What's On in Brighton
Things to do in and around Brighton: events, days out and family activities, with the practical details.
Top story
Brighton Story Trail Opens Saturday: 74 Free BookBenches
Amaze's free BookBench trail opens on Saturday and runs to 8 November. 74 sculptures, a map that is free with a library card, and an 11am launch read-along.
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Remembrance
Brighton Remembrance Sunday 2026: 8 November, Old Steine
Remembrance Sunday falls on 8 November 2026. The council names its services in late October, so here is the timetable it repeats and what has changed
Christmas
Brighton Pantomime 2026: Only One, and It Is a Hotel
The Theatre Royal Christmas slot goes to Legally Blonde, not a panto. Brighton's only pantomime this year is Aladdin at the Metropole, 22 to 30 December.
Christmas
Santa in Brighton 2026: Nothing Booked in the City Yet
No Brighton grotto has announced 2026 dates. What is bookable is out of town: Bluebell Santa Specials from 28 November and Drusillas from 21 November.
Bonfire Night
Brighton Fireworks 2026: Preston Park Is Off the Council List
The free Preston Park display is absent from the council's own 2026 outdoor events programme. What that leaves for bonfire night in Brighton and Hove, and when the Hove county ground display usually goes on sale.
Madeira Drive
Veteran Car Run 2026: Cars Reach Madeira Drive From 10am
Sunday 1 November, free to watch. First cars cross the line on Madeira Drive just before 10am, the paddock shuts at 4.30pm, and no unaccredited vehicle gets down there at all.
Madeira Drive
Burning the Clocks Is Back: Monday 21 December on the Beach
After a fallow year in 2025, Same Sky says the solstice parade returns in full on 21 December 2026 with the Magicada effigy. Free to watch, but walking in it needs a wristband.
Christmas
Brighton Christmas Lights 2026: Funded, But No Date Yet
City centre businesses voted to fund five more years of lights, so they are paid for. No 2026 date is announced yet, and nobody has claimed the Christmas market.
Hove
Hove Speakers Festival: Corbyn and Hunt on 11 October
Seven talks at The Old Market in Hove on Sunday 11 October, from Jeremy Corbyn to Jung Chang. Seats are £16 or £20, and every ticket carries a £2 venue levy.
What's On
Things to Do in Brighton: 10 Days Out Checked, With Prices
Ten Brighton days out checked against their own sites this week: the £1 pier, Royal Pavilion at £21.50 (£16.50 residents), free Devil's Dyke and more.