Brighton Festival returns for its landmark 60th edition, transforming the city into a sprawling, multi-arts playground for nearly an entire month! Widely regarded as England’s largest curated arts festival, the programme stretches across theatres, galleries, streets and outdoor spaces – bringing together over 100 events from international and UK artists.
Rather than a single event, this is a city-wide cultural takeover! Expect everything from bold theatre premieres and contemporary dance to experimental music, immersive installations and large-scale outdoor spectacles.
Highlights for 2026 include the world premiere of Kohlhaas, a dramatic new production – alongside a huge range of different site-specific performances, visual art exhibitions and boundary-pushing multi-sensory experiences!
The festival also embraces community and accessibility, with free events and family-friendly programming woven throughout. The iconic Children’s Parade – a vibrant procession of costumes, music and creativity, kicks things off in spectacular fashion, setting the tone for a celebration that blends professional artistry with grassroots participation.
Running alongside Brighton Fringe and other city events, the festival creates an atmosphere where creativity spills into every corner, from concert halls to unexpected public spaces, making it one of the most immersive cultural experiences on the UK event calendar!
BRIGHTON FESTIVAL – INFO:
Dates: Taking place May 1st-25th
Location: Various venues across Brighton & Hove
Age limits: Varies by event (a huge range of family-friendly options available)
Prices: Varies by event (many free events included; most ticketed events individually priced)
Explore the full event programme: Click here.
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