Heritage Open Day

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A celebration of creativity and innovation inspired by the history of Brighton Dome. Uncover behind-the-scenes secrets with our backstage tours and watch an exclusive performance that explores the experiences of a Caribbean soldier fighting alongside British forces during the First World War.

Enjoy live music, craft activities and mark the 50th anniversary of David Bowie’s legendary Ziggy Stardust performance in Brighton Dome Concert Hall. All events are free, but pre-booking is essential for the performances and backstage tours. Booking opens Fri 1 Sep.

Backstage Tours

Book 10.15am

Book 12.15pm

Book 1.15pm

Your chance to take a peek behind the curtain of our Concert Hall and follow in the footsteps of legends such as Stevie Wonder, Jimi Hendrix, Beyoncé and David Bowie! Catch a rare glimpse of the entrance to the infamous tunnel to the Royal Pavilion, and discover some of the more surprising roles our iconic venue has played in history.

Access
Please note that during the tours there are 16 stairs going down to the back of house areas, 3 stairs leading down to the secret tunnel and 17 back upstairs. If you require use of the lift please email access@brightondome.org in advance.  

Letters Home: a staged reading

Book 11.30am

Book 2.30pm

Duration 25 mins | Concert Hall

In August 1915, a young man and his friends attend a British recruiting rally in Micoud, St Lucia. With a mix of feelings and support from family and loved ones, they decide to join the war effort and sail to Seaford, East Sussex for training. From the moment they set off, expectation and experience collide. Letters Home is a story about the First World War in the voice of two young St Lucians, narrative poem written and adapted for stage by Dulani Kulasinghe, reading directed by Tanushka Marah.

Fearless and Fabulous Women of the Royal Pavilion Estate with Louise Peskett

Book 11am

Book 2pm

Duration 90 mins 

From some of Britain’s first women doctors to suffragettes, entrepreneurs to entertainers, artists, music-hall stars, and campaigners, Brighton has always attracted women who dare do things differently. Join Louise Peskett, author of The Fearless and the Fabulous, a Journey through Brighton and Hove’s Women’s History, on this easy walk to discover the amazing stories of some of the intriguing, adventurous, fantastic, outrageous, and scandalously little-known female characters of the city’s past.

An outdoor walking tour around the Pavilion Estate and surrounding areas. 

Live Music by Lawrence Jones & Terry Seabrook

11am, 12.30pm, and 2pm | Duration 30 mins | Foyer

‘Easily one of the best jazz groups in Brighton and beyond.’ Brighton Source

‘His personal approach to jazz puts the listener right up there on the stage with the band. Jones’ vocals, sax and flute hypnotise with their delicate airs, it’s magic.’ Cadence Jazz Review. N.Y

Lawrence Jones & Terry Seabrook will play live music inspired by the Southern Syncopated Orchestra, one of the first Jazz artists to play in the UK including a four-week residency at Brighton Dome in 1921.

Philadelphia-born Laurence Jones brings us his jazz style from America merged with his soulful roots. Now based in the UK, he leads his own band and is the founder of Brighton Jazz All Stars (BJAS), as well as hosting and performing at Brighton’s Lion and Lobster for over 20 years. Recently he has been featured in the David Murray big band featuring Macy Grey and James Blood Ulmer and toured throughout Europe and America. He has also toured throughout Europe and America with South African pianist, Abdullah Ibrahim as a member of Ekaya.

Gladrags Dress Up and Photobooth

10am–4pm

Reimagine yourself as part of Brighton Dome’s heritage, with costumes and props provided by Gladrags. Dress up as your favourite Brighton Dome idol or era and pose in the Gladrags photo booth

Toy Theatre Workshop

10.30am–12.30pm & 1.30–3.30pm | suitable for 5+

Be inspired by toy theatres of the Early 19th Century and Brighton Dome's rich heritage, to create your own miniature Brighton Dome model in this drop-in workshop. Design your own fantastical scenery, add characters - including those connected to Brighton Dome's history - and architectural details inspired by our building. Capture it all inside a miniature model theatre to take home - what will you create?

Spoon Puppets Workshop

10am–4pm

Use all sorts of materials to turn a humble spoon into a beautifully dressed character fit to grace the stage of Brighton Dome! Whether you choose to be inspired by real characters from the building's rich history and various uses, or simply indulge your passion for theatrical costume design, this promises to be a fun activity for all ages!

On the Tiles Workshop

10am–4pm

Take inspiration from one of Brighton Dome's most beautiful and unique architectural features - the tiles that decorate its walls and floors - and create your own mini tile magnet to take home. 

Our Greatest Hits

10am–4pm | Founders Room

Since being converted into a performance venue in 1867, our stages have been graced with a dazzling array of illustrious artists, writers, dancers, musicians, actors and directors. With displays of memorabilia from our archive, we celebrate our performance history including the 50th anniversaries of David Bowie’s legendary Ziggy Stardust performances in Brighton Dome Concert Hall and the release of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon which was debuted live at Brighton Dome in 1972. Plus, find out how you can be involved in our celebrations of the 50th anniversary of ABBA’s historic Eurovision win, including sharing your memories.