If a city could press "play," Brighton Festival is when Brighton finds its rhythm. Each May, theatres glow, streets buzz and even the sea keeps time. In 2026, things turn up a notch–it is the 60th edition. From 1-25 May, the program brings together over 100 events and more than 140 artists across three packed weeks. This year also signals a change: no guest director. Instead, the festival is shaped in-house, keeping it closely tuned to the city"s creative pulse.