It’s back! BARCO‘s Brighton Bash Carnival returns to St Anne’s Wells Gardens for 2026. Double the food, two more bars, an even bigger children’s area and, four, count them four music and DJ stages, celebrating the best of black culture and talent.

All that, plus creative activities, workshops, BARCO’s flagship carnival parade, and a short moment of reflection on hope, unity and the future. If SOURCE’s experience last year is anything to go by, expect global acts from across the spectrum on the main stage, a woodland sound system, experimental poets, crafting, eating, sunshine. And the volunteer team know how to make great use of the site’s space, from lining up the perfect soca set as the sun set behind the AudioActive stage to quiet zones among the trees join in craft workshops and spoken word sessions.

The carnival is supported by organisations including Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, Brighton & Hove City Council, the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex.

Free to attend, but every attendee, including children, must register for a ticket to help BARCO plan safely and create the best possible experience. But donations, ticket donations and proceeds from the carnival raffle will go to BARCO’s work in the community and help keep the event going.

And if that isn’t enough awesome-sauce for one day, head to Komedia from 11pm for The Second Wave, the official Brighton BASH after-party. Coming just weeks after Brighton shut down the streets and made their spirits heard, has the city ever been more ready to celebrate?

Photo credit: lesleyburdett.com

St Anne’s Wells Garden, Hove
Saturday 25 Jul 2026, 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Tickets : Free