Good morning, Brighton. Pumpkin farms are all in full swing across Sussex so be sure to get yourself over to one ASAP with only 12 days to go. Interesting fact (to only me maybe): Giant pumpkins can grow 30lbs a day at their peak in late summer, which is why growers sometimes talk about hearing or watching them swell. Not many people no that 🎃

In today’s Brighton Scoop:

- Phil Reynolds

😻 Brighton's cat lovers laced up their walking shoes yesterday for Sunday's charity Cat Tour, a 3km amble through the city to meet around 25 of its feline residents. Proceeds will support a local animal rescue shelter.

The walk winds through neighbourhoods where owners have volunteered to introduce their pets. There's even the chance of a few "bonus cats" along the way.

Last year, 200 enthusiasts took part, and 105 homes signed up after a TikTok video promoting the walk drew almost 100,000 views. It raised money for City Cat Shelter in Coldean. Organiser Stefan Gutierrez said the event was inspired by a viral cat tour in Toronto in 2024. What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday! Well done all involved.

👷🏻‍♀️ Brighton's Valley Gardens project has officially wrapped up. Phase 3 was opened on Friday 16 October with a ceremonial switch-on of the Victoria Fountain in the Old Steine.

The final stretch links St Peter's Church to the seafront. It brings 500 metres of separated cycle lane, wider pavements, more direct crossings and a new junction in place of the Aquarium roundabout. There's also a fresh public space between the Royal Pavilion and the War Memorial.

Roads have been resurfaced, bus stops added and lighting improved around Old Steine. The area now has 35 extra trees, with eight still to be planted this autumn, plus 25 new benches.

Council Leader Bella Sankey called it "a delight", while Councillor Trevor Muten said it replaces a "tired and shabby" area with a destination to relax and enjoy events. After 7 years since the funding was agreed (albeit with a little pandemic in the middle), it’s great to finally see this project finished for locals and tourist to enjoy.

🏖️ Brighton's On The Beach festival has dropped its first 2027 line-up announcements, and the dance floor is already calling.

Pete Tong's Ibiza Classics show will open the season on 9 July, with Tom Richards conducting the Essential Orchestra. DJ Sonny Fodera follows on 24 July.

The festival returns to Brighton beach for its seventh edition. This year's acts included Fatboy Slim, Madness, The Maccabees and Moby. Organisers say the Tong and Fodera shows are "a first taste of what's to come", with more acts to be announced in due course.

The event is also good for business. Organisers say it generated more than £8.3m for Brighton's economy in 2025 and drew about 59,000 attendees. Councillor David McGregor said events make the city "a distinctive place to live, work and visit". Signup to be first in line.

⚽️ Nothing more to say. Watch the highlights.

🌤️ | 📈 14° | 📉 11° | ☔️ <5% | 🌬️ SE 9mph | 🌊 <1ft

🌧️ | 📈 14° | 📉 9° | ☔️ 60% | 🌬️ SW 7mph | 🌊 <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

Fatherland - Preview | The Social Reckoning | Digger | Sense & Sensibility (2026) | De Gaulle: Part 2 Liberte

Dukes at Komedia - Book

Lost Children of Tuam | Tenzing | Naza | Sense & Sensibility | Extra Geography | Boorman & The Devil | Resident Evil | Exorcist II | The Heretic | Girls Like Girls | Possible Love

Monday: Fatboy Slim Rocks the Seafront for the Seagulls 🎧. Fatboy Slim performing at Quarters last week for the Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation.

Monday: Brighton Dome Comedy Festival 🎭. It kicked off last Monday but runs until Sunday 25th Oct.

Friday: Vagabond Wines Coming to Brighton 🍷. There was one in SW London that I had a snifter or two in on occasion. Loved the concept or being able to try different vinos by the glass.

🎈 Family friendly 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.