'Brighton Festival has been at the forefront... an arts festival that makes connections with the real world' The Times

Brighton Festival is an annual celebration of music, theatre, dance, circus, art, film, literature, debate, outdoor and family events - taking place in venues both familiar and unusual across Brighton & Hove for three weeks every May.

Established in 1967, Brighton Festival has become one of the city's most enduring symbols of inventiveness and celebration over the past half century. Renowned for its pioneering spirit and experimental reputation, Brighton Festival’s inaugural programme controversially included the first ever exhibition of Concrete Poetry in the UK, alongside performances by Laurence Olivier, Anthony Hopkins and Yehudi Menuhin. 

Now one of Europe’s leading arts festivals, Brighton Festival is known for its ambitious and daring programme that aims to make the most of the city’s distinctive cultural atmosphere, drawing some of the most innovative artists and companies (and adventurous audiences) from the UK and around the world.

Since 2009 Brighton Festival has attracted a wealth of inspiring and internationally significant Guest Directors who bring cohesion to the artistic programme including British sculptor Anish Kapoor (2009), musician Brian Eno (2010), Burmese politician Aung San Suu Kyi (2011), actress and human rights campaigner Vanessa Redgrave (2012), poet, author and broadcaster Michael Rosen (2013), choreographer Hofesh Shechter (2014) and award-winning author Ali Smith (2015).

Brighton Festival is produced and delivered by the same team that runs the city's leading arts venue, the Grade I listed Brighton Dome. Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival is a registered charity (registered as Brighton Dome and Festival Ltd) - you can support our work by joining as a Member or Patron, getting involved as a sponsor or making a donation.