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A Step Back in Time - A Regency Open Day at Brighton Unitarian Church

Brighton Unitarian Church, New Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1UF

  • 13 Sep 2025
  • In person
  • Pre-booking required

Brighton Unitarian Church is hosting a range of free events for Heritage Open Days 2025, during a day long celebration of its construction, 205 years ago in the Regency period.

Brighton Unitarian Church is Grade II listed and has an intricately interwoven history with the story of the Prince Regent (later George IV) from whom the land for the church was purchased. Modelled on the ancient Temple of Theseus, it’s locally known as the church with the four pillars. Some have visited it as a venue for craft fairs, recitals, Brighton fringe or community-based activities, but at its heart is a spiritual community that worships in an atmosphere of mutual respect and freedom.

So, if you have ever wondered what’s behind the big red doors on New Road, if you’re curious about Unitarianism or would like to step back in time, come along and immerse yourself in the past of this historic church – a sacred place in the heart of our city.

1100 - Doors open

1200 - Organ recital on the 1887 Kirkland organ – Nick Andrews – Piano teacher, pianist, organist and local legend.

1300 - Church History Talk - People on the Plaques with Christine Clarke Lowes*

1400 - Regency Delights Dance Workshop – An opportunity to learn dances from the Regency period.

1445 - Regency Delights – a performance, following the workshop, of dance from the period. Visitors to the church are welcome to watch.

1530 - Church History Talk – A Story Across the Centuries with Francis Clarke Lowes *

1600 - Piano Recital on the 1903/4 Steinway Model O grand piano by Nicola Grunberg, its owner. Trained at the Royal College of Music, she pursued a career as a soloist, freelance accompanist and teacher.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:
1100-1700

Location & directions

Brighton Unitarian Church, New Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1UF

Contact on day:
Rev Jennifer Sanders
Telephone number:
+441273696022

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:
Pre-booking required
Booking conditions:
You will need to pre-book to participate in the Regency Delights workshop
Booking website:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1486531829719?aff=oddtdtcreator

Additional information

On the 13th we will also offer exhibits about church history, a children’s treasure hunt and more. Tea and cake available with all proceeds going towards the upkeep of the church. *Christine and Francis Clark-Lowes came to the church towards the end of 2008, looking for a non-mainstream religious wedding venue. Their ceremony took place the following April and they've been involved in nearly all aspects of the church life ever since. Christine's roles include Treasurer, Financial Record Keeper and Authorised Person. Francis has been Secretary and leads Sunday services.

Est. tour duration:
0 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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