A further update from Andrew Comben, Chief Executive, Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival:
‘I am very pleased to share news that the opening date for Van Gogh Alive at Brighton Dome has been rescheduled for Saturday 20 May.
The welfare of our visitors is always our top priority and this new date allows for the necessary certification of building systems in our Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre to have taken place.
All impacted Van Gogh Alive ticket holders (those with tickets between 12 and 19 May) have now been contacted via email and invited to select an alternative available date between 20 May and the end of the exhibition’s run, now extended to 3 September. We want to sincerely apologise again to all affected customers and thank them for their understanding.
The delay has been hugely disappointing for everyone involved in the restoration of this historic 220-year-old building. When we went on sale with Van Gogh Alive in January 2023 we were anticipating the completion of all redevelopment works by the end of March so we were confident we could deliver a May opening. The installation of new building wide systems is a vital part of the redevelopment and although these systems were in place, additional testing and verification were required.
All other requirements for opening have been satisfied. Our venues, and Van Gogh Alive, will be ready to welcome visitors from 20 May and we extend our thanks to the project team, contractors and consultants who have worked to resolve these issues as soon as possible.
Any ticket holders experiencing difficulty in rebooking their tickets are invited to email us at tickets@brightondome.org for further assistance.’
FAQs
Q: Why has the exhibition been cancelled?
A: There is a delay to the opening of Van Gogh Alive, it has not been cancelled. It will now run for an extended period from 20 May until 3 September.
Q: Which Van Gogh Alive tickets are impacted by the delay?
A: The dates affected are between Friday 12 May and 19 May.
Q: My ticket dates were affected - what dates can I change my ticket for?
A: All impacted ticket holders can select an alternative available date between Sat 20 May and the end of Van Gogh Alive’s newly extended run to Sun 3 Sep. Additionally, all affected ticket holders have exclusive access to a priority booking period for the extended run dates Mon 7 Aug–Sun 3 Sep until Tue 23 May. After Tue 23 May the booking dates Mon 7 Aug–Sun 3 Sep will be available to the general public.
Q: How do I change my ticket?
A: All impacted Van Gogh Alive ticket holders have been contacted via email and invited to select an alternative available date using their VGA account credit to the value of their original tickets. If any customers have further queries they should contact tickets@brightondome.org.
Q: I haven’t received an email – are my dates affected?
A: If you are booked to see Van Gogh Alive after 19 May and have not received an email, your tickets are still valid. Please contact tickets@brightondome.org with any enquiries.
Q: If my tickets were affected, can I only book tickets for the extended run dates in August and September?
A: No, impacted ticket holders can select any alternative available date between 20 May and the end of Van Gogh Alive’s newly extended run on 3 September.
Q: Can I change my ticket over the phone?
Ticket exchanges are not being managed via our telephone service but are possible online and in person at our ticket office. If any customers have further queries they should contact tickets@brightondome.org.
Q: I purchased ticket insurance, how do I make my claim?
A: We are offering exchanges and refunds, so insurance claims are not applicable.
Q: Can ticket holders get full refunds (including booking costs)?
A: Yes, if rescheduling a visit is not possible, ticket holders can obtain a full refund (inclusive of booking costs) by emailing tickets@brightondome.org
Q: How should customers with access needs rebook?
A: All bookers with access needs or personal access assistants will need to contact Brighton Dome’s ticket office directly to rebook available slots. We are prioritising our telephone service for rebookers with additional access needs and they can also email tickets@brightondome.org with details of their new preferred date and time or visit our Church Street ticket office in person.
Q: I bought an early bird ticket – how can I rebook?
A: All Early Bird Ticket Bookers have been sent a promocode to enable them to rebook like-for-like weekend or weekday tickets at reduced booking prices. Anyone wishing to exchange from a weekday to a weekend slot will need to pay the additional difference once the credit amount has been applied. For any further queries bookers should email tickets@brightondome.org
Q: I bought a Van Gogh Alive brochure, how can I ensure this order is not cancelled?
A: If you purchased a Van Gogh Alive brochure this amount has not been applied to your account as your existing brochure voucher will remain valid for your new event date. There is no need to re-order it.