With International Jazz Day coming up on 30 April, there’s no better time to explore Sussex’s exciting musical landscape.
From world-renowned opera houses to intimate local venues, the county has something for every kind of music lover.
Here are five of the best music venues in Sussex.
1. Glyndebourne, Lewes
Set in the countryside near Lewes, Glyndebourne is a large country house that contains one of the most celebrated opera venues in the world.
The house itself dates back around 600 years, but it didn’t start its life as a music venue until 1934, the year of the inaugural Glyndebourne Festival Opera, which still runs today.
The idea came from producer John Christie and his wife, soprano Audrey Mildmay, who were inspired by European festivals such as Salzburg and Bayreuth.
As well as the festival, Glyndebourne hosts concerts, recitals, and touring operas. It is known for its high-quality listings, and a visit to the venue is as much about the experience of the house and its offerings as it is for the world-class acts.
You can find Glyndebourne on New Road, Lewes.
2. Brighton Dome, Brighton
In the heart of Brighton’s cultural quarter, the Brighton Dome is one of the south’s most iconic arts venues.
The Dome holds the Concert Hall, the Corn Exchange, and the Studio Theatre, and the building is part of the Royal Pavilion Estate.
Over the decades, the Dome has hosted some of the biggest names in music history, including Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, and ABBA. It programmes a wide range of acts and performers, from classical concerts and rock bands to spoken-word poets and DJs.
With its rich heritage and diverse programming, Brighton Dome earns its place as one of the best-known and best-loved music venues in Sussex.
You can find Brighton Dome on Church Street, Brighton.
3. Worthing Assembly Hall, Worthing
The Assembly Hall is an Art Deco venue in Worthing that has been entertaining audiences since 1934, when it was gifted to the town by wealthy local businessman, Alderman Denton.
The venue is often described as being the second-best acoustically equipped concert hall in Britain, after the Birmingham Symphony Hall, and it is often used for big symphony recordings by world-renowned orchestras.
Alongside classical listings, the Assembly Hall has hosted an eclectic mix of performers, from Led Zeppelin and Eric Clapton to comedians like Jimmy Carr, and is home to a European Wurlitzer, which is the gold standard of pipe organs.
The venue is a vibrant hub for live music, comedy, and community events, and whatever your tastes, there will be something on the programme for you.
You can find Worthing Assembly Hall on Stoke Abbott Road, Worthing.
4. White Rock Theatre, Hastings
White Rock Theatre overlooks the seafront in Hastings. Opened in 1927 as the White Rock Pavilion, it was originally built to house the Hastings Municipal Orchestra.
After several transformations, including a major refurbishment in 1985, it became the White Rock Theatre we know today.
With space for around 2,000 people, it programmes a wide range of performances, from live music and comedy to touring productions. It has hosted world-famous artists like Motörhead and Van Morrison, as well as performers such as Derren Brown, Bill Bailey, and Josh Widdicombe.
Now managed by the Guildhall Trust, the venue plays a key role in the local community and offers a range of clubs and courses for locals to get involved.
You can find White Rock Theatre at White Rock, Hastings.
5. The Verdict Jazz Club, Brighton
The Verdict Jazz Club is an intimate basement space tucked away in the heart of Kemptown, Brighton. It’s known as the only full-time jazz club in the south of England outside London, and has built a strong reputation among musicians and audiences alike.
With a capacity of just 71, the club offers a deliberately underground feel, and the proximity between the performer and the audience is a big part of its appeal.
By day, the venue operates as a café and then transitions into a full jazz club in the evening.
The Verdict’s reputation extends well beyond Brighton. It’s frequently cited by critics and visitors as one of the best jazz clubs in the UK, and even internationally, thanks to its consistently strong programming and intimate atmosphere.
You can find the Verdict Jazz Club on Edward Street, Kemptown.
Get in touch
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Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.
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