Insights

Brighton Festivals 2015

Happy New Year! And what a year 2015 promises to be for those of us lucky enough to live in and around Brighton and Hove. Down here on the Sussex coast, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to festivals. The next 12 months promise to be truly special with a plethora of cultural events coming up. The only problem is making sure you don’t miss any and that’s where this guide comes in. We have cast an eye over the cultural calendar for 2015 and created this guide to the year ahead, including a huge variety of festivals that make Brighton & Hove such a fantastic city.

2015 Brighton & Hove Festivals Calendar

FEBRUARY

Brighton Science Festival
1st February – March 1st  |  Various Venues

Stay tuned to the website and keep an eye out in local cafes and shops for the full 2015 programme – it promises to be full of inspirational science talks, aimed at taking 12 to 14 year olds on their own journeys of discovery. Don’t worry though there are plenty of opportunities for adults to get involved too like the History of Rocketry at The Hope.
http://www.brightonscience.com/

MARCH

SICK! Festival
Throughout March  |  Check website for venue information

A unique festival that explores the medical, mental and social challenges of life and death through an international cross-art programme that encourages brave but humane debate.
http://www.sickfestival.com

WhaleFest
14th – 15th March  |  Brighton Centre

A festival created to celebrate and defend whales, dolphins, marine life and the world’s oceans.
http://www.whale-fest.com/

APRIL

Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival
3rd – 4th April  |  Venues around Brighton & Hove

The Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival celebrates all things foodie in the south of England with the best local producers, growers, restaurants, bars and retailers all getting involved for an action-packed and very tasty Easter.
http://brightonfoodfestival.com

Brighton SEO
9th – 10th April  |  Brighton Dome

Celebrating Brighton’s thriving digital scene, this free search marketing conference is amongst the best in Europe. International speakers and workshops brings in the crowds.

Brighton Marathon

12th April  |  City Centre and Seafront

We know this isn’t a festival but the atmosphere over the course of this 26.2 mile race makes it a must for Brightonians.
http://www.brightonmarathon.co.uk/

MAY

Brighton Fringe
1st – 31st May  |  Various Venues

May sees England’s largest arts festival return with hundreds of events designed to educate and entertain. Overflowing with creative ideas and innovation at every turn, there really is something for everyone.
http://www.brightonfringe.org/

Foodies Festival
2nd – 4th May  |  Hove Lawns

Hove Lawns hosts this food and drink festival with top chefs giving cooking demonstrations as well as tasting opportunities and local produce aplenty.
www.foodiesfestival.com

Great Escape
14th – 16th May  |  Various Venues

Europe’s largest new music festival has played host in previous years to the likes of Mac De Marco, Grimes, Jungle, and SBTRKT. The city comes alive with new and exciting talent across 35 venues.
http://greatescapefestival.com/

Brighton Festival
2nd – 24th May  |  Various Venues

The world-leading and critically-acclaimed Brighton Festival returns in 2015 (its 49th year) with guest director Ali Smith. Expect three weeks of marvellous mixed arts including specially commissioned work in music, theatre, dance, circus, art, film and literature.
http://brightonfestival.org/

JUNE

Brighton Music Conference
5th – 6th June  |  Brighton Dome and Various Other Venues

Brighton Music Conference (BMC) is the leading annual electronic music conference in the UK created by the industry for the industry.
http://www.brightonmusicconference.co.uk/

TAKEPART Festival
20th June – 5th July  |  Various Venues

Encouraging everyone to get active, this award-winning festival celebrates sport, dance and exercise in Brighton & Hove with events, activities and demonstrations.
http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/leisure-and-libraries/sports-and-activity/takepart-festival-sport-and-physical-activity

JULY

Paddle Round the Pier
4th – 5th July  |  Brighton and Hove Lawns

This free beach and watersports festival is packed with exciting events, live music and more water-based fun that you can shake a paddle at. There’s always an opportunity to have a go at something new too.
http://www.paddleroundthepier.com/

AUGUST

Brighton Pride
1st – 2nd August  |  Various venues

Arguably the UK’s biggest and best LGBT Pride Festival, Brighton Pride is back – expect record attendance and amazing events across the city.
http://www.brighton-pride.org/

Brunswick Festival
15th – 16th August  |  Brunswick Square, Hove

The Brunswick Festival has been organised by local resident volunteers in Hove since 1981. The family-friendly festival is chock full of free and fun activities for local people, their families and friends.
http://brunswickfestival.org.uk/

SEPTEMBER

Brighton Digital Festival
Throughout September  |  Various Venues

From hackathons to workshops, the Brighton Digital Festival celebrates our city’s status as a thriving digital hub in the UK. Over 150 events will take place across Brighton and Hove this September so be sure to check out the festival programme.
http://brightondigitalfestival.co.uk/

The Costume Games
16th – 20th September  |  Various Venues

This five day festival encourages the people of Brighton to dress up as an alter-ego and play. The event ties in with the Japanese Rugby team’s visit to the city in preparation for their World Cup match on the 19th September. Expect special concerts, films, cosplay, live performances, and classes including sword fighting with Ronin Traynor.

Fiery Foods UK Chilli Festival

19th – 20th September  |  Victoria Gardens, Brighton

If you like your food spicy then this is the festival for you. With Chilli eating contests, an awards show and plenty of hot and tasty food from around the world, this is the perfect way to discover that autumn heat.
http://fieryfoodsuk.co.uk/

OCTOBER

Older People’s Day
October 1st  |  Various Venues

Brighton & Hove celebrate this International Day with a whole host of events taking place across the city. Check the council website for a full programme closer to the date.
http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk

Brighton Comedy Festival
9th – 24th October  |  Brighton Dome, Komedia and The Old Market

Now in its thirteenth year, the Brighton Comedy Festival brings the laughter to our city with over 70 performances across 16 days. It includes the best in British stand up with the likes of Josh Widdicombe, Jack Dee, and Simon Amstell performing in 2015.
http://www.brightoncomedyfestival.com/

Brighton Early Music Festival
23rd October – 8th November  |  Various Venues

This year’s festival focusses on the work of women including a performance of the earliest opera by a female composer and shows by three local choirs. There are also workshops for female singers of all abilities so why not give it a go?
http://www.bremf.org.uk/</a

NOVEMBER

Brighton Photo Biennial
TBC November  |  Various Venues

The UK’s largest photography festival returns for its seventh year, pushing the medium forward with a series of events and exhibitions. Details have yet to be confirmed – check the website for more details.
http://bpb.org.uk/

No other major festivals have been announced in November. Let us know if we missed any.

DECEMBER

Burning the Clocks
21st December  |  City Centre

This annual family-friendly Winter Solstice event includes a children’s lantern parade and a firework display, perfect for warming the cockles against the chill.
https://www.facebook.com/burningtheclocks

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