Brighton & Hove is one of the UK’s leading festival destinations, hosting a vibrant calendar of events throughout the year. From internationally renowned arts festivals to unique local celebrations, there are Brighton festivals to suit every interest - whatever time of year you visit.
Whether you’re planning a weekend break or a longer stay, exploring festivals in Brighton is one of the best ways to experience the city’s creative spirit, culture and community.
Festivals in Brighton throughout the Year
Brighton’s festival calendar spans all seasons, with major cultural events, music festivals, and community celebrations taking place across the city and surrounding Sussex countryside.
From large-scale international events to smaller, niche festivals, visitors can enjoy everything from art and theatre to food, science and outdoor activities.
May Festivals in Brighton
May is one of the most exciting times to visit, with two of the UK’s biggest arts festivals taking over the city.
Brighton Festival
Brighton Festival is one of the UK’s largest and most established arts festivals, held annually in May across Brighton & Hove. Over three weeks, the city comes alive with theatre, music, dance, literature and visual arts, alongside a wide range of outdoor and family-friendly events.
The festival attracts world-renowned performers and creatives, with past guest directors including Anish Kapoor, Vanessa Redgrave and Michael Rosen. The opening Children’s Parade is a spectacular highlight and a must-see event for visitors of all ages.
Brighton Fringe
Running alongside Brighton Festival, Brighton Fringe is the largest open-access arts festival in England. It showcases thousands of performances from emerging and established artists across every art form imaginable.
If you’re looking for bold, experimental or alternative performances, Brighton Fringe offers something truly unique. While visiting, you can also explore the popular Artists Open Houses, where local artists open their homes and studios to sell artwork, jewellery and ceramics directly to the public.
August Festivals
Brighton Pride
Brighton Pride is one of the UK’s most iconic and popular festivals, taking place on the first weekend of August in Brighton & Hove. Celebrated as one of the country’s leading LGBTQ+ events, Pride attracts visitors from across the UK and beyond.
The weekend includes a vibrant city parade filled with music, colour and costumes, as well as major live performances in Preston Park. Previous headline acts have included global stars such as Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue and Pet Shop Boys.
If you’re planning to visit Brighton for Pride, it’s highly recommended to book accommodation well in advance due to high demand.
Music Festivals in Brighton & Sussex
Brighton and the surrounding Sussex area host a wide range of music festivals throughout the year, catering to all tastes.
Key events include:
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The Great Escape – A major new music festival showcasing emerging artists from around the world.
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Elderflower Fields – A family-friendly festival designed for younger audiences.
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Love Supreme – A renowned jazz, soul and hip-hop festival in the Sussex countryside.
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Glyndebourne Festival – A world-famous opera festival set in the South Downs.
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Boundary Festival – A popular electronic music festival held in Brighton.
These events make Brighton a top destination for live music lovers, whether you’re into indie, jazz, electronic or classical.
Unique and Niche Festivals
Beyond the headline events, Brighton is known for its creativity and hosts festivals celebrating a wide range of interests.
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Charleston Festival – A must-visit for art and literature lovers.
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Burning the Clocks – A winter solstice celebration featuring lantern parades, a bonfire and fireworks.
You’ll also find festivals dedicated to photography, comedy, science, food and drink throughout the year, offering plenty of reasons to return to Brighton in every season.
Plan Your Visit
With so many annual events in Brighton & Hove, there’s always something happening. Whether you’re visiting for a major festival or discovering something new, the city’s packed events calendar offers unforgettable experiences year-round.
Useful links:
What’s on in Brighton
Places to stay in Brighton
Things to do in Brighton
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
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