Brighton’s On The Beach festival generated over £8.3 million for the local economy in 2025, according to a new Economic and Social Impact Report produced by Marshall Regen, underlining the seafront festival’s growing significance as a driver of tourism, employment, and cultural activity in the city.
The report found that the event attracted more than 59,000 attendees, with around two thirds travelling from outside Brighton. That influx of visitors delivered more than £3 million in direct visitor spend into local businesses, accommodation and hospitality, with the festival supporting over 300 jobs in total.
Now entering its sixth year, On The Beach has become one of the defining events on Brighton’s summer calendar. Launched in 2021, the festival has just won ‘Best Location’ at the Skiddle Awards 2026, and has previously hosted sold-out shows from artists including Fatboy Slim, Chase & Status, Above & Beyond, Bicep, Eric Prydz, Underworld, Carl Cox, Royal Blood, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, The Libertines, Bloc Party, Kaiser Chiefs and The Kooks.
Carl Cox, who has headlined the festival five times, said: “Brighton has always felt like a second home to me. It is such an honour to have headlined On The Beach festival 5 times, every year has been better than the last and it is always one of the highlights of my summer.”
A spokesperson for On The Beach added: “As all year round local operators, On The Beach has always been about more than just the shows. It’s about contributing to the wider life of the city. This report really underlines the role the festival now plays within Brighton.”
The report also highlights the festival’s broader community role, including partnerships with independent businesses, support for local suppliers, and work with organisations including NHS My Music. JOY. Concerts, one of the promoters behind the event, also operates alongside sustainability initiatives and the Living Wage campaign to ensure its success delivers wider benefit to the city. Katie Mintram, Director at Yellowave Beach Sports Venue, said: “On The Beach is a great addition to Brighton’s summer calendar. It brings visitors into the city, supports local businesses and creates a real sense of energy along the seafront.”
The 2026 edition returns to Brighton seafront this July, with headline performances from Fatboy Slim, Madness and Moby, as well as The Maccabees, who will headline the Saturday on 25th July. The indie legends, who spent their formative years in the city, called it “a very special thing” to be headlining Brighton Beach. Five of the seven On The Beach events this summer have already sold out.
Image credits:
In this article: Fatboy Slim, Chase & Status, Above & Beyond, Bicep, Eric Prydz, Underworld, Carl Cox, Royal Blood, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, The Libertines, Bloc Party, Kaiser Chiefs, The Kooks, Skiddle, Madness, Moby, The Maccabees, Brighton. Generated by Wikidata Schema Link Builder.
Disclosures: TheFestivals is funded through advertising and sometimes earns a commission on purchases made through links on this website, including in this article: None
Add as a preferred source