Crowds of dedicated music fans are set to descend on Brighton this week and into the weekend as the city prepares for the Great Escape festival.

The event will see 500 of the world’s best up-and-coming artists play at more than 35 venues.

The festival has been described by Steve Lamacq of BBC 6 Music as “the Cannes of the music world”.

And as  it becomes increasingly popular so too are those playing this year’s event, which starts today. 

Shows will take place at venues around the city including The Hope and Ruin, Green Doors Store and Chalk as well as those lesser-known for hosting live music.

From Brighton's own alt-rock duo Arxx to London rapper Unknown T, who won Best Rap Track at the DJ Mag Best of British Awards 2020, the Great Escape promises four days of diverse music.

Headlining this year are Sussex’s own pop sensation Maisie Peter, who shot to fame as she supported Ed Sheeran on tours across the UK and Europe, and Mercury Prize and Brit Award winning Arlo Parks.

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Other acts not to be missed include Yorkshire’s indie wallfower Billie Marten and 80s punk-channelling girl band Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers.

Brighton’s own indie thrashers Lime Garden will return this year and will bring an even better set after the release of their latest single Bitter last autumn.

As well as an unmatched weekend of tunes, the Great Escape will welcome music professionals for its conference at the Leonardo Royal Waterfront hotel today covering myriad topics including how to navigate the current digital musical landscape.

A special welcome party hosted by BPI will kick off from 5pm today on the Great Escape beach site in Madeira Drive with live music starting from 7pm.

Delegate passes are required for these events.

The live music will begin at noon on Thursday and run all day with the last event finishing at 4am on Sunday.

For a full list of artists playing, venues and a gig planner, visit greatescapefestival.com.