Good morning, Brighton. Summer's got a few weeks left in it, and although we have a few showers the next few days, the back end of the week's looking the perfect temp to be outside. Grab your coffee, settle in, and let's dive into what's happening around Brighton.

In today’s Brighton Scoop:

- Phil Reynolds

🐢 Joe Williams, curator at Brighton's Sea Life centre, is making waves—literally—in turtle rescue. He's established the UK's first purpose-built rehabilitation hub for sea turtles stranded on our shores, nursing storm-battered reptiles back to fighting fitness before releasing them homeward.

Now shortlisted for a BBC Make A Difference Award from over 100 nominations, Williams remains refreshingly modest. His team coaxes recovery through wave simulation training and varied feeding techniques, preparing turtles for ocean life. Notable success: Loggerhead "Barnacle Bill" washed up in Guernsey during 2023's Storm Ciaran and returned to the Azores last year, fully restored.

Though Williams calls his work "a tiny cog," the impact's unmistakable. The awards ceremony happens September 22nd in East Grinstead.

🎡 Brighton's beloved observation wheel is poised for a triumphant return after a decade away. The iconic attraction, which graced the seafront from 2011 to 2016, could spin again under fresh proposals. The council's cabinet will vote September 17th on handing a 25-year operating lease to the savvy folks behind Brighton Zip and Daltons Venue.

If approved, the wheel would reclaim its original Madeira Drive spot while existing businesses carry on undisturbed. The operators have already ploughed over £1.3 million into site improvements. Council officials reckon it'll inject fresh energy into the east seafront, attracting families and extending visitor stays. Read full announcement on BHCC.

Pending planning approval, enthusiasts might be taking a spin by summer 2027—assuming the councillors give it the green light next month.

🖼️ Celebrated children's author Nick Sharratt officially opened Hopscotch Art Space, a gloriously tech-free creative sanctuary on Gloucester Road this weekend. The free family hub runs through November, welcoming up to 30 visitors (15 kids, 15 adults) per session on a first-come, first-served basis—no booking needed.

Open weekends plus Wednesdays to Sundays throughout September, the space offers drawing, painting, collage, and sketchbooks galore for children up to eleven and their grown-ups. CEO Philip Ford designed the retreat to counter childhood's relentless pace, creating a place where families disconnect from screens and reconnect with creativity.

Workshops are planned (details forthcoming). It's an inspired antidote to modern parenting—beautifully simple, wonderfully generous, and refreshingly screen-optional.

🌤️ | 📈 21° | 📉 15° | ☔️ 40% | 🌬️ W 13mph | 🌊 1-2ft

🌦️ | 📈 21° | 📉 14° | ☔️ 70% | 🌬️ SW 13mph | 🌊 2-3ft

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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

Tony | Spider-Man: Brand New Day | National Theatre Live: The Playboy of the Western World

Dukes at Komedia - Book

The Summer Book | The Odyssey | Spider-Man: Brand New Day | David Byrne’s American Utopia | Sarah & Duck: Out & About | Soul to Soul (2026 Re-release) | Out: Stop! That! Train

SUPPORT CARATS & SOUTHWICK BEACH - PREVENT THE 100% INCREASE IN PARKING FEES - VIEW PETITION

This year marks 25 years of Carats Café Bar at Southwick Beach. Unfortunately, the recent changes to the parking arrangements are having a very real impact — not only on Carats, but on the people who have used and enjoyed Southwick Beach for years. They are seeing fewer families, surfers, dog walkers and older customers visiting, and many people are telling them directly that the new parking charges and payment system are putting them off coming back.

They are doing everything they can themselves, including contributing towards their customers' parking costs, but it’s not a sustainable long-term answer. Carats are asking for a fair, practical parking solution that allows people to continue enjoying Southwick Beach and gives businesses like Carats the confidence to invest, grow and remain part of this community. Sign the petition

🎈 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.