Brunswick Festival 2025: A Weekend of Music, Colour and Community in Hove

Brunswick Square, Hove, was transformed into a hub of music, dance and community spirit over the weekend of 16–17 August as the Brunswick Festival 2025 returned for its 43rd year. Thousands of visitors enjoyed two days of sunshine, family fun and a wide-ranging programme of live music, children’s activities, food and crafts — making it […]

Brunswick Square, Hove, was transformed into a hub of music, dance and community spirit over the weekend of 16–17 August as the Brunswick Festival 2025 returned for its 43rd year.

Thousands of visitors enjoyed two days of sunshine, family fun and a wide-ranging programme of live music, children’s activities, food and crafts — making it one of the most memorable editions of the long-running community festival.

Day One: Harmonies, Rhythm and Late-Night Dancing: Saturday opened at midday with the Brighton City Singers, whose uplifting choral set set the tone for the day. They were followed by Soulbotanica, joined by the Brighton School of Singing, who brought soulful grooves and infectious rhythm to the square.

The afternoon continued with the lively Cracklin Griffins, offering folk and roots-inspired songs, before Loop the Moon added their melodic, modern touch. The Blue Junes stepped in for the 4pm slot, giving festival-goers a fresh sound to carry them toward the evening.

Later, The Blox delivered a high-energy performance that had the crowd clapping along, while The Tribulizations kept spirits high with their upbeat festival sound.

Closing the first night was DJ B’more McVowty, whose Reggae/World Music Express transformed the square into an impromptu street party, leaving the crowd dancing into the evening.

Day Two: Samba, Surf and a Colourful Finale: Sunday began more gently with the graceful sounds of Nastia Bogdanova, followed by the soulful performance of Anya Louisa and Band.

Energy rose again with The Bedford Celts, whose Celtic-inspired tunes had the crowd clapping along, and Too Bad Jims, whose gritty rock-infused set injected power into the afternoon.

At 4pm, the festival’s much-loved Children’s Parade, accompanied by the pounding rhythms of Samba Maracatu, filled Brunswick Square with colour, costumes and carnival spirit.

Later, DJ B’more McVowty returned for another global journey of reggae and world beats before the weekend closed with the ever-popular Bikini Beach Band, whose surf-rock sound provided a fun and unforgettable finale.

More Than Just Music: Beyond the stage, festival-goers enjoyed a bustling craft market, food stalls offering flavours from around the world, and the famous tea tent serving homemade cakes. Families explored the Willowisp activity zone, while adults relaxed in the well-being area with therapies and massages.

The atmosphere throughout the weekend was inclusive, family-friendly and distinctly local — with neighbours, visitors and performers mingling together in celebration of community.

A Festival that Endures: Brunswick Festival has been a fixture of Hove life for more than four decades, and this year reaffirmed its place at the heart of the city’s summer calendar. With a diverse line-up of acts, a warm community feel and perfect August weather, the 2025 edition will be remembered as one of the best in recent years.

As Sunday drew to a close, the sentiment shared across the square was clear: Brunswick Festival is not just about music and entertainment — it is about people, place and togetherness.