Mr. Bright's archives

We're proud to introduce you to the wonderful Mr Bright. A Brighton native whose primary objective is to provide you with the hippest and hottest happenings in Brighton, or as he calls it, Bright Town! Here, you'll be able to follow his adventures, escapades and antics - in short, a recipe for wholehearted indulgence.

Mr Bright has sent us his very first installment, so without further ado

You shall go to the ball... and you don't need a Pumpkin!

As February arrives the red mist sets in, but this time its infused with rose and patchouli as Valentines everywhere rush to book a table for two (but probably just order a take away instead). So this year, why not pop down to Brighton, book a trendy hotel and grab a ticket for the Ball. The Valentine’s Ball at Brighton Dome is only £25 per couple and is your chance to get your gladrags on and feel like a Strictly star. You can even have a cheeky practice the night before with Carola from the Brighton School of Dance. If all else fails, there is the fabulous foyer bar for some fun-enhancing fizz. Just think of the story you can tell on your wedding day; once upon a time... 

I'm in the middle of a Chain Reaction!

Or I will be throughout February, as Brighton welcomes the Science Festival across the city. It’s a chance for all nerds to come together and show us how it’s done! The festival is largely aimed at the younger crowd with some extremely edutaining(see what I did there) stuff. There’s a peek behind the sparkly curtain of Magic with Smoke and Mirrors and Due South are hosting the Chewy Gummy Physics Funfair at The Blind Tiger Club; where they will reveal the great mystery of the creation of Jelly! For Mum’s, dad’s and fans of Marcus Brigstock, he is also around performing his award-winning West-end show ‘God Collar’. Lab coats at the ready!
Model behaviour
How many times have you ‘borrowed’ your kids remote controlled helicopter for ‘research’ purposes! Well, now you can share the love with the Model World exhibition at The Brighton centre from 24th to 26th February. Anything that requires a battery and steering will be there; complete with a designated flying hall and tailor-made boating lake (hard hat and trunks optional!) There is even a rumour that Doctor Who and Dalek’s may make an appearance. Doo do doo! And for all of you who thought Model World was a high fashion trip to Milan, there is a super-cool new cafe to pop on your shades, sip a cappuccino and watch the world go by (quietly)!

Christmas 2011 in Brighton

So another Christmas is fast approaching and it’s the same every year, you wish you’d gone shopping in Brighton! Well I can understand why! A 10 minute wander can take you past retro, boutique, big-brand and kooky stores eager to please. Here’s my top tips for hot spot’s along the way.

Start at Beyond Retro on Vine Street. It’s a vast emporium of retro clobber with some weird and wacky delights. It’s open late and sometimes has live events taking place. The Cowboy boots are killer!

If you buying for a lady or you are one, The lavender rooms is a must. White walls, delicate trinkets and lots of lace; you are sure to find a gift for a gal. If that’s not your thing just pop over the road to Badger for some cool as a cucumber clothes for the man about town.

Stop by Octopus on the way to Churchill Square. I’ve seen Cheese graters with dresses, Mops with character and Toasters like technicolour dreamcoats. You will find a gift for someone or just have a good old giggle.

This next store will have to be at the end, because you won’t have the energy at the start! Hollister is an Abercrombie cousin complete with dark lights and swanky sweat pants. If you can make it through anyone under the age of 21 will adore you. Especially if you come out with their signature scent.

If you need some refreshment at some point it has to be Small batch for a coffee or Merkaba for a cheeky monkey, which is actually a cocktail!

Here come the Girls!

Should you be of the female gender then it’s off to Plumpton with you! 18^th September is

Ladies day, so it’s time to pop on the fancy hat or fascinate with your feathers and enjoy everything that goes along with it! £10 if you book in advance and the grand prize for the best dressed lady is a 7 night Mediterranean cruise! Woooooo! There’s also a prize for best dressed man and child, so take the family along too. Parking and live music are all included and you will even get a free programme. Tally ho!

Shake it up baby now!

Brighton loves a good festival and this one is no different. Brand new on the festivals scene is Shakedown which is housed in the beautiful grounds of Stanmer Park; a welly throw away from Brighton itself. This first year has a real buzz and has some great artists lined up. Example, Razorlight, Toomanydj’s and the super Ed Sheeran are all strutting their stuff and for those of you who never know when to go to bed there are a whole host of after parties in Brighton itself. The shin dig down at Audio is free before 12. Shake it up baby now!

Beachy Peachy

As the famous Duet of Elton and George once said... Don’t let the sun go down on me! Well actually, if you are heading down to the beach, there is still enough to keep you entertained without sunshine. Ohso social, is a fun, relaxed, bar which goes all the way through until Sun down. Try and catch Dirty Sunset Disco on a Friday night, you might even see me there kicking out a few moves! If you after a more laid-back affair, then I would book a sea view table at Due South. Fresh fish straight from the sea and a view that takes your breath away. Beachy peachy!

Tee Hee Hee!

October see’s the return of the world reknown Brighton Comedy festival. All the big names are expected and the Gala opening takes place on Friday 7^th October. I would book for Milton Jones, who cracks one line after another and is a familiar face on mock the week. Frisky and Mannish are also worth a look with their hilarious take on pop classics. For the not so young of us the legendary Joe Pasquale is back on stage, with a show conspicuously called ‘Pull my finger’! Tee Hee hee!