stand-up comedy, readings, screenings and street theatre takes over indoor and outdoor venues. In 2007 there are seven world premières, three UK premières, plus hundreds of events from around the world, across the UK and among Brighton's own arts community.

Brighton Early Music Festival

6 - 28 Oct 2007 (annual)

Brighton's annual Early Music Festival takes place in venues all over town with the 2007 theme being "Improvisations and Transformations".

Brighton 10K

18 Nov 2007 (annual)

The Brighton 10K is one of the fastest 10km routes in England and has the Victorian city of Brighton & Hove as its scenic backdrop. Two thousand people take part, with both elite runners and joggers enjoying the out-and-back seafront route - all off-road or on traffic-free roads. The race starts and finishes on Madeira Drive.

Brighton & Hove Food & Drink Festival

7 - 30 Sep 2007 (annual)

The Brighton & Hove Food & Drink festival celebrates the best of food and drink in Sussex for the fifth time. Local delicacies will be the star of the show, with special events taking place across Brighton and Hove including markets, live demonstrations and competitions.

Ace Café Reunion

7 Sep 2007 (annual)

Disciples of chrome and leather descend on Brighton's centre for the annual celebration of biking and the original Ace Café on London's North Circular. Up to 40,000 sparkling machines get involved, after a weekend of celebrating in London.

World Beard and Moustache Championships

1 Sep 2007 (biennial)

Wild and wonderful whiskers are on display as the World Beard and Moustache Championships visits the Brighton Centre in 2007. Come to marvel at the length, breadth and diversity of facial hair - just don't mention the word "shave"...