Annual outdoor events
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Annual outdoor events
Here is a list of major outdoor events taking place in Brighton & Hove in 2013. Use the website links in the table to find out more. You can also look at our Events Diary for dates or contact the Events Office for a more detailed events list. The city hosts over 400 outdoor events each year.
Please note that events taking place on Madeira Drive, Brighton Seafront, will result in the closure of the public cycle lane for the whole day. Cyclists are advised to dismount and walk through the event or use Marine Drive as an alternative route.
Brighton & Hove Half Marathon, Brighton seafront. Third Sunday in February. The first major event of the year the Brighton & Hove Half Marathon is organised by the Sussex Beacon. The race covers 13.1 miles of seafront and city centre, starting and finishing at Madeira Drive. This event is one of the longest established and most popular seafront road race events in the UK.
Chocolate Festival. 2013 sees the return of this popular festival on New Road celebrating all things chocolate. (Return to List)
Pioneer Motorcycle Run, Madeira Drive. Third Sunday in March.
The Sunbeam Motorcycle Club has organised this London to Brighton run for veteran motorcycles since 1930. The Pioneer Run is open to all motor cycles and tricycles manufactured before 1915.
Passion Play. Theatre professionals work alongside local amateur cast members to put on a moving portrayal of the days leading up to Jesus's arrest, death and resurrection. For 2013 this annual outdoor play moves to the new venue of the lawns of St Peter's Church, Brighton. For further information, visit www.soulbythesea.info
Brighton & Hove Food & Drink Festival. This is the largest festival of its kind in the South of England, running for ten days every Spring and Autumn. It includes a variety of indoor and outdoor events, for further information visit their website www.brightonfoodfestival.com
Brighton Marathon. Second Sunday in April. This year 20,000 runners will complete a 26 mile route with a new Elite start from Withdean Sports Centre. 2013 is the first year that the event will be televised for a Channel Four highlights show.
InCarNation. Presented by Ace Cafe & Fueltopia, the third year of this event is a free to attend drive in and display event for high performance and modified cars in the UK. Some of the most impressive vehicles in the country will be on display for the day on Madeira Drive.
Jaguar Run, Madeira Drive.
Jaguars old and new make their way to Brighton from London. See the organiser's website for further details.
Ladyboys of Bangkok, Victoria Gardens. Throughout May.
2013 introduces a second venue onto the site for additional shows and Festival and Fringe performances. If you enjoy popular music, entertainment and thai food all in one package, this is a show not to be missed! 16 of the world's most entrancing beauties in stunning costumes will entertain you in The Sabai Pavilion. This year's production is called 'Fifty Shades of Pink!'
Foodies. For the third year, Hove Lawns will host this fabulous food and drink festival. Taking place on 4-6 May 2013, visitors can expect to experience wine tastings, cooking demonstrations from some of our favourite chefs, sampling of food both sweet and savoury whilst being able to listen to live music and watch various dancing displays. Tickets can be purchased via the website www.foodiesfestival.com
Children’s Parade, City Centre & Seafront. First Saturday in May.
The Brighton Festival Children’s Parade produced by Same Sky has grown over the years into one of the most spectacular community events of its type in the country, with up to 4000 participants and an audience of over 10,000. Sixty participating local schools and community groups form the heart of this procession. Each year’s parade is based around a theme.
Historic Commercial Vehicle Rally, Madeira Drive. First Sunday in May. One of the greatest displays of historic commercial vehicles in the world. Enthusiasts portray a living history of the commercial transport scene and show the developments which have taken place since the turn of the century. (Return to List)
The Great Escape Music Festival. Purchase a wristband for the weekend and get the opportunity to see a variety of music gigs both indoors and outdoors across Brighton & Hove. Some of the biggest acts today have been seen for the first time at this festival in Brighton. www.escapegreat.com
MG Regency Run, Madeira Drive. Second Sunday in May.
A variety of MGs from the first ever built to the modern day travel from Crystal Palace to Brighton. See the organisers website for more information.
Mackerel Fayre. An annual celebration of the beginning of the mackerel season in Brighton. Taking place in front of the Fisherman's Museum this event features the blessing of the nets and entertainment from a variety of bands.
Chinese State Circus. Festival circus located in Preston Park for two weeks in May. Twice a day, one can see the best circus performers showcase their skills.
Mini Rally, Madeira Drive. This year the event moves to the beginning of June to avoid a clash with the International Mini Meeting in Italy in May. Hundreds of minis make the journey from London to Brighton. Expect many variations of colour, size and engine capacity.
British Heart Foundation (BHF) London to Brighton Bike Ride. Third weekend in June. With 27,000 cyclists taking part each year this is the biggest cycling event of its kind in Europe. The bike ride has a huge positive impact on the city and is the largest of the British Heart Foundation's sponsored events.
Take Part Festival. A day of sporting activities in Preston Park, open to all ages and abilities with something to do for everyone. The event also includes food and drink stalls and information stands.
Sussex Festival of Nature. Stanmer Park will spring to life with various attractions and activities for all the family at this annual countryside and eco friendly event.
Race for Life, Stanmer Park. Early July. This is Cancer Research UK's biggest fundraising event. It is a very popular 5k women only run and it has now been extended to two days in Brighton & Hove.
Capital to Coast Bike Ride. Raising money for three fantastic charities - Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Norwood, and Down's Syndrome Association, this is the alternative London to Brighton Bike Ride. With a choice of two different routes, this event finishes in the picturesque location of Hove Lawns. www.capitaltocoast.org.uk
Paddle Round The Pier. First weekend in July. Europe's biggest free beach and watersports festival located on Hove Lawns. This event features the best in water, street and urban sports, live music, children's entertainment and have a go opportunities, plus the fantastic location adjacent to the beach.
Kite Festival. First weekend in July. A weekend at Stanmer Park where you can marvel at the variety of kites on display. The event involves kite display to music, children's entertainment, bird of prey show and stalls where you can buy your own kites and associated equipment. (Return to List)
Pride Annual parade and party in Preston Park, the event returns to its traditional August weekend in 2013. The parade will take the same route as previous years and the park event will take place from 12pm until 8pm.
Zippos Circus, Hove No 1 Lawn. Throughout August. The annual circus comes to town - jugglers, acrobats, horses and budgies make up this traditional spectacular. See the Zippo Circus website for further details.999 Day. A day's activities on Hove Lawns where you can meet the local emergency services and learn about their roles and responsibilities. The day will involve arena demonstrations, children's activities and competitions, information stalls, a small funfair and much more! www.bh999funday.co.uk
National Speed Trials, Madeira Drive. Always held at the beginning of September, this is Britain's oldest motor racing event, first staged in 1905. It is organised by Brighton & Hove Motor Club. (Return to List)
Ace Café Reunion, Madeira Drive. Always the same weekend as National Speed Trials. 40,000 motorbikes descend on Brighton in a celebration of biking and the original Ace Café on London's North Circular.
Fiery Foods Chilli Festival. A weekend food and drink festival on Victoria Gardens themed around chilli! This event has a small entry price.
Brighton Breeze VW Split Screen Run. A variety of VW vehicles converge on Madeira Drive. See the Split Screen Van Club website for further details.
Landrover Run. Enthusiasts display their different types of Landrovers on Madeira Drive. See the South London and Surrey Landrover Club website or the London to Brighton Land Rover Run website for further details.
Brightona. Annual motorcycle event with stunt shows, live music, trade stands and over 5000 participants on Madeira Drive. All proceeds go to the Sussex Heart Charity.
Veteran Car Run, Madeira Drive. Saturday 14 November 1896 was a red-letter day in the history of British motoring: the 'Emancipation Run' from London to Brighton celebrated the passing of the Locomotives on the Highway Act. This raised the speed limit for 'light locomotives' from four miles per hour to 14 mph and abolished the requirement to be preceded by a man on foot. The event is not a race, the cars are limited to an average speed of 20mph and the only reward for a successful run is a Finisher’s Medal (awarded to all who reach Brighton before 4.30pm). See the organisers website for further details.
10K Road Race, Seafront General. The Brooks 10km run is a fast, flat accurately measured course along the seafront, with start and finish on Madeira Drive. The race is the Sussex AAA 10K Men's and Women's Road Race Championship.
Burning the Clocks Winter Solstice event. An annual community event consisting of a children’s lantern parade through the city centre finishing with a firework display from the beach adjacent to Madeira Drive. Conceived to celebrate the winter solstice, this event now takes place on 21 December each year and attracts around 3,000 spectators. For more information please visit www.burningtheclocks.co.uk