From the editor: Blossoming adventures

That time is coming around again, Brighton Cocktail Week is on the horizon (6–15 July) and our taste buds are tingling in anticipation. If you’re not sure where to turn to mix it up in town Andrew Kay is here to help with his guide on where to go, what to drink, and what’s on offer (p6).

That’s the thing about this time of year: it’s festival time, we’re outside, dancing, eating, exploring something new – whether it’s fresh tunes, ideas, history, tastes… whether you’re after a hippy fairy trail in the woods or fine dining opera at Glyndebourne, outdoor living is in its prime.

Coming to Crawley is yet another sunshine tree-lined avenue of exploration in the form of the Gin Festival (p11). As well as big screens broadcasting Wimbedon fortnight starting soon, the football, and family days out in the park.

Not forgetting the people who unfortunately spend 365 days a year living outside, largely overlooked and separate. Listening To The Unheard (p11) at Brighton Dome is a day full of events sharing the stories of the homeless and the travelling communities, painstakingly gathered and opening up a window on a whole world kept at arm’s length and seen as ‘other’.

We are fortunate in so many ways, not least of all being able to witness the changing of the seasons so clearly here in Sussex, with our nature and calendar events. Time to count all of our blessings, and to check the privilege we have been afforded. Even if it’s simply with a picnic.

Victoria Nangle
editorial@thelatest.co.uk