Brighton Festival 2026
Get ready, Brighton, festival season is about to hit a major milestone. Brighton Festival 2026 returns from 1–25 May with its most ambitious programme yet, celebrating an incredible 60 years as England’s largest curated multi-arts festival.
Under the new leadership of CEO Lucy Davies, this landmark edition signals a bold new era. For the first time, the Festival will produce its own original work, deepening its creative roots in the city while continuing to attract world-class talent from across the globe.
Expect more than 100 events spanning theatre, music, dance, literature, visual art and debate, with more than 140 artists taking part. Among the standout moments are five world premieres, including Kohlhaas, directed by Omar Elerian and starring Arinzé Kene, alongside a striking large-scale artwork transforming Hove seafront into an open-air gallery.
Music lovers are in for a treat with exclusive, one-off performances from icons including Patti Smith and Laurie Anderson, plus a unique collaboration between Sampa the Great and W.I.T.C.H.
Elsewhere, big names like Angélique Kidjo and Asian Dub Foundation add serious weight to the line-up.
The beautifully restored Brighton Dome Corn Exchange will take centre stage this year, hosting immersive and boundary-pushing performances, while outdoor and community-led events continue to bring the Festival spirit to every corner of the city.
And it wouldn’t be Brighton Festival without its much-loved traditions. The 40th Children’s Parade will once again fill the streets with colour and creativity, while the 10th anniversary of Our Place celebrates grassroots storytelling and community collaboration.
Best of all, the Festival remains accessible, with over 60 shows priced at £15 or less and more than 25 free events to enjoy.
Six decades in, Brighton Festival isn’t slowing down, it’s evolving. And this year, more than ever, it’s a vibrant reminder of why Brighton continues to shine as one of the UK’s most exciting cultural playgrounds.
www.brightonfestival.org | Fri 1–Mon 25 May 2026
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