Brighton Unitarian Church: What's On - October to December 2025
Brighton Unitarian Church is hosting an eclectic mix of events over the coming months.
From theatre performances to local craft and makers fairs, lectures, dance and Kirtan, plus music to suit every taste (including our own fundraising Friday lunchtime concerts - see separate listing: www.brightonunitarian.org.uk/friday-lunchtime-concerts)
you’ll be amazed at the treasure trove of music, events and experiences you can enjoy
within the reverberant walls of our beautiful Grade II listed building.
All are listed below, along with where/how to purchase tickets where applicable.
Do keep checking back as this page will be updated regularly.
Atomic Kirtan: Thu 30 October, 7pm
For tickets search “Atomic Kirtan Eventbrite” online”
Atomic Kirtan was founded in 2021 and has been bringing regular mantra meditation gatherings to Brighton ever since!
We are a five piece band made up of:
Tom (vocals & guitar), Ella (vocals), Alex (guitar), Marc (tabla & percussion), and Rob (bass).
We aim to make this heart-opening practice accessible to everyone!
Our monthly events are run on a donation basis and are open to all. Most of the mantras we sing come from the Hindu/Vedic/Bhakti tradition, though from time to time we share mantras from other spiritual paths too.
Kirtan shared in this simple no nonsense form, is a beautiful way to move out of the busy mind and into the heart. We hope to chant with you soon!
Rainbow Craft Events - Craft Fair: Sat 1 November, 11am-5pm
Free entry
We began our journey trading at local craft fairs in Brighton and Hove as Be Natural Candles, and through this experience, we’ve become an active part of the vibrant local craft makers community.
Over time, we’ve connected with countless talented designers, makers, and artists, all showcasing a diverse and inspiring range of handmade and artisan products.
With the knowledge and insights gained from our own experiences as independent traders, we created Rainbow Craft Events — a platform built on passion, professionalism, and a deep appreciation for quality and uniqueness.
We’re proud to host events that celebrate creativity, attention to detail, and the spirit of handmade craftsmanship. Whether you’re a maker or a visitor, we’d love for you to be part of our community.
Brighton Unitarian Church is a gorgeous venue - a charming Regency chapel, designed in the 1820's, slap bang in the middle of Brighton. It's light and airy, with a lovely, smooth, wooden floor - perfect for dancing. It’s within walking distance of all the big hotels and public transport links. It's great for parking too, with Brighton Theatre NCP only yards away.
Access to the Church is via the church hall, down the alley to the left of the church, next to Pinocchio’s.
Milonga Sábado: Argentine Tango: Sat 1 November, 8-11pm.
Entry £8.00 Cash/Contactless
Nibbles!
Brighton has a dedicated Argentine tango community and Milonga Sábado is a popular feature on the local calendar - Milonga Sábado runs on the first Saturday evening of the month (closed July & August).
Mike Barrow and Jerry Lebens, who run Milonga Azul/Sábado, say “Our aim is to create a friendly and inclusive atmosphere at our tango events. Brighton is a tourist town and there are always visitors. But doesn't matter where you've come from or if you've only recently begun your tango journey - please, come along and join in!”
Mike and Jerry also help run La Glorieta de Brighton: a weekly milonga on the fabulous Brighton Beach Bandstand - every Tuesday evening from 7-10pm May - October.
https://www.facebook.com/laglorietadebrighton
Saturday 8 November,
European Movement Sussex - "The Policies and Powers of Public Diplomacy"
We are delighted to welcome Nick Hopkinson, a long-standing member of our branch, who has edited and largely written an account of the discussions that have taken place since 1946 at Wilton Park, the Sussex venue that has played a key role in the UK's relationship with Europe.
"The Policies and Powers of Public Diplomacy” has recently been issued by the leading publisher Routledge. The book covers the foundation of Wilton Park in 1946, to help implement Churchill’s vision for building democracy in post-war Germany, and its evolution over the years to progress a wide range of UK and international policy processes.
The foundational purposes of Wilton Park are becoming critical again, as a discreet space for honest engagement, disagreement and international understanding. Wilton Park’s peculiar and perhaps unique status as a UK government entity, trusted globally for its objectivity, makes it a very modern informal hybrid organisation able to at least mitigate the decline of more formal multilateral spaces for dialogue.
For further details, go to www.euromovesussex.org
A Recital of Remembrance: Sat 8 November, 7.30pm
Entry free - suggested donation £5 - cash or card
Simon Madge (baritone) and Matt Jelf (piano) present a recital programme that explores the depth and emotional power of song from the early 20th century to the modern day.
This evening’s performance weaves together threads of poignant wartime reflection, serene pastoral landscapes, and timeless themes of love and remembrance. The programme includes a number of different composers, each offering a unique perspective on the human condition.
Composers include Arthur Somervell, John Ireland, George Butterworth, Ivor Gurney, Kurt Weill, Gerald Finzi, Samuel Barber and Howard Goodall.
Atomic Kirtan: Thu 13 November, 7pm
For tickets search “Atomic Kirtan Eventbrite” online”
Atomic Kirtan was founded in 2021 and has been bringing regular mantra meditation gatherings to Brighton ever since!
We are a five piece band made up of:
Tom (vocals & guitar), Ella (vocals), Alex (guitar), Marc (tabla & percussion), and Rob (bass).
We aim to make this heart-opening practice accessible to everyone!
Our monthly events are run on a donation basis and are open to all. Most of the mantras we sing come from the Hindu/Vedic/Bhakti tradition, though from time to time we share mantras from other spiritual paths too.
Kirtan shared in this simple no nonsense form, is a beautiful way to move out of the busy mind and into the heart. We hope to chant with you soon!
Beau-Events Art & Makers Market: Sat 15 November, 11am-5pm
Free entry
About Beau-Events and the curator:
"I have been creating and making independently as BeauBottletops for 9 years now. I started trading at Art Markets 6 years ago. I decided after attending events, that the next career move would be to run the events myself! Having come from a background in mental health and Psychology, I now work part time for a local, independent jeweller in Brighton, and run my own Art Business/Events Business. Running events and creating a platform for other local independent creatives is what I know best, and I will continue to put on the best Art & Makers Events Brighton has to offer!
Promoting & supporting independent artists is the key to keeping Beau-Events successful, these Art Markets are not just a platform for selling works, they are an opportunity for individual makers to meet like minded individuals and network. Join our amazing community today!
Being a creative myself, the marketing, promoting, social media and decor are what distinguishes Beau-Events Art Markets from the rest. I pride myself on creating a magical environment for both the traders and customers. When you sign up to trade with Beau-Events, you are getting the whole package, time and effort is continuously poured into the advertising to create the best footfall for the events, and keep my artists in the lime light! With over 500 across all events throughout the year, Beau-Events is about bringing 'shopping small' back to the high street - all year round. I am here to encourage and support both established and emerging artists to build on there own platform and let the world see their wonderful creations, art is essential, we are a movement changing the way people shop in Brighton & Hove"
Belle Chen solo performance 'Ravel in the Forest': Fri 21 November, 7.30pm
Tickets: to follow
BRIGHTON, I’m looking forward to playing my latest album ‘Ravel In The Forest’ for you in a special solo performance on 21st November at the iconic Unitarian Church.
A special evening with bold, cinematic melodies and atmospheric soundscapes to fuel your imagination.
See you there!
Pianist-composer Belle Chen, fresh off her unique immersive live performance at EartH Theatre for the EFG London Jazz Festival, and the innovative Polygon Live Festival presents the live reimagining of her whimsical and imaginative album ‘Ravel In The Forest’.
Notes fall like raindrops, quickening pace as the clouds gather. The piano melody splish sploshes into the electronic soundscape; the trees become denser, the journey more profound. Belle Chen's new album ‘Ravel In The Forest’, leads the listener through ancient woodland, quiet clearings and tropical canopies. We're accompanied by birds, a chameleon, a dragonfly – the wonder of the natural world is imbued into this imaginary space.
In her live shows, Belle takes a quirky, yet tender approach to musical storytelling. With the unmistakable influences of Maurice Ravel, Ryuichi Sakamoto and Joe Hisaishi’s melodic sweetness shining through, Belle blends sonic synth explorations and free flowing improvisations that feel equally at home on jazz or experimental stages.
"There are few places more beautiful, or serene than the universe of pianist Belle Chen’s new album ‘Ravel In The Forest"
Flush the Fashion
"This show deserved the standing ovation it received, a true spectacle like no other I’ve seen in the EartH Theatre before."
Ryan Taylor, Marketing Manager, EartH & Village Underground
“Original and provocative… feels like the sense of discovery”
Brian Eno
Rainbow Craft Events - Craft Fair: Sat 22 November, 11am-5pm
Free entry
We began our journey trading at local craft fairs in Brighton and Hove as Be Natural Candles, and through this experience, we’ve become an active part of the vibrant local craft makers community.
Over time, we’ve connected with countless talented designers, makers, and artists, all showcasing a diverse and inspiring range of handmade and artisan products.
With the knowledge and insights gained from our own experiences as independent traders, we created Rainbow Craft Events — a platform built on passion, professionalism, and a deep appreciation for quality and uniqueness.
We’re proud to host events that celebrate creativity, attention to detail, and the spirit of handmade craftsmanship. Whether you’re a maker or a visitor, we’d love for you to be part of our community.
Ecstatic Dance: Fri 28 November, 7pm
About Ecstatic Dance:
Our bodies are born with rhythm; our heartbeat, our brain waves, our cyles of sleep, growth and feeling. We are an exquisite part of the natural world and respond to our environments through our inner experience.
Often our lives run in habitual auto pilot without deeply listening to the voices within. And when those voices are ignored or not heard, emotion, thought and illness can be suppressed. We 'suddenly' become ill, stressed or breakdown.
Through Ecstatic Dance we are given the opportunity to listen to our body, to move in new ways, to dance as we want when we want. We develop an awareness of our patterns and habits. We can express without words and honour our experiences.
Through drums, rhythms, melodies and vibration we can release and heal habits or heaviness we may be carrying. We can be reborn through the movement journey. Reborn into stillness, peace, understanding and compassion.
Ecstatic Dance is based on an ancient healing modality for individuals and communities. To witness, celebrate, grieve and transform as a group. Cathartic, sweaty, fun and divine.
About Anna Lisa, Creatrix & Manageress of Ecstatic Dance Brighton: Landing confidently in the Conscious Dance scene in 2021 Anna Lisa brings the essence of the embodied wild feminine, big basslines, deep drums and sensual flow to dance journeys whether in a yoga studio, remote forest or sober club rave.
Rainbow Craft Events - Craft Fair: Sat 29 November, 11am-5pm
Free entry
We began our journey trading at local craft fairs in Brighton and Hove as Be Natural Candles, and through this experience, we’ve become an active part of the vibrant local craft makers community.
Over time, we’ve connected with countless talented designers, makers, and artists, all showcasing a diverse and inspiring range of handmade and artisan products.
With the knowledge and insights gained from our own experiences as independent traders, we created Rainbow Craft Events — a platform built on passion, professionalism, and a deep appreciation for quality and uniqueness.
We’re proud to host events that celebrate creativity, attention to detail, and the spirit of handmade craftsmanship. Whether you’re a maker or a visitor, we’d love for you to be part of our community.
Charity Art Auction in aid of Kennedy Street Recovery: Fri 5 December, 7pm
We’re excited to announce the return of our third annual charity art auction, Heartful Art, raising vital funds to support people in recovery through the power of creativity and community 💛
We’re now welcoming artwork donations from artists who want to be part of this meaningful campaign. Your contribution will directly support our recovery programmes, helping individuals and families move forward with hope💫
🖌️ Want to donate a piece?
👉 Contact Jordy@kennedystreetrecovery.org
⏳ Deadline: 15th September 2025
Let’s make this year’s auction the most heartful one yet.
Bid on stunning original art pieces donated by talented local and international artists, including world-renowned names, at Kennedy Street’s Annual Art Auction.
This is your chance to own a masterpiece that could grow in value while making a real difference.
Support recovery.
Invest in art.
Make double the difference this Christmas.
Rainbow Craft Events - Craft Fair: Sat 6 December, 11am-5pm
Free entry
We began our journey trading at local craft fairs in Brighton and Hove as Be Natural Candles, and through this experience, we’ve become an active part of the vibrant local craft makers community.
Over time, we’ve connected with countless talented designers, makers, and artists, all showcasing a diverse and inspiring range of handmade and artisan products.
With the knowledge and insights gained from our own experiences as independent traders, we created Rainbow Craft Events — a platform built on passion, professionalism, and a deep appreciation for quality and uniqueness.
We’re proud to host events that celebrate creativity, attention to detail, and the spirit of handmade craftsmanship. Whether you’re a maker or a visitor, we’d love for you to be part of our community.
Brighton Unitarian Church is a gorgeous venue - a charming Regency chapel, designed in the 1820's, slap bang in the middle of Brighton. It's light and airy, with a lovely, smooth, wooden floor - perfect for dancing. It’s within walking distance of all the big hotels and public transport links. It's great for parking too, with Brighton Theatre NCP only yards away.
Access to the Church is via the church hall, down the alley to the left of the church, next to Pinocchio’s.
Milonga Sábado: Argentine Tango: Sat 6 December, 8-11pm.
Entry £8.00 Cash/Contactless
Nibbles!
Brighton has a dedicated Argentine tango community and Milonga Sábado is a popular feature on the local calendar - Milonga Sábado runs on the first Saturday evening of the month (closed July & August).
Mike Barrow and Jerry Lebens, who run Milonga Azul/Sábado, say “Our aim is to create a friendly and inclusive atmosphere at our tango events. Brighton is a tourist town and there are always visitors. But doesn't matter where you've come from or if you've only recently begun your tango journey - please, come along and join in!”
Mike and Jerry also help run La Glorieta de Brighton: a weekly milonga on the fabulous Brighton Beach Bandstand - every Tuesday evening from 7-10pm May - October.
https://www.facebook.com/laglorietadebrighton
Baby on Board Piano Recital: Mon 8 December, 10.45am-11.30am
A classical concert experience for families with babies under 13 months.
Baby on Board Recitals is a classical music concert series designed for parents who want to experience high-quality live classical music while caring for their little ones. Founded by Beth Gallimore, a classically trained pianist, these concerts provide a rare opportunity for parents to enjoy beautiful music in a relaxed, baby-friendly setting.
Whether classical music is your passion or something completely new, everyone is welcome – including Mums, Dads, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and Caregivers of all kinds. Expectant parents are also invited to join us and experience the joy of live music before their little one arrives.
Our concerts are carefully curated to be enjoyable for parents while remaining comfortable for babies. We embrace the reality of parenthood – feeding, movement, and even crying are all part of the experience.
Beau-Events Art & Makers Market: Sat 13 December, 11am-5pm
Free entry
About Beau-Events and the curator:
"I have been creating and making independently as BeauBottletops for 9 years now. I started trading at Art Markets 6 years ago. I decided after attending events, that the next career move would be to run the events myself! Having come from a background in mental health and Psychology, I now work part time for a local, independent jeweller in Brighton, and run my own Art Business/Events Business. Running events and creating a platform for other local independent creatives is what I know best, and I will continue to put on the best Art & Makers Events Brighton has to offer!
Promoting & supporting independent artists is the key to keeping Beau-Events successful, these Art Markets are not just a platform for selling works, they are an opportunity for individual makers to meet like minded individuals and network. Join our amazing community today!
Being a creative myself, the marketing, promoting, social media and decor are what distinguishes Beau-Events Art Markets from the rest. I pride myself on creating a magical environment for both the traders and customers. When you sign up to trade with Beau-Events, you are getting the whole package, time and effort is continuously poured into the advertising to create the best footfall for the events, and keep my artists in the lime light! With over 500 across all events throughout the year, Beau-Events is about bringing 'shopping small' back to the high street - all year round. I am here to encourage and support both established and emerging artists to build on there own platform and let the world see their wonderful creations, art is essential, we are a movement changing the way people shop in Brighton & Hove"
Baby on Board Piano Recital: Wed 15 December, 10.45am-11.30am
A classical concert experience for families with babies under 13 months.
Baby on Board Recitals is a classical music concert series designed for parents who want to experience high-quality live classical music while caring for their little ones. Founded by Beth Gallimore, a classically trained pianist, these concerts provide a rare opportunity for parents to enjoy beautiful music in a relaxed, baby-friendly setting.
Whether classical music is your passion or something completely new, everyone is welcome – including Mums, Dads, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and Caregivers of all kinds. Expectant parents are also invited to join us and experience the joy of live music before their little one arrives.
Our concerts are carefully curated to be enjoyable for parents while remaining comfortable for babies. We embrace the reality of parenthood – feeding, movement, and even crying are all part of the experience.
Claire Martin & Rob Barron's Cool Yule: Fri 19 December, 7.30pm
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/claire-martins-cool-yule-with-rob-barron-tickets-1553277016369
International jazz supremo and local legend Claire Martin, OBE and Rob Barron invite you to join them at Brighton Unitarian Church for "Cool Yule"! Celebrate the holiday season with a Christmas jazz concert of festive favourites!
Claire’s 2024 release ‘Almost in Your Arms’ (Stunt Records) saw a return to her collaboration with her Swedish trio led by the formidable Martin Sjöstedt on piano and produced by the 5-time Grammy nominated producer James McMillan. It was placed amongst the Albums of the Year critics poll at Jazzwise Magazine and also in their Editor’s Choice section and ‘Be-bop Spoken Here’ made it number 3 in their top 10 vocal albums of the year. Critic Andrew Cartmel effused “Almost in Your Arms is a ravishing album – adroit, surefooted and masterful. Jazz vocals – and songs – don’t come much better than this” (UK Jazz). The album toured the UK throughout the Autumn and was launched with a sell out club date at Ronnie Scott’s.
“She ranks among the four or five finest female jazz vocalists on the planet”
Jazz Times USA
"If there's Jazz Royalty in Britain, Claire Martin is definitely ermine clad"
Andrew Cartmel, UK Jazz News
clairemartinjazz.co.uk
Claire Martin has established herself as a tour de force on the UK jazz scene gaining many awards, including winning the British Jazz Awards as best vocalist eight times during her career which spans almost 4 decades.
Signed to the prestigious Glasgow based Linn Records in 1990, she released 18 CDs with the label, collaborating with musical luminaries including Martin Taylor, John Martyn, Stephane Grappelli, Kenny Barron, Richard Rodney Bennett and Jim Mullen on many of these recordings.
Claire has performed worldwide with her trio and, until his death in 2012, worked extensively with the celebrated composer and pianist Sir Richard Rodney Bennett in a cabaret duo setting both in England and the US where they played to sell-out houses at venues including the prestigious Algonquin Hotel in New York City.
Claire also appears as a featured soloist with the Halle Orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the RTE Concert Orchestra, the Royal Northern Sinfonia, the BBC Big Band and the BBC Concert Orchestra.
Claire co-presented BBC Radio 3’s flagship jazz program ‘Jazz Line Up’ from 2000 to 2017 and interviewed many of her musical heroes such as Pat Metheny and the late Michael Brecker. Her 2009 CD A Modern Art prompted Jazz Times USA to claim: “She ranks among the four or five finest female jazz vocalists on the planet”.
At the Queen’s Birthday Honours in June 2011, Claire was delighted to be awarded an OBE for her Services to Jazz by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, now King Charles III.
In 2018 Claire was the proud recipient of the BASCA Gold Badge Award for her Services to Song writing.
Regarded as a mainstay of the London jazz and studio scene and constantly in demand, Rob Barron is a London based jazz pianist, arranger and composer, and a first call pianist highly regarded for his improvisational flair, innate musicality and a deft touch that reveal influences inspired by Blue Note greats Cedar Walton, Wynton Kelly and Sonny Clark.
Rob has flourished in the rich environment of the London jazz scene, entertaining audiences by performing with visiting American and European jazz musicians Phil Woods, Grant Stewart, Patti Austin, Al Jarreau, Marlena Shaw, Dmirty Baevsky, Fabien Mary and John Marshall to name a few. He has also toured the UK with outstanding saxophonist Dave O’Higgins.
Featuring on many movie soundtracks, most prominently Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of The Great Gatsby, Rob’s session work includes such names as The BBC Big Band, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Jamie Cullum, Claire Martin, Liane Carroll and Rachel Portman. He has appeared on over than thirty albums, is a sought-after sideman in a huge number of London based groups, and formed The Rob Barron Trio in 2012.
Rob Barron has been described as "one of the most creative and versatile musicians of his generation"
Rob’s latest album, From This Moment On, was released in October 2020. BBC Music Magazine featured it as one of the best jazz releases of 2020 and gave it a 5 star review citing “This is classic piano trio jazz at it’s very best.” The album has had over 7 million plays on digital streaming platforms.
Brighton Unitarian Church Candle-lit Carol Service: Sat 20 December, 4pm
Join us for a multi-generational candle-lit carol service with readings, carols accompanied by the organ, mulled wine and mince pies. All are welcome.
Atomic Kirtan: Sat 20 December, doors open at 7.30pm
For tickets search “Atomic Kirtan Eventbrite” online”
Atomic Kirtan was founded in 2021 and has been bringing regular mantra meditation gatherings to Brighton ever since!
We are a five piece band made up of:
Tom (vocals & guitar), Ella (vocals), Alex (guitar), Marc (tabla & percussion), and Rob (bass).
We aim to make this heart-opening practice accessible to everyone!
Our monthly events are run on a donation basis and are open to all. Most of the mantras we sing come from the Hindu/Vedic/Bhakti tradition, though from time to time we share mantras from other spiritual paths too.
Kirtan shared in this simple no nonsense form, is a beautiful way to move out of the busy mind and into the heart. We hope to chant with you soon!