Preston Park: event and exhibition space

Preston Park, located at Brighton, BN1 6HN, United Kingdom, is Brighton’s largest public park and one of the city’s most iconic venues for large-scale outdoor events. With sprawling green lawns, historic pathways, and robust infrastructure, Preston Park offers a unique atmosphere for festivals, concerts, sports events, and community initiatives.

If you’re looking to host an event in a place with soul, history, and the capacity to welcome thousands under the open sky, Preston Park is the perfect venue for any format.

The History of Preston Park

Preston Park was established in 1884 after Brighton’s city council purchased the land from the Stanford family. Since then, it has become a cultural and social hub, preserving a rich heritage. The park hosted Victorian-era exhibitions, folk festivals, and, in the 20th century, major concerts and sporting events.

One of the park’s standout features is Preston Manor, a historic 13th-century mansion located in the northern part of the grounds. With its history and vast green spaces, Preston Park is a protected area and a point of pride for Brighton.

Video About Preston Park

Why Choose Preston Park for Your Event

• Total area—over 25 hectares of well-maintained green space.
• Event capacity—up to 50,000 people for outdoor gatherings.
• Versatile zones: open lawns, shaded pathways, sports fields, and landscaped hills.
• Temporary stage and infrastructure support—electrical and water hookups available upon request.
• Excellent transport links—close to railway stations and major roads.
• Regular maintenance, security, restrooms, and amenities provided by Brighton’s municipality.

Zones and Infrastructure at Preston Park

• Main Lawn—the primary open space for festivals, stage events, and large gatherings.
• Cricket Pitch—a sports area adaptable for active events or presentation spaces.
• Rose Garden—a picturesque spot for photoshoots, intimate events, or wedding ceremonies.
• Bowling Greens—a space near the bowling club, ideal for meetups and picnics.
• Children’s Play Area—perfect for family-friendly events and festivals with kid zones.

How to Get to Preston Park

• By car: Easy access via A23, with paid and free parking around the perimeter.
• By train: Preston Park Station is just a 5-minute walk away, with direct links to London and southern England.
• By bus: Routes 5, 5A, 17, and 271/272 stop right at the entrance.
• On foot or by bike: The park is easily reachable via Brighton’s cycle paths and pedestrian routes.

Tips for Guests and Event Organizers

• Book the venue through Brighton & Hove City Council at least 3 months in advance.
• Plan logistics with consideration for noise restrictions and infrastructure access.
• Ensure compliance with requirements for insurance, security, and medical support.
• For stages, tents, or food courts, a commercial use license for the park is required.
• Account for seasonality—popular dates include summer weekends, Brighton Pride, and Spring Festival.

Iconic Events and Milestones at Preston Park

• Brighton & Hove Pride—the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ event, drawing up to 50,000 people annually to Preston Park.
• Performances by global stars like Britney Spears, Kylie Minogue, and Pet Shop Boys.
• Regular host of marathons, cycling races, fairs, and eco-festivals.

Event Requirements at Preston Park

• Applications must be submitted via the Brighton & Hove Events Team.
• Commercial events require a license and insurance.
• Mandatory sanitation measures, waste management, and security protocols.
• Events after 9:00 PM require special approval and permits.