Good morning, Brighton and what a weekend the city has in store for us. Thousands of extremely happy people, probably a lot of flesh and a smattering of dancing thrown in the mix. Lucky it’s National Spritz Day on Saturday as everyone would have to come up with another reason to have a tipple. Enjoy yourselves one and all. x

In today’s Brighton Scoop:

- Phil Reynolds

🏊🏽‍♂️ Brighton councillors have approved the King Alfred Leisure Centre redevelopment after a marathon five-and-a-half-hour meeting—but not without a fight. About 50 campaigners gathered outside Hove Town Hall, some literally drawing chalk outlines to protest the planned splash pad's modest size. Earlier in the year 1500 signed a petition against the proposals.

The new facility will feature an eight-lane pool, learning pool, gym, soft play, and café. However, objectors raised serious concerns: 613 formal objections were lodged, with critics arguing the replacement centre is actually smaller than the existing 1930s building and would lose the ballroom's precious sprung dance floor. Disabled access concerns also surfaced, with one beach hut owner questioning the undercroft car park's low clearance for wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

All councillors var one ultimately backed the scheme anyway. Read the council response.

🌊 Brighton's coastline is getting a serious upgrade starting Monday, 3 August. Workers will pump thousands of tonnes of shingle onto Hove's beach using a massive offshore dredger, extending the shoreline by approximately 25 metres. Watch video.

The shingle—sourced from a licensed English Channel dredging site—will fill a brand new groyne field (nine timber groynes built since January). This nifty scheme tackles two problems: it protects homes and businesses from erosion and flooding while preventing the annoying winter phenomenon of shingle cascading onto the promenade during storms.

The four-week operation requires beach closures for safety, working around high tides. It's climate-proofing with pebbles—practical and rather brilliant! Read about the protection project.

🤣 Brilliant news for comedy fans: Peter Kay is heading to Brighton Centre for two special charity nights on 13–14 November 2026. Tickets from £40.50 go on sale today (Friday 31 July) at 10am through the box office.

The Lancashire legend—famous for Phoenix Nights, Car Share, and his razor-sharp observations on British life—remains one of our funniest exports. His record-breaking tours have packed venues nationwide, and these performances promise to be memorable occasions supporting good causes.

Expect strong demand, so best get clicking when sales open. Ave it!

🌤️ | 📈 24° | 📉 14° | ☔️ 5% | 🌬️ N 7mph | 🌊 <1ft

☀️ | 📈 23° | 📉 15° | ☔️ 5% | 🌬️ SW 8mph | 🌊 <1ft

☀️ | 📈 26° | 📉 18° | ☔️ 5% | 🌬️ SE 8mph | 🌊 <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

Gentlemes Prefer Blonders | Odyssey | Beautiful Thing (30th Anniversary) | 🎈Nick Cave Presents: Pinocchio (1940), Wake in Fright, Under The Skin, Irreversible & Gospel According to St Matthew |

Dukes at Komedia - Book

🎈Spider-Man: Brand New Day | Odyssey | Jet Lag: Japanorama Livestream Premiere | Some Like It Hot |

Key Dates & Times

All Official Pride Supporting events contribute £1 per head towards Pride’s community fundraising. Awesome! View all Official Fundraising events this weekend.

🏳️‍🌈 Pride events

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