Besties, we are so excited as we are, once again, nearing the time of year for some of Britain’s best curated arts festivals and lucky for us, we were invited to preview a snippet of the enormous talent gracing England’s largest multi-arts showcase in this year’s Brighton Festival.

2023 sees critically acclaimed musician, producer, DJ and broadcaster Nabihah Iqbal as the Guest Director of the festival, theming this year’s festivities as an invitation to ‘Gather Round’ in an “ambitious celebration of community, collaboration and the joy of shared experiences”, which seems perfectly fitting as the world attempts to find some normality after the isolating pandemic. 

Spanning a three week period beginning on 6 May, the festival will welcome talent from all around the globe to the Sussex Shore. With some astonishing debuts in the mix such as Emma Frankland’s world premiere production of John Lyly’s Galatea, as well as the premiere of award-winning arts collective Invisible Flock’s immersive soundscape The Sleeping Tree will transport delighted audiences to the ecosystem of the Sumatran rainforest. This will feature an exciting collaboration with Iqbal, the festival’s guest director. 

Taking the Festival to the public will be the UK premiere of Groundswell, a free immersive installation by Australian artist Matthias Schauk-Arnott “exploring the ground beneath our feet”. This installation will be made possible by annual Brighton Fringe supporter, The Pebble Trust. The refurbishment of Brighton Dome’s historic Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre will be home to Van Gogh Alive. - an immersive and innovative exploration into the works and life of Vincent Van Vogh. Whilst the installation has seen sold-out runs in Edinburgh, Manchester and London, a brand-new Starry Night installation will be a Brighton exclusive. 

The multimedia event will host a multitude of both new and well known talent championing all avenues that the arts have to offer. The festival welcomes sitar legend Anoushka Shankar, Bishi and the Trans Voices Choir as well as classical offerings from the London Symphony Orchestra. Famous children’s author Jaqueline Wilson will showcase a brand new story plus the annual children’s parade returns. Nish Kumar leads the comedic talent entertaining the festival There is certainly something for everyone! 

Whilst we would love to be able to highlight all the amazing performances coming to Brighton this May, we would much rather you go and find them for yourselves, Besties - you won’t be disappointed! 

For more information, please click here.