What's On in Brighton & Hove: 5–11 July 2026

Good Morning, Brighton

Welcome to July! The summer's in full swing, the seafront's buzzing, and there's real energy in the air this week. We've got some proper homecoming vibes happening, and we're shining a spotlight on Kemp Town—one of Brighton's most vibrant neighbourhoods. Perfect timing for a proper explore.

This Week in Brighton & Hove

- The Maccabees are coming home — Indie legends The Maccabees are headlining On The Beach festival on Brighton's seafront this summer. It's a proper homecoming for the group, and if you've got any love for British indie, this one's worth marking your calendar for.

- Valley Gardens is getting a serious makeover — The Phase 3 regeneration project is transforming the route from the Old Steine down to the seafront. Safer spaces for pedestrians and cyclists, new life breathed into a key area. It's the kind of thing that makes the city feel genuinely better to move around.

- Brighton's officially the UK's spa and wellness capital — New research has confirmed what locals already knew: we've got more spas and yoga studios per person than anywhere else in the country. And this week, free donation-based yoga classes are launching in Regency Square, welcoming all abilities. No experience needed.

- Theatre Royal Brighton honoured Ellen Nye Chart — A blue plaque has been unveiled to the visionary manager who transformed Theatre Royal into a nationally renowned venue. A lovely bit of local heritage recognition.

This Weekend

With weather like this, get yourself down to Brighton Beach. It's free, it's beautiful, and it runs the whole length of the seafront. If you fancy a wander, Brighton Palace Pier is perfect for a stroll (free to walk on, rides cost extra if you're feeling nostalgic). Grab a proper ice cream and take your time.

If you're not a beach person, head north to Preston Park — there's plenty of space, it's genuinely lovely in summer, and you can just sit with a book without bumping into anyone.

For a proper browse, North Laine is unbeatable on a Saturday. Independent shops, the Saturday market if you catch it, and Komedia if you fancy live entertainment. It's the heart of bohemian Brighton, and it never gets old.

Where to Eat and Drink This Week: Kemp Town Edition

Kemp Town's our featured area this week, and it absolutely deserves the attention. St James's Street is the spine of the neighbourhood—eclectic, LGBTQ+ friendly, and genuinely characterful.

For something proper and unpretentious, head to one of the independent cafés or restaurants along St James's Street itself. Kemp Town's strength is in its mix of long-established locals and newer independent spots. It's worth a wander to see what's caught your eye—that's half the fun of this neighbourhood.

If you're after seafood with real pedigree, English's of Brighton over in The Lanes (established 1945) is an absolute institution. Classic, reliable, proper.

Worth Knowing

The £1 bus scheme — If you're in Whitehawk, a new three-month pilot allows you to travel on two bus routes for just £1 per journey. It's a genuinely good initiative worth knowing about.

Kemp Town's also worth remembering for Brighton Pride in August — it's the heart of the action, and the neighbourhood absolutely comes alive. Worth planning ahead if you fancy being part of it.

Enjoy the week. The city's looking brilliant.