Brighton and Crawley will be transformed this October as the Dreamy Place festival returns, blending art and creative technology in a series of installations, workshops, and performances. The event, running over two extended weekends, promises a unique fusion of light, sound, and digital art across both cities, with many events free to attend.
The festival, produced by videoclub since 2023, was previously known as Brighton Digital Festival. It aims to ignite public curiosity about how new technologies can inspire creativity. Jamie Wyld, Director of videoclub, said, “We’ll be transforming familiar spaces and lighting up hidden places. Dreamy Place is all about collective experiences, encouraging people to think about how creative technologies can spark creativity.”
Lexi Zelda Stevens, this year’s guest curator, highlighted the theme of connecting ancient traditions with future technology, using light and playful interaction. “Many of the artworks in this year’s festival span everything from ancient civilisations’ contemplation of light to magic, witchcraft, and collaborations between non-humans and ordinary members of the community.”
Crawley Highlights: 4–6 October
One of the key attractions in Crawley will be Vessels by Limbic Cinema, a pyramid light sculpture using high-powered lasers and smoke to create a modern take on ancient monuments. The installation, set in Queens Square, offers a tactile, immersive experience with vivid 3D forms created by lasers.
Visitors to Crawley Bandstand can also encounter interactive holograms in Dewiniaith by artist Megan Broadmeadow. Drawing on Welsh folklore, ancient magic, and AI, the artwork explores what magic will look like in the future.
Younger attendees can take part in the Dream World workshops by Exploring Senses. Armed with 3D pens and iPads, participants can digitally create life forms and structures while exploring hidden realms.
Additionally, a series of artist talks and workshops will provide insight into AI in art, project design, and hologram creation. Local filmmakers will also have the chance to showcase their work through outdoor film projections on 5 October, in collaboration with CFI Media.
Brighton & Hove Highlights: 25–27 October
A standout attraction in Brighton will be Ammonite, a light and sound installation by Paris-based Collectif Scale. Set in the usually off-limits Cab Road tunnel under Brighton Station, the artwork uses light to mimic the organic movement of a prehistoric shell.
Another exciting piece is V1: Content Aware by Felicity Hammond, housed in a shipping container in Jubilee Square. This installation examines the link between geology and digital data, tracing how images are produced and consumed.
Further highlights include the Imagining Otherwise dance performance, interactive film trails curated by local artists, and hands-on workshops at Hove Museum. Notably, the festival will also feature Transmission, an audiovisual installation by Libyan artist Tewa Barnosa, who explores language, misinformation, and heritage in her work.
The Dreamy Place festival will conclude with talks on Asian Futurism at The Old Market, focusing on how Asian artists use technology to reimagine cultural heritage.
For more details, visit dreamy-place.com.
