Good morning, Brighton. Jeez… who else had a terrible night’s sleep? It looks like we’re set for some record breaking temperatures this week so I’m guessing we’d better get used to it. Here’s some tips to sleep better in the hot conditions. Also, don’t let these hot temps put you off the Brighton Whisky Festival next weekend - it may be sacrilegious but just put it on the rocks.

In today’s Brighton Scoop:

- Phil Reynolds

🦋 Talk about finding treasure while picking up trash! The Benfield Wildlife and Conservation Group got more than they bargained for during a litter-picking session in Hove when they stumbled upon a rather fabulous privet hawkmoth – a chunky little showstopper with a striking pink and black striped belly and an impressive 12cm wingspan.

While these moths aren't exactly rare, spotting one is still a genuine treat, according to group chair Sally Wadsworth. The timing was perfect too: the moth appeared freshly hatched, and the reserve's privet shrubs provided the perfect all-you-can-eat buffet.

As a bonus, two sun-worshipping common lizards were spotted sunbathing together nearby, while hundreds of wildflowers and spotted orchids put on their summer show, attracting butterflies galore. View some of their recent findings.

Proof that sometimes the best discoveries happen when you're simply doing your civic duty!

⛵️ A full-scale replica of Christopher Columbus's legendary Santa Maria has dropped anchor at Eastbourne's Sovereign Harbour – and yes, it's surprisingly tiny!

This 95-foot wooden wonder, a meticulous recreation of the 15th-century vessel that crossed the Atlantic five centuries ago, is now open for public tours until 28 June. Built in 2018 and weighing 200 tonnes, the ship features 2.5 miles of rigging and a clever hybrid of fibreglass, wood, and modern engines.

The crew, who actually live aboard, are keen to share what life was really like for those intrepid explorers – sailors who genuinely believed they might sail off the edge of the world and discover giant waterfalls. Instead, they found a continent!

After Eastbourne, the ship sails to Shoreham Port (1–12 July) as part of a global tour. It's a brilliant reminder that history shouldn't just live in textbooks – it should float majestically into our harbours. Buy tickets to see this magnificent ship.

🍿 Gareth Malone, Britain's favourite choir conductor and professional joy-distributor, is hitting the road again this autumn with Sing-A-Long-A-Gareth: At The Movies. Following last year's smashing success, he's now turned his attention to cinema's greatest hits.

Expect an evening packed with iconic film favourites – from Singin' in the Rain and Breakfast at Tiffany's to Top Gun, La La Land, and Disney crowd-pleasers like Frozen and Moana. Whether you're belting out Bond classics or discovering your inner diva, Gareth's infectious energy, backed by live musicians and local choirs, will have you singing your heart out.

No experience necessary – just bring enthusiasm, a love of movies, and your best pipes. It's the ultimate feel-good night out, guaranteed to turn strangers into a unified chorus.

☀️ | 📈 32° | 📉 21° | ☔️ <5% | 🌬️ E 10mph | 🌊 <1ft

☀️ | 📈 32° | 📉 21° | ☔️<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

Toy Story 5 | Duke’s Days: South & 1910s Newsreels

Dukes at Komedia - Book

Virginia Woolf’s Night & Day | Tuner | Disclosure Day | Backrooms | Obsession | A Private Life

🎈 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.