Pop Tarts

If you’re looking for a proper Friday night soundtrack next month, mark your calendar for Pop Tarts. This is the regular night put on by KickPush DJs, and it’s happening on Friday, February 27, 2026. The focus is strictly on Pop, R&B, and Hip Hop Bangers, promising a playlist packed with tracks you actually want to hear, spanning everything from early 2000s throwbacks to current chart hits.

The setlist they pull together is famously broad, covering everything from Mariah Carey, Prince, and the Beastie Boys, right up to contemporary artists like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Lizzo. They promise a mix of Pop, R&B, and Hip Hop Bangers, meaning you might hear Outkast and Missy Elliot alongside Paramore (which they note is 'pop' now, apparently) and classics like Boyz II Men. It all goes down at The Hope & Ruin, located at 11 Queens Road, Brighton. This venue is a staple in the city, known as a grassroots music venue and pub that actively supports the independent music scene. Beyond the music, the venue is known for its plant-based bar products and the Beelzebab food offering, plus it’s dog friendly, which is good context if you’re popping in earlier in the evening. The music kicks off at 9:00 pm on the Friday and runs until 2:00 am the following morning, Saturday, February 28th.

Just a heads up on the logistics: this is strictly an 18+ event, so make sure you have ID ready. Regarding entry, while The Hope & Ruin sometimes hosts free DJ nights—like their KickPush event in December—the information available for Pop Tarts suggests it’s ticketed, as the venue website includes a 'Buy Tickets' option. The exact price for this specific date isn't listed, but it’s worth checking ahead if you plan on going. Overall, it sounds like a reliable night for anyone wanting a high-energy mix of classic and contemporary bangers in a venue that keeps things local and independent.