The Skiff is a lovely little co-working space in the centre of Brighton. It largely caters to the…read moretech freelancer workforce in Brighton, providing desk space and a shared office environment to stop people from going slowly insane in their home offices. Permanent desks are available from about £300pm if memory serves, but there are a variety of cheaper packages for workers that prefer to balance time at home with time someplace else. I've been involved in a social context with the Skiff for many years now, and have to say that one of the most positive aspects of it is the number of free events that are hosted here after hours - generally user group meetings for key technologies.

This place bills itself as a nice little place to work in the middle of Brighton, which is as…read moresuccinct a summary as you could wish for. It aims to provide a cross between a coffee shop and a place to do proper work (what do you mean, that sounds like your office?), allowing lonely bedsit-bound types the chance to get out and see the world without abandoning their precious screenplay. One-off users can drop in for free as long as they promise to behave like sentient human beings; desks are also rented out £250 a month plus VAT. The Skiff also hosts regular events and I went along last night to the inaugural Brighton Future of News Meetup. The space is clean and functional. The pink chairs and beanbags in the downstairs made the place look more like a crèche than a meeting room, but the assembled journalists, PR people, software architects and other media types were undeniably grown-up.

Built in 1884, The Devonshire Park Theatre's a Grade II listed building, which plays host to a wide…read morevariety of shows in Eastbourne throughout the year. Being named Devonshire, it shows the strong connections with the long line of Dukes of Devonshires, the seventh of which - William Cavendish - helped design much of the town. A popular venue for traditional plays, the theatre tends to be good choice for actors as it's an intimate environment to perfom in, as it only holds 936 people, with stalls, the grand circle and the gods to chose from to watch a show. Recently, tens of thousands of pounds has been spent on renovating the theatre, thanks to the hard fundraising efforts of the Friends of the Devonshire Park. This has resulted in all the seat being re-upholstered. The theatre is only a short walk from the town centre, where there are many restaurants, making the ideal venue for dinner and a show. Even closer than the town centre, is the seafront, which is home to the Wish Tower (one of the Martello Towers to guard the coast) and the Redoubt Fortress, along with its fully open pier. All the big hotels also line the seafront, the smaller ones being set back and a little closer to the town centre. The Devonshire Park is the setting for the town's annual pantomime, which for the last few years has been an in-house production. Many of the in-house productions, which are debuted at the Devonshire Park, are taken on to tour the country. Tickets for the shows at The Devonshire Park, do tend to be cheaper than the larger Congress Theatre around the corner, but the shows aren't as high profile. However, the extras such as icecream, chocolates, sweets and drinks are quite expensive. A little quirk I like about the venue is they put up clocks showing what time the interval will be along with when the show will finish. They'll also let you know if there won't be an interval and whether you should expect strong language, nudity or smoke. It's very rare you'll find strobe lighting in productions at the Devonshire Park. Booking tickets for shows is always an easy process with the staff happy to point you to the best viewing seats. The only thing to be wary of, is if you're paying by card, you could be hit with a £1.50 booking charge on top of the ticket prices.

Can't fault this place. We went to a show whilst staying here for few days and thoroughly enjoyed…read moreit. Not only because of the quality of the show but the ambience of this lovely old theatre. I will not go and on because previous Qypers have said it all. I merely back up what has been said already.

This is a small, local museum in the centre of the historic fishing town of Shoreham-by-Sea…read more Although Shoreham can feel these days more like a suburb of Brighton, it was by far the more important town for most of recorded history, being an important port from Saxon times, and probably before. Marlipins Museum is housed in a charming old building, dating from the 12th ans 13th centuries. It's one of the oldest secular buildings in Sussex, with a facade decorated with an attractive chequerboard design of Caen stone and flints. Oddly, the Museum's strange name isn't explained anywhere. The museum traces Shoreham's history as a trading town and fishing port from the 11th century onwards, and much of the small collection focuses on ships and shipping, with a fine series of watercolour and oil paintings of the harbour and various ships, and various bits of shipping paraphernalia. But the museum records much else besides: Shoreham was the departure point from which the future Charles II escaped after the English Civil War, and it played a key role in the defences of the South Coast until recent times - the remains of a 19th fort are still visible on the shoreline, as are the more scant remains of the World War II anti-aircraft radar station situated here. Shoreham was also - incredibly - a major centre of the early British film industry, and over a dozen films were made in Shoreham studios in the silent film era. This attracted a suitably bohemian set of actors and hangers on, who established the 'bungalow town' on Shoreham beach. And, of course, Shoreham's famous and beautiful art deco airport was the UK's first licensed airport, still in regular use. But the strangest story belongs to the building itself: recent excavations found an unexplained pit under the oldest part of the building, in which was buried the skeleton of a cat. Further digging uncovered the remain of a another three cats. Theories for these strange burials range from the ancient practice of burying cats to bring good luck, to the more prosaic idea that in mediaeval times the building housed a furrier manufacturer. One of the skeletons makes for a grisly display. The museum is small enough to keep the attention of children as you go around, and is fully accessible for wheelchairs, thanks to the lift in a small modern extension.

Marlipins Museum, on the Shoreham High Street (right next to the Marlipins Pub) is a brilliant…read morecombination of old and new, with one of the oldest lay buildings in Sussex linked to a modern two-storey building in a really tasteful manner. The displays are permanently running and mainly concentrate on Shoreham's maritime history and that of the River Adur. Also, which is a little known fact, Shoreham was once the hub for the UK's silent movie industry! They offer a popular Monday coffee morning so its the perfect place to head after a nice walk around Shoreham to find out some of the area's fascinating history.

Bellis gallery sells not only artwork, but a collection of aromatherapy, which gave the shop a…read moredelightful smell - I think it was lavender. Much of the art was hanging on the walls - oil paintings ranging from £450 - £1200. My favourite was a large abstract piece painted onto handmade paper. Other unique items included eco-friendly, recycled lace light fixtures for between £30 -£ 55; silk scarves from Turkey and delicately crafted silver jewellery. For the Christmas season, there were several tree ornaments and a selection of Christmas cards handmade by artists.

This shop-come-gallery specialises in handmade crafts and jewellery by local artists and designers…read more The store itself is a large open space, with clean white walls and wooden floorboards. Beautiful ceramics, bone china ornaments and jewellery line the displays, alongside handmade lights and lampshades, woven coasters and paintings. Each product is complemented by a description of the artist behind the creation detailing how it was made. A stunning collection of glass infused porcelain jewellery by local artist Neil Sykes is available, including his ceramic star shaped buttons. There is also a lovely selection of handmade, brightly coloured, hardback notebooks, perfect for diaries, if a little expensive. Sculptures and canvas oil paintings can be found on the other side of the shop, as well as striking drawings from Brighton illustrator Harriet Butler. One of Butler's most interesting drawings, of the Duke of York cinema, has pride of place amongst the rope and anchor draped window display. Although you'll be hard pressed to find a bargain in here, you can get your hands on some really unique and beautiful things, and be safe in the knowledge that you're supporting Brighton's artistic communities.

Thank the lord for the Corn Exchange. Without it, I would never have got to see acts like The…read morePipettes and Le Tigre play gloriously ramshackle sets before splitting up. The sister venue to the grand Brighton Dome, the Corn Exchange is smaller and cosier with sold out gigs being particularly intimate and atmospheric. The fact it's usually standing only creates a good cameraderie and the bar at the back of the venue keeps the drinks flowing. As with the Dome, spirits and beer are reasonably priced but there's no Guinness on tap or in bottles. Ticket prices usually range from £15-£30 depending on how well established the acts are. PJ Harvey played a few months back and Calvin Harris and Dizzee Rascal are set to play this spring. Personally, I've seen some amazing gigs here from Cuban musicians to singer-songwriters. The best show however, was probably Brighton's own Bat For Lashes in 2009. She was so spellbinding, I think I floated home...

The Brighton Dome offers a variety of different venues, and the Corn Exchange is possibly its most…read moreversatile. As a huge hall, it can be adapted to fit a variety of different acts, from live music bands that want more standing space and the like to club nights to the occasional humongous theatre event. I've seen a variety of things in here, and it's amazing how different they can make it look. Anything performed in here will use the space in ways you haven't even imagined: prepare to be blown away each time. As well as all of the different events that can fit into the space, the Corn Exchange also often offers a bar at the back, for anyone dying for a drink during a particularly long gig, and the prices are suitably steep, although not too pricey for your typical live-event music bar. Unfortunately, the ticket prices themselves are often more than a little steep: I understand it costs a lot to see the big stars, but prices here often seem to be a lot higher than similar events elsewhere. It's one of the biggest and best live music venues in the area, and there really is no denying that, but the Corn Exchange isn't exactly the perfect fit. It's just a little bit too pricey for my liking: nothing on the big venues in London, sure, but still a bit much. Nonetheless, it is good to have a chance to see some of the big acts that the Corn Exchange pulls in: I guess not everyone has that privilege.

The New Venture Theatre is a community theatre situated in central Brighton. The venue offers…read moreeverything from short experimental interactive theatre pieces to gritty dramas. The theatre is a registered charity and so does not have a full time staff, but the loyal volunteers and generous sponsors have enabled the organisation to provide high quality original performances since 1956. As well as the main 100 seater theatre the venue also has the Studio theatre where workshops are held and the South Hall which is used for cabaret style performances. As a charitable organisation they have several fund raising schemes including membership, buy and brick and the Jubilee Fund raising Scheme. If your into your arts then the New Venture Theatre is deffo worth looking up as they have such a wide variety of performances.

The New Venture Theatre, affectionately known as the NVT, is Brighton's foremost amateur and…read morecommunity theatre, having been around and put on quality theatre since 1956. The NVT is known for putting on a variety of different theatre shows in its two spaces, an upstairs studio and a larger downstairs theatre space, and both of its spaces are uniquely enjoyable. However, this is an amateur theatre: don't expect the very best! From an insider to Brighton's theatrical scene, the NVT is both a shining light and a blot on Brighton's theatrical landscape. First, quickly and painlessly, the negatives: the luvvie atmosphere here can be cut with a knife, and the whole crowd are a bit up themselves, meaning it can be difficult to get involved. As well as that, the NVT puts on perfectly average, well produced pieces of theatre. As is so common with groups that spend most of their time with each other, there is no recognition of unique-ness or talent within the theatricality. To all you non-theatre folk: plays here can be a bit naff, but criticism doesn't get taken very well. However, despite the ubiquitous theatricality of it all, the NVT is a lovely space to spend an evenings. The shows may not be stellar lights of the Brighton theatre scene, but they are frequent, generally qualitative, and a perfect way to while away a few hours. Also, the lovely little bar offers pre- and post-show drinks, and the whole charitable atmosphere is impressive: it's hard to believe this was all built up from very little indeed. In the end, having a community theatre this active in Brighton encourages the wider theatre scene, which is a great boon to Brighton's arty reputation. The shows could be to a higher standard, but the fact that they are here at all, and that this whole operation is amateur, is hard to believe when seeing how nice the theatre is. NVT is a great place to watch theatre, and I'd recommend browsing their site: there is so much on, especially during Festival time, that everyone should find something they'll enjoy.

Brighton is known for its' fine selection of musical and arts based festivals and events but every…read moreyear hundreds of Brightonians flock to nearby Shoreham-By-Sea and the surrounding faces of the downs for the annual Shoreham air show. This stunning display of aerobatics and retired Military aerial might is hosted primarily from Shoreham air port but with the nature of the event (being airborne) it's certainly not essential to buy tickets unless you want to be close in to the action. I drove out to the top of the downs overlooking the Adur valley last summer and spent an unforgettable afternoon sitting in the mid August sun revelling in the sound huge jet engines and V16 Spitfire engines. The Aerobatic side of the event is, needless to say, stunning but there is much more to the event than that. Spitfires and Hurricanes perform fly over's while pyrotechnics explode imitating the effects of rounds of bullets being unleashed from the sixteen millimetre wing mounted machine guns on these monsters of the old world. From the hill side you do find yourself frequently wondering if it's all over as the time between these spectacles can be quite lengthy, in fairness though you get what you pay for. For those of who have paid for tickets though this five hour event is one continuous delight as in the air port there are plenty of other attractions such as old vehicles, a static aircraft display and even a fun fair. As days out go this is a real high point of summer ideal for families, couples and groups of all ages.

A Brighton institution, The Dome is one of the city's leading gig venues platforming everyone from…read moreestablished rock, pop and funk bands to world music artists from Europe, South America and beyond. In complete contrast to the nearby Brighton Centre, it's a picturesque venue with a grand ceiling, a beautifully arched stage, a generous standing area and two tiers of comfy seats. The sound and sight lines are also top notch. I've seen The Drums, The Macabees, Bombay Bicycle Club, The Gossip, Pete Doherty, Bon Iver and Richard Hawley here in the last 18 months and the atmosphere was incredible at every single gig. Pete Doherty poured his drink over a heckler, Beth Ditto flirted with the audience and Bon Iver shocked everyone by doing a heavy rock number. My favourite memory of a show here however, has to be the Halloween party The Go! Team threw a few years back. They adorned the stage with pumpkins, dressed in weird costumes and had spooky films playing behind them. It was a magical evening and I danced so much, my legs ached for hours after-wards.

This Grade-I listed complex is both a highly original performance venue (with 3 performance areas,…read moreactually), and an historic building with a fascinating past. History The Dome was originally built in 1803-05 for the Prince of Wales (later George IV) as a stable block, adjacent to his then rather modest Brighton seaside villa. The architect was William Porden, and it was he who chose the iconic Indian architectural style (technically Indo-Saracenic) and designed the huge dome - originally covered in glass, 24 metres in diameter and 19 metres high, to cover a circulating area for the horses. Once completed, the new buildings so overshadowed the original villa, that the Prince instructed that they should be revamped into the iconic Brighton Pavilion we see today. The complex was sold to Brighton in the 1850s, and the Dome was developed as a concert hall in 1866. A major refurbishment in 1935 saw it modernised and given an Art Deco interior, and the Pavilion Theatre was added on the site of Mrs Fitzherbert's stables. Over the years it developed an enviable reputation as a Concert and entertainment venue for both classical and popular music, despite its notoriously poor acoustics. Famous names who performed here include Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix and the Rolling Stones, and in 1974 it hosted the Eurovision Song Contest, won famously by Abba, singing 'Waterloo'. However, both the interior and exterior were crumbling and a major refurbishment was begun in 1999, costing £22m and taking three years to complete. The revamped complex now houses 3 venues: the 1,850 seat Concert Hall, the 570 seat Corn Exchange (which also hosts non-seated events on its sprung floor) and the 220 seat Pavilion Theatre. The exterior (together with the Museum) provides a suitably exotic backdrop to the Pavilion itself. Events The Dome hosts an astonishing variety of events, from concerts, conferences and performances in the main Concert Hall, to more eclectic drama, comedy and dance in the Pavilion Theatre. I've mostly attended events in the Concert Hall, and I'd agree with others that it's a great place to visit: the seating is comfy and spacious, the acoustics are hugely improved and the unusual shape gives it an intimate feel. Practicalities It's a ten minute walk from Brighton railway station, and just about every Brighton bus route passes close by, either on North Street or the Steine. The venue has level access throughout (and specific spaces for wheelchairs in the auditoria), disabled toilets, hearing loops and printed material is available (on request) in large format. Disabled customers can apply for a complimentary ticket (one per booking) to enable them to bring a companion or access assistant with them free of charge - phone for details. Well worth a visit.