TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Brighton. Have you heard the news? There’s talk of a potential sixth heatwave next week… 😎. Suncream and beach gear at the ready? Anyway, I for one am selfishly willing this to happen, but if it’s not your cuppa, then there’s plenty of fun stuff happening next week in town so check back then.

In today’s Brighton Scoop:

- Phil Reynolds

The Brighton & Hove Speakers Festival comes to The Old Market, Hove, on Sunday 11th October 2026 for a full day of big ideas, lively debate and outstanding speakers.

The festival brings together leading figures from politics, history, current affairs, science and culture, offering audiences the chance to hear directly from some of the most interesting voices in public life. Speakers include Jeremy Corbyn, former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and internationally acclaimed author Jung Chang, alongside a wide-ranging programme of experts, writers and commentators.

Each session is designed to be accessible, thought-provoking and engaging, with opportunities to hear fresh perspectives on the major issues shaping Britain and the wider world.

Whether you are interested in politics, international affairs, science, history or simply enjoy intelligent conversation, the Brighton & Hove Speakers Festival promises a fascinating day.

Use the promo code WORDS10 for a 10% discount when buying tickets directly on The Old Market website.

🎓 Brighton & Hove City Council has scooped the Sutton Trust Fair School Admissions Gold Award for the second year running – proof that fairness in schooling isn't just a one-hit wonder!

The council's been busy shaking up secondary admissions to level the playing field. The result? A whopping 83.5% of families got their first-choice school in 2026, up from 79.7% last year. Not bad for a bit of policy tinkering!

Standout moves include reserving 5% of places at community secondaries for kids stuck in single-school catchment zones, plus a trailblazing free school meals priority scheme (up to 30% of places) to help close the inequality gap.

Councillor Jacob Taylor is chuffed, saying it's all about building a brighter future for the city's young people. Gold medal for effort – and results!

After 70-odd years of telling the time (badly, of late), Palmeira Square's beloved Floral Clock is officially past its wind-up date – the mechanism's dead and the mound's beyond saving. So the council's asking residents to help pick its successor.

Three options are on the table: a swanky armillary sphere sundial marking the Coronation anniversary; a sculptural tribute frozen at 19:53 (Coronation year), with the public invited to design its artwork; or handing the whole site over to a community group to manage as their own.

An earlier survey found opinion split – 41% want to keep a nod to the original clock, 40% fancy something fresh. Councillor Alan Robins says it's a "sensitive issue" and wants residents' input before ticking the box on a final design.

Have Your Say - Consultation closes on 14th October.

⚽️ Sussex University has kicked off a four-year partnership with Brighton & Hove Albion, teaming up as its official Higher Education Partner. It's not just about football – expect fresh opportunities for students in careers, research, sport and community projects as the two Brighton institutions join forces.

The real stars of Welcome Week, though, are Albion's mascots Gully and Sally, who'll be roaming campus, dropping by Sussex Sport and Eat Central, and popping up when least expected. Spot them, say hello, snap a photo – you might even end up on Sussex's social media!

This is only the beginning, with more plans to follow. Students are encouraged to share ideas via social channels on what they'd like the partnership to deliver next. Keep your eyes peeled – the Seagulls have well and truly landed. Learn more about the partnership.

🥳 Manchester United fans, look away now. The Red Devils blew a two-goal lead at home to Brighton in the Carabao Cup on wednesday – something they hadn't done since 1976! Shea Lacey and Mason Mount had United cruising after 10 minutes, but Brighton had other ideas.

Kostoulas pulled one back before half-time, then Pascal Gross levelled with a cracking solo effort, and Kostoulas turned provider for De Cuyper to complete the comeback – all inside a stunning four-minute spell.

Bruno Fernandes was hauled off the bench in desperation, but United couldn't find a way back, and Old Trafford's home fans booed their team off. It's now three cup exits in a row for United, while the small pocket of Brighton fans partied in the corner. Seagulls 3, Red Devils' pride: nil. Read full write-up.

🌤️ | 📈 19° | 📉 17° | ☔️ 5% | 🌬️ WSW 13mph | 🌊 1-2ft

🌤️ | 📈 20° | 📉 17° | ☔️ 5% | 🌬️ WSW 19mph | 🌊 3-4ft

🌤️ | 📈 21° | 📉 16° | ☔️ 5% | 🌬️ W 9mph | 🌊 1-2ft

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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

Pressure | 🎈Shaun The Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom | Pulp: What do you do for an encore | 🎈Kid’s Club: Minions & Monsters & Monster Party | 🎈Practical Magic 2 | Matrix All-Nighter | Pride & Prejudice (20th Anniversary)

Dukes at Komedia - Book

🎈Shaun The Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom | 🎈Practical Magic 2 | The Incomer | Exhibition on Screen: James McNeill Whistler | OASIS: Don’t Look Back in Anger | Pressure | The Odyssey | Coyote Vs ACME | April X | Teenage Sex & Death at Camp Miasma | 🎈Relaxed Screening: Matilda | Rashomon | Tony | Whisper of the Heart

Salsa & Flirt: Salsa Speed-dating | The Greenhouse | Sunday | 7pm | Book

🎈 Family friendly events

Great to have you follow the Scoop today. If you liked it, share us with that friend who winds the card windows down and sings at the top of their voice.