Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen

The Royal Pavilion is hosting a series of live music performances this month, including Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen on Friday, 20 February 2026. This specific event takes place in the evening at 21:00, with the doors opening 45 minutes beforehand to allow everyone to find their seats. The concept involves the performance space being lit by hundreds of candles, which creates a different sort of atmosphere within the historic rooms of the Pavilion at 4-5 Pavilion Buildings. It is a 60-minute set, making it a relatively short but focused musical session right in the heart of Brighton.

The music is performed by the Sussex String Quartet, who have put together a programme of Queen’s most recognisable songs. The setlist includes tracks like Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, and Somebody to Love, alongside other hits such as Don’t Stop Me Now, Killer Queen, and Under Pressure. Hearing these rock anthems played by a string quartet changes the dynamic of the music, focusing on the arrangements in a way that suits the acoustic setting of the venue. If the Friday slot doesn't fit your plans, there are several other dates scheduled at the same location, such as 21 February at 19:00, 28 February at 21:00, and a later date on 4 April at 19:00.

In terms of practical details, tickets are priced from approximately £26.50 to £27.00, though these figures are a guide and can vary. The event is accessible for wheelchair users, ensuring the venue is open to everyone. It is worth noting that the minimum age for entry is 8 years old, and anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For those who spend a lot of time in the city centre, it’s a familiar location used in a slightly different way, offering a chance to see the interior of the Pavilion under different lighting while listening to the Sussex String Quartet interpret these well-known songs.