The Great Escape – Brighton, England 2026
Overview
The Great Escape 2026 is Europe’s premier festival for new music, showcasing over 450 emerging artists from around the world across more than 30 walkable venues in the vibrant coastal city of Brighton. As the 20th edition, it celebrates a milestone with a diverse lineup spanning genres like indie, hip-hop, pop, rock, R&B, folk, and experimental electronic, including international talents from the UK, Australia, Canada, France, Ireland, Nigeria, Sweden, and the US.
Held during Mental Health Awareness Week, the event combines intimate live performances, secret gigs, club nights, spontaneous collaborations, and an industry-led conference, making it a launchpad for future stars in an accessible, seaside setting that fosters discovery and community.
Event Highlights
- Main Activities or Performances: Over 450 live sets across genres, featuring announced artists like Max Baby (France), Madra Salach (Ireland), James Emmanuel (UK), Teenage Joans (Australia), Ashaine White (UK), SLAG (UK), Isak Benjamin (Sweden), The Itch (UK), and more from the First Fifty showcase; includes Spotlight Shows and pop-up beach events.
- Special Traditions or Features: First Fifty launch gigs in November 2025 across East London venues to preview the lineup; secret sets, Alternative Escape free shows, and ties to Mental Health Awareness Week with support resources on-site.
- Unique Attractions for Visitors: Walkable city layout for easy venue-hopping, beachfront pop-up site for outdoor vibes, and opportunities to catch breakout acts in intimate spaces before they hit major stages.
- Dedicated Event Section: Full festival spanning four days with 30+ venues; industry conference for delegates; artist applications open for submissions.
Why Attend
The Great Escape is the ultimate playground for music discovery, where you can stumble upon your next favorite artist in Brighton’s eclectic venues, from cozy clubs to beach pop-ups, all while soaking in the seaside energy. With a global lineup and surprises like secret gigs, it’s perfect for fans craving fresh sounds across indie, hip-hop, and beyond in an inclusive atmosphere.
This milestone 20th edition amplifies the festival’s legacy as a springboard for talent, blending performances with networking and wellness initiatives during Mental Health Awareness Week. The compact, pedestrian-friendly format ensures a stress-free adventure, ideal for solo explorers or groups chasing unforgettable nights under the stars.
Date & Duration
- Dates: May 13 – May 16, 2026
- Duration: 4 days
Venue / Location
- City: Brighton, England
- Main Venues: Over 30 walkable spots including Brighton Dome (Spotlight Shows), various city-center clubs like The Haunt, Green Door Store, and patterns; plus a pop-up festival site on Brighton Beach
- Notable Areas: Central Brighton for indoor gigs, beachfront for outdoor events; most venues clustered within a 1-mile radius for easy access
- Google Maps Address: Brighton Beach, Brighton BN2 1AL, United Kingdom (central pop-up site; search individual venues like Brighton Dome, BN1 1SQ for specifics)
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Online via official site, Ticketmaster, DICE, Skiddle, and Ents24; on-site collection with ID/credit card; team bundles and delegate passes available
- Admission Type: Paid admission for festival tickets; some Alternative Escape shows are free
- Ticket Pricing: Saver Festival Tickets $114 USD; Team (6 for 5) $685 USD; Early Bird Delegate Passes $391 USD; First Fifty shows $20–$39 USD
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Upgraded tickets for priority entry and essential companion complimentary access; delegate passes include conference perks
- Price Range: Minimum $20 USD, Maximum $685 USD
Booking with Euro Travelo
Planning to enjoy this music festival without the stress? Euro Travelo can help you book tickets, organize travel, and handle your entire trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a vibrant music festival, live concert, or cultural celebration, our team ensures a smooth experience for music lovers across Europe.
Contact Euro Travelo today to secure your festival tickets and travel arrangements.
Contact Information
- Email: accessibility@greatescapefestival.com (accessibility and general inquiries); info@greatescapefestival.com (tickets and program)
- Phone: Not specified; use email for all support
- Website: https://www.greatescapefestival.com
- Social Media: @greatescapefestival (Instagram/Facebook/Twitter)
- Key Staff: Not specified; contact via general email
- Press/Volunteers: Press via info@greatescapefestival.com; volunteering applications on site
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours. English support available.
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: London Gatwick (LGW, 18 miles/30 min drive or train); London Heathrow (LHR, 60 miles/1.5 hours); London City (LCY, 55 miles/1.5 hours)
- Public Transport: Train to Brighton Station (direct from London Victoria, 1 hour); local buses and trams to venues; festival shuttle from station if available
- Parking: Limited city-center spots; Blue Badge bays available; park-and-ride from outskirts recommended
- Access Note: Walkable event footprint; Changing Places toilets in select venues; contact accessibility team for arrangements
Accommodation Options
- Hotels: Queens Hotel (beachfront, mid-range, from $130 USD/night), The Grand Brighton (luxury, $200 USD/night)
- Hostels: St Christopher’s Inn (budget, $50 USD/night), Hostel One Brighton (central, $60 USD/night)
- Airbnbs: Apartments in North Laine or Kemptown areas, starting at $80 USD/night
- Note: Book early as festival coincides with peak season; official hotel bundles via site
Reviews
- Incredible discovery fest—caught Teenage Joans early and now they’re my go-to; Brighton’s vibe seals the deal.
- Lineup magic in tiny venues, but the walkability saved my feet—secret sets were the highlight!
- Global sounds everywhere, super accessible with companion options; just wish for more beach stages.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What does a festival ticket include?
A festival ticket grants access to over 450 artist showcases across 30+ venues from May 13-16, 2026, including paid shows but not the industry conference or certain add-ons. It's wristband-based for easy entry, valid all four days. Under-16s need adult accompaniment; no single-day options. Collect on-site with ID/credit card. Delegate passes add networking events. Check https://www.greatescapefestival.com for exclusions like VIP upgrades.
How do I buy tickets and handle issues like wrong email?
Purchase online via Ticketmaster, DICE, or the official site starting from $114 USD for savers; team deals save on groups. If email is wrong, contact info@greatescapefestival.com with order details for updates—no fee usually. E-tickets emailed post-purchase; if not received, check spam or resend request. Refunds per terms (typically none post-sale). Early bird sold out fast—act soon for 2026.
What are the age restrictions and collection policies?
18+ recommended but under-16s allowed with ticketed adult (ratio 1:3); ID checked at doors. Tickets collected on-site with booking credit card or ID; group/team tickets don't require arriving together—present all names. Lost wristbands? Report to info desk. Families welcome daytime, but nights skew adult. Full policy on site; contact for exceptions.
What accessibility features are provided?
Varying by venue—many like Brighton Dome offer level access, ramps, and seating; contact accessibility@greatescapefestival.com post-purchase for priority entry, companion tickets, or evac plans. Changing Places toilets via national finder; Blue Badge parking city-wide. Staff trained for assistance; audio description for conference. Apply anytime—no approval wait. Links: Visit Brighton accessibility page.
How do I get to venues and book accommodation?
Fly to Gatwick (30 min train to Brighton Station), then walk or bus to central venues—everything's within 1 mile. No camping; book hotels via official partners from $50 USD/night. Park-and-ride advised. Festival map on app/site. For groups, team tickets ease logistics. Early booking essential—May is peak; use Euro Travelo for packages. Directions: https://www.greatescapefestival.com/info.
