There’s a certain electricity that crackles in the air when Brighton Beach transforms into the epicentre of the UK’s summer music scene. On The Beach, the event series that’s fast become a staple in South England’s festival calendar, doesn’t just bring music to the seafront – it brings with it much joy to experience a festival in such setting, with the seabreeze refreshing you into the night each day. Each July, as the sun hangs low and the sky blushes pink, thousands descend upon Madeira Drive, drawn by the promise of world-class acts and the unmistakable thrill of dancing in the beach.
Since its debut in 2021, On The Beach has grown into a phenomenon, now entering its fifth year with a reputation that stretches far beyond Brighton’s iconic pebbles. The event’s allure lies not just in its location, though few backdrops can rival the glistening water and the city’s vibrant pier, but in its eclectic programming. The line-ups are a dizzying blend of genres, a testament to the organisers’ commitment to musical diversity. One weekend you can catch HAAi b2b Special Request as waves crash in the distance, while the next, indie giants Kaiser Chiefs ignite the crowd with anthems that feel tailor-made for open air singalongs
For electronic music lovers alike, you can catch Bonobo on opening duties with the first event of their season on 18.07, followed by Eric Prydz the next day. On 25.07 dnb allstars will set the pace for the second weekend, paving the way to a magnificent closure with none other than Carl Cox with a special vinyl only set on 26.07, celebrating his five year On The Beach anniversary – oh yes oh yes! The festival’s past reads like a who’s who of contemporary music: Fatboy Slim, Chase & Status, Above & Beyond, Royal Blood, The Libertines, The Kooks – the list goes on, each name a memory etched into the sand. Yet, On The Beach never feels like it’s trading on nostalgia. Instead, it’s a living, breathing celebration of what’s happening now, a place where new sounds and old favourites collide in spectacular fashion.
Whether you’re arriving by train, bus, bike, or on foot, the journey is part of the adventure, with the city centre’s hotels and buzzing nightlife just a stone’s throw away. There’s no camping, but that only adds to the sense of urban escapism, this is a festival that invites you to experience Brighton in all its glory, from sunrise swims to late-night afterparties.
Who else is joining us front left next Saturday with Eric Prydz, Vintage Culture, Korolova + more? Stay tuned in our social media channels for some snippets live from the event.
