Mutations Festival

Mutations Festival is a celebration of independent music, alternative culture and Brighton’s thriving grassroots live-music scene. Bringing together emerging talent and established artists from the UK and beyond, the festival transforms the city into a network of live performances across some of its most distinctive independent venues.

Rather than concentrating everything in a single concert space, Mutations invites audiences to move between venues and discover a wide range of artists. Its programme embraces alternative rock, experimental sounds, electronic music, post-punk and other adventurous musical styles, creating opportunities to encounter new acts alongside more familiar names.

The festival has developed a reputation for championing artists at exciting stages in their careers. Previous editions have featured performers who subsequently attracted wider attention, reinforcing Mutations’ role as a place to discover new music and explore the directions in which contemporary independent culture is moving.

The 2026 edition takes place on 23 and 24 October, with performances across ten central Brighton venues, including Alphabet, Chalk, Daltons, Green Door Store, The Hope & Ruin, The Prince Albert and Patterns. The programme features more than 100 acts, with Fat Dog and Mike D among the headline attractions.

For Brighton, Mutations represents the importance of independent venues as spaces for musical experimentation, creative exchange and cultural community. Its multi-venue format encourages audiences to explore different parts of the city while experiencing the energy and diversity of its live-music scene.