Where creativity meets connection
Shakespeare under the stars
Fri 15 - Sat 16 Aug
Arundel Castle
The Merry Wives of Windsor is heading to the grounds of Arundel Castle this month. Set in the castle’s Earl’s Garden with the captivating backdrop of Oberon’s Palace and Arundel Cathedral, this unique production, presented by the renowned Illyria1, forms part of a memorable opening to the Arundel Festival of the Arts - one of the region’s most anticipated cultural celebrations.
Expect a night filled with laughter as the ever-scheming Falstaff, strapped for cash, attempts to woo the wives of two wealthy merchants. Little does he know, these women are best friends – and after receiving identical love letters from Falstaff, they hatch a plan to teach him a lesson he won’t forget. With the help of their husbands and friends, the merry wives lure the hapless knight to a haunted forest where he’ll face the consequences of his wrongdoings.
Experience the full spectrum of cinematic storytelling
Fri 8 – Sun 24 Aug
Chichester International Film Festival
Featuring UK premieres, special guests, groundbreaking cinema and a new pop-up auditorium, Chichester International Film Festival is returning for its 33rd edition.
Delights include outdoor cinema in Priory Park, a supper party at Brasserie Blanc, and the English premiere of Islands, Ole Gerster's artistic psychological thriller. This year also includes a special strand of Jane Austen adaptations, tributes to acclaimed actors Kate Winslet and Jack Lemmon, and a David Lynch retrospective. Audiences can explore Indian cinema beyond Bollywood, as well as a curated selection of country music films that dive into the heart and heritage of the genre.
There’s plenty of special post-screening evenings, hosted at local venues like El Matador and St John’s Chapel. Here you’ll find unique, immersive experiences where music and film come together - from captivating jazz performances to silent films accompanied by live musicians, these events promise to create unforgettable moments and a truly enriching celebration of cinema and culture.
Whether you're a seasoned cinephile or simply curious to discover something new, this is a chance to experience the world through the transformative power of film.
Beach by day, Komedia comedy club by night
Most evenings
Komedia Brighton
The home of live entertainment since 1994, independent venue Komedia features the best in live comedy every Friday & Saturday night. Winner of the 2025 Chortle Award for Best Comedy Venue in the South & East, Komedia is a much-loved Brighton institution that aims to celebrate diverse line-ups, nurture the next generation of talent, and champion cutting-edge comedy!
‘Always a great night out at Komedia! They really highlight new talent. We went for my friend’s birthday and every act on the predominantly female line-up (sisters are doing it for themselves) were very, very funny!’ – Toria P.
Reliably hosting the greatest names on the comedy circuit, this month’s Komedia Comedy Club line-up includes Esther Manito, Jeff Innocent, Ola Labib, Lee Peart, Archie Maddocks, Will Duggan, Paul F Taylor, and Kate McGann.
‘The compere was hilarious! Great place, tasty food, and great atmosphere. One of the top things to do in Brighton for a date night, an evening with friends, or a birthday party.’ – Dom W.
After a day on Brighton beach, head over to Komedia Comedy Club to enjoy over 2 ½ hours of top live comedy.
Tickets start from just £13 per person.
Book online at www.komedia.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01273 647100.
Find Komedia at 44-47 Gardner Street, Brighton, BN1 1UN.
See Wind in the Willows out in the wild
Sat 16 – Sun 24 Aug
Venues across Maidstone
Set to be the biggest Summer tour in their 70-year history, Hazlitt Theatre take Wind in the Willows around the most scenic outdoor venues in Maidstone. Adapted by two times Olivier award-winner Darren Clark, this family classic will have the whole family in stitches. Can Mole, Ratty and Badger keep Mr Toad out of the fast lane, or will his speedy antics land them in serious trouble? With Toad Hall on the line, there is only one way to find out... Pack your picnic and join the adventure!
The cast includes ITV comedian Joel Stern, clowning theatre company owner Tommy Murray and actor Will Usherwood-Bliss. Faye Lord returns for another year on the road as Badger, having appeared in the 2024’s The Three Musketeers.
With all tickets £5, or a Family of 4 ticket for £15, the Hazlitt Theatre’s tour has been a hugely popular summer staple since 2021. This year includes a new date in Headcorn, as well as returning venues like Stockbury, Bredhurst and Cobtree Manor Park. Wind in the Willows will also be visiting South Park, Lenham’s Tithe Barn and Staplehurst after opening at the Hermitage Millennium.
www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/hazlitt-theatre/whats-on
Culture and cuisine collide at Goodwood
Until Oct
Goodwood Art Foundation
Since its opening in May, Goodwood Art Foundation has been building its reputation for world-class contemporary art in a stunning rural setting. To complement the existing experience, the Foundation is excited to launch a new series of curated events that celebrate its unique landscape.
Sparking children’s creativity is the Family Art Club, running throughout August on Thursdays (a morning and afternoon session weekly). Family Art Club: Sketch and Sun Printing will be led by an Artist Educator and children will explore outdoor sketching and magical sun printing inspired by world-class art and nature. Perfect for children aged 6+ and their grown-ups!
On Thu 28 Aug there’s an exclusive opportunity to attend a guided walk with leading landscape designer Dan Pearson OBE. Guests can dive into Pearson’s concept of '24 seasons' and explore the planting scheme across the gardens and grounds, hearing from the designer himself. The first walk kicks-off with tea, coffee and pastries in Goodwood Art Foundation’s café, 24. A second, later walk experience concludes with a delicious lunch in 24; a curated menu of seasonal small plates, crafted from locally-sourced produce and foraged ingredients, inspired by the surrounding landscape.
www.goodwoodartfoundation.org/events-calendar
Watch out for Rockers
Thu 21 – Sun 24 Aug
Venues across Brighton
Brighton Mod Weekender has celebrated the original Mod annual pilgrimage since 2005. Packed with live music, club nights, and DJs, the unmissable gathering sees daytime events held at the Volks and evenings taking over Komedia’s huge wooden dancefloor - perfect for those Northern Soul and Mod tunes!
This year’s events include live music from The Rifles, Block 33, New Street Adventure, Telecom, Purple Hearts, Maze, The Crystal Teardrop, Le Chiffre Organ-Ization, and The Baron Four. DJ sets come from Andy Hill, Sean Chapman, Russell Deal, Sean Creegan, Brian Kelson, Phil Bush, Scott Picken, Adam Cracknell, Lee Miller, Rob Bailey, Charles Whitehouse, Lee and Dave Grimshaw, Dr Robert, Gary Milan, Alexandre Besson, Chris Dale, and Alan Saunders.
Daytime events around the Volks, situated 200 yards east of Brighton Pier, where the scooters arrive in the iconic film Quadrophenia, run from noon until 6pm. Enjoy DJs and a market selling records, vintage and bespoke clothes, art, and memorabilia. There is also a scooter competition and ride-out on Sunday afternoon.
To mark this milestone anniversary, photographer David Clarke (Dammo Photography) will host an exhibition, featuring some of the iconic photos shot over the last two decades of Brighton Mod Weekender. Dammo is the official photographer and author of Through My Eyes, a stunning book portraying his iconic photos from the last twenty years of Brighton Mod Weekender.
www.newuntouchables.com/welcome/brighton-mod-weekender
Celebrate 20 years with a Canadian classic
Fri 29 Aug
The Booking Hall, Dover
To celebrate the anniversary of her seminal eponymous debut studio album, Martha Wainwright announces a very special selection of UK dates, including a visit to Hastings this month. Just over two decades ago, she stepped out of her family’s illustrious shadow and announced herself to the world with a stunning collection of songs.
The Canadian singer-songwriter is the daughter of musicians Kate McGarrigle and Loudon Wainwright III and the younger sister of singer–composer Rufus Wainwright. Her live performances have received critical praise, with The Telegraph writing that her concerts “leave in no doubt that she is a singular star.” Apart from music, she has appeared in several film projects, including Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator and the HBO miniseries Olive Kitteridge alongside Frances McDormand. Wainwright owns and operates Ursa, a café, concert hall, bar, and recording space in Montreal.
www.meltingvinyl.co.uk/event/martha-wainwright-2025
Ask how the land lies
Until Oct
Venues across Folkestone
Folkestone Triennial 2025, one of the UK’s leading contemporary art festivals, has taken art onto the streets of this Kent seaside town. This year’s event has seen 18 artists from 15 countries create ambitious new commissions that will transform Folkestone’s urban and coastal landscapes. The 2025 edition, the only event of its kind in the UK, will continue to focus on ambitious new commissions, opening up new venues and geographies across the town.
Curated for the first time by Sorcha Carey, the 2025 edition asks “How Lies the Land?” and explores layers of history embedded in Folkestone’s geography, its deep past, shifting borders, and evolving landscape. For three months, the focus will be on Folkestone as an open-air gallery, inspiring visitors to experience contemporary art in one of the world’s most exciting and creative coastal destinations.
This year’s commissions will take over some of Folkestone’s most striking and unusual locations, including a church built for the fishing community, a former customs house, a Martello Tower, a lookout point across the Channel, and a disused railway bridge. From large-scale installations to immersive soundscapes, collaborations with local communities, through to computer simulations, designs for a new playground, amulet filled towers, a Ministry of Sewers and creatures appearing including a five metre long worm and three headed bird, artists will respond to the town’s geological, social and political history, to reflect on some of the most urgent issues of our time.
Mark O'Donnell
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