Stacked

The Brighton Dome is set to host Stacked on Saturday, 28 February, an event that stands out as the first live music festival to utilise the entire venue complex since the extensive 2024 redevelopment. Starting at 14:00, the festival occupies the Concert Hall, the Corn Exchange, and the Studio Theatre all at once. This "all-dayer" format is designed so that everything—from the music to the bars—is contained within the same building on Church Street, which changes the dynamic of the day compared to festivals spread across multiple city locations.

The curation of the event is handled by three different independent record labels, with each taking over one of the main rooms. They will be showcasing a mix of alternative acts, drawing from both their current signings and artists who have been part of their history. Alongside these three stages, there is a "Secret Room" in the works. The programming for this space is being led by a local Brighton music institution, though the specific details of who is involved are being kept under wraps for now. It adds an extra layer to the schedule for those familiar with the local music scene.

In addition to the live sets, the festival incorporates art exhibitions and video screenings throughout the various spaces. There will also be merchandise stalls where the labels and artists will be present, offering a more direct way to engage with the music and the people behind it. A standard ticket costs £38.50, providing full access to every part of the festival. It’s a fairly comprehensive look at the alternative scene, aimed at people who follow independent labels and want to see how they translate their specific sound and aesthetic into a live, multi-room environment. The focus remains on the music and the labels' history, making use of the updated facilities at the Dome to keep everything accessible in one spot.