Setting the stage for an exciting and memorable 2025
An exciting line-up of family-friendly events, from a balloon festival to a planetarium, will entertain residents and visitors in Brighton & Hove next year.
Cabinet members have given their support to a programme of events which appeal to a wide range of ages and interests, celebrate diversity and boost the local economy.
Ten festivals
The programme features three major national profile events, 10 key festivals and more than 150 diverse community or promotional events, spread across open spaces in the city including parks and city streets.
Outdoor events are key to the vibrancy and economic vitality of the city, providing residents and visitors with opportunities for recreation and cultural engagement.
They also boost the local economy by attracting tourists, generating employment and fostering community spirit – plus, they help to showcase the city’s unique character and heritage.
Creating jobs
Every year the council receives hundreds of requests to stage events in and around the city and council event officers work hard to produce an event programme which is beneficial to the city, its residents and visitors.
Priorities include ensuring events create jobs and opportunities for local people, support growth of local business, help to develop a thriving daytime and night-time economy and promote the city to national and international audiences.
Work also includes promoting the use of sustainable technologies and ensuring events meet nationally set sound levels and support net zero targets.
Popular events return
Highlights for 2025 include the return of some well-established events – such as Brighton Festival, the Brighton Marathon and Pride – alongside several newcomers.
Music fans will enjoy the Could it Be Real Tribute Festival in June, which offers two nights of family-friendly entertainment featuring some of the UK’s best tribute acts.
Hot air balloons look set to take to the skies above Stanmer Park over the weekend of 7 to 8 June, as part of a new festival that will feature a county fair-style entertainment programme and a mass balloon flight on the Sunday.
Planetarium
In July, 'Planetarum Go' will see a small touring planetarium land in St Peter’s Square for a month-long exploration and celebration of all things space related. Events will include activities for schools as well as evening stargazing sessions.
There are also plans for On the Beach to return over two weekends in July, and this year the event will feature local food and entertainment alongside the usual ticketed events.
Women's Rugby World Cup
The eyes of the world will be watching in September when the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 arrives in the city – with two matches played at the Amex stadium. Activities will be held across the city to celebrate the tournament and to encourage more women and girls to participate in sport.
Athletes can also limber up for an exciting new sporting event. The Brighton 50/50 – a new ultra endurance race to be held in September – comprises two routes of 50km and 50 miles.
These will start at Black Rock before heading to the South Downs National Park, highlighting Brighton’s unique location between the Downs and the sea.
Enriching lives
Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet member for Culture, Heritage and Tourism, said: “Brighton & Hove is a major leisure destination supporting more than 21,000 jobs in tourism, so it’s essential that we offer a programme of events and attractions that will draw visitors and enhance our reputation as a creative, diverse and inclusive city, as well as enriching the lives of our residents.
“With everything from world class rugby and hot air balloons, to food festivals and live music, the stage is set for an exciting and memorable 2025 in Brighton & Hove.”
Council officers will ensure that all events taking place on council land will comply with the Council Outdoor Events Strategy, which includes a commitment to improving sustainability.
This includes paying to repair any grassed areas that get damaged during events, as well as providing the council with noise management plans to reduce the impact on nearby businesses and residents.
