A season opener event featuring competitive horse racing followed by a live ABBA The Party show.
If you are looking for a way to kick off the spring season in Brighton, the Season Opener at Brighton Racecourse is happening on Saturday, 18 April 2026. It is a bit of a different format this year, combining a full afternoon of competitive horse racing with a live show afterwards. The gates open at 14:00, and the racing schedule is set with the first race starting at 16:05 and the final one at 19:30. In total, there are seven flat races planned, which usually offer a decent view of the Sussex Downs and the coast from the Race Hill location.
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Once the racing wraps up, the venue transitions into what they are calling 'ABBA The Party', a live show featuring the band's music. The event runs until 22:30, so it is a fairly long day out if you stay for the music. Regarding the logistics, there are a few different ways to attend depending on what you are after. Standard entry is £25.00, though there are cheaper options like the Grandstand area at £20, or group rates if you are heading there with ten or more people, which brings the price down to £17 for the Grandstand or £22 for the Premier Enclosure. The Premier Enclosure itself is £25 for individual tickets.
For those interested in a bit more comfort, there are various packages available. You can opt for the 'Summer Cooler' package at £26, which includes a drink and a racecard, or look into reserved table options like the 'OddsOn - Reserve' at £49 or the 'Ultimate OddsOn - Reserve' at £65. If you are planning to bring children, it is worth noting that anyone aged 17 or under gets in for free as long as they are with an adult, and you do not need to book a ticket for them in advance. There are also specific arrangements for people with disabilities, including discounts available at the gate.
Whether you are going for the racing, the music, or just a day out with friends, the venue is located at Race Hill, Brighton, BN2 9XZ. It is a straightforward setup, but given the mix of racing and the evening show, it is worth planning your arrival time around the first race if you want to catch the full sporting programme before the music starts.
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