Festivals

From the big internationally renowned festivals to the less widely known but just as fun festivals, whatever time of year you visit Brighton, the chances are there’ll be a celebration to enjoy.

Brighton Festival celebrates the arts in all its guises and invites esteemed artists from around the world to come and perform. For the first three weeks of May you’ll find the city vibrating with theatre, music, dance, art, literature and debate, with outdoor and family events, too. Past guest directors have included Aung San Suu Kyi, Anish Kapoor, Vanessa Redgrave and Michael Rosen. The opening children’s parade is a spectacle not to be missed!

Brighton Fringe runs alongside Brighton Festival, embracing every art form and supporting artists both new and established. Want to see something that pushes the boundaries of artistic expression? Then come to Brighton & Hove in May! While you’re not attending events, you can explore the Artists’ Open House trails and buy all kinds of art, jewellery and ceramics direct from the artists themselves.

Brighton’s other best-known festival is Brighton Pride, which takes place in August and has been described by The Guardian as “the country’s most popular LGBT+ event”. Pride’s daytime parade turns the city into a riot of music, colour and eye-popping costumes, while past artists who have taken to the stage in Preston Park include Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue and the Pet Shop Boys. If you’re coming to Brighton for Pride, be sure to book accommodation as early as possible.

There are music festivals in Brighton and neighbouring parts of Sussex throughout the year, including: the Great Escape (new music); the Elderflower Fields Festival (for families with young children); Love Supreme (jazz, soul, hip-hop); Glyndebourne Festival (for opera lovers), and Boundary Festival (electronic) to name just a few.

Music aside, you can find festivals celebrating pretty much anything – photography, comedy, science, beer, food, even paddling round the pier, which sees water sports enthusiasts battle it out to race around Brighton Palace Pier and raise money for charity. Charleston Festival is a must for art and literature-lovers; the Brighton Kite Festival in Stanmer Park is great fun for all the family; and Burning the Clocks celebrates the Winter Solstice with an eye-catching parade of creative luminous lanterns that culminates in a bonfire and firework display.

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Inspiration

Brighton Festival

Brighton Festival, the largest annual curated multi-arts festival in England, has revealed its programme for 2023. With critically acclaimed musician, producer, DJ and broadcaster Nabihah Iqbal as Guest Director, this year’s Festival invites everyone to Gather Round in an ambitious celebration of community, collaboration and the joy of shared experiences.
1. 6 May 202328 May 2023
Brighton Fringe

During May & June, Brighton Fringe welcomes international performers and audiences as it showcases the creative heart and soul of the city and its unique cultural heritage.
1. 5 May 20234 Jun 2023
The Great Escape
1. 10 May 2023
Artists Open Houses

The Artist Open Houses offer festival–goers the chance to meet the artists and to view locally made, seriously good arts and crafts.
1. 6 May 202328 May 2023
Foodies Festival

Watch MasterChef Champions, Michelin-starred and top local chefs cooking their signature summer recipes, learn how to make show-stopping cakes with expert bakers including Great British Bake Off stars, sample new wines, champagnes and cocktails, eat delicious street food from around the world, take part in chilli eating competitions and food challenges, and enjoy some great live music. Plus fun for children in the Kids Cookery Theatre.
1. 29 Apr 2023
2. 30 Apr 2023
3. 1 May 2023