The Brighton Festival, the largest annual multi-arts festival in England, has unveiled an exciting 2025 line-up under the creative direction of Grammy-nominated sitarist, composer, and activist Anoushka Shankar.
Inspired by the theme “New Dawn,” this year’s festival envisions hope, recovery, and unity through art. Taking place from May 3-26 2025, the festival will host 120 events across music, theatre, dance, circus, visual arts, film, literature, and community performances.
A Global Celebration of the Arts
Brighton Festival has long been a melting pot of artistic excellence, and this year is no exception. The 2025 programme showcases talent from across the globe, including India, the US, Australia, Peru, and Italy, alongside emerging and local UK artists.
One of the festival’s most anticipated highlights is Wembley, a world premiere written by Nikesh Shukla, Nikesh Patel, and Himesh Patel, exploring themes of identity and resilience in the aftermath of the 2024 UK race riots.
South Asian Influence & Anoushka Shankar’s Performances
Shankar brings a rich South Asian influence to this year’s festival, featuring performances by Arooj Aftab, Meera Syal, Aakash Odedra, and Aruna Sairam. She will also take the stage herself, performing her latest album, Chapter III: We Return to Light, and a special concert of her father Ravi Shankar and Philip Glass’s legendary album Passages.
Additionally, Shankar will co-host Brown Girl in the Ring, an event spotlighting female South Asian talent in music, film, and culture, with contributors such as Meera Syal, Nikita Gill, and Indira Varma.
Must-See Performances & Art Installations
- Theatre of Dreams – A groundbreaking performance by the Hofesh Shechter Company.
- AYNA – A world premiere by British-Turkish choreographer Ceyda Tanc, set in a nightclub with a live DJ.
- Humans 2.0 – An acrobatics-meets-dance production by Australia’s Circa.
- How Dark It Is Before Dawn – A participatory art project inviting the public to draw their vision of a “New Dawn.”
- Beside the Sea – A photography exhibition by Martin Parr and JJ Waller, best viewed from Brighton’s bus stops!
With 120 events in total, 45 of them free and ticket options under £10, Brighton Festival remains accessible to all. Major supporters such as The Pebble Trust, The Bagri Foundation, and Brighton & Hove City Council ensure a rich and diverse programme.
For the full schedule and ticket bookings, visit BrightonFestival.org.
