Good morning, Brighton…. how are we this Friday? The sea is looking like a mill pond this morning so I’m off to do my best Duncan Goodhew impression round the pier. Call the coastguard if there isn’t a post on Monday

In today’s Brighton Scoop:

• Brighton’s Cucumber Benches

• Bob Dylan Heads to Brighton in November

• King’s Rd Arches get £21m from DfT for Reno

What’s the Scoop

Brighton’s Cucumber Benches

🥒 Brighton & Hove City Council is restoring the iconic double-sided green "cucumber" benches on Hove promenade this summer through a social value initiative. Partnering with highways contractor R J Dance and local suppliers, repairs on 11 benches will be funded at no cost to the council.

The Community Payback Scheme will involve offenders in sanding and redecorating the benches, providing community service under probation. Councillor Birgit Miller highlights the initiative as part of a broader seafront maintenance plan. The project seeks additional business partnerships and volunteers to continue enhancing the seafront's appearance. Work begins later this month. Always worth taking a cheeky minute on these benches to appreciate the views. 🌅

Bob Dylan Heads to Brighton

🎸 Legendary musician Bob Dylan will perform in the UK in 2025, including a show at the Brighton Centre on November 7, as part of his Rough and Rowdy Ways tour. Now 84, Dylan's tour follows the release of his biopic, A Complete Unknown. Tickets, starting at £80, go on sale July 18. The tour will also stop in Swansea, Coventry, Leeds, Glasgow, Belfast, Killarney, and Dublin.

Dylan's UK debut was in London in 1962, and he first played Ireland in 1966. The last time he performed in Brighton was May 2002 so could be worth getting to see this one! More ticket information is available at The Brighton Centre.

King’s Rd Arches get £21m from DfT for Reno

🪏 Brighton and Hove City Council has secured £21 million from the Department for Transport to rebuild the Kings Road arches, part of an ongoing project initiated over a decade ago. This funding supports phases four and five, targeting arches from the Kings Road playground to west of Shelter Hall. Construction is slated to begin next year, ensuring minimal disruption to the A259 and promenade activities.

The project addresses structural failures, with masonry arches replaced by concrete and enhanced ventilation. Railings will be faithfully replicated for safety. The initiative aims to maintain the seafront's functionality and aesthetic appeal. Home to numerous independent stores and food spots, ensuring this area is continues to flourish is super important to local business opens.

Local Biz

🍨 Good Food Names Gelato Gusto One of UK’s Best Ice Cream Parlours

Weather

Friday 11/7

☀️ | 📈 26 | 📉 17 |☔️ <5% | 🌬️ SW7 mph | 🌊 Flat

Saturday 12/7

☀️ | 📈 27 | 📉 15 |☔️ <5% | 🌬️ SE 7mph | 🌊 Flat

Sunday 13/7

☀️ | 📈 25 | 📉 17 |☔️ <5% | 🌬️ S 6mph | 🌊 Flat

Beautiful Brighton

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Summer Festivals ‘25

The Brighton Festival and Fringe may be over but we have plenty of other festivals on the way over the coming months in and around Brighton & Hove. We’ll keep this little section in for the next few months and update it every week. Be sure to check back people.

• 🎸 On The Beach | The Beach | 18th - 20th, 23rd,25th - 27th July | Book

• 🍸 Gin & Rum Festival | The Grand | 26th July | Book

• ☕️ Brighton Coffee Festival | All Saints Church | 9th & 10th August | Book

What’s On

Friday 11/7

• Komedia Comedy Club | Komedia | 7.30pm

• Mango Ritual | Brighton Dome | 8pm

• Secret Comedy Club | 8pm

Saturday 12/7

• Funny Women Edinburgh Previews | Komedia | 7.30pm

• Komedia Comedy Club | Komedia | 8pm

• Saddle Up Line Dancing | Maggie Maes | 5.30pm

• The 39 Steps | BOAT | 2pm & 7pm

• Harmonessence Summer Show | BOAT | 12pm

• Nature Therapy with Mark Reeves | One Garden | 10am

• Forge Comedy Club | 8pm

• The Comedy Experiment Preview with Ian Stone | Caroline of Brunswick | 4pm

• 1 *Irishman in Brighton | Caroline of Brunswick | 8pm

• Secret Comedy Club | 8pm

Sunday 13/7

• Wind down | The beach | All Day | Free

Live Music

Friday 11/7

• Arjun Nala | Alphabet | 7pm | Book

• Cheekface 7 Martha | Chalk | 6.30pm

• Allie X | Concorde 2 | 7pm

• Had Sandy | Greendoor Store | 7pm

• i f***ing h8 clubbing | Greendoor Store | 11pm

• Hannah Juanita | Komedia | 7.30pm

• Don’t You Want Me Baby 80’s | Maggie Mae’s | 7pm

Saturday 12/7

• Sham 69 | Chalk | 6pm | Book

• Jungle Mania Summer All Dayer | Concorde 2 | 2pm

• Beefmince | Concorde 2 | 11pm

• Star Print Clad | Greendoor Store | 7pm

• It’s Still 1985 | Greendoor Store | 11pm

• Realms | Komedia | 11pm

• Frankie Valley Live Afternoon | Maggie Maes | 2pm

• Hit Me Baby One More Time | Maggie Maes | 8.30pm

• Tropicana All Day Party | Saltdean Lido | 1pm

• Ben & Ricky - Highlife | Setting Sun

Sunday 13/7

• The Q Days | Greendoor Store | 7pm

• My First, My Last, My Everything | Maggie Maes | 12pm

Cheers for popping by

Great to have you follow the Scoop today. If you liked it, do share us with a friend. There’s a beer on me if you spot me in town.