If you’re anything like me, your "to-buy" list is longer than a Stairway to Heaven solo, and your pedalboard has more cables than a NASA control room. If so, clear your calendar. The Brighton Guitar Show & FX Expo is returning to the coast, and it’s shaping up to be the ultimate pilgrimage for tone seekers in the South.
Scheduled for Saturday, 18th July 2026, the show takes over the Brighton Racecourse, turning the historic venue into a high-decibel playground for one day only.
Why This Isn't "Just Another Trade Show"
While some shows feel like wandering through a corporate warehouse, Brighton has always carried a different energy. It’s a mix of big-name heavyweights and the "mad scientists" of the boutique world.
The event is cleverly split into two distinct areas:
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The Main Grandstand: This is where the heavy wood lives. Expect rows of incredible electrics, acoustics, and world-class amplification.
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The FX Expo: This is the dedicated second grandstand focused entirely on pedals and signal chains. If you want to find that elusive "transparent overdrive" or a fuzz that sounds like a collapsing star, this is your hallowed ground.
Hands-On, Not "Hands-Off"
The best part about the Brighton show? It’s interactive. We’ve all been to shops where you feel judged for playing a G-chord, but here, the culture is all about the "Hands-On" experience. Whether you're eyeing a custom build from a local luthier or testing the latest digital modelers, the exhibitors actually want you to plug in and play.
What to Expect:
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A Massive Exhibitor List: From industry titans like BOSS and Orange to boutique favorites like Funny Little Boxes, Great Eastern FX Co, and Maybury Guitars.
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The Clinic Space: It’s not just about the gear; it’s about the players. The live clinic stage will feature demos and masterclasses from some of the UK’s most talented session players and gear experts.
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The Vibe: With free parking, a licensed bar, and onsite refreshments, it’s designed to be a full day out. Plus, Under 12s go free, making it the perfect spot to start the next generation's gear obsession.
The Lowdown
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When: Saturday, 18th July 2026 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
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Where: Brighton Racecourse, Freshfield Rd, Brighton, BN2 9XZ
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Tickets: £14 in advance / £16 on the door (available via brightonguitarshow.co.uk)
Pro Tip: If you're hunting for a specific boutique pedal or a limited-run guitar, get there when the doors open at 10 am. The best stuff tends to sprout a "SOLD" sign by lunchtime!
See you by the seaside—I’ll be the one hovering suspiciously long over the fuzz pedals.
By
RollingGuitar.com