Explore our fascinating history and heritage this autumn

History & Heritage

We have some exciting events this autumn that look back and celebrate over 200 years of our history, from tours and talks to activities and concerts, there is something for everyone!

Ninety-Four Years of Brighton’s Own Orchestra

Fri 14 Sep, 1pm

Take a look back through ninety-four years of Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra in an illustrated talk from the chair of Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, Nicolas Chisholm MBE. 

Heritage Open Day

Sat 15 Sep, 10am - 4.30pm

Explore our rich past with a host of activities for all ages, including crafts, heritage displays, and talks on designer Humphrey Repton’s unrealised vision of the Royal Pavilion Estate and how we are restoring our heritage and building our future as part of the Build Brighton Dome campaign.


James McVinnie Brighton Dome Organ Recital

Tue 2 Oct, 2pm

Acclaimed organist James McVinnie takes to the stage this lunchtime for the first of two special concerts on the historic Brighton Dome organ.

Installed in 1936, the Brighton Dome organ has a fascinating history; during World War II Douglas Reeve made Brighton Dome’s organ famous with his BBC Light Programme broadcasts, and even famously continued playing when a bomb dropped on the nearby Royal Pavilion Gardens. The organ was also a focus of suffragette activity. In 1910, two suffragettes were discovered hiding in the organ, ready to call out 'Votes for Women' through the pipes to disrupt Prime Minister Asquith's speech.


Brighton Dome Backstage Tour

Sun 23 Sep, Sat 13 Oct & Sat 1 Dec, 11am

Take a peek behind the curtain, follow in the footsteps of legendary performers, catch a rare glimpse of the entrance to the infamous tunnel to the Royal Pavilion, and discover some of the surprising roles our iconic venue has played in history.


Trench Brothers

Wed 17 Oct, 7pm

A new music theatre work commemorating the contributions of ethnic minority soldiers during the First World War through music, theatre and puppetry, bringing to life their hopes and fears, their longing for home, their camaraderie, courage and valour. Performed in Brighton Dome Concert Hall, the same space that was used during WWI as a military hospital for Indian Soldiers.



Help protect out heritage, and build our future. Our Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre are undergoing a grand transformation. Along with restoring long-lost heritage features, we are also building new, public spaces for you to enjoy. 

With over 90% of funding in place, help us go all the way.

Donate at Build.BrightonDome.org