Good morning, Brighton. Friday is upon us once again... I’m not sure why I’m surprised each week that this happens but it seems to whip round at an ever increasing regularity. Anyway, one week until half term (I hear a gulp from parents) which is excellent as it means the Halloween madness is only a fortnight away. Boo-tiful.

In today’s Brighton Scoop:

- Phil Reynolds

Brighton's beloved ice rink is taking a winter break, but it's coming back in 2027 with a shiny new home at the Old Steine, right in the middle of the city.

The council and operator Laine Ltd have agreed the new spot in principle. It's a freshly revitalised space thanks to the Valley Gardens project, and it should be a handy boost for nearby shops, restaurants and attractions.

The catch is that this year's rink is off. Nowhere could offer the space and renewable power supply needed to run it safely and sustainably. Ice rinks are power-hungry, and Laine Ltd has long refused to use diesel generators.

Skaters will have to wait, but there are still plenty of festive events planned, including some at Valley Gardens. Consider it a brief intermission before the grand comeback. But don’t worry; Worthing Ice Rink will be operational from 7th November!

Brighton Dome is about to host something rather special. Congregational arrives on 30 October, billed as a "choral service for the nightclub".

Created by artist and vocalist Fatt Butcher with Nicky Harris and Tobre, the show mixes live music, performance and communal celebration. A professional queer choir, a DJ and a piano will blend house, trance, gospel, classical and experimental sounds in a score of freshly written hymns.

Some members of Brighton's Rainbow Chorus are joining the choir. They said they're "bursting with pride". Say hello to the Rainbow Chorus Members.

The show lands as LGBTQ+ nightlife venues across the UK face an uncertain future. It's both a tribute to queer club culture and a party in its honour. Organisers call it part concert, part communion and part resurrection, so expect plenty of dancing and possibly a little testifying. Book Tickets to the Brighton Dome Show.

Lewes has become the first town in England to recognise the rights of all trees, after its Town Council unanimously adopted a Tree Charter in September. It was developed by the Rights of our Trees group (ROOTs) and guided by the Rights of Trees, Woodlands and Forests Toolkit, created with University of Sussex law students.

The Charter commits the council to supporting tree guardianship, protecting significant trees, drawing up a local Rights of Trees strategy and working with partners to boost the town's natural environment.

There's a catch, though. It doesn't create legally enforceable rights in England. Still, it nudges us to see trees as living beings with value in themselves, not just as resources. Ecuador and New Zealand have already gone further with legal recognition of nature.

With many towns falling short on tree canopy cover, the hope is that other communities will follow Lewes' lead. Read more about the Toolkit.

🌤️ | 📈 16° | 📉 6° | ☔️ 30% | 🌬️ NW 14mph | 🌊 1-2ft

☀️ | 📈 15° | 📉 7° | ☔️ 5% | 🌬️ NE 15mph | 🌊 <1ft

🌦️ | 📈 14° | 📉 9° | ☔️ 60% | 🌬️ NE 13mph | 🌊 <1ft

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Cinemas 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

De Gaulle: Part 2 Liberte | Digger | Shutter Island | The Social Reckoning | 🎈Kiki’s Delivery Service | The Lost Child of Tuam | Dukes After Dark: Horror Surprise | Brief Encounter & Briefest Encounter & Q&A | Sense & Sensibility (2026)

Dukes at Komedia - Book

Tenzing | Naza | The Lost Child of Tuam | Bad Apples | Boorman & The Devil | Digger | Sense & Sensibility (2026) | Resident Evil | 🎈Kiki’s Delivery Service | 🎈Shaun The Sheep: Beast of Mossy Bottom | The Zone of Interest | Hadestown: The Muscial | All Stories Spill Their Stories to the Sea

100 Wines BY THE TAP | Opening 2nd November | 3-4 Duke Street | More Info

🎈 Family friendly events

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