This summer, Brighton will once again echo with the sounds of soul, ska, and sharp style as the Brighton Mod Weekender celebrates its 20th anniversary. Running from Thursday 21st to Sunday 24th August, this milestone year promises a four-day celebration of Mod heritage and music, rooted in the city’s cultural history.
The Mod Weekender has been a fixture of the August Bank Holiday since 2005, and from the very beginning, Komedia has been at its heart. The very first club night took place upstairs in what is now Duke’s at Komedia Picturehouse, setting the tone for two decades of rhythm, style, and soul.
Organised by Rob Bailey and his independent group New Untouchables, the event channels the spirit of 60s and 80s Mod subculture with an international edge.
Rob said: “I’m very proud of creating and establishing the Brighton Mod Weekender as a landmark event for the city and Mod scene. It wasn’t easy when we started… Many thought we were mad for moving away from our hugely successful Isle of Wight weekender, but Brighton has always been the spiritual home of Mod.”
Read more: Mod Fashion Exhibition Coming To Brighton Museum
Brighton Mod Weekender Line-up
This year’s Brighton Mod Weekender is packed with live performances from a stellar line-up including The Rifles, Block 33, New Street Adventure, Purple Hearts, Maze, and many more. Alongside them, an eclectic roster of DJ talent—including Andy Hill, Sean Chapman, Russell Deal, and Dr Robert—will keep the dancefloors spinning with everything from Northern Soul to R&B classics.
Evening events take place at Komedia, home to a huge wooden dancefloor made for twirling in Chelsea boots and Fred Perry polos. Meanwhile, daytime festivities are held at The Volks, just east of Brighton Pier, where fans of Quadrophenia will remember the iconic scooter scenes.
Expect a vibrant vintage market, art and record stalls, and a scooter competition and ride-out on Sunday afternoon—capturing the full essence of Mod fashion and freedom.
Mod Moment
To mark the 20-year milestone, Dammo Photography’s David Clarke, the official photographer of the Brighton Mod Weekender, will unveil a special photo exhibition. His book Through My Eyes chronicles two decades of Brighton’s most stylish Weekender, capturing everything from dancefloor action to street style in stunning black-and-white frames.
Whether you’re a lifelong Mod or a curious newcomer, this year’s Weekender is a unique chance to experience the style, sound, and spirit that continues to define this movement.
Website: New Untouchables
