Attending The Great Escape Festival (TGE) 2025 was both an honour and a learning experience. Representing Indonesia at this renowned international music event offered more than the opportunity to enjoy live performances; it opened a window into how a city, its institutions, and its creative community can come together to build a thriving music ecosystem. What I encountered in Brighton was not only a festival of music, but also a lesson in partnership, coordination, and cultural exchange.
Brighton as a citywide festival stage
During The Great Escape Festival, the city of Brighton was transformed into a vibrant urban stage. In 2025, more than 400 artists representing diverse genres from indie rock and electronic music to pop, hip-hop, and jazz, performed across over 30 venues throughout the city.
The multi-venue format created a festival experience unlike any other. Performances took place in historic theatres, music clubs, pubs, churches, and temporary pop-up spaces, turning the entire city into a stage for musical discovery.
Before arriving at the festival, several artists such as Graywave, Velvetine, Bruise Control, and Gloin had already found their way into my playlist. Yet Brighton introduced me to even more compelling emerging acts, including Priyaji, Mary Mathias, and She Her Her Hers.
As a delegate, navigating the schedule became a challenge in itself. We moved constantly between venues, chasing performances that often overlapped. Recommendations from fellow delegates and alerts from the festival app frequently guided our decisions on which show to catch next.
Sometimes the experience involved unexpected moments—like missing Graywave because the venue had already reached capacity, then rushing across town to catch Astral Bakers at The Hope & Ruin. These moments of spontaneity became part of the festival’s unique rhythm: intense, dynamic, and full of surprises.
What stood out most was how smoothly the festival ran despite its scale. The efficiency behind The Great Escape is not accidental; it is the result of years of collaboration and shared commitment among many stakeholders.
A symphony of coordination: Lessons from Brighton
One of the most striking insights from The Great Escape, particularly after speaking with the organising team, was the strong partnership between the festival organisers, Brighton & Hove City Council, and the network of local venues.
While the festival may appear effortlessly vibrant, its success is built on long-term cooperation, trust, and a shared vision for the city’s cultural future.
The organisers acknowledged that the journey was not always easy—and not always profitable in the beginning. Yet there is a collective understanding that the value of The Great Escape extends far beyond financial returns.
The festival demonstrates how a city and its music community can work together to create lasting cultural impact. Brighton does not simply host the festival; the city itself becomes part of its ecosystem.
For emerging UK musicians, the festival provides an important platform to showcase their work and gain international exposure. Many artists see The Great Escape as a chance to attract attention from labels, promoters, and new audiences.
At the same time, the festival strengthens Brighton’s reputation as a cultural hub—where music, creativity, and community intersect.
