Brighton Festival cancelled for the first time in 53 years due to coronavirus pandemic

This morning, following on from the governments recent advice,  the Brighton Festival was officially cancelled.

Originally due to take place from 2nd to 24th May, the festival is the largest annual multi-arts event in England, and over 120 events have been stopped. This is the first time in the festival’s 53 year history that a cancellation like this has taken place.

Andrew Comben, Chief Executive of Brighton Festival has said: “The Festival team is devastated that this incredible programme, led by Guest Director Lemn Sissay, won’t be happening this year and that audiences won’t experience the diversity of artists coming from across the world to our city. Lemn’s vision was to build an ‘Imagine Nation’ at Brighton Festival. It seems to us that we need imagination, creativity and the strength of our community now more than ever. We are exploring what might be the most creative contribution the Festival and its artists can make at this time and we will share more on this when we can.

“We are aware that the whole of society is being impacted by the coronavirus pandemic but also realise the profound affect it will have on the cultural sector and on the economy of our city, to which the Festival is such an important contributor. It is vital we work together to support our staff, artists and partners and that Brighton & Hove’s rich cultural life can survive and emerge from this challenge, so we all continue our contribution to the life and wealth of the whole region.”

As Brighton festival includes so many international artists, performers and touring companies it is unlikely that the event would be able to completely reschedule.

Ticket holders will soon be contacted about refunds. They can choose to donate some or all of their ticket money towards supporting the future of the Festival and its work with artists and community organisations, as it is a registered charity.

More information is available here.