Liberal Brighton

It could be said that England’s south coast city is the liberal and creative soul of Britain: planning is well underway for the annual Gay Pride Festival that graces Brighton’s shores every August and once again, this year is packed with eco and arts events. So for something different, here are some alternative sights and events to consider.

Pride with Purpose

As the UK’s biggest LGBTQ event, Brighton and Hove Pride Festival brings together supporters in the LGBTQ community to fundraise, celebrate and party in the name of equality; 2018’s festivities will recognise the trailblazers and supporters who shaped Brighton’s Pride movement and championed equality. The weekend event features a parade, village party, and live music performances from international artists such as Britney Spears expected to perform.

Event dates: 3 to 5 August 2018

Celebrating Creativity

When you think ‘Fringe Festival’, it’s likely that Edinburgh springs to mind, but the Brighton version is an ideal option if you’re seeking early summer entertainment and can’t wait until August. As England’s largest arts festival, you can expect an eclectic mix of acts from comedy, art, food, literature, theatre and street performance.

Event dates: 4 May to 3 June 2018

Brighton's Bare Necessities

On 1 April 1980, Brighton made seaside history by opening the UK’s first naturist beach. Just one mile east of Brighton Pier, you can walk there or catch the Volks Electric Railway near the pier. Signs and large banks of pebbles indicate the start and end of the naturist sections of sand, officially known as Cliff Bathing Beach.

On the Arts Trail

It’s often overlooked that Brighton played an early role in the development of film-making, as the home and workplace of William Friese-Greene, the main pioneer of motion pictures and colour films. Today, Brighton is a magnet for producers who are drawn to the city’s mix of urban and natural settings. Book the Brighton on Film Tour which includes filming locations from Quadrophenia, Mona Lisa and Brighton Rock. Other interesting tours include street art walks and the ‘From Skanky to Swanky’ tour of the ever-changing North Laine neighbourhood.

For shopping, Lovethatstuff on the waterfront sells fair-trade items from over 30 global producers, while foodies should head for Brighton Chilli Shop. The UK’s first chilli shop, it sells the homegrown hot stuff, with sauces and products both from the UK and all over the world. Food for Friends is the city’s original vegetarian restaurant using the best, locally sourced produce, while others such as Foodilic are also committed to vegan and organic offerings.

Freewheeling It

The new smart bike-share scheme allows eco-conscious visitors and locals to explore Brighton with ease. Bikes are available for hire from just 3p per minute, with rentals in several central locations from Lewes Road towards the city’s two universities, with plans for more. To join the city’s cycling revolution, simply register, unlock a bike, discover Brighton on two wheels and simply return it to any BTN BikeShare Hub when you’re all explored out.

See also:

• The Great Escape - Festival of new music showcasing around 450 emerging artists in over 30 Brighton venues.

Event dates: 17 - 19 May 2018.

• Musical Bingo - Experience bingo with a creative twist at popular entertainment venue Komedia where numbers are swapped for tunes.

Event dates: Held every two months (next one Thu 19 April 2018).

• The Lanes – In what was the fishing town of Brighthelmstone, Brighton’s cultural and creative quarter is a maze of streets packed with shops, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues, the perfect place to soak up the city’s alternative vibe.