Celebrate Brighton Dome’s Creative History at this year’s Heritage Open Day

1 Sep 2023

Join us on Sun 10 September as we open our doors for a free all-day event as part of this year’s Heritage Open Days. A series of tours, performances and crafts will explore the theme of creativity unwrapped as we take a look back at moments in our venue’s history and some of the famous performances we’ve welcomed.On…

Celebrating Volunteers Week

1 Jun 2023

Every year we work with a wonderful team of volunteers who support hundreds of events and activities across our year-round and Festival programme. We would like to say a huge thank you to all of them!Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival events supported by volunteers include:Heritage ResearchOpen DaysCommunity and Family…

Cutting-edge technology will bring history to life at Brighton Dome

13 Apr 2023

Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival have joined forces with Digital Catapult, the UK authority on advanced digital technology, to launch Heritage XR and develop three pioneering immersive experiences inspired by the history and heritage of Brighton Dome’s Corn Exchange.The FutureScope Heritage XR programme,…

Lunchtime Talks Bring Brighton Dome’s History to Life this Spring

10 Feb 2023

Discover the unearthed secrets of our Concert Hall, the history of Brighton’s suffrage struggle and learn about the man behind our city’s beloved seafront railway, in a series of talks from our heritage team starting this month. As a makeshift hospital for wounded soldiers during World War I, a World War…

Can you use 5G and immersive tech to tell Brighton Dome's story in new and engaging ways?

17 Nov 2022

FutureScope Heritage XR is a four-month programme designed to drive ideas and innovation using advanced digital technologies within the UK heritage sector. It is funded by Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival (BDBF), and delivered by Digital Catapult in collaboration with Wired Sussex.Startups, scaleups, creative studios,…

From Stevie Wonder to the suffragettes - uncover the backstage secrets of Brighton Dome on one of our heritage tours

26 Oct 2022

If you’ve ever wondered what takes place behind the scenes at Brighton Dome, why not join one of our unique backstage tours?You can follow in the footsteps of the legends who’ve graced our stage, like Stevie Wonder, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie and Beyoncé or catch a rare glimpse of the infamous secret tunnel underneath…

Remembering the Nurses and Sisters of the Royal Pavilion Military Hospital

3 Nov 2021

Our Heritage Volunteers have been researching into the past to uncover stories of Brighton Dome’s role during the First and Second World Wars.From 1914 to 1920, the Royal Pavilion Estate, including Brighton Dome and Corn Exchange was transformed into a make-shift military hospital. From 1914 to 1916, wounded Indian soldiers…

Entertainment Provides Solace for Wounded Soldiers During the First World War

2 Nov 2021

Our Heritage Volunteers have been researching into the past to uncover stories of Brighton Dome’s role during the First and Second World Wars.From 1916 to 1920, the Royal Pavilion Military Hospital operated as a facility for servicemen who had been injured during the First World War (1914-1918) and provided treatment,…

Free Community Events at Brighton Dome this Autumn

1 Nov 2021

Looking for free things to do in Brighton this Autumn? Discover the free family-friendly events coming up at Brighton Dome…Brighton Dome in WW1 & WW2Sat 6 Nov, 10am-4pmJoin us for a day of free activities exploring Brighton Dome’s role in World War One and World War Two. Sussex Swing will bring wartime…

Brighton Dome Shares Wartime Memories with Free Event

29 Oct 2021

We are opening our doors for a day of free activities exploring wartime memories of Brighton Dome on Sat 6 Nov.Brighton Dome played a pivotal role in the city’s war effort - from keeping Indian soldiers in good health during the First World War, to providing a place for young men and women to socialise in the troubling…

The Hidden History of the Corn Exchange Timber Roof

14 Oct 2021

Heritage buildings are like detective stories containing hidden clues about how they would have been constructed hundreds of years ago.During the Corn Exchange’s major refurbishment clues have been found etched into the original timber beams, revealing how the vast single span roof (the largest in the country) was assembled…

A Building Like No Other

13 Oct 2021

Architect Tim Healy, from Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBS), has been responsible for overseeing the on-site delivery of the refurbishment of the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre venues since the project began. We had a catch-up with him to find out why this building is like no other in the country.Tim specialises…

Corn Exchange Restoration Reveals Its Magnificent Timber Frame

12 Oct 2021

The latest stage in the refurbishment of Brighton Dome Corn Exchange has seen the completion of extensive repairs to keep the 200 year-old Grade I listed building safe, and preserved as part of the city’s history. An internal ‘birdcage’ scaffold was installed to allow architects and contractors to inspect the deterioration…

Brighton Dome reveals its culinary past for Heritage Open Day 2021

30 Jul 2021

Heritage Open Day is back and for this year’s theme of Edible England, we’ll be celebrating the rich history of Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival through a series of in-person and online events exploring our culinary links to the past.Learn about the kitchens that cooked traditional food for Indian soldiers recuperating…

The Mystery of Lost Belongings Reveals a War Time Story

13 Nov 2020

This week, to commemorate Remembrance Day, we are exploring what life was like for ordinary people in Brighton during the First and Second World Wars and the part that Brighton Dome played in their stories.Amongst the event programmes and photos stored in Brighton Dome’s archive, are some intriguing pieces labelled as…

Dance Away Your Dumps At Brighton Dome

13 Nov 2020

This week, to commemorate Remembrance Day, our Heritage Volunteers have been exploring what life was like for ordinary people in Brighton during the First and Second World Wars and the part that Brighton Dome played in their stories.Are you missing the cultural highlights usually on offer in our city? How do our current…

Memories of Brighton in the Second World War

12 Nov 2020

This week, to commemorate Remembrance Day, our Heritage Volunteers have been exploring what life was like for ordinary people in Brighton during the First and Second World Wars and the part that Brighton Dome played in their stories.During the Second World War, Brighton Dome played an important role in boosting morale…

Memories of Brighton during the First World War

11 Nov 2020

This week, to commemorate Remembrance Day, our Heritage Volunteers have been researching what life was like for ordinary people in Brighton during the First World War and the Second World War – and the part that Brighton Dome played.During a period of the First World War, the Royal Pavilion Estate including the Palace,…

Half-Term Adventures at Home with Brighton Dome

22 Oct 2020

Keep little people entertained at home this half-term holiday with a range of family-friendly online events and activities from Brighton Dome.Children aged 6 and over can step into The Anarchist's Mobile Library across the half-term week (Mon 26 Oct-Sun 1 Nov) and create their own story - book online directly HERE .…

Envelope sent from the Indian Military Hospital, Royal Pavilion Estate, 1915

20 Sep 2020

This is an envelope dating from July 1915 addressed to the Kangra District in the state of Punjab, situated in Northern India. The ‘Pavilion & Dome’ stamp on the back confirms that the letter was sent from the Indian Military Hospital based at the Royal Pavilion Estate between 1914-1916. The Indian Army played…

Brighton Dome entertains the Shah of Persia

20 Sep 2020

To celebrate Heritage Open Days 2020 we are publishing a series of blogs researched and written by Brighton Dome's heritage volunteers. The blogs reveal the fascinating stories connecting Brighton Dome's history with the Royal Pavilion Estate and the city.Brighton Dome has been providing outstanding live performances in…

Brighton Dome’s Blooming Era of Horticulture

19 Sep 2020

To celebrate Heritage Open Days 2020 we are publishing a series of blogs researched and written by Brighton Dome's heritage volunteers. The blogs reveal the fascinating stories connecting Brighton Dome's history with the Royal Pavilion Estate and the city.In the early part of the 20th century, the Brighton, Hove and Sussex…

Brighton Dome’s Discoveries from the Archives

19 Sep 2020

Before the coronavirus pandemic, our Heritage Volunteers were involved in the process of cataloguing and preserving the Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival archives. The archives contain a wide range of ephemera, ranging from concert programmes, posters and tickets to press photographs, architectural plans of the venue…

Hydrangeas Bring Japan to the Royal Pavilion Gardens

18 Sep 2020

To celebrate Heritage Open Days 2020 we are publishing a series of blogs researched and written by Brighton Dome's heritage volunteers. The blogs reveal the fascinating stories connecting Brighton Dome's history with the Royal Pavilion Estate and the city.The hydrangea was one of the plants selected by William Townsend…

How did the Prince Regent’s stables compare with other stables of the time?

18 Sep 2020

To celebrate Heritage Open Days 2020 we are publishing a series of blogs researched and written by Brighton Dome's heritage volunteers. The blogs reveal the fascinating stories connecting Brighton Dome's history with the Royal Pavilion Estate and the city.The Prince Regent was passionate about horses and took great pride…

Digging for Victory - Brighton’s Wartime Allotments

18 Sep 2020

To celebrate Heritage Open Days 2020 we are publishing a series of blogs researched and written by Brighton Dome's heritage volunteers. The blogs reveal the fascinating stories connecting Brighton Dome's history with the Royal Pavilion Estate and the city.During the Second World War the Royal Pavilion Estate played its…

Chinese Lanterns in the Royal Pavilion Gardens

17 Sep 2020

To celebrate Heritage Open Days 2020 we are publishing a series of blogs researched and written by Brighton Dome's heritage volunteers. The blogs reveal the fascinating stories connecting Brighton Dome's history with the Royal Pavilion Estate and the city.Of the imported plants chosen by William Townsend Aiton, who was…

A House Clearance Reveals an Opera Star’s Performance at Brighton Dome

17 Sep 2020

In August 2019, 39 concert tickets dating from 1901-1903 came up for auction at Brighton and Hove General Auctions in Woodingdean. They were discovered, along with six Edwardian era ‘Snap’ cards, under the floorboards during a local house clearance. The tickets are for a variety of events at Brighton Dome and the Music…

Maria Fitzherbert: A Secret Royal Wife

16 Sep 2020

To celebrate Heritage Open Days 2020 we are publishing a series of blogs researched and written by Brighton Dome's heritage volunteers. The blogs reveal the fascinating stories connecting Brighton Dome's history with the Royal Pavilion Estate and the city.George, Prince of Wales was first formally introduced to Maria Fitzherbert…

How Chrysanthemums found their way to the Royal Pavilion Gardens

16 Sep 2020

To celebrate Heritage Open Days 2020 we are publishing a series of blogs researched and written by Brighton Dome's heritage volunteers. The blogs reveal the fascinating stories connecting Brighton Dome's history with the Royal Pavilion Estate and the city.Early pictorial representations of the Royal Pavilion gardens show…

Art Deco Style Comes to Brighton Dome

15 Sep 2020

In September 2020, we commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Art Deco refurbishment of Brighton Dome. Architect Robert Atkinson (1883-1952) transformed the Concert Hall into the venue we recognise today. He also re-purposed the Corn Exchange and designed the building that would eventually become the Studio Theatre. Art…

The Gardens in the Royal Pavilion Estate

15 Sep 2020

To celebrate Heritage Open Days 2020 we are publishing a series of blogs researched and written by Brighton Dome's heritage volunteers. The blogs reveal the fascinating stories connecting Brighton Dome's history with the Royal Pavilion Estate and the city.During the 1780s George, Prince of Wales rented a small lodging…

'Hidden Nature' in the Prince Regent's Chinese wallpaper

14 Sep 2020

The Royal Pavilion Estate is renowned for its distinctive architectural style, drawing on a variety of oriental influences. This week, as we celebrate the theme of ‘hidden nature’ as part of Heritage Open Days 2020, we will be looking at how these Asian influences informed the design of the Pavilion gardens. In 1802,…

Brighton’s Connections to Slavery

14 Sep 2020

To celebrate Heritage Open Days 2020 we are publishing a series of blogs researched and written by Brighton Dome's heritage volunteers. The blogs reveal the fascinating stories connecting Brighton Dome's history with the Royal Pavilion Estate and the city.It is difficult to imagine that the beautiful seaside retreat of…

Restoration of Ceres, Roman Goddess of Agriculture

13 Sep 2020

To commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Art Deco refurbishment of Brighton Dome and the Corn Exchange, we’re revisiting the story of last year’s restoration of the statue of Ceres, the Roman Goddess of Agriculture, which stands above the entrance of the Corn Exchange on Church Street.Ceres was sculpted in 1935 by…

Brighton on Film: short videos of the city by British Pathé

13 Sep 2020

This week as we celebrate ‘Hidden Nature’ in heritage as part of Heritage Open Days 2020, take a look at how nature has inspired Brighton residents in the past and the role that the Royal Pavilion Estate has played in bringing people together to enjoy nature, in these short films by British Pathé.This first film from…

Boxing Legends Entertained the Crowds at Brighton Dome

12 Sep 2020

To celebrate Heritage Open Days 2020 we are publishing a series of blogs researched and written by Brighton Dome's heritage volunteers. The blogs reveal the fascinating stories connecting Brighton Dome's history with the Royal Pavilion Estate and the city.Did you know that world boxing champions have competed on numerous…

How did Brighton Dome’s Corn Exchange get its name?

12 Sep 2020

To celebrate Heritage Open Days 2020 we are publishing a series of blogs researched and written by Brighton Dome's heritage volunteers. The blogs reveal the fascinating stories connecting Brighton Dome's history with the Royal Pavilion Estate and the city.Go to any market town and you are likely to find a corn exchange,…

Domes of Brighton

11 Sep 2020

To celebrate Heritage Open Days 2020 we are publishing a series of blogs researched and written by Brighton Dome's heritage volunteers. The blogs reveal the fascinating stories connecting Brighton Dome's history with the Royal Pavilion Estate and the city.Brighton Dome was built between 1803 and 1808 and stands 65 ft high…

Was the Prince Regent’s Mother our First Black Queen?

11 Sep 2020

To celebrate Heritage Open Days 2020 we are publishing a series of blogs researched and written by Brighton Dome's heritage volunteers. The blogs reveal the fascinating stories connecting Brighton Dome's history with the Royal Pavilion Estate and the city.Queen Charlotte Sophia is a notable figure in the history of the…

Corn Exchange Building Refurbishment Update

5 Jun 2020

Contractors working on the refurbishment of Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre have continued to progress with essential works to protect and conserve the historic Grade I and Grade II listed buildings. Since lockdown was implemented, Westridge Construction have been complying with government guidelines on…

From Horrible Histories to Famous Faces Discover Brighton Dome’s Fascinating Heritage Facts

14 Apr 2020

Brighton Dome boasts a 217-year long history, learn more about the venue with our ten fascinating factsWhen it was first built in 1806, the Brighton Dome roof was constructed of thousands of panes of glass. At the time it was the second largest dome shaped building in the country, after St Paul’s Cathedral. The 174-metre-long…

Wrestling with Brighton Dome's Sporting Past

30 Mar 2020

Forget The Rock and Hulk Hogan, Brighton Dome has it’s own legendary wrestlers – Francis ‘the Cornish Wonder’ Gregory and John ‘Italian’ Devalto. We've enjoyed delving into our extensive archives and stumbled across quite a surprise – in addition to our past lives as a stable, military hospital and postal…

Who were the suffragettes found hiding in Brighton Dome's organ?

6 Feb 2020

Brighton Dome was an important centre of activity for Brighton members of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in the early twentieth century, with suffragette leaders Emmeline and Christabel Pankhurst, Emmeline Pethick Lawrence and Lady Emily Lutyens at the forefront of the WSPU. In 2018, Brighton Dome was officially…

Heritage Talk: Women in Entertainment with Louise Peskett

14 Jan 2020

Louise Peskett joins us on Fri 7 Feb for a lunchtime talk delving into the history of women entertainers who have appeared in some of Brighton’s much-loved venues, including our very own Concert Hall. We speak to Louise to find out more about the notorious women of Brighton and what to expect from her talk. Hi…

From Tea Dances to Rock n Roll, Bring Your Stories to Life for Our Heritage Project

9 Jan 2020

Were you mesmerised by Pink Floyd’s first performance of Dark Side of the Moon? Did you sneak into David Bowie’s infamous 1973 Ziggy Stardust gig as a teenager? Have you got a special memory of taking part in Brighton Festival Children’s Parade? Or did you ever perform on the Brighton Dome stage?Brighton Dome &…

A look back at 2019: A celebration of Brighton Dome’s history

30 Dec 2019

As we continue our exciting journey to restore and reunite the Royal Pavilion Estate buildings and gardens, we have been celebrating our rich history and heritage through a series of heritage events at Brighton Dome. Here is a look-back at events celebrating our history and future:Heritage Organ TourWe opened our…

Illuminating our history: The Heritage Chandelier Project

17 Dec 2019

Three new magnificent paper chandeliers are hanging in Brighton Dome’s foyer this Christmas. Made by pupils from local primary schools together with Brighton based arts charity Same Sky, we invited hundreds of children to take part in a craft project inspired by Brighton Dome’s unique history. Brighton Dome hasn’t…

Royal Pavilion Garden receives National Lottery Heritage Lottery Fund support

10 Dec 2019

Brighton & Hove City Council and The Royal Pavilion & Museums have been awarded initial support and development funding of £214,400 by The National Heritage Lottery Fund in order to progress plans to improve and enhance the historic Royal Pavilion Garden. Improving and protecting the Royal…

Wartime Entertainment at Brighton Dome

3 Dec 2019

While we’ve been transforming Brighton Dome for the future, we have recruited Historical Research Volunteers to dig into our past and uncover stories from our 216-year long history. Heritage volunteer, George Meredith uncovers one of many fascinating stories...During World War I, Brighton Dome operated as a hospital for…

Photographer Carlotta Luke Documents Restoration of Heritage Features inside the Corn Exchange & Studio Theatre

8 Nov 2019

Architectural photographer Carlotta Luke has been documenting the transformation and restoration of Brighton Dome Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre and its heritage features. Based in East Sussex, Carlotta is originally from New England, USA, and specialises in architectural documentary photography. Her work…

Most Haunted: The Ghosts of Brighton Dome’s Past

24 Oct 2019

Gather round! This Halloween, we thought we’d share with you some eerie tales from our storied past, of ghosts and ghouls, mysterious moments and paranormal sightings on the Royal Pavilion Estate. Our venues have seen a lot in their 200 years of history; as the Prince Regents stables, host to a military hospital during…

Celebrating Black History Month at Brighton Dome

14 Oct 2019

October is Black History Month in the UK, giving us an opportunity to pay tribute to just some of the amazing performers who have taken to the Brighton Dome stage in the past as well as to look forward to those coming soon!Highlights from Brighton Dome’s history: Early jazz pioneers, the Southern Syncopated Orchestra,…

Fela Kuti in Brighton: the Afrobeat pioneer’s connection to the city

16 Sep 2019

Fela Kuti was a legendary Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer, composer, musician and political activist. His parents sent him to London in 1958 hoping that he would study medicine and become a doctor. Instead, Kuti decided to study music and composition at Trinity College London. In an interview in Songlines, his son Femi recalls…

A glimpse into our fabulous performance history

24 Jul 2019

As the city gears up for Brighton & Hove Pride 2019 we took a look at some of the many LGBTQI+ artists that have graced our stages during our 152 year-history as a performance venue.Douglas Byng’s last ever performance, Brighton Dome Pavilion Theatre, 1986Douglas Coy Byng (1893 to 1987) was a cabaret megastar. Aged…

Brighton Dome is proud to support Fly the Flag campaign

17 Jun 2019

Brighton Dome is proud to support Fly the Flag, a UK-wide arts initiative marking the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights from 24 to 30 June. Artist and activist Ai Weiwei has created a special flag, commissioned to educate future generations about the importance of human rights.…

The works so far: photographer Carlotta Luke shares her favourite photos from the project

12 Jun 2019

Architectural documentary photographer Carlotta Luke shares with us her favourite photos from her work documenting the grand transformation of our Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre as well as the new Gallery and Creative Space.Jun 2017My first site visit to the Corn Exchange was also the first time I had been…

Corn Exchange & Studio Theatre Restoration Brings Statue Back to Life

23 Apr 2019

An Art Deco statue depicting the Roman Goddess of Agriculture is being restored as part of our building refurbishment. Standing above the entrance to the Corn Exchange on Church Street, Ceres was sculpted in 1935 by renowned artist James Woodford OBE RA (1893-1976).The statue was crafted by Woodford in a distinct ornamental…

In Photos: Building Update Mar 2019

29 Mar 2019

Take a look at the latest progress on-site, as heritage feature continue to be restored, new spaces and state-of-the-art facilities are being built. The new Gallery space is really starting to come together, with flooring being placed on the lower floor and on parts of the upper floor. These two spaces will become…

Building Work Update: Accessibility Improvements

14 Mar 2019

As part of the major redevelopment works to our Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre, and the brand-new spaces, improvements are being made to ensure all areas are more accessible for everyone.This includes new and accessible toilets, new hearing assistance systems, and a new public lift inside the Ticket Office, providing…

Jazz Pioneers: The Southern Syncopated Orchestra

23 Nov 2018

While we’ve been transforming Brighton Dome for the future, we have recruited Historical Research Volunteers to dig into our past, and uncover some of the fascinating stories from our 200-year history. This month, the volunteers have been focusing on the pioneering black artists who have graced our stage. Here's…

The Royal Pavilion Estate: Wartime History

9 Nov 2018

The Royal Pavilion Estate's wartime history played an important role in the recovery of wounded soldiers. Find out more about the care soldiers received from the Pavilion Military Hospital and 'Dr Brighton' The Pavilion HospitalBetween 1 Dec 1914 and 28 Aug 1920, over 10,000 wounded soldiers were nursed back to health…

Hove family launch Build Brighton Dome ‘Name a Seat’ competition

6 Nov 2018

A couple who met at Brighton Dome have returned to the venue to launch a public competition to name a seat in the refurbished Corn Exchange or Studio Theatre.Matt and Marianne Barton from Hove contacted us as part of a memory collecting project, which asked the public to share their special stories of Brighton…

Hubert Parry’s ‘From Death to Life’ and the 1914 Brighton Musical Festival

12 Oct 2018

The Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra’s concert on Sun 14 Oct includes Sir Hubert Parry’s symphonic poem for orchestra From Death to Life which was a Brighton Festival commission in 1914, see the event page.In 1914, 104 years ago, concert goers would have gathered in the Brighton Dome Concert Hall to see the premiere…

Seat Appeal: Paul Robeson

17 Sep 2018

We are celebrating our rich heritage of artists by naming seats in the refurbished Corn Exchange when it reopens next year.Our first is dedicated to Paul Robeson, bass baritone singer, film actor and political activist.He performed at the grand opening in 1936 following a former transformation of Brighton Dome by architect…

Recently-discovered historic signage and a rare glimpse into Brighton Dome’s ambitious redevelopment works at Heritage Open Day

12 Sep 2018

Visitors will be given a unique opportunity to peek into Brighton Dome’s ambitious redevelopment works as part of Heritage Open Day this Saturday (15 Sep, 10am - 4.30pm).The Corn Exchange doors on Brighton Dome’s West Corridor will be opened for the first time since works began, to give visitors a taste of the extensive…

Explore our fascinating history and heritage this autumn

4 Sep 2018

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 OrchestraFri 14 Sep, 1pmTake a look back through ninety-four years of Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra in…

Photos: Magnificent glass roof sheds new light on redevelopment project

31 Jul 2018

Our brand new spaces are really starting to come together. Glass for the skylight is now installed, so you can begin to picture the new Gallery Bar, looking in to the venue through grand Corn Exchange windows, and the Creative Space above which will provide bright, natural light."I was impressed with how…

Historic remains discovered on Quakers’ Croft site laid to rest

19 Jul 2018

The 200 to 300-year-old remains of 18 individuals, discovered during redevelopment work at our Corn Exchange on the city’s Royal Pavilion Estate last year, have been laid to rest at the Memorial Cemetery, Woodingdean. The remains, which were found underneath the area formerly used as the venue’s mini conference room,…

Brighton Dome’s suffragette history officially recognised in nation’s heritage list

8 Jun 2018

100 years on from the first women in the country being granted the right to vote, Brighton Dome has been officially recognised as one of 41 buildings across England that were at the centre of suffragette action. The sites, which include Westminster Abbey, Epsom Racecourse, and Manchester’s Free Trade Hall, have been…

Photos: Take a peek at the latest update from behind the hoardings

4 Jun 2018

Our Studio Theatre is really making progress, with the steel frames now installed to form the new balcony seating. Heritage features of the Corn Exchange can now be seen, with the paint completely stripped off the arched roof. On the north side of the space, the balcony structure is complete, with the steel in place…

Local journalist Melita Dennett recalls the life-changing moment when she saw David Bowie at Brighton Dome

23 May 2018

Imagine, or re-live, the moment David Bowie performed Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane at Brighton Dome, on this day in 1973, with help from Melita Dennett's wonderfully detailed recollection of the show (even down to the nail varnish she wore)“And then came the news I'd been awaiting: Bowie was playing in Brighton.…

Seat dedications - celebrating our performance history

17 May 2018

As part of the major refurbishment of the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre we will be installing brand new seating, including fixed balcony levels in both venues. The work will not only increase the number of seats (up to 500 in the Corn Exchange and 200 in Studio Theatre), it will improve the sound-proofing,…

Videos: Meet the Archaeologists helping us uncover our rich history

9 Jan 2018

WW1 letters and a 200-year-old Quaker burial ground were among last year’s exciting discoveries during our redevelopment work at the Studio Theatre and Corn Exchange. We caught up with the team at Archaeology South East to find out more about what they have learned from their post-excavation assessments:Uncovering a…

Eurovision returns to Brighton Dome!

16 Nov 2017

Over 40 years after playing host to Abba’s famous Eurovision victory, our historic concert hall is to stage BBC2’s Eurovision: You Decide 2018, co-hosted by Måns Zelmerlöw and Mel Giedroyc Eurovision: You Decide, the national song selection show for the UK entry, will take place on Wed 7 Feb 2018, live from Brighton…

Celebrating Black History Month: A glimpse into our past...

23 Oct 2017

Throughout its history, Brighton Dome has played host to some of the world’s finest black and Asian artists, across artforms, from Jimi Hendrix in 1967 to Anoushka Shankar in 2003.Among the legends who have graced the stage at Brighton Dome are early jazz pioneers, the Southern Syncopated Orchestra, which played at Brighton…

Celebrating Black History Month: Family Open Day at Brighton Dome

20 Oct 2017

We had a wonderful time hosting the celebration of African Caribbean arts and culture at the Black History Month Family Day.Thank you to everyone who came along to enjoy this special event and to those who contributed their time and energy. We remember some of our favourite moments with this photo gallery...Maracatu opened…

Two more historic burials discovered at Quaker’s Croft site on Royal Pavilion Estate

31 Aug 2017

Two more burials, believed to be 200-300 years old, have been uncovered at the historic Quaker’s Croft site which was discovered earlier this month during redevelopment work at Brighton Dome Corn Exchange on the city’s Royal Pavilion Estate.This recent discovery - thought to be the final remaining burials on-site –…

In pictures: Excavations at historic Quaker burial site on Royal Pavilion Estate

19 Jul 2017

New images - which have just been released - give a unique insight into excavations at the historic Quaker burial site which was discovered during redevelopment work at Brighton Dome Corn ExchangeA total of 15 complete skeletons have been exhumed and removed from underneath the area that was formerly the venue’s mini…

200-year-old Quaker burial site discovered on Brighton’s Royal Pavilion Estate

5 Jul 2017

The historic site has been discovered during redevelopment work at Brighton Dome Corn Exchange.Skeletons have been uncovered on-site and are in the process of being exhumed respectfully and sensitively from underneath the area that was formerly the venue’s mini conference room. The remains are thought to be from 'Quakers…

Blue Plaque unveiled at Brighton Dome by BBC in honour of ABBA’s landmark 1974 Eurovision win

27 Jun 2017

A Blue Plaque unveiled at Brighton Dome honouring music legends Abba is one of 47 announced on Wednesday 14 June by BBC Local Radio, BBC Asian Network and The British Plaque Trust, commemorating people or places that have influenced the musical landscape across the country.BBC Sussex’s Blue Plaque, on Brighton Dome,…

Brighton Dome Corn Exchange recalls its skating rink history by hosting Roller Derby Special

23 Nov 2016

The historic Brighton Dome Corn Exchange, itself once a popular skating rink back in the 1870s, is to be the unique setting for a one of the fastest growing sports in the world, Roller Derby (Sat 10 Dec, 4.45pm). Played on roller skates it's a high impact, high scoring, full contact sport.Brighton's home team - the Brighton…

Memories sought to help reawaken the Royal Pavilion Estate

7 Sep 2016

Do you have any memories of Brighton Dome Corn Exchange or Studio Theatre (formerly Pavilion Theatre)? As we prepare for their refurbishment we’d love you to share your stories with us and contribute to the history of our iconic venues.Alongside a major refurbishment of the nationally-important Corn Exchange…

Heritage Open Day: The Royal Pavilion Estate as it was and might have been

2 Sep 2016

Ahead of her talk at this year’s Heritage Open Day, Alexandra Loske, Curator at the Royal Pavilion, gives an insight into some of the lesser known facts about this gem in the heart of the cityLast year I became the Curator of the Royal Pavilion Archives and have been spending much time looking at materials relating…

Brighton Dome celebrates fourth annual Heritage Open Day

26 Aug 2016

Brighton Dome will be celebrating the rich heritage of our Grade I and II listed buildings as we open our doors for our fourth annual Heritage Open Day of free family entertainment on Sunday 11 September, 10am to 5pm.Events and entertainment include behind-the-scenes tours of Brighton Dome, which give visitors…

Brighton Dome Heritage: Sitting in the Stalls - you’re sitting in the Stables!

18 Aug 2016

A brief history of Brighton Dome Concert Hall Next time you're visiting Brighton’s famous 'Dome' (now our Concert Hall) to see a show try to arrive early. Take your seat in the stalls, relax and take a moment to imagine these surroundings as the home of Prince George's horses. That's right, not much longer than 200 years…

£5 million funding boost for the Royal Pavilion Estate

28 Jan 2016

Brighton & Hove City Council, The Royal Pavilion & Museums, Brighton & Hove and Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival are delighted to announce that their joint vision to revitalise the Royal Pavilion Estate has been awarded nearly £5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).The money will help to pay…

What’s on at Brighton Dome: Mon 21 Dec – Sun 3 Jan

18 Dec 2015

Crumbs it's already Christmas! We hope you all have lots of excellent plans and heaps of fun, but if you fancy a little break from all the traditional yuletide activities and want to see some high-flying daredevilry, bewitching dance or a spot of satirical comedy, then we’ve got plenty of events for you to enjoy over…

Prince Regent’s cello heads to Brighton Dome for special concert

27 Oct 2015

311-year-old instrument is played at Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra concert. A cello once owned and played by the Prince Regent, later King George IV, is to feature in Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra’s November concert at Brighton Dome. The instrument, made in Naples in 1704 by Alessandro Gagliano, was allegedly…

Brighton Dome receives grant from American Express Foundation to restore distinctive heritage features

29 Sep 2015

Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival have been awarded $80,000 from the prestigious American Express foundation to restore some of Brighton Dome’s heritage features.The grant will enable a variety of improvements including renovations of the Dome’s decorative pinnacles, distinctive mosaic flooring and upgrades to…

Hauntings, Strange Smells, Roller Skating and ABBA

22 Jun 2015

In their exciting two hundred year existence our venues have seen a lot. Enjoy this brief kiss and tell about Brighton Dome's colourful history and heritage.Some believe that we are situated on the site of a Saxon cemetery, which could explain some of the alleged paranormal activity and strange sightings within these…

Vision to revitalise Royal Pavilion Estate receives significant funding boost from the Heritage Lottery Fund

24 Nov 2014

We are delighted to announce that the first phase in the vision to revitalise the Royal Pavilion Estate has received another significant funding boost from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).HLF has earmarked £5m towards the project - subject to plans being successfully developed at the next stage – for which they are…

HLF earmarks £5m to Royal Pavilion Estate

24 Nov 2014

Brighton & Hove City Council and Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival are delighted to announce that their joint vision to revitalise the Royal Pavilion Estate has received a significant funding boost from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).The Heritage Lottery Fund has earmarked a sum of £5m to the project - subject…

Shostakovich Stories: 10 facts about one of Russia's most influential composers

13 Nov 2014

This weekend Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra join us for Sublime Shostakovich. In homage to a lineage of influential Russian composers - who have shaped the form of classical music as we know it - they'll present a stunning evening of music performing Shostakovich's Piano Concerto No.2 alongside works from Tchaikovsky…

Arts Council England pledges £5.8m towards first phase in vision to revitalise Royal Pavilion Estate

21 Oct 2014

We are delighted to announce that Arts Council England has pledged £5.8m towards a major revitalisation of Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival’s heritage venues following a successful bid by the joint custodians of the Royal Pavilion Estate – Brighton & Hove City Council and Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival.The…

Wrestling with Brighton Dome's Sporting Past

3 Aug 2014

Forget the Rock and Hulk Hogan, Brighton Dome has it’s own legendary wrestlers – Francis ‘the Cornish Wonder’ Gregory and John ‘Italian’ Devalto. With the next in the series of Brighton Dome Discovery Tours on the horizon we've taken the opportunity to delve into our extensive archives and stumbled…

Alternative things to do in Brighton during the World Cup

13 Jun 2014

Love football? Hate football? Either way - we've kicked about a few ideas of events for you to enjoy over the coming World Cup weeks here at Brighton Dome.Brighton Dome Discovery TourSun 22 Jun & Sun 20 JulCome explore Brighton Dome's rich heritage on our special behind-the-scenes guided tours. Discover more about…

Barry's Angels

4 Apr 2014

Barry and Gay Fearn, patrons and long standing supporters of Brighton Dome and Festival, recently made a gift to refurbish the beautiful bells and trumpets that surround the angels on the organ screen in the Brighton Dome Concert Hall. Gay made this gift as a surprise to Barry to mark his 80th birthday. She wanted to do…

ABBA Facts: The 1974 Eurovision Song Contest at Brighton Dome

20 Mar 2014

The city of Brighton and Hove can lay claim to a vast number of truly exceptional cornerstones in the history of popular music. Pink Floyd debuted Dark Side of the Moon here, Fat Boy Slim’s Big Beach Boutique was a date saved in everyone’s diary, and we were even the setting for one of The Who’s - and arguably Stings’…

Come and face your Waterloo on the Brighton Dome Stage

6 Mar 2014

Don’t miss this chance to perform on the world-famous Brighton Dome stage and be part of a video installationOn 6th April 1974 ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest at Brighton Dome with their performance of Waterloo. To celebrate 40 years since their victory on Thu 27 Mar we are offering the rare opportunity to perform…

The potential economic impact of reawakening the Royal Pavilion Estate

23 Feb 2014

One of the key tenets of the project being led by Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival and the Royal Pavilion & Museum - is that in addition to the financial benefits accruing to the two partner organisations there will be economic impact on the city of Brighton & Hove itself. The project will have a major impact…

Podcast: Andrew Comben discusses the joint vision for Brighton's Royal Pavilion Estate

24 Jan 2014

The Royal Pavilion Estate is the heart of Brighton & Hove’s city centre, recognised by its iconic domes and its designated Cultural Quarter status.The two custodians of the estate - Brighton & Hove City Council’s Royal Pavilion and Museums and Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival - are working together in a…

The work so far...

1 Jan 1970

You may have seen the exciting news about the glass roof being installed in the new Gallery space, so take a look back at some of the other exciting milestones of the building works so far.Feb 2017Work began to strip the Corn Exchange interiors of all carpets, curtains and wall panels, with some of the original…

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Celebrate Brighton Dome’s Creative History at this year’s Heritage Open Day

1 Sep 2023

Celebrating Volunteers Week

1 Jun 2023

Cutting-edge technology will bring history to life at Brighton Dome

13 Apr 2023

Lunchtime Talks Bring Brighton Dome’s History to Life this Spring

10 Feb 2023

Can you use 5G and immersive tech to tell Brighton Dome's story in new and engaging ways?

17 Nov 2022

From Stevie Wonder to the suffragettes - uncover the backstage secrets of Brighton Dome on one of our heritage tours

26 Oct 2022

Remembering the Nurses and Sisters of the Royal Pavilion Military Hospital

3 Nov 2021

Entertainment Provides Solace for Wounded Soldiers During the First World War

2 Nov 2021

Free Community Events at Brighton Dome this Autumn

1 Nov 2021

Brighton Dome Shares Wartime Memories with Free Event

29 Oct 2021

The Hidden History of the Corn Exchange Timber Roof

14 Oct 2021

A Building Like No Other

13 Oct 2021

Corn Exchange Restoration Reveals Its Magnificent Timber Frame

12 Oct 2021

Brighton Dome reveals its culinary past for Heritage Open Day 2021

30 Jul 2021

The Mystery of Lost Belongings Reveals a War Time Story

13 Nov 2020

Dance Away Your Dumps At Brighton Dome

13 Nov 2020

Memories of Brighton in the Second World War

12 Nov 2020

Memories of Brighton during the First World War

11 Nov 2020

Half-Term Adventures at Home with Brighton Dome

22 Oct 2020

Envelope sent from the Indian Military Hospital, Royal Pavilion Estate, 1915

20 Sep 2020

Brighton Dome entertains the Shah of Persia

20 Sep 2020

Brighton Dome’s Blooming Era of Horticulture

19 Sep 2020

Brighton Dome’s Discoveries from the Archives

19 Sep 2020

Hydrangeas Bring Japan to the Royal Pavilion Gardens

18 Sep 2020

How did the Prince Regent’s stables compare with other stables of the time?

18 Sep 2020

Digging for Victory - Brighton’s Wartime Allotments

18 Sep 2020

Chinese Lanterns in the Royal Pavilion Gardens

17 Sep 2020

A House Clearance Reveals an Opera Star’s Performance at Brighton Dome

17 Sep 2020

Maria Fitzherbert: A Secret Royal Wife

16 Sep 2020

How Chrysanthemums found their way to the Royal Pavilion Gardens

16 Sep 2020

Art Deco Style Comes to Brighton Dome

15 Sep 2020

The Gardens in the Royal Pavilion Estate

15 Sep 2020

'Hidden Nature' in the Prince Regent's Chinese wallpaper

14 Sep 2020