A celebration of music, theatre, dance, circus, art, film, literature, debate, outdoor and community events, Brighton Festival takes place in familiar and unusual locations across Brighton & Hove and further afield for three weeks every May.
Renowned for its pioneering spirit and experimental reputation, Brighton Festival has become one of the city’s most enduring symbols of inventiveness.
The inaugural programme in 1967 included Laurence Olivier, Anthony Hopkins, Yehudi Menuhin, The Who, The Pink Floyd, Concrete Poetry. So we have a long tradition for attracting the most exciting performers from across the globe, as well as promoting local artists, and bringing fresh, challenging work that opens minds right across Brighton & Hove and beyond.
Our ambitious and daring programming aims to make the most of the city’s distinctive cultural atmosphere, and draws some of the most innovative artists and companies from the UK and around the world.
Since 2009 we have welcomed a major cultural figure to guest curate and enhance the prestige of the artistic programme. Anish Kapoor, Brian Eno, Vanessa Redgrave, Michael Rosen, Hofesh Shechter, Ali Smith, Laurie Anderson, Kae Tempest, David Shrigley and Lemn Sissay have contributed significantly to our innovative programming as Guest Director.
Every year Brighton Festival is opened by the popular Children’s Parade. Produced in partnership with Same Sky, we work with over 5,000 parents, teachers and young people from 60 Brighton &Hove schools alongside artists, musicians and choreographers. The annual event is always a whirlwind of colour, music, dance and fun attracting over 20,000 to the streets to celebrate the creativity and imagination of our next generation.
