Brighton Festival 2025: What to expect
Every May, Brighton springs into life with a burst of creativity, colour and culture as it hosts one of the UK’s most celebrated arts festivals. Brighton Festival 2025 promises to be a spectacular showcase of performance, music, theatre, dance, literature and so much more – bringing together both artists and audience in a truly unique experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or this is your first foray, let us guide you through everything you need to know to get the most out of this extraordinary event. Ready to immerse yourself in the magic? Plan your spring getaway and book your stay at The White Horses, the perfect base to explore, enjoy delicious food and drink and unwind after a day of festivities.
What is Brighton Festival?
Established in 1967, Brighton Festival has grown into one of the most diverse and dynamic arts festivals in the UK. With a reputation for championing bold and imaginative acts, it offers a platform for artists from across all industries to push creative boundaries.
Spanning three weeks in May, the festival celebrates artistic innovation, community engagement and global perspectives, drawing visitors from far and wide to experience a city transformed by rich culture.
New Dawn: the theme for 2025
This year’s Brighton Festival is themed ‘New Dawn’, symbolising renewal, hope and possibility. Curated by internationally acclaimed sitar virtuoso and composer Anoushka Shankar, the programme explores ideas of transformation, resilience and the power of collective expression. A highlight of the festival is ‘How Dark It Is Before Dawn’, an interactive event inviting audiences to reflect on the journey of darkness into light – capturing the very essence of this year’s theme.
What’s on Brighton 2025: the lineup
With over 120 events including music, theatre, dance, circus, visual arts, film, literature and debate, Brighton Festival 2025 is brimming with an unmissable mix of homegrown talent and international stars. Here are just a few of the standout acts to look forward to:
International highlights
- Humans 2.0: An electrifying contemporary circus act, pushing the limits of physical performance and human movement.
- In the Eye of a Dream: A multimedia installation weaving together textiles, technology and Indian classical dance.
Premieres & exclusive performances
- Theatre of Dreams: A spellbinding dance journey into the subconscious by Hofesh Shechter.
- Brown Girl in the Ring: Words in Motion: A powerful showcase of pioneering creative talent set in a boxing ring.
Outdoor & community events
- Without Walls: Hydropunk: A playful, hands-on installation challenging participants to conserve and recycle water through interactive play.
- Shon Faye & Torrey Peters: A compelling conversation on love and identity with two literary powerhouses.
Where to experience the festival
From the iconic Brighton Dome to pop-up spaces and open-air performances, the festival spreads its magic across the city. Key venues include:
- Brighton Dome: The beating heart of Brighton Festival, hosting headline acts and must-see performances.
- Outdoor stages and public spaces: Look out for surprise performances in parks, on the beach and in the city streets.
- Local theatres and galleries: Discover cutting-edge drama and thought-provoking exhibitions in intimate settings.
With a myriad of events at Brighton Festival happening city-wide, choosing the right base is essential. The White Horses, located in Rottingdean, has all the accessibility you need with a little seaside tranquillity thrown in. Immerse yourself in the festival’s energy before escaping to peaceful, coastal comfort at the end of the day.
Planning your visit
A little preparation ensures a stress-free and enjoyable festival experience. Here’s what you need to know:
Booking tickets
Festival events are very popular, and many sell out quickly. Secure your tickets early through the official Brighton Festival website.
Travel
Brighton is well-connected by train, bus and road, making it easy to reach. Be sure to plan your journey in advance to avoid any last-minute stress.
Food and drink
From street food to fine dining, Brighton’s culinary scene is as vibrant as its arts. Enjoy pre-show meals or late night drinks at tons of local favourites.
Accommodation
For a wonderfully comfortable stay near the action, book a room at The White Horses. Our seaside location provides easy access to Brighton’s festival venues whilst allowing for a restful retreat away from the crowds.
Attending with kids and dogs
Brighton Festival is a family-friendly event, with dedicated activities for children. Plus, if you’re bringing your four-legged friends along, The White Horses welcomes dogs, so the whole family can stay with us and enjoy the excitement too.
The cultural event of the year
Brighton Festival 2025 isn’t just an arts festival – it’s a celebration of creativity, diversity and shared experiences. Whether you’re captivated by an inspiring theatre piece, moved by live music or captivated by visual arts, there’s something for everyone. And with Rottingdean’s cosy, coastal charm and local attractions just a short journey away, The White Horses offer a unique opportunity to combine cultural discovery with beach-side relaxation.
Join us at The White Horses
Spring is the most magical time to experience Brighton at its most spirited. As the city hums with imagination, let The White Horses be your home away from home, bringing you an inviting base to explore everything the festival has to offer. Start planning your Brighton Festival adventure today.
BOOK YOUR STAYFor more information on events, tickets and schedules, visit the official Brighton Festival website.