Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Bexhill Residency
This summer, Bexhill is set to become the home of one of the UK’s most celebrated orchestras as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) arrives for a week-long residency as part of Bexhill’s Big Summer Sounds.
From 27 June to 4 July 2026, the town will be filled with brilliant music and community participation as the RPO brings an exciting programme of performances and creative activity to the De La Warr Pavilion.
At the heart of the residency are three major performances.
The celebrations begin on 27 June with Symphonic Groove: The Ultimate Soul & Disco Party By the Sea, an electrifying outdoor concert on a large seafront stage outside the De La Warr Pavilion. Featuring 65 members of the RPO, this spectacular event promises an evening of iconic soul and disco classics performed with the power and energy of a full symphony orchestra.
On 2 July, audiences can experience the orchestra in the Pavilion’s iconic auditorium as the RPO performs works by Tchaikovsky, Sibelius and Dvořák. This special concert offers the chance to hear some of classical music’s most beloved masterpieces performed by one of the country’s leading orchestras in one of the South Coast’s most distinctive venues.
The residency culminates on 4 July with ABBAphonic: Celebrating the Music of ABBA By the Sea. Featuring 64 members of the orchestra, this outdoor concert will bring ABBA’s timeless hits to life against the backdrop of Bexhill’s seafront, creating a memorable finale to the week.
Beyond the headline performances, the residency tells a powerful story about the role music can play in bringing communities together.
On 28 June, the RPO will take part in the opening celebrations for the newly completed, fully accessible and state-of-the-art Sidley Hub. The occasion will mark a significant moment for the local community, made even more special through the involvement of local young people.
More than 100 schoolchildren from Chantry Primary School, All Saints CE Primary School and Little Common School have been working with RPO musicians in the weeks leading up to the event. Through a series of workshops designed to build not just musical skills, but creativity and confidence too. The children have been preparing for a truly unique opportunity: performing live alongside members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Hub’s grand opening. Each participating school has received four dedicated workshops, helping pupils develop their musical abilities while gaining first-hand experience of working with professional orchestral musicians. For many, it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a moment they will remember for years to come.
The residency reaches its finale on 4 July with Mega Music Saturday, a free, all-day celebration of music at the De La Warr Pavilion.
Designed for all ages, the event will transform the Pavilion into a vibrant hub of creativity and participation, with a packed programme of drop-in activities, performances and workshops. Visitors can take part in hands-on sessions with Royal Philharmonic Orchestra musicians, enjoy live performances throughout the day, create instruments from recycled materials and even vegetables, receive expert instrument advice, and experience an Orchestral Silent Disco.
One of the day’s highlights will be the Bexhill Big Singalong, inviting the entire community to come together to sing ABBA’s legendary Dancing Queen live with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. As the song celebrates 50 years since its release, the event promises a joyful and unforgettable moment by the sea.
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s residency represents far more than a series of concerts. It is a celebration of what happens when world-class artists become part of a community. They will be sharing their expertise with young people and creating opportunities for everyone to take part. From spectacular performances on the seafront to meaningful engagement with local schools and community groups, Bexhill’s Big Summer Sounds promises to live up its name.
For one exciting week, Bexhill will become the home for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
