Over the last two years I have been in awe of the cultural industry as they were determined to keep us entertained in spite of all the restrictions and general confusion. Whether it was introducing social distancing measures, outdoor performances or live-streaming our amazing events industry ensured we could all continue to have access to the arts, no matter what! And while we will always be grateful for these alternative options, we all know that nothing beats the live experience and we are thrilled that Brighton Festival is returning on a pre-pandemic scale. 

To help you get ready for Brighton Festival 2022 we have selected a few of the events that have caught our eye. You can view the full programme and book tickets at: brightonfestival.org

The Riwaq 

We love the fact that the Brighton Festival can be enjoyed across the city and this year there will be a new pop-up venue on Hove seafront: The Riwaq. Guest Director Marwa Al-Sabouni explains that Riwaq is the Arabic word for colonnade, although architecurally the Riqaq is a semi-open sapce. The Riwaq will be open Wednesdays & Thursdays with exciting takeovers taking place each weekend. 

→ Find out more at: brightonfestival.org/whats-on/the-riwaq-4555

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Sacre at Theatre Royal Brighton

Brighton Festival is the ideal time to escape the everyday and experience something different. Circa Company Circus is one of the world's leading performance company and are often one of the highlights of the Brighton Festival. Their new show Sacre confronts humanity's inter-connectivity and our relationship with divinity. 

→ Find out more and book at: brightonfestival.org/whats-on/circa-sacre-4652

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Ambrose Akinmusire

Of course you can't do Brighton Festival without going to at least one event at the headline venue - Brighton Dome. I love going to hear live music at the Dome as the concert hall not only looks stunning but has great acoustics which we think will be the perfect setting for avant-garde jazz composer and trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire. 

→ Find out more and book at: brightonfestival.org/whats-on/ambrose-akinmusire-4633

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Dead Cats

I've read the description for this piece of theatre and I'm still not sure what to expect but I'm intrigued and The Old Market is a great venue so why not give it a go? Here's the official synopsis: "Dead Cats blends new writing, performance, film-making, and an obvious plant, to show – not tell – the truths behind the fictions." 

→ Find out more and book at: brightonfestival.org/whats-on/caravan-assembly-dead-cats-4721

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The Depot 

While most events take place within the city there are a few happening across Sussex including a selection of film screenings at The Depot in Lewes. Lewes is just a 15 minute train ride from Brighton and the picturehouse is next to the station making it very easy to get too! We recommend allowing some time before or after the film to enjoy a drink on the terrace. 

→ Find out more and book at: lewesdepot.org/brightonfestival

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A Weekend Without Walls 

Brighton Festival includes a range of free events including a weekend of performances at British Airways i360. On Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th May there will 6 new pop-up performances from some of the UK's most innovative outdoor companies. 

→ Find out more at: brightonfestival.org/whats-on/a-weekend-without-walls-british-airways-i360-4702

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Journeys from an Absent Present to a Lost Past

Another must-do during the festival is to visit Fabrica as they always host striking and thought-provoking installations, previous years have included works by Brian Eno and Anish Kapoor. This year architect and artist Mohamad Hafez presents Journeys from an Absent Present to a Lost Past, a series of miniature streetscapes fashioned using found objects. 

→ Find out more at: brightonfestival.org/whats-on/journeys-from-an-absent-present-to-a-lost-past-4677

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Witness Stand

Naturally we love any event that encourages people to explore lesser known areas of the city and Witness Stand is taking place at 5 locations: The Chattri, West Pier, Brighton Marina, Shoreham and Whitehawk. The audience will gather together with the artists, on simple seating stands, to contemplate vistas that we rarely pause properly to see and to spend time together in a place where the site is both companion and performer. 

→ Find out more and book at: brightonfestival.org/whats-on/witness-stand-4545

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Worktable

It's not often a cultural event provides you with safety goggles and a hammer but this is Brighton and we are Never Normal! I think this event appeals to my inner Hulk, being given permission to smash and destroy stuff? Yes please! This event takes place at the Attenborough Centre for Cultural Arts (ACCA) at Falmer which can be easily reached by train or bus. 

→ Find out more & book at: brightonfestival.org/whats-on/worktable-4558

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Charlotte