Good morning, Brighton… It’s May Day.. whoop whoop. An excuse to go out and enjoy a few 🍸 in the sun, it was established in 1978, serves as the modern observation of ancient spring fertility festivals (Beltane) and a celebration of workers' rights. Well now you know and you can share the knowledge!

In today’s Brighton Scoop:

- Phil Reynolds

👶🏻 The 40th Children’s Parade opened the 60th Brighton Festival, led by mayor Amanda Grimshaw and featuring thousands of participants. This year’s theme, “Read all about it”, celebrated six genres of children’s books: realistic fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, traditional tales, science fiction and graphic novels/picture books.

Schools and youth groups created colourful artworks and costumes to match. Jointly produced by community arts charity Same Sky and the Festival, the parade is thought to be one of the largest of its kind in Europe. It began in New Road and finished on Madeira Drive, with more than 50 schools and youth organisations taking part, most from Brighton and Hove. View Photos of the parade on Instagram

📵 From September, all 10 secondary schools in Brighton and Hove will be smartphone‑free for Year 7 pupils. Children aged 11–12 will not be allowed to bring phones that can access the internet, social media, or take photos and videos. The joint decision by The Secondary School Partnership follows government plans for a national ban and comes after a year of local discussions and research.

Headteachers say the move aims to improve safeguarding, online safety, focus in lessons, mental health, and pupils’ social development. Each school will apply the policy in its own way, with a review planned in 2026–27, and possible extension to older years. The change aligns with national guidance and growing campaigns, such as Smartphone Free Childhood, calling for delayed access to smartphones and social media for under‑16s.

Brighton and Hove City Council reopened Hove Lagoon paddling pool, Saunders Park paddling pool and The Level water feature this weekend, just in time for the May bank holidays (albeit a bit of a wet start on Saturday).

They’ll run daily from 10am to 6pm over summer, with The Level fountain operating 10am–1pm and 2pm–6pm until 13 September after water quality testing. However, the King’s Road paddling pool will remain closed this summer for essential strengthening works on the arches. The playground and dry paddling pool area there will stay open for play until construction starts. Read more about each on the Freedom Leisure website.

🌤️ | 📈 18° | 📉 9° | ☔️ 30% | 🌬️ SW 5mph | 🌊 <1ft

☁️ | 📈 18° | 📉 7° | ☔️ 20% | 🌬️ NE 9mph | 🌊 <1ft

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Cinema’s aren’t going to fill themselves. Break a habit of a lifetime, turn off Netflix, get off the sofa and potter down to your local (cinema).

Duke of York’s Picturehouse - Book

Tours of Duke of Yorks | Devil Wears Prada 2 |

Dukes at Komedia - Book

Mother Mary | Highlander | The Drama | Michael | Project Hail Mary | Hokun | Rose of Nevada | Father Mother sister Brother |

🎭 There’s not a snowball’s chance we could include the full schedule of Festival, Fringe & Open Houses events in The Scoop for the whole of May so we’ll add our 🔥 hot picks 🔥 each newsletter and you can peruse the every listing on their respective websites. Now be gone with you and go find something excellent to watch.

Enjoy the last day of the festival FOR FREE. Just save the ticket below and show on the gate. Multi-use for the whole family. Preston Park - 11am to 8pm. 🌭

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.