Brighton Events

This broad-ranging event is one of the largest of its kind in the UK and includes a lively three-week programme of new theatre, music, dance, performance and literature, from both local and international artists. Since it was first held in 1967, Brighton Festival has featured performances by such creative greats as Lawrence Olivier, Anthony Hopkins and Yehudi Menuhin, as well as appearances by contemporary authors including Irvine Welsh and Chuck Palahniuk.

Held every year to raise money for the British Heart Foundation, The London to Brighton Bike Ride sees over 27,000 riders put their bums on the saddle. Beginning in London, riders set off on the 87km (54-mile) route to Brighton. Many of the riders are in fancy dress, and a great atmosphere prevails. Due to the event’s overwhelming popularity (this is Europe's biggest fundraising bike ride), thousands of applications have to be turned down, so it is advised to apply early.

The largest Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Pride Festival in the UK hosts a week of community events in late summer, with the festivities culminating in a big, fantastically flamboyant parade from the seafront through the city to Preston Park. An extra special year, 2012 marks Pride’s 20th anniversary, and the first weekend in September promises much lively entertainment across town.

The largest food fest in the South of England champions local producers, growers, restaurants and bars with nearly a month of foodie events in September, and 10 food-filled days in April. Sample a rainbow of local produce and generally indulge in and celebrate great food. There’s a fantastic variety of events to get involved in – from flamenco dancing accompanied by sizzling Spanish cuisine, to cheering on a cocktail-off between highly skilled mixologists.

The world-renowned motorcycle run organised by London’s Ace Café brings tens of thousands of motorbikes to Brighton. The finale of a three-day biking spectacular, the Brighton Burn Up, sees much to entertain all (not just bikers) as Madeira Drive is lined with stands, displays, music and special guests.

This huge art exhibition (the most extensive of its kind in the South of England) brings together over 100 talented local and national artists, photographers and galleries. The event is geared around learning about art and talking to artists, and allows people to buy art directly from the artists.

A popular pre-Christmas event that takes place near the Winter Solstice, the Burning of the Clocks is a free family event that attracts over 20,000 people. Devised as an antidote to the excesses of Christmas, participants are invited to don bright costumes and make paper and willow lanterns to become part of the parade which heads through the town and congregates on the beach where there is a huge bonfire and fireworks display. The lanterns are thrown into the fire and the bearers make wishes for the coming year. In the weeks leading up to the event there are a number of lantern-making workshops for young and old alike.

The popular Brighton Racecourse offers an exciting programme of race meetings, including a great season of flat racing. Many of the events are great fun, family-friendly days out which combine horse racing, football and children's entertainment. Other highlights in the racing calendar include the Tote Challenge Trophy and the John Smiths Brighton Mile in August, evening meetings with live entertainment, Ladies Evening and three Family Fun Sundays.

For three heady nights Brighton erupts with the best new music from across the globe. Musos, celebrities, fans, and anyone else partial to new tunes and a hedonistic festival vibe, flock to Brighton for a multi-venue extravaganza of cutting-edge cool. Whether you’re watching Norwegian folk in a tiny pub or catching the next big thing at the Komedia, it’s worth the queues to join in the party. Tickets sell out fast.