Brighton Festival Children’s Parade

This year will mark our 40th Brighton Festival Children’s Parade. A fiesta of colour, costume and live music to kick start the Brighton Festival.

In celebration of the National Year of Reading 2026, this year’s parade will bring children’s books to life as we explore seven magical genres of Children’s books: Realistic Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Traditional Stories, Science Fiction and Graphic Novels.

The annual Children’s Parade is a joyous, loud, disruptive and memorable procession that takes place on the first Saturday of May to officially launch Brighton Festival. Delivered in partnership between The Brighton Festival and Same Sky, enjoyed by participants and spectators since launching in 1986.

With a different imaginative theme each year, Same Sky’s team of dedicated artists work with teachers and group leaders to develop their parade displays. Thousands of local children take over the city centre with their show stopping designs and self-made costumes.

The Children’s Parade is a unique Brighton event produced by Same Sky for the Brighton Festival.