What's On in Brighton

Sea Life Brighton - Standard Admission — Start the day beneath the waves at one of the most beloved attractions on the seafront, where sharks glide overhead and seahorses drift past in mesmerising silence. It is the perfect half-term escape for families, curious kids, and anyone who has ever wanted to press their nose against a tank and feel genuinely small. Doors open at 10:00am — check the website for pricing and to book your slot in advance.

Take Off 16+ Halloween Rave — Horizon opens its doors at 4:00pm for a Halloween rave pitched squarely at the 16-and-over crowd, which means it is also a brilliant early-evening option for those who want the energy of a proper rave without the small-hours commitment. Expect costumes, bass, and the kind of collective joy that only a room full of people dressed as monsters can produce. Tickets are priced at £10–£25 — grab them before they vanish like a ghost.

TRANSVISION VAMP — Wendy James and Transvision Vamp are back, and if that name alone does not send a shiver of excitement down your spine, then you were simply not paying attention in the late 1980s. Chalk is one of Brighton's most atmospheric live venues — raw, loud, and perfectly suited to a band who always sounded like they were playing on the edge of something dangerous. Doors are from 6:00pm; check the website for ticket availability.

Soul II Soul — A whole lotta soul is heading to The Brighton Centre at 7:00pm, and this is the kind of live music event that reminds you why going out beats staying in every single time. Soul II Soul's sound — that rich, unhurried groove built around the iconic "Back to Life" — still feels as warm and necessary as it did when it first rewired the nation's record collections. Check the website for tickets and do not sleep on this one.

The Secret Comedy Club Wednesdays — Tucked inside the charming Artista Cafe and Gallery, this weekly comedy night is one of Brighton's best-kept secrets — intimate, unpredictable, and brilliantly good value at just £5–£10. The mix of acts keeps things fresh from week to week, and the cafe setting gives it the kind of relaxed, anything-goes atmosphere where a surprise headline act would not feel out of place. Doors from 7:00pm; turn up ready to laugh and possibly discover your new favourite comedian.

Cool-Aid Comedy — The Caroline of Brunswick is already one of the most characterful pubs in the city, and on Wednesday nights it doubles as a proper comedy venue with Cool-Aid Comedy taking the stage at 8:00pm. It is the sort of night where the line between performer and audience feels pleasingly thin — great for a first date, a spontaneous midweek adventure, or simply ending the day on a high. Check the website for details and get there early to secure a good seat.