This month, the Brighton Music Cup is back and this time it’s not just about what happens on the pitch.

Returning for its second edition, the tournament has levelled up into a week-long run of events bringing together artists, grassroots industry folk and the wider creative community. More than a day of friendly footie, Brighton Music Cup (BMC) is becoming a space for connection, conversation and celebration.

Explaining the thinking behind this year’s expanded programme, BMC founder Brad Busby said:

“Last year showed us just how much appetite there is for something that genuinely brings Brighton’s music and creative communities together outside of the usual environments, so for 2026 we wanted to think much bigger not just in scale, but in purpose and experience.

What people can expect this year is a far more expansive and structured BMC. We’ve grown from a single-day event into a full week of activations designed to create conversation, connection, and community in different ways. Everything this year has been curated to reflect the wider culture and values behind the tournament.”

Things kick off on Tuesday 26 May with the Women of the Industry panel talk at Pink Moon, curated in partnership with Agenda Collective. Featuring Blake Smith (Tour Manager & Production Assistant for Fred again and Billie Eilish), Polly Miles (Acid Box Promoter & Booking Agent) and Ella Goodchild (Sports & Events at University of Sussex), the discussion will explore career journeys, challenges and hard-earned wins across the industry. Chaired by Rapture Founder & Editor Meg Sweeney, the conversation promises to be as celebratory as it is honest.

On Wednesday, attention turns to Green Door Store for the Official Warm-Up Party. Live sets from Call Me Franco, Arcadia Residential and Jed will soundtrack the evening, alongside the all-important team group stage draw where early rivalries are sure to begin. Tickets are £5 advance and £7 on the door, with all proceeds going to the Music Venue Trust. 

Thursday shifts the pace with Run and Network, a community wellbeing run. Hosted in collaboration with Flow, the 5K will start from the Clock Tower at 6:30pm and finish for pizza at Pommy’s with complimentary non alcoholic beers from returning sponsor Lucky Saint. 

Speaking on this year’s expanded competition, Brad said:

“We’re also incredibly proud to have expanded the competition itself from 16 teams to 20 following the response to last year’s event. The level of representation across Brighton’s grassroots music, arts, and creative industries this year is something really special, and it feels like the community has truly embraced what the BMC is becoming.”

All roads lead to Sunday 31 May, where the Brighton Music Cup tournament takes over Brighton University’s 3G pitches for a day of five-a-side chaos, community and (questionable) athleticism. Teams made up of musicians, labels, venues and mates go head-to-head, with bragging rights very much on the line.

But, as ever, it’s not really about the scoreline. It’s about creating space for people across the music scene to connect in ways that go beyond the usual industry settings, and having fun whilst doing it.

As Brad sums it up:

“At its core, this has never just been about football. It’s about creating accessible spaces for people to meet, collaborate, support one another, and feel part of something positive within the industry and the city as a whole. We’re ambitious about where this can go in the future, but we’re equally focused on growing it the right way, step by step, with inclusivity, wellbeing, and community remaining at the centre of everything we do.

This year feels less like a sequel and more like the beginning of what the Brighton Music Cup can really become.”

Plan your Brighton Music Cup:

Tuesday 26 May - Women of the Industry Panel (tickets)

Wednesday 27 May - Tournament Warm-Up Party (tickets)

Thursday 28 May - Run and Network with Flow, Pommy’s and Lucky Saint (info)

Sunday 31 May - The Tournament