On The Beach Brighton – 2026 Dates, Lineup and Tickets

On The Beach Brighton returns for its sixth year in July 2026, bringing together Fatboy Slim, Madness, The Maccabees, and Moby for eight days of music on Brighton’s iconic seafront. The festival, established in 2021, has grown into one of the UK’s most anticipated summer events, attracting thousands to the beach between the Pier and Marina.

The 2026 edition spans two weekends in mid-to-late July, with performances from Thursday through Sunday each week. Ticket holders can expect DJ sets, live band shows, and special themed events across the waterfront venues. General admission, VIP options, and early entry passes are available through official channels.

On The Beach Brighton 2026 Dates and Schedule

The festival takes place on Brighton Beach (postcode BN2 1EN) over two consecutive weekends. Doors open from early afternoon into the evening, with last entry varying by day. No re-entry is permitted once guests have left the site.

First Weekend: Fatboy Slim’s Big Beach Boutique 7

The opening four days feature Fatboy Slim in his seventh Big Beach Boutique showcase. The legendary DJ returns to Brighton for an extended residency, with shows running from afternoon into the evening. All Fatboy Slim shows carry an 18+ age restriction.

• Thursday 16 July: Doors open 14:00, last entry 20:00
• Friday 17 July: Doors open 14:00, last entry 18:00
• Saturday 18 July: Doors open 13:00, last entry 18:00
• Sunday 19 July: Doors open 14:00, last entry 18:00

Second Weekend: Madness, The Maccabees, and Moby

The closing weekend shifts to live bands and special events. Madness headlines two nights, The Maccabees make their beach appearance, and Moby closes the festival with a rare full-band performance. These shows welcome guests aged 16 and above.

• Thursday 23 July: Madness, doors open 16:30, last entry 20:00
• Friday 24 July: Madness presents Madrophenia with support from David Rodigan and Hot 8 Brass Band
• Saturday 25 July: The Maccabees headline, doors open 13:00
• Sunday 26 July: Moby closes the festival with full band show

On The Beach Brighton 2026 Lineup

The 2026 lineup centres on four major headliners, each bringing distinct shows to Brighton’s beach stage. Fatboy Slim delivers four consecutive DJ sets during the first weekend, while Madness brings two nights of ska and reggae classics. The Maccabees represent indie rock tradition, and Moby rounds out the bill with what promises to be a career-spanning live performance.

Fatboy Slim — Big Beach Boutique 7

Norman Cook returns to Brighton for his seventh Big Beach Boutique production. The four-night run marks one of his most extended beach residencies in recent years. Known for high-energy sets drawing from house, big beat, and classic dance tracks, Fatboy Slim’s shows typically feature guest appearances and extended mixing sessions.

Madness — Two-Night Residency

The Camden ska legends bring their catalogue to the Brighton seafront across two evenings. Friday’s Madrophenia event offers a themed experience alongside support from David Rodigan and Hot 8 Brass Band. The band, responsible for hits including “One Step Beyond” and “House of Fun,” maintains a devoted following across the UK.

The Maccabees — Saturday Headline

One of Britain’s most beloved indie bands, The Maccabees make their On The Beach headline appearance on Saturday 25 July. Having taken a break from touring, the show represents a significant return to live performance for the band behind “A Matter of Life & Death” and “Given to the Wild.”

Moby — Festival Closing Act

Moby closes the festival on Sunday 26 July with a full-band performance. The appearance forms part of a rare 2026 world tour, comprising approximately 20 dates worldwide. This marks Moby’s first Brighton show in decades, following his 2024 Play anniversary return to the stage. With over 20 million albums sold, the artist brings electronic classics and contemporary material to the beach stage.

On The Beach Brighton Tickets

Tickets are sold on a per-day basis with no multi-day packages currently available. Several ticket tiers cater to different preferences, from general admission to premium experiences. Prices remain to be confirmed—visitors should check the official site and authorized vendors for the latest information.

Ticket Types

• General Admission: Standard beach access with views of the main stage area
• VIP Experience: Premium lounge access, dedicated bar, and elevated platform viewing (18+ only)
• Gift Tickets: Transferable via barcode, suitable for presents
• Early Entry: Discounted option with additional fees applied for late arrivals

Where to Buy

Tickets are available through multiple authorized platforms:

• Official website: onthebeachbrighton.com
• Skiddle — ticketing partner with individual event pages
• Visit Brighton — official tourism partner
• Shazam — event discovery and ticket links

Event Timeline

The festival has evolved significantly since its launch, establishing itself as a cornerstone of Brighton’s summer calendar.

1. 2021: Inaugural On The Beach festival launches on Brighton seafront
2. 2022: Event establishes formal presence; some sources cite this as founding year
3. 2023–2025: Growing reputation with sold-out shows featuring established artists
4. July 2026: Sixth edition spans two weekends with expanded programming
5. 16–19 July: First weekend—Fatboy Slim’s Big Beach Boutique 7
6. 23 July: Second weekend opens—Madness headline
7. 24 July: Madrophenia event with David Rodigan and Hot 8 Brass Band support
8. 25 July: The Maccabees headline; special beach appearance
9. 26 July: Moby closes festival—rare full-band performance

What We Know and What Remains Unconfirmed

About the Festival

On The Beach has become Brighton’s premier music event, transforming the seafront into a festival ground with the English Channel as a backdrop. Unlike traditional field-based festivals, the event utilises the beach’s natural setting between the historic Pier and Marina, creating what organizers describe as the city’s biggest beach music festival.

The festival’s history includes appearances from Chase & Status, Above & Beyond, Bicep, Eric Prydz, Underworld, Carl Cox, Royal Blood, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, The Libertines, Bloc Party, Kaiser Chiefs, and The Kooks. This track record of booking both electronic acts and guitar-based artists has broadened its appeal across musical tastes.

Safety measures remain in place throughout the site, with crowd management and welfare facilities standard features of the event operation.

Official Statements

“Brighton’s biggest beach music festival returns July 2026.” — Official festival website

“The Maccabees headlining on Saturday 25th July at On The Beach Brighton.” — Radio X

“Madness presents Madrophenia with David Rodigan & Hot 8 Brass Band” — Skiddle event listings

Planning Your Visit

Those considering attendance should monitor the official festival website for ticket availability and pricing announcements. Early entry options offer potential savings, though additional fees apply for late arrival. The festival site is accessible via Madeira Drive, with Brighton’s city centre and railway station within walking distance.

Visitors should also account for Brighton’s typical summer weather when planning their experience on the beach.