

We’re thrilled to confirm this year’s theme for our iconic opening event, The Children's Parade, will be One World, learning and growing from each other. Additional focus areas will explore how international collaboration influences areas as diverse as Inventions; Culture, Cooking & Fashion; and Our Environment.
Jointly produced with award-winning community arts charity Same Sky, the Children’s Parade officially marks the opening of the Festival, a three-week celebration of arts and culture across Brighton, Hove and East Sussex taking place Sat 6–Sun 28 May 2023.
The largest parade of its kind in Europe, the family-friendly, free event takes place in central Brighton and has delighted participants and spectators for over 30 years. Hundreds of teachers from participating schools across Brighton & Hove will work with their pupils to create large-scale artworks and costumes to display throughout the Parade’s route and support children to learn through making.

For the first time the Parade will also move from its regular Saturday slot to Sunday 7 May, to mark the coronation of King Charles III in London.
Each focus area will be led at the front of the parade section by a ‘Herald School’, which represents a different area of the city. In 2023 these will be Patcham Infant School, Mile Oak Primary and Saltdean Primary School.
In 2023, the Children’s Parade will be supported by independent school Brighton Girls, noted for its innovative teaching, reimagined classroom spaces and keen sense of social responsibility.
Andrew Comben, Chief Executive, Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival says:
'The Children’s Parade is the moment we all look forward to most, bringing the city to life and heralding the start of Brighton Festival. We can’t wait to see how the Parade gathers round the celebratory and inspiring theme of ‘One World’ and are so grateful for the months of patient work ahead by children, parents and carers, teachers and artists to make it happen.'

Throughout the school year Same Sky work with teachers and group leaders to develop their displays alongside a team of dedicated artists. The procession involves co-ordinating up to 5,000 children, with an additional 20,000 parents, friends and other audiences taking over the city centre to witness the show-stopping designs and self-made costumes and sculptures.
We recently announced our Guest Director for Brighton Festival 2023 will be the critically acclaimed musician, producer, DJ and broadcaster Nabihah Iqbal.
John Varah, Artistic Director, Same Sky says:
'The Children's Parade is a highlight of our year and we're always excited to collaborate with the Festival's guest director. Nabihah Iqbal’s work is prolific and her guidance on the Parade's theme has been greatly appreciated. The ties of Brighton's global community will be on full display for this year's Parade and we can't wait to launch it.'
Brighton Festival 2023 runs Sat 6–Sun 28 May