Brighton Festival 2025, running from 3rd to 26th May, offers a diverse programme of events, with a significant number of free and low-cost activities suitable for families and children. The festival, curated by Grammy-nominated sitarist Anoushka Shankar, features music, theatre, dance, circus, and talks. For those seeking free entertainment, several specific events and general opportunities are available throughout the festival period.
Children’s Parade and Opening Celebrations
The festival commences with the Children’s Parade on Saturday, 3rd May, starting at 10:30 am. Organised by Same Sky, this event involves thousands of children from over 60 local schools parading through the city streets in imaginative costumes. The parade begins at Jubilee Street and concludes at Madeira Drive. It is described as a "fiesta of colour" and is free to watch. The theme encourages schools to consider the future, asking what they want to change, cherish, or discard.
Following the parade, there are free activities available to celebrate the start of the Brighton Fringe. These take place outside under the SpiegelGardens canopy, offering a fun-filled afternoon for families.
Free Events at Brighton Dome and Festival Sites
Brighton Dome is a central hub for free activities during the festival. The venue is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore the newly refurbished Corn Exchange, Gallery Bar, and Festival Bar. Heritage volunteers are available to share stories about the venue's history. Entry to these areas is free from Thursday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, although guided tours are subject to event schedules and availability.
The festival features "Without Walls" events, which include free outdoor performances of dance, theatre, circus, music, and art. Additionally, the Lunchtime concert series offers tickets for £10, featuring classical musicians of the future.
Open Days are regularly scheduled at Brighton Dome, including Access Open Days, Heritage Open Day, Family Day Take Part, and International Women’s Day. All open days are free to attend and offer various activities and workshops at no cost.
Specific Free Activities for Children
Several specific free events tailored for children are highlighted within the festival programme:
- Table Tennis for the Whole Family: Returning due to popular demand, Brighton Table Tennis Club hosts a full day of table tennis inside the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange. The event features 20 tables, music, and food. Families can play together or challenge members of the club, including Paralympic medal winners Will Bayley and Bly Twomey. This event is free to attend.
- Sensory Story Show for Infants: "Bran the Gardener" and friend Tor present a sensory story show designed for children aged 0 to 36 months. The show uses puppets, keyword signing, and baby-safe props to tell the story of a day in the life of garden birds. Children can participate by helping to feed the birds, build soft nests, and sing wake-up and nighttime songs. Tickets for this event cost £8.
- Visual Art Exhibition: A free visual art exhibition by Doyel Joshi and Neil Ghose Balser of Howareyoufeeling.studio is available to visit. The exhibition offers a creative space for families to explore and take photos next to art pieces.
Other Free Cultural Opportunities
Beyond the specific festival dates, Brighton offers year-round free activities that complement the festival atmosphere. Art enthusiasts can follow mural maps in the North Laine area. Nature lovers can hike at Devil’s Dyke or join community nature walks led by volunteers, often starting from Pavilion Gardens. For wildlife spotting, catching the starling murmurations on the beach or joining free bird-watching sessions in Stanmer Park are popular options.
Seasonal free family events include "Burning the Clocks" in December, featuring lantern parades and fireworks, and the Hove Beach Hut Festive Open Day, which offers carols and crafts at no cost.
Low-Cost Ticketed Options
While the focus is on free activities, the Brighton Festival 2025 also includes almost 50 events with tickets available for £10 or under. For example, "A Walk Towards Dawn" is a guided walk starting at Seafront, Hove, and ending at Saltdean. This event involves a 7-mile walk with stops and lasts approximately 5.5 hours. It starts at 9:30 am and does not take place in heavy rain or high winds. The cost for this event is £10.
Conclusion
The Brighton Festival 2025 provides ample opportunities for free family entertainment, particularly during the opening weekend and through various workshops and exhibitions at Brighton Dome. The Children’s Parade serves as a vibrant start to the festival, while specific events like the table tennis day and sensory story shows cater to different age groups. Visitors can also enjoy free outdoor performances and explore the city's wider free cultural and natural attractions.