Magic of Thailand Festival

It looks like the Magic of Thailand Festival is returning to Brighton this summer, offering a two-day opportunity to experience Thai culture and cuisine. If you are looking for a quick cultural escape, this event is set for the weekend of August 15th and 16th, 2026, taking over Preston Park. The festival, which some of you might remember under its previous name, the Brighton Thai Festival, is designed to give everyone a taste of Thailand right here in the city. The gates usually open around 10:00 in the morning and everything wraps up by 19:00 each evening, giving you plenty of time to explore the offerings.

The program is quite packed and covers a lot more than just food, although the world-class Thai cuisine and artisan product stalls are definitely a major draw. The event traditionally kicks off with a food offering and blessings from Buddhist monks. Throughout the weekend, you can catch performances of traditional music and dance, watch some intense Muay Thai boxing, and enjoy the popular Ladyboy show. If you need a break, there are also traditional Thai massages available, and a beer garden serving Thai cocktails and drinks. For those bringing the family, there is a dedicated children's play zone.

When it comes to getting in, the festival is ticketed for adults, with past years seeing entry prices around £5 or £6 per day. The good news for parents is that children under 15 years old get in for free, making it a genuinely family-friendly outing. If you plan on driving, be aware that parking is strictly limited to paid street parking, as private parking within Preston Park is prohibited. It’s probably easier to use public transport, as the park is well-served by local buses and is close to Preston Park train station. One final detail: if you buy tickets in advance, in previous years they included a free raffle ticket for a chance to win a flight to Thailand. Also, if you want to bring your dog, they are welcome, provided they stay on a leash.