2011 is now a distant memory and the residents and tourists of Brighton and Hove are gearing up for what promises to be a memorable year. On top of the city’s customary excitement, Brighton will also stage a number of special one-off events in 2012.

·         Fatboy Slim – DJ, producer, all round good guy and Mr Brighton and Hove – hosts his latest instalment of Big Beach Boutique. After a few years of absence, the legendary big beat pioneer brings his concert to Brighton and Hove Albion’s Amex Stadium on 1st and 2nd June.

·         The Olympics is not all about the capital this year. Brighton has been chosen as one of the locations where the torch relay will pass through. Pencil 16th July into your diaries as this is set to be a special day for the city.

·         The now annual Marathon, in its third year, is with us again on 15th April. The events grows in participant numbers each and every year and, on top of the Olympic excitement that is sweeping the nation, this year’s run looks likely to be the biggest yet.

·         The Brighton Festival and Fringe is one of the highlights of the year. Taking place over three weeks in May, it is a mass of art, music, comedy, street performances and much more. With many venues across the town hosting the weird and wonderful, it is certainly one not to miss and a great excuse to visit the city.

·         Brighton and Hove Pride is perhaps the most famous annual event in the city and it returns on 1st September at Preston Park to promote its core principles of getting rid of prejudice against the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans) community.

If you are planning on visiting the city for any of these events, or simply to hang out at the beach, go shopping, clubbing, watch a gig or one of the many crowd-drawing things that take place in Brighton, you will surely be looking for a nice hotel to stay in. One which stands out from the crowd – especially for those looking for dog friendly hotels, somewhere close to the city centre, boutique furnishings, a cocktail bar and much more – is Oriental Brighton. To find out more visit http://www.orientalbrighton.co.uk.