Now in its 11th year, the Festival celebrates the many different ways people can stay active, connected and involved as they grow older. This year’s theme, Explore More, Connect More, Enjoy More, encourages people to discover new activities, make connections and enjoy everything the city has to offer.

The Festival takes place at a particularly fitting time of year, coinciding with the United Nations International Day of Older Persons on 1 October, an annual opportunity to recognise and celebrate older people and their contribution to our communities.

This year’s Festival launched on Friday with a special event hosted by Nostos, bringing together partners, supporters and members of the community to celebrate the start of the programme.

Councillor Paul Nann, Chair of Brighton & Hove’s Health & Wellbeing Board, opened the event and spoke about the importance of staying active and connected as we age.

Impact Initiatives’ Head of Adults and Older People’s Services, Maxine Thomas, and Susan Gorman, a member of the Ageing Well Lived Experience Advisory Group, also spoke about this year’s programme and the wide range of opportunities available.

This year, more than 140 events are being delivered by 100 businesses, groups and organisations across 64 venues throughout Brighton & Hove.

The variety on offer really brings this year’s theme to life. Festival-goers can hop aboard a vintage Routemaster bus for a nostalgic tour of Brighton & Hove’s landmarks, enjoy a relaxed craft beer tasting at UnBarred Brewery and Taproom, or get moving with a lively Zumba Dance Fit session at Saltdean Lido.

And these are just a few examples. From opportunities to get active and creative to meeting new people, discovering new places, learning something different and simply having fun, there is plenty to explore throughout the Festival.

The programme has been designed to be as accessible as possible, with activities taking place across Brighton & Hove and many venues easily reached by bus.

The Festival would not be possible without the organisations and businesses supporting it. A huge thank you to our Gold Sponsor, Mayo Wynne Baxter, and to Legal & General, Maycroft Manor, Kingsway Care, Port Manor, Bungard Funeral Directors and Rise Life for their support.

We would also like to thank everyone involved in organising and delivering this year’s Festival, and everyone who joined us for such a positive start.

The Ageing Well Festival is now underway – Explore More, Connect More, Enjoy More and discover what’s happening near you.

Explore the 2026 Ageing Well Festival programme here