Eagle-eyed collectors and antiques enthusiasts hunt for gems at the Ardingly Antiques and Collectors Fair, held at the South of England Showground. Hundreds of stalls sell everything from 19th-century silverware to textiles, ceramics and paintings.
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Mar 2013 (various dates)
Hickstead's Derby Meeting is the most exciting competition in British showjumping, drawing enthusiasts from throughout the country. The highlight of these four days is the Derby, when riders pit their wits against a fiendishly difficult and notoriously challenging course.
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Jun 2013 (annual)
Dating back to 1907, Hickstead's Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) welcomes the elite of many equestrian disciplines. There are competitions in everything from international show jumping and dressage to the very best of national showing.
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Jul 2013 (annual)
Located within the grounds of the University of Sussex, the Gardner Arts Centre is a performing arts and film venue with a capacity of 482. Presenting a wealth of diverse acts and productions throughout the year, the centre also showcases all the best movies, from Hollywood to Bollywood.
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Daily
The South Downs are a 379-square-mile range of chalk hills stretching from Beachy Head to Winchester, designated a Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1966. A 161km national trail, the South Downs Way, follows old droving trails across this chalk ridge and through the undulating chalk valleys. With signposted routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, this beautiful stretch of countryside is easily accessed by public transport from Brighton.
Available :
Daily
Get away from it all in the rolling Sussex countryside. Tucked on the edge of the Ashdown forest, the Rivendell Retreat Centre has been quietening minds and chilling people out for over 15 years.
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Daily
Glyndebourne, since 1934, has been a quintessential part of the English season, with its distinctive mixture of top-class opera and extended al fresco repasts between acts. With six operas each year, from Mozart to modern, there's something for everyone.
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May - Aug 2013 (annual)
Every year the Greyhound pub in Tinsley Green takes a popular playground game to its most competitive level. The British and World Marbles Championship attracts 100 competitors in around 20 teams, with team and individual titles up for grabs.
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Apr 2013 (annual)
Preston Manor - a perfectly preserved Edwardian manor house open to the public - has over 20 rooms to explore across four floors. It feels as if the family have just popped out and you are snooping around their home.
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Apr - Sep 2013; not Mon (annual)
Preston Park covers 63 acres, with a formal rose garden, six bowling greens and 12 tennis courts, plus a children's playground, a croquet lawn, a garden for the blind and a small pond with stepping stones.
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Daily
Brighton's firework spectacular at Hove's Nevill Sports Ground promises 25 minutes of colourful and noisy explosions choreographed to a musical soundtrack. This year's event is organised in conjunction with the Argus Appeal.
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Nov 2013 (annual)
Scores of crystal, mineral, fossil and gemstone experts gather at Brighton Racecourse for the Rock 'n' Gem Show, devoted to some of Earth's more interesting offerings. Pick up tips on what crystals can do for your mind, body and soul.
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Nov 2013 (annual)
More than 300 bands perform at The Great Escape Festival this year. Taking place over three days at 30 venues across Brighton, the music festival is an annual highlight in the city's cultural calendar.
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May 2013 (annual)
The Brighton Science Festival brings a range of shows to quirky venues, from libraries to pubs, right across the city. From demonstrations and talks to hands-on family days out, it promises to be a celebratory fortnight of science.
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Feb 2013 (annual)
Over 700 naked, body-painted and scantily-clad cyclists turn out for the annual World Naked Bike Ride in Brighton, protesting against climate change and the tyranny of the automobile. Motorists stuck in traffic jams may get more than they bargained for...
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Jun 2013 (annual)
A new addition to Brighton's bustling calendar of annual events, the Brighton Marathon is the first English marathon to be held outside the capital. Benefitting from a beautiful seaside setting, it's already attracted interest from sports fans internationally.
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Apr 2013 (annual)
More than 25 family, music and literary events make up the Clifton Montpelier Powis Festival in Brighton. Run by the community, the literary talks, choir, orchestra and theatrical performances take place at St Nicholas and Saint Michael's and All Angels churches.
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Jul 2013 (annual)
For two weekends in June and July, 70 beautiful private gardens and 16 trails are open to the public, for Brighton's Garden Gadabout scheme. The event raises money for The Sussex Beacon, a clinical care centre for HIV sufferers.
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Jun 2013 (various dates)
The annual Brighton Early Music Festival takes place in various venues across Brighton and Hove and as far afield as Lewes and Kempton. Lasting 17 days, it leaves plenty of time to mull over this year's theme - ritual.
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Oct - Nov 2013 (annual)
Disciples of chrome and leather descend on Brighton's seafront from the original Ace Café (a haven for motorcyclists throughout the 1950s and 1960s) on London's North Circular. Around 40,000 sparkling motorcycles get involved.
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Sep 2013 (annual)
Celebrating the winter solstice's longest night of the year, Brighton's annual Burning The Clocks includes a lantern parade that illuminates the darkness of winter. Many of the paper lanterns are burnt too, on the beach next to Madeira Drive.
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Dec 2013 (annual)
Every year, venues across Brighton play host to the annual arts festival and its accompanying fringe. The fringe festival continues to expand, taking in everything from cabaret to comedy, classical concerts and club nights, theatre and exhibitions.
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May 2013 (annual)
The Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival celebrates the best of food and drink in Sussex. Local delicacies are the star of the show, with special events taking place across Brighton and Hove including markets, demonstrations and competitions.
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Sep 2013 (annual)
Brighton Pride takes over the town for a week in summer, culminating in a flamboyant parade from the seafront to Preston Park and street parties on St James's St. It is now the biggest free Pride festival in the UK.
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Sep 2013 (annual)
Every May, Brighton welcomes opera, comedy, readings, screenings and theatre to its myriad performance venues for the three-week-long Brighton Festival. This year's guest director is Aung San Suu Kyi, whose motto for the event is 'use your liberty to promote ours'.
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May 2013 (annual)
The Brighton Toy and Model Museum houses the priceless tin-plate O-Gauge working railway, along with 10,000 other exhibits.
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Daily; not Mon or Sun
Since 1905, cars and bikes of all shapes and sizes have filled every inch of Madeira Drive, near Brighton Pier for the National Speed Trials. Various prizes are awarded, with races taking place throughout the day and into the evening.
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Sep 2013 (annual)
The Brooks Brighton 10K is one of England's fastest 10km routes as it is all off-road or on traffic-free roads. Two thousand people take part, with both elite runners and joggers enjoying the seafront route that starts and finishes on Madeira Drive.
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Nov 2013; not Wed (annual)
The Friends Life T20 begins with a group format in June, before quarter finals in July and Finals Day at Southampton's Rose Bowl in August. Sussex Sharks play their home games at Hove and Arundel.
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Jun - Aug 2013 (annual)
The North Laine shopping area is the reason Brighton has a reputation for quirky owner-run shops. With outlets selling everything from percussion instruments to crystals, juggling balls and Latin American furniture, shopping here is an integral part of Brighton's appeal.
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Daily
Opened on World Book Day in March 2005, the Jubilee Library in Brighton sets a green example by running only on renewable energy sources. The Sound and Vision area houses an impressive collection of world cinema and music.
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Daily
Komedia is a popular arts venue in the North Laine cultural district in Brighton. Divided into two areas, Komedia Upstairs presents theatre, cabaret, music and children's shows, while Komedia Downstairs is home to the Krater Comedy Club.
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Daily
One of the most anticipated mountain festivals, The Banff Mountain Film Festival sets off on a world tour, visiting 30 different countries. Catch it at the Komedia Club, Brighton for some jaw-dropping and thought-provoking features.
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Mar 2013 (annual)
Screamers is Brighton's monthly gay comedy night, often featuring Tina C, the country & western drag star who introduces a star-studded bill.
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Jan 2013 (monthly)
Brighton Dome's Corn Exchange is again a hive of creativity with Made, Brighton's Design and Craft Fair. One hundred contemporary designers and craftsmen showcase their handiwork and sell their wares directly to the public. Textiles, jewellery, ceramics and more are on show.
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Nov 2013 (annual)
Fresh on the heels of Edinburgh Fringe is the annual Brighton Comedy Festival, Brighton's own homage to all things funny. All three venues of the Brighton Dome join the fun - the Corn Exchange, Concert Hall and Pavilion Theatre.
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Oct 2013 (annual)
Brighton's biggest gay club, Revenge is an award-winning venue in a superb location that packs out weekly with a variety of nights.
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Daily
Hove hosts a film festival with a difference. The 3-day Oska Bright Film Festival, at The Old Market, features screenings and film-making workshops, solely dedicated to people with learning difficulties who wish to enter the wonderful world of film-making.
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Nov 2013 (annual)
Brighton Museum and Art Gallery is situated in the city's cultural heart, opposite the Royal Pavilion. Inside, it boasts fine collections of fashion, art and design and an impressive display of Art Deco and Art Nouveau items and design.
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Daily; not Mon
Celebrate Christmas at The Royal Pavilion in Brighton. Fairytale characters welcome visitors, who can wind their way through the palace's surreal splendor before meeting the big man himself. Father Christmas has a gift for every child that visits him. Advance booking is recommended.
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Dec 2013 (annual)
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