Mayor of Brighton & Hove

31/07/2026

31/07/2026

Yesterday evening the Mayor opened the HIV: The Naked Truth N**e Exhibition 2026 at the Phoenix Art Space head of this weekend’s Pride celebrations.

This powerful exhibition uses striking portraits and personal stories to challenge HIV stigma, promote understanding, and celebrate the resilience and humanity of people living with HIV and their supporters.

Thank you to Joshua and all that made this exhibition possible, especially those who courageously shared their stories. The exhibition also raises vital funds for Positive East, supporting their important work in HIV testing, prevention, advocacy and community support.

The exhibition is open until Sunday and admission is free! For more information: www.hivthenakedtruth.com

29/07/2026

27/07/2026

The Mayor spent a wonderful afternoon visiting Stanmer Organics for their Open Day, discovering the incredible work taking place in this unique community space.

Founded in 1997, Stanmer Organics is an off-grid, not-for-profit co-operative dedicated to promoting sustainable living, eco-education and mental wellbeing. The site is home to a range of independent groups specialising in permaculture, community food growing and traditional crafts, as well as wellbeing initiatives including the Centre for Ecotherapy and a community sauna.

It was inspiring to learn more about the organisation’s commitment to sustainability, community and creating a space where people and nature can thrive.

A special thank you to Mitchie Alexander for taking the time to show the Mayor around and share the story of this remarkable local initiative . 🌿💚🪏🪴🫜🫛

26/07/2026

Congratulations to the University of Sussex Class of 2026!

This week, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor were delighted to attend the University of Sussex Summer Graduation Ceremonies at the Brighton Centre, joining graduates, their families and friends in celebrating this important milestone.

Graduation is a moment to recognise years of hard work, dedication and achievement, while also marking the beginning of exciting new opportunities and adventures. Many of these graduates have made Brighton & Hove their home during their studies, creating lifelong friendships, memories and experiences along the way.

The Mayor was especially honoured to attend the ceremony at which Toni Crews was posthumously awarded an honorary degree and to meet with her parents. Toni sadly died from a rare cancer in 2020 at the age of 30. Before her death, she made the extraordinary decision to donate her body to science and waive her anonymity to help advance medical education and raise awareness of the disease. Through Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Toni’s donation has helped educate thousands of students and contributed to a greater understanding of cancer through teaching and research.

A sincere thank you to the Chancellor Sanjeev Bhaskar , Vice-Chancellor Professor Sasha Roseneil, and all University of Sussex staff for the warm welcome shown to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, graduates, families and guests throughout the ceremonies.

We wish every graduate the very best for the future and congratulate them on this well-deserved achievement. 🎓🎉🍾📚

26/07/2026

The Mayor and Consort were delighted to attend the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus summer concert, ‘Molly House’, at St George’s Church, Kemptown.

The performance took audiences on a journey into the lost world of the molly house – historic meeting places where gay men gathered to socialise, build friendships and find acceptance during a time when homosexuality was criminalised. Blending modern melodies with centuries-old stories, the concert celebrated resilience, identity and community.

The event followed closely on the Chorus’ appearance alongside Fatboy Slim at Brighton’s Big Beach Boutique 7, showcasing the group’s continued contribution to the city’s vibrant cultural life.

The Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus does fantastic work in bringing people together through music, celebrating the power of male voices, fostering lasting friendships, and supporting both its members and the wider LGBTQIA+ community across Brighton & Hove.

A huge thank you to everyone involved for such a memorable, uplifting and moving evening.

18/07/2026

Thank you to Sarah, Cass, the staff and volunteers at Trans Pride Brighton for the warm welcome extended to the Mayor and Consort at today’s Trans Pride Brighton.

They spent time in Victoria Gardens and Dorset Gardens, where they met with community groups and local charities that provide invaluable support to Brighton & Hove’s LGBTQIA+ community.

The city’s trans and non-binary communities are an integral part of Brighton & Hove, and the Mayor was proud to stand in friendship, solidarity and support.

Congratulations to everyone at Trans Pride Brighton for once again delivering a wonderful day of protest, celebration and inclusivity. 🏳️‍⚧️

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