19th - 20th April, The Volks
The Brighton
Big World Sleep Out
Camp out. Sleep out. Help out.
One night can make a real difference. Sleep out in solidarity with people facing homelessness, enjoy a powerful evening of live entertainment, and raise vital funds for Sussex Homeless Support.
Sleep Out to Help out
- Free entry to the gig.
- Get friends & family to sponsor you.
- Sleep out starts at midnight.
- Secure, fenced sleeping area.
- Hot Dogs available overnight from our trailer.
- Breakfast buns, tea & coffee served from 7am.
Come for the Gig
- Doors open from 7pm
- Live bands and entertainers
- DJs between acts
- leave at 11.30 after the last act
- Sleep out starts at midnight
First and foremost, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported Sussex Homeless Support over the years. Your support is what keeps us going.
SHS is now in its 11th year, and sadly the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to rise, with no clear solution in sight. The cost of living has doubled in many areas, while our funding has fallen by around 27% over the last two years. We’ve already cut everything we can without affecting frontline services — and now, quite simply, we need to find new funds to keep helping the people who rely on us.
In December 2019, we took part in the World Big Sleep Out. Despite one of the worst storms of the year, people showed up in huge numbers. The funds raised supported our work for over three years, helping carry us through COVID and beyond. That generosity made a real, lasting difference. Now, six years on, it’s time to do it again. On 19th April 2026, we’re coming together for another Sleep Out in Brighton. With incredible entertainment, strong community backing, and renewed urgency, this event has the power to change lives — and I truly hope you’ll be part of it. Thank you, as always, for standing with us.
— Jim Deans, Sussex Homeless Support
FAQ's
How does it work?
It’s a live gig from 7:00pm to 11:30pm, featuring live bands and acts – a great mix of entertainment and music in a festival-style atmosphere. This is followed by the Sleep Out from midnight until 8:00am.
What tickets do I need?
You have two options:
- Live Gig Only You can buy a ticket through See Tickets for £10. Enjoy the live music and leave after the last act at 11:30pm.
- Sleep Out Registration You can register for the Sleep Out via our Enthuse page and ask friends and family to sponsor you. If you register for the Sleep Out, you’ll receive free entry to the live gig earlier in the evening.
Can I just turn up for the Sleep Out if I’ve registered?
Yes. As long as you are in the Sleep Out area before midnight, you’re good to go.
Is the Sleep Out area secure?
Yes. The area will be fenced off from the public, but you’ll still be sleeping under the stars.
What happens if it rains?
You may get wet, so please bring waterproof clothing. There is an overhang at Volks which offers some shelter, but you will still be outdoors.
Can I bring a tent?
Yes, but only a pop-up tent, as the ground is solid.
What do I need for the Sleep Out?
A good sleeping bag, a torch, and something to sleep on such as a ground mat or cardboard. You may also want to bring a pillow. The idea is to experience, for one night, what sleeping out is like.
Can I leave before 8:00am for work?
Yes. In fact, it’s a great idea to go straight to work and help raise awareness of what you’ve done.
Are there toilets available through the night?
Yes. Festival toilets will be on site, and staff will be present throughout the night, including people with lived experience of rough sleeping.
Can I bring food?
Yes, please do. Our van will be on site with basic hot dogs and hot drinks. It closes at midnight but reopens at 8:00am serving bacon rolls.
Can I bring my children? I want them to learn about homelessness.
Yes, we encourage it. Children must stay with you at all times. They cannot enter the bar areas after 9:45pm, but they can remain with you in the safe Sleep Out area all night.
I want to Sleep Out with my family (and dogs), but can I do it at home?
Yes. You can Sleep Out in your garden, shed, or even your front room in a makeshift camp. It’s not quite under the stars, but the support is what matters. Please still register for the Sleep Out, fundraise as much as you can, and note in your profile: “Sleeping out at home.” You could even Sleep-Out at work – in an office, garage, factory, or even a beer garden.
Where is it hosted?
We will be throwing the sleep out at the Volks Bar and Venue. 3 The Colonnade, Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1PS
Can I donate instead of taking part?
Yes – it’s quick and easy, and you play a vital role in supporting the most vulnerable. visit our Enthuse page. Thank you.