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B.Fest

Brighton’s annual youth arts festival

A youth-led celebration of creativity, culture, and self-expression: made by young people, for young people.

What is B.fest?

B.fest exists to bring arts and culture closer to young people, placing them at the heart of everything we do.
Young people are not just audiences or participants; they are co-creators, involved in every stage of the process, from planning and organising to designing, exhibiting, and performing.

B.fest is built on the belief that youth voices matter, and that the most powerful cultural activity happens when young people are trusted to lead.

We aim to reflect the full breadth of contemporary youth culture in all its creativity, energy, and diversity. That means making space for everything from skateboarding and spray-painting to basketball and bake-offs; from stand-up comedy, DnD, and film-making to print-making and script-writing.

Past programmes have featured gig nights, drag, street dance, improv, flash mobs, singing, rap, solo performance, cuisine, band nights, jazz, board gaming and more. If it’s part of youth culture, we want to support young people to share it.

B.fest 25 runs from Saturday 24th to Friday 30th October 2025:
Continuing our commitment to youth-led creativity, collaboration, and cultural expression across the city.

B.Fest Instagram Feed

bfestbrighton

B.fest is Brighton’s annual youth arts festival. Celebrating youth culture, B.fest is run by young people, for young people 13-25yrs. 25 Oct-1 Nov 25

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We are looking for artists from all creative disciplines (Visual Arts, Dance, Music, Theatre, Digital Art etc) to submit short snappy concepts for workshops for our youth arts board to select from, to be in B.fest 2026 - Sat 24th - Frid 30th October. B.fest is the Brighton Youth Arts Festival and is for 13-19 years.
We welcome dynamic and fun suggestions, and are keen to trial new and innovative ideas, as well as solid tried and tested ones.
University students and self taught artists welcome to submit.
We have a specific interest in activities that are accessible for complete beginners, so for example, badge making is a very gentle, informal and low pressure way of doing visual arts. We would be excited to welcome informal ways of people doing dance, music, and theatre.

Some areas we would like workshop submissions to be themed around (but do add your own ideas too)

- Global Majority led Cultural workshops - Music, art, fashion etc
- Improv
- Cosplay
- Bands - merch, performance skills, social media, fashion, photography
- Skate boarding culture
- Issues based activities explored through creativity
- knowing your rights as a young person
- Sport creative based activities
- Phone based film making
- Drag make up and performance
- Exploration of identity

For further information, including budget go to submission form in our bio.

Plz share
@brightonfringe @littlegreenpig_ @lighthouse.young.creatives @newgenjazz @phoenix_artspace @art_in_mind_brighton @exploringsenses @thescrapspace @komediaproductions @thirdspace.theatre @project_femaleuk @barcobrighton @afroribooks @cultureconnectproject @theactorsbrighton @allsortsyouth

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Open post by bfestbrighton with ID 18096314243203690
We are looking for artists from all creative disciplines (Visual Arts, Dance, Music, Theatre, Digital Art etc) to submit short snappy concepts for workshops for our youth arts board to select from, to be in B.fest 2026 - Sat 24th - Frid 30th October. B.fest is the Brighton Youth Arts Festival and is for 13-19 years. We welcome dynamic and fun suggestions, and are keen to trial new and innovative ideas, as well as solid tried and tested ones. University students and self taught artists welcome to submit. We have a specific interest in activities that are accessible for complete beginners, so for example, badge making is a very gentle, informal and low pressure way of doing visual arts. We would be excited to welcome informal ways of people doing dance, music, and theatre. Some areas we would like workshop submissions to be themed around (but do add your own ideas too) - Global Majority led Cultural workshops - Music, art, fashion etc - Improv - Cosplay - Bands - merch, performance skills, social media, fashion, photography - Skate boarding culture - Issues based activities explored through creativity - knowing your rights as a young person - Sport creative based activities - Phone based film making - Drag make up and performance - Exploration of identity For further information, including budget go to submission form in our bio. Plz share @brightonfringe @littlegreenpig_ @lighthouse.young.creatives @newgenjazz @phoenix_artspace @art_in_mind_brighton @exploringsenses @thescrapspace @komediaproductions @thirdspace.theatre @project_femaleuk @barcobrighton @afroribooks @cultureconnectproject @theactorsbrighton @allsortsyouth

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B.fest 26 Needs Your Art work!

Could you create or have you got an existing piece of art, design, collage, photography that you think would work well on B.fest 2026 merch - Posters, wristbands, T-shirts? Winning artwork will win a £50 voucher of your choice.

The B.fest team are looking for work that has a clear central image and is, Eye catching, quirky, fun, Authentic, Inclusive, Characterful, Young Characters and Vibrant.

Artists must be 13-20 years. And each artist can submit up to 3 pieces.

Please send a scan or photo of your A4 or A3 artwork to @Bfestbrighton or email to Bfest@brightonyouthcentre.org.uk

The submitted design should NOT include B.fest logos and branding, it’s all about your art.

Closing Date midnight Monday 27th July 26.

B.fest 26 save the dates Sat 24 Oct- Frid 30th Oct - It is gonna be biggggg!

Big thanks to our funders @aceagrams

Please share with your networks

@art_in_mind_brighton @creativenewhaven @art.inc.insta @varndeanadep @hoveparkschoolartdept @phoenix_artspace @photoworks.lab @brighton_met_fad @brightonhovefamilygrapevine @mascotsupport @esteemcharity @creativementornetwork @lewesprioryartscreativity @artistsopenhouses @brightonfringe @lighthouse.young.creatives @littlegreenpig_

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Open post by bfestbrighton with ID 18153219718494351
B.fest 26 Needs Your Art work! Could you create or have you got an existing piece of art, design, collage, photography that you think would work well on B.fest 2026 merch - Posters, wristbands, T-shirts? Winning artwork will win a £50 voucher of your choice. The B.fest team are looking for work that has a clear central image and is, Eye catching, quirky, fun, Authentic, Inclusive, Characterful, Young Characters and Vibrant. Artists must be 13-20 years. And each artist can submit up to 3 pieces. Please send a scan or photo of your A4 or A3 artwork to @Bfestbrighton or email to Bfest@brightonyouthcentre.org.uk The submitted design should NOT include B.fest logos and branding, it’s all about your art. Closing Date midnight Monday 27th July 26. B.fest 26 save the dates Sat 24 Oct- Frid 30th Oct - It is gonna be biggggg! Big thanks to our funders @aceagrams Please share with your networks @art_in_mind_brighton @creativenewhaven @art.inc.insta @varndeanadep @hoveparkschoolartdept @phoenix_artspace @photoworks.lab @brighton_met_fad @brightonhovefamilygrapevine @mascotsupport @esteemcharity @creativementornetwork @lewesprioryartscreativity @artistsopenhouses @brightonfringe @lighthouse.young.creatives @littlegreenpig_

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This call out is for bands and musicians aged 13-19 years who would like to perform at B.fest 2026 Sat 24th Oct-Frid 30th. We are excited to welcome all genres of music.

Fill out this form before midday Tues 14th July 26 and we will be in contact before the end of July.

If you have any further questions email Bfest@brightonyouthcentre.org.uk

@bn1arts @newgenjazz @musictechsnorthbrookmet @audioactiveworthing @audioactive_ @createmusicuk @jambtn @waterbear_the_college_of_music @brighton_bimmuni @bimmbtn_studentwellbeing @dv8sussex

Give us a share :)

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Open post by bfestbrighton with ID 18088729064402024
This call out is for bands and musicians aged 13-19 years who would like to perform at B.fest 2026 Sat 24th Oct-Frid 30th. We are excited to welcome all genres of music. Fill out this form before midday Tues 14th July 26 and we will be in contact before the end of July. If you have any further questions email Bfest@brightonyouthcentre.org.uk @bn1arts @newgenjazz @musictechsnorthbrookmet @audioactiveworthing @audioactive_ @createmusicuk @jambtn @waterbear_the_college_of_music @brighton_bimmuni @bimmbtn_studentwellbeing @dv8sussex Give us a share :)

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*B.fest 26 Submissions are open!*
B.fest runs from Saturday 24th October – Friday 30th, in the half term week and is run by, and for young people aged 13-19 years.

If you are a young person aged 13-19 or and organisation working with young people you can get involved in B.fest 2026 in lots of different ways.

*Run a B.fest Event* - do you have an event you would like to run at BYC or your venue? Sign up, our submissions form is in our bio, or drop us an email Bfest@brightonyouthcentre.org.uk

*Perform as a band or musician* - Want a chance to perform as part of the festival? We will run multiple gigs and events, or maybe you want to run and programme your own? Or are a sound tech or would like to learn how. Sign up in our bio.

*Exhibit your Artwork* - We set up an exhibition space for young people and organisations to bring art work to display. The exhibition space is called Cultureground. Please sign up to book your space, the form is in our bio.

*Want to help run B.fest? We we have a board of young people who meet Mondays 6-8pm, please DM us and we will send you more information.

*further opportunities*
We will post an art market sign up, vounteering sign up links soon! Watch this space!

Give us a share
@art_in_mind_brighton @bn1arts @project_femaleuk @thirdspace.theatre @newgenjazz @ourplacelearningcommunity @mascotsupport @audioactive_ @streetfunkuk @varndeanschoolbrighton @varndeanmusic @dorothystringerschool @cncsofficial @getcconfident @patchamhighschoolofficial @bacauk @paca_school @brighton_met_creatives @hoveparkschoolartdept blatchmill @bms_musicdepartment @blatchmill_art @youthemploymenthub @youthstpeters @oneyouthbrighton @allsortsyouth @tdcyouthteam @hkpyouthteam @brightonyoungcarers @bmeypp @barcobrighton

Thank you for @aceagrams for continuing to support B.fest.

#brighton #youth #brightonyouthcentre #youtharts #youtharethefuture

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Open post by bfestbrighton with ID 17852308116676561
*B.fest 26 Submissions are open!* B.fest runs from Saturday 24th October – Friday 30th, in the half term week and is run by, and for young people aged 13-19 years. If you are a young person aged 13-19 or and organisation working with young people you can get involved in B.fest 2026 in lots of different ways. *Run a B.fest Event* - do you have an event you would like to run at BYC or your venue? Sign up, our submissions form is in our bio, or drop us an email Bfest@brightonyouthcentre.org.uk *Perform as a band or musician* - Want a chance to perform as part of the festival? We will run multiple gigs and events, or maybe you want to run and programme your own? Or are a sound tech or would like to learn how. Sign up in our bio. *Exhibit your Artwork* - We set up an exhibition space for young people and organisations to bring art work to display. The exhibition space is called Cultureground. Please sign up to book your space, the form is in our bio. *Want to help run B.fest? We we have a board of young people who meet Mondays 6-8pm, please DM us and we will send you more information. *further opportunities* We will post an art market sign up, vounteering sign up links soon! Watch this space! Give us a share @art_in_mind_brighton @bn1arts @project_femaleuk @thirdspace.theatre @newgenjazz @ourplacelearningcommunity @mascotsupport @audioactive_ @streetfunkuk @varndeanschoolbrighton @varndeanmusic @dorothystringerschool @cncsofficial @getcconfident @patchamhighschoolofficial @bacauk @paca_school @brighton_met_creatives @hoveparkschoolartdept blatchmill @bms_musicdepartment @blatchmill_art @youthemploymenthub @youthstpeters @oneyouthbrighton @allsortsyouth @tdcyouthteam @hkpyouthteam @brightonyoungcarers @bmeypp @barcobrighton Thank you for @aceagrams for continuing to support B.fest. #brighton #youth #brightonyouthcentre #youtharts #youtharethefuture

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BYC Arts Board

The BYC Arts Board is for young people aged 13–16 who are into anything creative, from art, music, drama and dance to comedy, fashion and ideas that don’t fit neatly into boxes.
The Board plays a central role in shaping B.fest, with young people actively involved in running the festival rather than just taking part in it.

Arts Board members help design, programme, and promote the festival, gaining hands-on experience in curation, marketing, and events production. From shaping line-ups and exhibitions to thinking about how events are presented and shared, the Board has a real say in what B.fest becomes each year.

The Arts Board has organised music and comedy gigs, Pride events, art exhibitions, and dance shows, alongside projects entirely driven by young people’s interests. Board members also oversee B.Y.ZINE, a quarterly youth-led publication featuring artwork, reviews, poems, and photography, all curated, edited, and produced by the young people themselves.

It’s a welcoming space to develop ideas, build confidence, and learn how creative events actually come together.

Meetings run every Monday from 6.00–7.30pm, July to October, combining relaxed planning sessions with practical creative work, collaboration, and free snacks.
Contact us

BYC Art Markets

The BYC Art Markets offer young people aged 13–25 the chance to showcase and sell their creative work, whether that’s art, music, zines, clothing, prints, jewellery, or something entirely of their own making.
Taking place monthly, the markets provide a supportive, low-pressure environment for young people to gain experience as makers, sellers, and creatives.

It’s a place to test ideas, build confidence, and connect with a wider audience who are actively interested in youth-led creativity.

Stalls cost £10 for exhibitors, while entry is free for visitors; making the markets welcoming, accessible, and full of unique, affordable, and original work.

Gallery