About Brighton Festivals 2026, house delegation
This year house are bringing together a delegation of venue representatives from across the network to attend Brighton Fringe, within the wider Brighton Festival, during caravan assembly 2026.
Brighton Fringe is an open access arts festival held annually running throughout May. A self-proclaimed celebration of the weird, wild and wonderful, Brighton Fringe is a brilliant opportunity right here in the South East to see some incredible home grown talent as well as a brilliant offer of both national and international theatre makers.
caravan assembly is a 3-day event presented in partnership with Farnham Maltings and Brighton Festival; showcasing and celebrating the best of English contemporary theatre makers.
Meanwhile Brighton Festival make accessible, ground-breaking and inspiring arts for all, with this year marking is 60th anniversary year. A celebration of music, theatre, dance, circus, art, film, literature, debate outdoor and community events, Brighton Festival has something for everyone.
The house delegation will arrive on Sunday 10 and depart on Tuesday 12 May 2026.
This is a great opportunity to see new and exciting work, connect with fellow programmers from across the South East of England, and meet with artists, producers and companies performing both at caravan assembly and at Brighton Fringe.
This delegation also offers the opportunity to see work that could potentially tour to your venue.
Connecting with the house network
We will host welcome drinks on Monday night to give delegates a chance to get to know each other. Attendance at this event is essential.
Delegates are free to set their own schedule across the trip, seeing as much work as they can fit in. We’re able to offer free tickets to caravan connects – a pitching event for English theatre makers, followed by a networking event with artists and international programmers.
As a group, we’ll stay connected through an optional WhatsApp group and morning coffee meet ups.
Image: DF Photography, Guru Dudu Silent Disco
The details
What is the bursary offer?
We are offering delegates:
- 2 nights’ accommodation, with breakfast (Sun-Tues)
- A bursary of £200 towards travel, per diems & tickets
- Opportunities to connect with the house network
Who can apply?
Any representative of a venue registered with the house southeast theatre network, who plays a role in programming at their venue, can apply for the Brighton Fringe delegation
NB we cannot support more than one attendee from any organisation – this includes those that run more than one venue. Before applying, please decide upon the most appropriate person to attend.
Please note, we are accepting applications from those who have also applied to our Edinburgh Delegation 2026. However, if you have a preference – please indicate in your application.
My venue is an NPO, can I still apply?
Representatives from NPOs are welcome to apply though please explain in your application why your funding would not cover the cost of you self-funding this kind of trip.
Where is the accommodation?
Brighton City Centre, North Street Premier Inn
The hotel is a 10 minute walk from Brighton Station. Breakfast is included.
If you have specific access requirements, please let us know in your application so that we can make arrangements beforehand.
Buddy scheme
We love taking first-time attendees to Festivals, but know that the scale, and heading to a new city can feel daunting.
To support new delegates, we run a buddy scheme that partners first-time visitors with more experienced Festival attendees. If you are offered a place and would like a buddy, we’ll put you in touch with someone who can talk you through ways to put together your schedule, what programming the venues specialise in, and where you’ll find everything.
Sustainability and travel
The house team has pledged to travel up to Brighton by train.
This year we’re continuing to ask delegates to join us in a commitment to travel by train, coach, or car share.
When is the application deadline?
Monday 2 March 2026
When will I find out the outcome of my application?
All applicants will be contacted by email by Monday 9 March 2026.
If you have not been offered a place but decide to still come to Brighton between 10 and 12 May, do let us know. You are most welcome to attend the networking events, including the Monday night drinks, and to join the WhatsApp group.