We’re returning arts safely to the city from this May

Launching on Tue 30 March we’ll be revealing details of a wide-ranging programme - from visual art and installation, classical to contemporary music, theatre and comedy, film and literature. 

Your safety is our priority, so we are working in-line with government guidance and together with Brighton & Hove City Council we’ll ensure our events are safe to visit. Following the latest government guidance on when lockdown restrictions can be eased, you can join us from home or at outdoor locations and from Mon 17 May, you can experience live socially distanced performances in venues across the city, including Brighton Dome, with safety measures approved by the Good to Go industry mark.

"The last year has been incredibly challenging for so many people and in so many different ways. We say the arts bring people together, but we also mean that through the wonder of the arts our minds and hearts can come together."

Lemn Sissay, Brighton Festival 2021 Guest Director 

Andrew Comben, Chief Executive of Brighton Festival said:

“Although the Festival will feel different from previous years, without the large groups of people coming together that we’re used to, we have been planning for a Festival full of beauty and fun that can still happen with social distancing in place. We believe we can deliver a carefully managed, safe and responsible events programme that will help build confidence with our audiences to bring them back to what they love. Lemn Sissay’s artistic vision and the way he speaks to the things that really matter, feels even more relevant today and I’m delighted he has brought fresh inspiration and direction to this year’s programme.

Our thanks go to our principal funders, Arts Council England and Brighton & Hove City Council who we continue to work closely with on the latest guidance. We are grateful for their steadfast support and belief that the arts can play a vital role in the city’s economic recovery. Over the next few months, we’ll be flexible in our planning and remain optimistic that with the public’s help, the government’s roadmap will stay on track and that the city can look forward to an arts and culture-led recovery.”

To honour the much-loved Children’s Parade, we’ll be celebrating with a visual spectacle on Brighton’s streets for visitors to enjoy throughout the month. Together with community arts charity Same Sky we’re asking schools across the city to get creative and make artwork to display in the city centre.

We hope to see you in May!