Children’s Parade

The Festival takes flight with the annual opening parade, which sees thousands of children from more than 80 schools and community organisations parading through the city in a cavalcade of sound and colour. This year’s theme, chosen by our Guest Director Ali Smith, is ‘Taking Flight’. 

Young people and their teachers will be preening their feathers, putting wings on their heels and taking to the streets arrayed as everything from birds to butterflies, gliders to griffins. So join the party to help the Festival get off to a flying start!

Join the band! Brighton & Hove Music & Arts’ Brass Ensemble is forming a Balkan Band especially for the occasion. If you are a brass player aged 10 - 14 (who plays to approximately grade 4 standard or above) who would like to take part, please contact [javascript protected email address]

Procession from Kensington Street to Madeira Drive