Brighton Festival

What if you could unlock a world of creativity, culture, and connection—all in one place? Each May, thousands of art lovers and curious minds flock to Brighton, seeking more than just entertainment—they seek inspiration, community, and stories that stay with them.

If you’ve ever felt the pull of live performance or longed to rediscover the magic of shared cultural moments, you’re not alone. You’re the hero of this journey, and Brighton Festival is here to guide you.

As England’s largest curated multi-arts festival, we understand your passion for bold ideas and boundary-pushing art.

Here’s what you’ll discover in this article:

• What makes Brighton Festival unique
• How the festival hub is open for connection and discovery
• Ways to engage with stories about our past
• Highlights from the Gallery Bar and Festival venues
• How to stay updated with the latest news from the festival

Keep reading—you’re about to explore an unforgettable celebration of creativity that could reshape the way you experience the arts.

1. Brighton Festival: Overview of Brighton Festival

Brighton Festival in UK offers a diverse range of artistic experiences spanning music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. It acts as a dynamic cultural hub, with key venues like Brighton Dome open throughout the event to host performances and community activities.

Visitors can explore innovative works alongside stories about the festival’s rich past.

Brighton Festival began in 1967 as a city-wide celebration of arts and culture. It has grown into the largest annual multi-arts festival in England. The festival’s roots lie in local community engagement, expanding over the decades to include international artists.

The festival hub serves as a central meeting point, encouraging visitors to explore new ideas and performances. Over time, Brighton Festival has become a major milestone in the international cultural calendar, connecting audiences with both emerging and established talent.

See also British Artists in the 21st Century

2. Brighton Festival: Mission and Vision

The festival is committed to making arts accessible, ground-breaking, and inspiring for all audiences. Its vision emphasizes inclusivity and innovation, supporting diverse voices and creative expression.

Brighton Festival helps community participation through programs such as “Blank Sheet from Brighton,” which nurtures new works. The festival hub provides opportunities to engage with artists directly and engage deeply with the cultural offerings on display.

Brighton Festival showcases an eclectic mix of events, including dance, circus, music, theatre, and visual art. Exceptional companies and choreographers are regularly invited to perform worldwide premieres.

The Brighton Dome remains open throughout the festival, hosting major performances and events. Visitors can also explore interactive installations and exhibitions, making the festival a comprehensive cultural experience blending history and modern creativity.

3. Brighton Festival: Performance

Brighton Festival offers a broad range of arts experiences, including immersive theatre, powerful concerts, and inclusive family activities. The diverse venues contribute to a dynamic atmosphere, hosting both traditional and contemporary performances throughout the festival period.

The brighton art festival​ are staged in venues like the Corn Exchange Studio Theatre and the Studio Theatre Gallery Bar. These spaces showcase theatre, dance, and spoken word, featuring both emerging artists and established names.

Highlights include bold reinterpretations such as Hamlet (9–11 May 2025) and collaborative projects that engage audiences in unique storytelling formats. The festival hub operates weekdays from 12pm to 4pm, serving as a focal point for event information and ticketing.

Art installations, like the striking gold horse statue suspended above public spaces, add visual intrigue. The festival also promotes participatory initiatives, encouraging visitors to share their own stories through projects like Hand to Share Stories.

News and updates about ongoing shows and special events are regularly announced from the festival hub, creating a lively, connected atmosphere.

4. Brighton Festival: Music and Concerts

Music is central to Brighton Festival, featuring a wide range of genres. Key performances include the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Brighton Festival Chorus at the Brighton Dome Concert Hall (22 May).

The festival’s programming follows exclusive double bills, such as the collaboration between Aruna Sairam and Ganavya (12 May 2025).

Concerts cover classical, contemporary, and world music, often highlighting local talent alongside international guests. Festival favourites return annually, drawing loyal audiences. Evening events combine music with atmospheric venues like the Gallery Bar, enhancing the experience.

The scheduling thoughtfully spaces concerts throughout the festival run, with some shows occurring shortly before and after main festival dates—like on 3 and 26 May, and on 9 May and Mondays.

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5. Brighton Festival: Family Activities

Family events are embedded throughout the festival, offering engaging programming suited for children and adults alike. Activities focus on creative participation, workshops, and storytelling sessions designed to inspire younger audiences.

The festival hub often acts as a starting point for families, with clear information on accessible shows and drop-in events. Interactive performances and hands-on art are presented regularly, contributing to a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

Events are timed to fit family schedules, primarily across weekdays, ensuring ample opportunity for participation during school holidays and weekends.

These carefully curated experiences support Brighton Festival’s mission to be accessible and engaging for all ages, fostering a lasting appreciation for the arts.

6. Brighton Festival: Brighton Dome

Brighton Festival is centered around key cultural spaces that accommodate a wide range of events including arts, concert, and dance performances. These venues offer a mix of historic restoration and modern facilities across indoor and outdoor settings, ensuring vibrant experiences throughout the festival.

The Brighton Dome serves as the festival’s primary hub, featuring a refurbished and restored complex with several performance and social spaces. The Brighton Dome Corn Exchange stands out with its grand architecture and hosts large-scale concerts and dance shows.

Adjacent to it, the Studio Theatre provides a more intimate setting ideal for theatre and smaller performances. The venue also includes the Gallery Bar and a welcoming Brighton Dome welcome area, where visitors can find information and relax.

Brighton Dome operates year-round but plays a crucial role during the festival. It is open from 11 am to 5 pm on weekends, allowing visitors to explore its history and current exhibitions.

Festival visitors can also pick up a sheet from Brighton Dome outlining the day’s events and updates, ensuring they stay informed about festival highlights and changes.

Brighton Festival actively promotes emerging artists who represent fresh perspectives. Initiatives like Whilst Showing You Around offer platforms for new voices, combining visual art, music, and storytelling. These projects emphasize community involvement and experimental work.

Residency programs support these talents, encouraging collaborations and skill-sharing. The festival’s commitment to nurturing creativity ensures that upcoming artists receive exposure alongside international stars, contributing to the festival’s evolving artistic landscape.

7. Brighton Festival: Open-Air Spaces

Open-air locations across Brighton animate the festival with dynamic outdoor events. Various parts of the city host performances and installations that encourage public participation and family-friendly activities.

These spaces bring a vibrant atmosphere to the festival, often combining art with public debate and community engagement.

Notably, setups along the seafront and public parks create accessible venues for spontaneous gatherings and larger audiences, expanding the festival’s reach beyond traditional indoor settings.

Beyond the Brighton Dome and open-air spaces, the festival utilizes several community venues that are important to local culture. Churches such as All Saints Church and centers like the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (ACCA) serve as important locations for performances and workshops.

8. Brighton Festival : Guest Curators

Brighton Festival 2025 showcases a dynamic mix of established and emerging artists with a strong emphasis on diverse voices and global collaborations. The festival integrates guest curators, international participants, and rising talents to create a vibrant cultural program.

The festival’s guest director for 2025 plays a pivotal role in shaping the year’s artistic vision. Their focus includes spotlighting innovative works and fostering cross-genre collaborations.

They bring forward artists like Aruna Sairam, an acclaimed vocalist known for blending classical Indian music with contemporary forms. This leadership ensures the festival supports both tradition and experimentation.

Key projects include performances at the Brighton Festival Hub and installations like the Gold Horse Statue Suspended, enhancing the festival’s urban landscape.

The guest director also champions partnerships between established artists and community initiatives, such as New Road and Draw, which invites audiences to engage in creative explorations.

The brighton jazz festival features a robust international lineup, drawing talent from across continents. Artists like Ganavya bring South Asian classical traditions while collaborating with local musicians, extending cultural dialogues.

Pakistani-American vocalist Arooj Aftab is among the notable names, offering unique blends of jazz, folk, and classical influences on stage.

This global diversity enriches the program, inviting audiences to experience varied musical and performance styles. Events often take place in diverse venues, including the Brighton Festival Hub, which acts as a central meeting point for artists and attendees.

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9. Brighton Festival: Ticketing and Passes

Visitors to Brighton Festival should plan ahead to secure tickets, consider accessibility needs, and arrange travel and accommodation well in advance. The festival offers a range of options to suit different preferences and requirements.

Tickets for Brighton Festival events can be purchased online or at designated box offices. Many shows have limited availability, so booking early is advised to avoid disappointment.

Options include single event tickets, day passes, and festival passes that offer entry to multiple performances. Prices vary depending on the event and seating, with concessions available for students, seniors, and disabled access.

Some events are free, often held outdoors at locations like St Ann’s Well Gardens or Queen’s Park. It is advisable to check specific entry requirements and whether pre-registration is necessary.

10. Brighton Festival: Accessibility

Brighton Festival strives to ensure all venues are accessible. This includes wheelchair access, hearing assistance, and tailored services for visually impaired patrons.

Information about accessibility is published on the festival website, detailing facilities available at individual venues such as Brighton Dome and the Corn Exchange.

Visitors requiring specific accommodations are encouraged to contact the festival in advance for advice and support. Guide dogs are permitted at most venues, and quiet spaces are available for those with sensory needs.

Brighton is easily reached by train, with regular services from London and other cities. Visitors arriving by car should note limited parking near venues; public transport and walking are recommended.

Accommodation options span hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering rentals. Booking ahead is important as availability decreases during the festival period.

The city offers numerous dining and entertainment venues, adding convenience for festival-goers planning to stay several days.

Brighton Festival: A Recap

Brighton Festival continues to be a vibrant celebration of creativity, diversity, and community spirit. As the largest curated multi-arts festival in England, it not only presents an exceptional programme of music, theatre, dance, circus, and visual art, but also serves as a powerful platform for both emerging talent and internationally acclaimed artists.

The festival hub is open throughout the event, offering a central space to engage with performances, discover news from the festival, and connect with the artistic energy that defines this cultural highlight.

Whether enjoying an intimate show at the Gallery Bar and Festival venues or exploring installations that spark dialogue, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in this rich artistic tapestry.

With a deep appreciation for stories about our past and a forward-looking vision, Brighton Festival remains a cornerstone of the UK’s cultural calendar—uniting people through transformative artistic experiences.

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