The Great Escape
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13 May - 16 May 2026
For fans of fresh sounds and up-and-coming talent, The Great Escape is the ultimate destination. Spreading across Brighton’s vibrant streets and iconic seafront, this four-day festival (13–16 May 2026) turns the city into a music playground. It’s Europe’s premier showcase for new and emerging artists, featuring hundreds of performances from bands and solo acts around the world. Fans and industry scouts alike flock here to discover tomorrow’s stars in dozens of intimate venues (cozy pubs, underground clubs, historic theaters, and even a special stage on the beach). The atmosphere is electric and inviting, making it easy to get lost in the excitement of discovering your next favourite artist.
Each day of The Great Escape is an adventure in itself. Over 30 walkable venues host performances across every genre imaginable: indie rock, electronic dance, hip-hop, jazz, folk, and more. You might start your afternoon with a chilled acoustic set in a seaside bar, then find yourself dancing to pulsing beats at a hidden club show later in the evening. With stages scattered through the city, it’s easy to hop between gigs, soaking up Brighton’s cafés and ocean views as you go. There are even daytime workshops and panels for fans who want to dive deeper into the music industry and creative process. Whether you linger over a few sets or dash to catch dozens of performances, the festival lets you curate your own ideal schedule.
What makes The Great Escape truly special is the thrill of discovery. It’s often considered the first place to catch tomorrow’s stars: many now-famous artists performed here early in their careers. For visitors, every show feels like a chance to spot the next big name. The crowd shares in this excitement: fellow fans chat eagerly about new songs and swap recommendations between sets (often alongside radio presenters and record scouts). You’ll find music lovers from all over in a friendly, creative atmosphere. In short, The Great Escape brings people together through a shared passion for new music, and you never know who you might stumble upon.
Outside the venues, Brighton itself sets the scene. This lively seaside city is known for its colourful street art, quirky shops, and iconic landmarks. Grab fish and chips by the historic pier, browse vintage vinyl records on the winding Lanes, or simply relax on the famous pebbled beach between shows. Spring sunshine and ocean breezes add to the festive vibe, making every stroll feel like part of the adventure. When the sun goes down, Brighton’s nightlife pulses on: from bustling waterfront bars to cozy late-night pizza joints, there are plenty of spots to keep the energy alive until your next gig.
In the end, The Great Escape is a celebration of new music and seaside fun rolled into one. It’s the kind of festival where you discover fresh sounds by day and share stories with new friends by night. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning escapist, the festival promises memorable moments and musical memories. So pack your comfortable shoes and get ready for a whirlwind four days of discovery, dancing, and delight in Brighton. The stage is set: come see what you’ll unearth at The Great Escape!
For those traveling to Brighton, getting here is straightforward. Frequent trains run from London’s Victoria and London Bridge stations to Brighton in about 50 minutes. Trains from London St Pancras (with a change of train) also reach Brighton in roughly one hour. National Express and other coach services operate from London and major UK cities to Brighton. For example, a coach from central London takes about 2 hours. Brighton’s main train station and the adjacent coach station are centrally located, so once you arrive you’re just a short walk away from most festival venues and the seafront.
By car, Brighton is accessible via the A23/M23 from London or the A27 from the west. Travel time from central London is about 1.5 to 2 hours without heavy traffic. Keep in mind that parking in central Brighton can be limited and expensive, especially during busy events. If driving, consider parking on the outskirts or using a Park & Ride facility and taking a bus or taxi into the centre. During festival weekends, roads near the city can get congested, so plan extra travel time.
Brighton’s nearest major airport is Gatwick (around 30 to 40 minutes by direct train). From Gatwick’s South Terminal, there are frequent trains straight to Brighton station. Many international and domestic flights arrive at Gatwick. Other London airports (Heathrow, City, Stansted, Luton) can also be used, but typically require traveling into London first and then catching a southbound train. Another popular route is via the Eurostar: arrive at London St Pancras and transfer to a Brighton-bound train (about one hour).
Once in Brighton, getting around is easy. The city centre and festival venues are quite compact, so walking is often the fastest way to get between stages. There is also a local bus network (Brighton & Hove Buses) that serves the city and nearby areas. Taxis and ride-hailing services are plentiful for quick trips, and many visitors rent bikes or scooters. Overall, you should have no trouble moving between concerts, the seafront, and other attractions on foot or using local transport.
Accommodation options range from seaside hotels and guesthouses to hostels and rental apartments. Because the festival draws large crowds, it’s wise to book well in advance. Staying in or near the city centre (or along the seafront) keeps you close to the venues and nightlife. More budget-friendly lodging can be found in nearby neighbourhoods like Hove, which are well-connected by train or bus. Wherever you stay, Brighton’s friendly charm and endless entertainment ensure your trip will be comfortable and exciting.
| Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Seattle | 0.6 ml | £99.00 | Book | |
| Portland Place | 0.9 ml | £118.80 | Book | |
| Snooze | 1.1 ml | £140.00 | Book | |
| Brighton Inn Boutique Guest Accommodation | 1.1 ml | £70.00 | Book | |
| The White House | 1.2 ml | £60.00 | Book | |
| Brighton Breeze | 1.2 ml | £28.00 | Book | |
| Brighton Surf Hotel | 1.2 ml | £55.00 | Book | |
| Paskins Town House | 1.2 ml | £50.00 | Book | |
| Westbourne Guest House | 1.3 ml | £30.00 | Book | |
| Amherst Brighton | 1.3 ml | £90.00 | Book | |
| Colson House | 1.3 ml | £65.00 | Book | |
| The Kemp Townhouse | 1.3 ml | £65.00 | Book | |
| Sandalwood Hotel | 1.3 ml | £40.00 | Book | |
| drakes of Brighton | 1.4 ml | £99.00 | Book | |
| Hudsons | 1.4 ml | £32.00 | Book |
Brighton, East Sussex., BN29NA
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