Brighton Festival’s ambitious and daring programming showcases its home city as a hub for cultural innovation, collaboration, and artistic experimentation, attracting some of the most celebrated and innovative artists and companies from the UK and around the world.
Brighton Festival LGBTQ+ highlights include:
- The Age of Consent is a musical celebration of radical queer history and a collective call to action, reimagining Bronski Beat’s iconic 1980s album through contemporary queer and trans artists like Planningtorock, Tom Rasmussen, and Bishi. May 2 at the Brighton Dome Concert Hall.
- Following the release of his new album, legendary singer, composer, and transgender activist Beverly Glenn-Copeland will perform his unique blend of folk, jazz, classical, and electronic music at the Festival on May 1 at the Brighton Dome Concert Hall.
- Joelle Taylor: Maryville – Following her T.S. Eliot Prize-winning poetry collection, C+nto & Othered Poems, Joelle Taylor presents a staged reading of her new poetry collection, Maryville (8 – 9 May, Brighton Dome Studio Theatre). This work offers a powerful exploration of fifty years of lesbian counterculture. Directed by Neil Bartlett and featuring visuals by filmmaker Sweatmother, the event will conclude with an on-stage Q&A session and a book signing.
The Brighton Festival line-up also includes:
Five world premieres, including Kohlhaas, directed by Omar Elerian and starring Arinzé Kene, mark the first original work produced by the Brighton Festival. Additionally, a large-scale public artwork will feature monumental figures appearing along the Hove Seafront.
6 exclusive festival performances, including one-time shows from Patti Smith, Laurie Anderson, and the first-ever collaboration between Sampa the Great and W.I.T.C.H.
Beverly-Glenn Copeland, Fevered Sleep, Clod Ensemble, Nu Civilisation Orchestra, Akram Khan, Emma Rice Company, NoFitState, Sir Antonio Pappano, Angélique Kidjo, Iestyn Davies, William Kenridge, Michael Rosen, Aldous Harding, Joelle Taylor, Asian Dub Foundation, Antonio Guzman, Iva Jankovic, Isobel Smith, and Abigail Norris are just some of the extraordinary artists presenting their work in this landmark festival year.
Brighton Dome’s Corn Exchange will host exceptional artists as they reinterpret the beautifully restored venue with a series of unique theatrical experiences.
In 2026, the 40th Children’s Parade, the largest of its kind in Europe, will take place alongside the 10th edition of Our Place, Brighton Festival’s community-curated programming strand.
Tickets for more than 60 performances will cost £15 or less, along with 25 free events throughout the Festival.
Tickets at https://brightonfestival.org
