Brighton Festival 2025, running from 3-26 May, is set to deliver a diverse and collaborative music programme under the guidance of Guest Director Anoushka Shankar. The Grammy-nominated sitarist, composer, and activist has curated a line-up that brings together artists from around the world, aligning with the festival’s ‘New Dawn’ theme.
“By bringing together artists and modalities from all over the world, with their rich and varied heritages, we can reimagine what’s possible through music,” Shankar says. “It’s a music programme we want everyone to connect with, feel part of, and feel inspired by.”
Shankar will present the UK premiere of her new album, Chapter III: We Return to Light, at Brighton Dome Concert Hall. This performance concludes a trilogy exploring personal and collective transformation, following her previous releases, Chapter I: Forever, For Now and Chapter II: How Dark it is Before Dawn.
Also taking to the Concert Hall stage is Arooj Aftab, the Grammy-winning Pakistani-American vocalist, known for blending classical and contemporary sounds. Her latest album, Night Reign, received critical acclaim and was included on several Best of 2024 lists.
Nadine Shah, the Mercury Prize-nominated singer-songwriter, will perform songs from her fifth album, Filthy Underneath (2024). Known for her raw lyricism and distinctive vocals, Shah’s work often addresses mental health, addiction, and social inequality.
Electronic artist Max Cooper, supported by Graves Son & Pilcher, brings his immersive audio-visual show to the festival. Combining luminous sculptures, projections, and beat-driven soundscapes, the performance draws on his latest album, On Being, which reflects on the complexities of modern life.
The Malian duo Amadou & Mariam, known for blending West African rhythms with electronic influences, will perform music from their latest release, La Vie Est Belle. Their sound, which bridges traditional and contemporary styles, has led to collaborations with artists like Damon Albarn and Santigold.
Indian classical singer Aruna Sairam will perform alongside Ganavya, a New York-born, South India-raised vocalist who combines spiritual jazz with cultural storytelling. The performance brings together two generations of artists exploring tradition and experimentation.
Seckou Keita, a virtuoso of the kora, will lead an all-star Senegalese line-up in a performance of his new album Homeland: Chapter 1, which reflects on identity and migration.
The festival will also highlight emerging talent through a special edition of MOVES Festival, curated by Ned Archibong of QM Records. The all-day event at The Old Market will feature a line-up of female artists, including Harleighblu and Kymara, with more acts to be announced.
At The Rose Hill, a series of Mehfils will offer intimate performances of South Asian classical music, featuring over 20 artists playing both traditional and contemporary pieces.
Late-night events include a DJ set from Ahadadream, known for his percussive club sounds and collaborations with Skrillex and Four Tet, and a closing party led by Shiva Soundsystem’s Nerm, which will feature guest performers.
