Brighton Racecourse’s annual attendance up 12.9% year-to-date
Experience put to the fore at key racedays, including August Star Sports Festival of Racing
Local community partnerships forged to integrate racecourse with city
Brighton Racecourse is proving that racing isn’t just about what happens on the track, it’s about atmosphere, accessibility, and creating an experience that people want to return to. In 2025, that formula is clearly working.
Brighton Racecourse's elevated position on the Sussex Downs offers stunning panoramic views of the sea, creating a unique and scenic experience for visitors. This picturesque setting, combined with its proximity to the vibrant city of Brighton and easy access from London, has always been a prominent draw of the racecourse.
The racecourse’s location also plays a crucial role in its success. Just under a 10-minute drive from the city centre, the racecourse benefits from the steady flow of tourists visiting Brighton, particularly during the summer months. Many visitors incorporate a day at the races into their holiday plans, adding to the vibrant crowd atmosphere.
“Being less than 10 minutes from the city, and with so many people coming to Brighton for holidays, we see a lot of visitors include a day at the races as part of their trip,” says Brighton Racecourse’s Executive Director, Paul Ellison.
The first ten race meetings of the year have already seen an impressive 12.9% rise in attendance, with 9,188 visitors compared to 8,140 in 2024 - a clear sign that Brighton’s blend of tradition and innovation is hitting the mark.
Nowhere was this more evident than at the Star Sports Brighton Festival of Racing, held from 6th to 8th August 2025. With a three-day schedule full of competitive racing, vibrant entertainment, and a uniquely Brighton seaside feels, the festival showcased exactly what thoughtful, community-first racecourse operations can achieve.
The Festival of Racing remains one of the most important events in Brighton Racecourse’s annual calendar, drawing almost a third of the annual attendance. The festival is also a highlight for participants; Brighton put up over £175,000 of prize money, with the feature race worth £20,000 each day. A cornerstone of the traditional ‘Sussex Fortnight’, the festival has deep historical roots stretching back to the Victorian era. Its enduring appeal is built on both tradition and the racecourse's commitment to evolving the race day experience for modern audiences.
Local trainer Gary Moore, who has saddled hundreds of horses at Brighton over his esteemed career, said of the Festival: “You get a lot of characters there at that meeting. The racing is pretty good, it’s my hometown and I’ve enjoyed going there since I was old enough to go.”
Each year, Brighton Racecourse introduces new initiatives to enhance the atmosphere for attendees. This year’s seaside theme has transformed the venue with nostalgic touches like retro entertainment, deck chairs, and live music, creating a lively and relaxed environment that complements the racing itself.
“The changes are amazing to the place what they’ve done” added Moore. “It’s a whole different area there now than when I lived there.”
Live music also plays a big role, setting the tone from the moment the gates opened at 12:30pm on Wednesday. Entertainment is abundant across the festival, DJ Fatboy Tim and The Top Bananas, making every moment between races feel just as memorable.
The racecourse’s noticeable increase in attendance this season has been driven by a combination of factors. Affordable ticket pricing, high-quality racing, and a strong focus on entertainment have all contributed to the event’s growing popularity. According to the racecourse team, the blend of value and experience is proving to be a winning formula.
Accessibility and value are top of the list for the racecourse team in welcoming racegoers to Brighton. It wasn’t just about fun, it was about accessibility and value, too. There was also 50% off draught drinks during the first hour of each day, branded as ‘Sip and Save’ offer. Furthermore, at the entrance to the racecourse, exciting giveaways from sponsor Star Sport’s ‘spin the wheel’, treated the racegoers to more than just a good view of the finishing post.
Local collaboration further strengthens the racecourse’s position in the community. Star Sports, a key sponsor for several years, is just one example of the partnerships that support the event. “Local collaboration is really important to us,” says Paul Ellison. “Sponsorships like the one with Star Sports benefit both sides, and we’re always looking for ways to support the wider Brighton community.”
To add to the importance of the festival week, the long-running charity race day at Brighton Racecourse, spearheaded by Lewes businessman Richard Soan, has raised nearly £480,000 over 12 years for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Sponsored by The Encon Group and Knauf UK, this year’s event (Friday 8th August) drew a record crowd of nearly 400 guests and raised almost £60,000, putting the fundraiser on track to reach the £500,000 milestone next year.
As the 2025 season draws to a close, Brighton Racecourse has capitalised on the positive trends from the year with a super early bird offer for 2026 fixtures as part of parent company Areana Racing Company’s loyalty offer for newsletter subscribers. Tickets for all 2026 fixtures at Brighton can be purchased now for just £10 after signing up for the racecourse newsletter, which you can do so here.
