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Events

What's On in and around Brighton & Hove

N.B. All details listed here are correct at time of 'going to print', but may be subject to change.
Please call +44 (0)1273 292711 for up-to-date info. on any event listed. Thanks.
(P) = Provisional date, to be confirmed

 

Diary of Brighton Events
2012
 

 

May: Brighton Festival
See:

www.brightonfestival.org
www.brightonfestivalfringe.org

 

15 July 2011 – 1 June 2012
The Five Senses: Paintings from the Fine Art Collection - The Five Senses is a family-friendly small display that explores the variety of ways sensory experiences are portrayed in the visual arts – Hove Museum

18 February – 10 June
Dreams of Here - An exciting exhibition of new work by three contemporary painters and printmakers who are all nationally recognised but at the same time have strong connections to Sussex, Free Entry – Brighton Museum

10 March 2012 – 10 March 2013
Charlotte, the Forgotten Princess - An exhibition devoted to the short life and tragic death of Princess Charlotte Augusta of Wales, Exhibition is free with Royal Pavilion admission – Royal Pavilion

10 March – 16 November
My Favourite Toy - Whether it’s a teddy, dolls house or a transforming car, this exhibition celebrates toys of all kinds, from across the eras, Free Admission – Hove Museum

January

Sunday 08 – One Direction – In concert – Brighton Centre

Friday 13 – Sunday 29 – Holiday on Ice – Tropicana - Created & choreographed by Olympic champion Robin Cousins MBE, TROPICANA takes you on a journey that celebrates love, life, music and dance in one of the most thrilling ice spectaculars you will ever see – Brighton Centre

Sunday 22 – Royal Pavilion Annual Free Day - To celebrate the purchase of the Royal Pavilion by the town of Brighton in 1850, admission charges are waived one day a year – Royal Pavilion

Saturday 07 – Sunday 08 – Olly Murs – In concert – Brighton

 

February

Wednesday 1 February – Wednesday 29 February - Brighton Science Festival - The Brighton Science Festival is the best way to discover where we came from, deal with where we are and debate where we might go in the future, Various Venues across the city see www.brightonscience.com for programme details

Tuesday 10 – Katherine Jenkins – In concert – Brighton Centre

Sunday 19 – Brighton Half Marathon - The Brighton Half Marathon is one of the longest established and most popular seafront road race events in the UK, the first major half marathon of the new year and perfectly suited as a warm up for all the spring marathons – Brighton Seafront

Monday 20 – The Wanted – In Concert – Brighton Centre

Friday 24 February - Firewalk - Take up the ultimate challenge and raise money for sick and disabled children near you, 6-9pm – Brighton Music Hall

Friday 24 – Sunday 26 February - Modelworld - A great day out for kids and adults alike with superb railway and model engineering displays it is a must for every modelling enthusiast!
10am-5:30pm, £8.50/£6.50/£5.50. Family £24 – Brighton Centre

Friday 24 – Sunday 26 February - National Student Pride - Lots of fantastic events across the city celebrating student pride, Weekend Wristband - £17 – Various Locations please refer to website: www.studentpride.co.uk for further details

Saturday 25 February – Sarah Millican – Brighton Dome

March

Monday 05 - The Wanted – In Concert – Brighton Centre

Thursday 08 – Saturday 10 – 22nd Sussex Beer and Cider Festival – Hove Centre

Thursday 15 – Friday 15 – Billy Connolly – Brighton Centre

Saturday 17 – Sunday 18 – Chocolate Festival - Join us for two days of chocolate-fuelled festivities when we return to Brighton as part of the annual Brighton Food & Drink Festival – New Road

Saturday 17 – Sunday 18 – Vegfestuk - The dates for one of Europe’s biggest vegetarian events have been announced – & Brighton is set to host an expanded two day show as thousands of veggie friendly consumers descend upon the town for the festivities – Hove Centre

Sunday 18 – Pioneer Run – Annual Vintage Motorcycle Run – Madeira Drive

Tuesday 20 – The Australian Pink Floyd Show- In concert – Brighton Centre

Thursday 22 – Chris Rea – In Concert – Brighton Centre

Saturday 24 March - Saturday 1 April – See Festival: The Brighton Documentary Film Festival - Now in its seventh year, this annual festival celebrates all things documentary, showcasing local and national talent. www.seefestival.org

Sunday 25 – Sport Relief – National Charity Fun Run – Madeira Drive

Monday 26 – Wednesday 28 - X Factor 2012 Live Tour – Brighton Centre

Friday 30 March – Monday 09 April – Brighton & Hove Food & Drink Festival ‘Spring Harvest’ The Spring event celebrating all local produce, with events across the city. www.brightonfoodfestival.com

Saturday 31 – Earth Hour Torch Walk – Sustainable Health Walk – Brighton Seafront

April

Friday 30 March – Monday 09 April – Brighton & Hove Food & Drink Festival ‘Spring Harvest’ The Spring event celebrating all local produce, with events across the city. www.brightonfoodfestival.com

Sunday 01 – Diversity - After the success of two sell out tours, Diversity have announced their biggest UK Arena tour to date with a brand new show for 2012 – Due to high demand a matinee performance has been added at 2pm - Brighton Centre

Sunday 15 – Brighton Marathon - Having grown enormously in just two years, the Brighton Marathon is now one of the top 12 running events in the UK – Finishes at Madeira Drive

Tuesday 17 – Steps – The Ultimate Tour – Brighton Centre

Sunday 22 – Jaguar Run – London to Brighton Car Run – Madeira Drive

Friday 27 April – Monday 28 May – Lady Boys of Bangkok – Annual festival cabaret show – Victoria Gardens

Sunday 29 – InCarNation – Modern Car Event – Madeira Drive

May

Friday 27 April – Monday 28 May – Lady Boys of Bangkok – Annual festival cabaret show – Victoria Gardens

Saturday 05 – Sunday 27 May – Brighton Festival
The Brighton Festival continues to grow each year, with its sensational programme of art, theatre, dance, music, literature and family shows. The Guest Director for 2012 is the legendary stage, screen and television actress and doyenne of the performing arts, Vanessa Redgrave who brings with her a new and exciting direction to next year’s festival, presenting local and international artists in a powerful and wide-ranging programme. The festival is started with a Children’s Parade which winds its way through the city. www.brightonfestival.org

Saturday 05 – Sunday 27 May – Brighton Festival – Brighton Fringe
One of the largest Fringe Festivals in the world offering cabaret, comedy, classical concerts, club nights, theatre and exhibitions, as well as street performances. www.brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk

Throughout May (weekends) - Artists’ Open Houses / HOUSE Festival
The biggest free arts event in Britain with over 1,000 artists exhibiting in 200 houses and studios across the city. www.aoh.org.uk

Thursday 10- Saturday 12 May – The Great Escape music festival
This city-wide music festival showcases over 350 new local, national and international bands in various venues throughout the city taking place over three days. www.escapegreat.com  

Thursday 03 – Saturday 12 – Festival Funfair – Annual funfair – The Level

Saturday 05 – The Osmonds – In concert – Brighton Centre

Sunday 06 – 2CV Rally – Annual 2CV car show – Hove Park

Sunday 06 – HCVS – Historic Commercial Vehicle Run – Madeira Drive

Tuesday 15 – Tuesday 29 – Moscow State Circus – Annual festival circus – Preston Park

Sunday 20 – Heroes Run - The idea is simple; we encourage people to dress up as a hero and run, jog, walk, anything really along Hove seafront in either a 10k or 5k run – Hove Seafront

Sunday 20 – Mini Owners Car Run – Annual London to Brighton Mini car rally – Madeira Drive

Friday 25 – Sunday 27 – Foodies Festival – Food and drink festival – Hove Lawns

Saturday 26 – Brit Floyd – The Pink Floyd Tribute Show – Brighton Centre

Sunday 27 – London to Brighton Night Ride - A brand new cycling adventure, this 60-mile Night Ride leaves starlit London for sunrise by the sea – Finishes at Brighton Centre

June

Monday 04 June – Saturday 09 June – Brighton Fashion Week
Brighton Fashion Week showcases up and coming designers with a catwalk show, great parties and a fashion emporium. www.brightonfashionweek.co.uk

Saturday 23 June – Sunday 01 July – Brighton Japan Festival
Brighton Japan is a week-long celebration of Japanese art, performance, culture and food. Events take place throughout the city including Japanese restaurant Moshi Moshi, making Brighton Japan the biggest showcase of Japanese culture in the UK. www.brightonjapan.com

Friday 01 – Tuesday 05 – Funfair – Annual Hove funfair – Hove Promenade

Friday 01 – Royal Escape - The Royal Escape is the largest offshore race on the South Coast outside of the Solent – Just off Brighton Pier

Friday 01 – Saturday 02 – Fatboy Slim’s Big Beach Bootique 5 – Friday with Carl Cox, Saturday with Nero – American Express Community Stadium

Sunday 10 – Classic Car Run – London to Brighton Car Rally – Madeira Drive

Friday 15 – Martlets Midnight Walk – Annual charity night walk – City Centre/Seafront

Sunday 17 – London to Brighton Bike Ride - British Heart Foundation bike ride - Finishes at Madeira Drive

Sunday 24 – Wildlife Festival – Annual spring wildlife festival – Stanmer Park

Tuesday 26 – The Big Toddle – Barnado’s Toddler Walk – Preston Park

Saturday 30 June – Sunday 01 July – Cancer Research Race for Life – Annual fundraising 5km event – Stanmer Park

July

July (Dates TBC) – Soundwaves Festival
This three-day event offers the chance to dip or dive into an alternative world of cutting-edge new music, sound-art and experiences that will intrigue and inspire. www.soundwaves-festival.org.uk

Saturday 30 June – Sunday 01 July Cancer Research Race for Life – Annual fundraising 5km event – Stanmer Park

Sunday 01 – Capital to Coast Bike Ride – Annual charity bike ride – Hove Lawns

Saturday 07- Sunday 08 – Paddle Round the Pier – A weekend of beach events which get s bigger every year, Paddle Round the Pier invites all kinds of vessels to take to the sea and spectators to enjoy the festivities on-land! www.paddleroundthepier.com

Saturday 07- Sunday 08 – Kite Festival – Stanmer Park
A perfect family event, the Brighton Kite Festival is one of the longest running kite festivals in the UK, flying for over 35 years. www.brightonkiteflyers.co.uk

Monday 16 – Torch Relay Event – Olympic Torch Event – Madeira Drive

Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 – Bungee on the Beach – Charity bungee event – Hove Lawns

August

August (Date TBC) – August Festival – Brighton Racecourse
Experience a taste of the good life, sipping Champagne, admiring all the hats and, of course, watching horse races. www.brighton-racecourse.co.uk 

First weekend in August (TBC) – Skatefresh Birthday Party – Brighton seafront
Join Brighton’s roller-skaters for a mass street skate along the Brighton seafront. Feel free to take part in any of the lessons or mass skates taking part throughout August till the end of September. www.skatefresh.com

August (Dates TBC) – Brunswick Festival – Brunswick Square
Celebrating its 31st Anniversary, the Brunswick Festival offers a fun and friendly mix of foodie treats, street theatre and live music, as well as bric-a-brac and craft stalls in Brunswick Square, Hove. www.brunswickplaceresidents.co.uk

Thursday 16 – Tuesday 28 – Zippos Circus – Annual holiday circus – Hove Lawn No. 1

Friday 24 – Sunday 26 August – Mod Weekender - Full program to include all-nighters with top DJ line-up, live acts, scooter competition & cruise, market and exhibition. – Various Locations

September

Saturday 01 - Sunday 02 – Brighton Pride
The biggest Pride festival in the UK, celebrating everything LGBT, in a week-long extravaganza of events and parties including a spectacular parade through the city. www.brightonpride.org

Friday 07 – Sunday 30  – Brighton & Hove Food & Drink Festival – The Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival is a celebration of the best food and drink to be found in the city and wider Sussex, with producers, restaurants, retailers, markets and great events firmly at its heart.  www.brightonfoodfestival.co.uk

September (Date TBC) – Brighton Art Fair – Corn Exchange
This annual arts event is one of the largest art exhibitions on the south coast, bringing together around 130 of the most talented painters, printmakers, photographers and sculptors nationallywww.brightonartfair.co.uk

Friday 07 – Martlets Friday Night Bike Ride to the Coast – Annual bike ride – Madeira Drive

Saturday 08 – National Speed Trials – Motor Sport speed event – Madeira Drive

Sunday 09 – Ace Café Reunion – Annual Motor bike run – Madeira drive

Saturday 15 – Sunday 16 – Fiery Foods Chilli Festival – Food festival – Victoria Gardens

Thursday 20 – Saturday 29 – Funfair – The Level

October

October – City Reads
At this annual month-long literary festival, one book is selected for the whole community to read, discuss, debate and creatively engage with. www.cityreads.co.uk

October (Date TBC) – Brighton Comedy Festival – Brighton Dome
The land of one-liners, whimsy thoughts, innuendo, ridiculous characters, clever puns and hand over mouth dirty jokes descends on Brighton for three weeks of laughter, mirth and merriment.
www.brightoncomedyfestival.com

 

October (Date TBC) – Beach of the Dead VI Zombie Walk – City and Madeira Drive
Darkness falls across the land… Join the annual zombie crawl from Brighton Station to the seafront. Come dressed to possess for the scariest parade of all! Creeping starts at 3pm and emerges 2 hours later. Ooh err! www.beachofthedead.com

29 October – White Night
Mark the end of British Summer-time and make that extra hour count! White Night is Brighton & Hove’s unique all night cultural festival which takes place every October when the clocks go back. Celebrate White Night’s events and cultural happenings in the company of the city’s artists, venues, creators and curators. Every event has been designed especially for the festival, for one night only; so do something different in the middle of the night!www.whitenightnuitblanche.com

Sunday 07 – Martlet’s Men’s Walk – Annual charity walk – City Centre

Sunday 07 – Land Rover Run – Annual Land Rover Event – Madeira Drive

Sunday 14 – Brightona – Annual Motorcycle Event – Madeira Drive

Saturday 20 – Joan Rivers - An entertainment legend of unparalleled accomplishment and talent - Joan Rivers is class, confidence, and chutzpah! – Brighton Centre

November

Mid November to early December (Dates TBC) – CINECITY Film Festival
The South Coast’s annual celebration of film and moving image, CINECITY features the very best in national and international cinema. www.cine-city.co.uk

Saturday 03 – Future Car Challenge – Annual car event – Madeira Drive

Sunday 04 – London to Brighton Veteran Car Run – This annual event commemorates the Emancipation Run of 14 November 1896.  Today, this run attracts hundreds of vehicles from the UK and abroad as well as thousands of spectators. www.lbvcr.com

December

Weekends up to Christmas – Christmas Artists Open Houses
This event provides a chance for visitors to explore around 100 houses across the city and see and buy the work of local artists, or to simply enjoy a mince pie and mulled wine! www.aoh.org.uk

Tuesday 11 – Peter Andre – Brighton Centre

Sunday 16 – Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds – Brighton Centre

21 December – Burning the Clocks – Winter Solstice Parade
The dark grip of long wintry nights is broken by a flicker of light… Started in 1993, Burning the Clocks represents an alternative to the commercial Christmas. Thousands of people gather to make paper and willow lanterns to carry through the city and burn on the beach as a token for the end of the year and to greet the lengthening days. www.burningtheclocks.co.uk

Please note:

All events in italics are provisional – please check dates before travelling to a specific event

 

Care has been taken to ensure that the information on this list was correct at the time of going to press. Issued with the compliments of the Visitors Information Centre, Royal Pavilion Shop, Pavilion Buildings, Brighton, BN1 1EE, Tel 0300 3000088

Produced by NTD