Arts and culture take centre stage in Marvellous May!
There’s plenty on offer in Brighton & Hove this May, with arts and culture taking centre stage as the city gears up for the festival season.
As well as the popular Brighton Festival, Fringe and Artists Open Houses, residents and visitors can enjoy a range of events in the city’s museums, libraries, parks and open spaces – many of which are free to join.
Brighton Festival and Children’s Parade
Running from 3 to 26 May, Brighton Festival is the city’s annual multi-arts festival. Inspired by the theme New Dawn, guest director Anoushka Shankar has shaped an eclectic line-up of music, theatre, dance, circus, art, film, literature and debate, as well as outdoor and family events at venues across the city.
The Children’s Parade on Saturday 3 May will kickstart festivities, with a feast of colour, costume and music.
Delivered in partnership with Same Sky, local schools will come together in a procession that starts at Jubilee Street at 10.30am before weaving its way to Madeira Drive.
Expect some road closures and diversions on Saturday morning.
Look out for children from Benfield Primary School, who will be sporting the colours and emblems of the four countries set to play in the Women s Rugby World Cup matches in the city in September - England, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia.
Brighton Fringe
From 2 May to 1 June, Brighton Fringe will welcome local, national and international performers and audiences to showcase creativity in Brighton & Hove and beyond.
Now in its 20th year, this celebration of the weird, the wild and the wonderful has grown from – and is inspired by – home-grown talent, with more than 30% of events performed by local artists.
Artists Open Houses
Each weekend in May, there’s the chance to explore Artists Open Houses and visit artists and makers in more than 190 venues across Brighton & Hove; venues reach as far as the Downland and along the coast from Portslade to Ovingdean.
Pick up a brochure from libraries, museums, stations, cafes, bars and shops, as well as at Open Houses themselves.
Royal Pavilion and Museums
Exhibitions, workshops and talks for people of all ages are on offer across the city museums.
Enjoy a chromatic promenade through the Royal Pavilion & Garden with a new exhibition, Colour.
Preston Manor & Gardens has reopened after five years, with a new visitor experience, Preston Manor: A New Era. You can explore the ‘Upstairs Downstairs’ life of Edwardian society every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Followers of fashion will enjoy The In Crowd: Mod Fashion and Style 1958-1966 at Brighton Museum and Art Gallery from 10 May. The exhibition explores the Mod look, youth culture and the appeal of Mod style.
Running as part of Brighton Festival, Beside the Sea, brings iconic seaside images by internationally celebrated photographer Martin Parr and Brighton-based photographer JJ Waller to bus shelter roofs throughout the city.
Hop on a double decker bus to see how many you can spot, or visit the Seafront Gallery and accessible exhibition at the Hove Museum of Creativity.
Volk’s Railway
A trip on the award-winning Volk’s Electric Railway is always popular with residents and visitors.
The world’s oldest operating electric railway, which has been running for 142 years, is open every day, with trains running every 15 minutes from the Aquarium Station, Half-Way Station and Black Rock Station during opening hours.
Get out and about
May is National Walking Month and, with the weather getting warmer, there are plenty of opportunities to head for the great outdoors with dozens of parks, 13 miles of beaches and the South Downs National Park right on our doorstep.
If you prefer group or organised activities, there are free activities and events every day run by the council’s Healthy Lifestyles team.
There’s something different for everyone to discover at One Garden in Stanmer Park, whether you’re walking, playing, meeting or eating.
Springing into life!
Councillor Birgit Miller, Cabinet Member, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, said: “It’s always exciting to see the city spring into life in May, with a fantastic range of events and activities for people of ages to enjoy.
"The focus on arts and culture will inspire us to get creative, as well as showcase our wonderful museums, galleries, parks and open spaces.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors to celebrate with us throughout Marvellous May!”
