The Free the Nipple protest is back in Brighton this August, but what’s it all about?
The movement kicked off in 2012 when American actress and director Lina Esco made a film of herself running topless through New York. Since then, it’s grown into a huge on- and offline movement with people organising events all around the world to highlight the many areas where double standards still exist, not least topless inequality.
But back to Brighton. The city’s been organising joyful Free the Nipple marches since 2016 (bar 2020 for obvious C-related reasons) and the 2026 event takes place Saturday, 16th August.
As the organisers say it’s not about the right to be topless on Brighton beach, it’s about taking a stand against attitudes that support double standards, fighting inequality and welcoming all bodies in a world that often polices them. It’s about every body’s freedom to exist in public without scrutiny, fear or restriction.
Fancy getting involved? Everyone is welcome and it’s worth reiterating that you absolutely don’t have to be topless to attend. Take a look at these pictures from 2025 to get an idea of what to expect.
The need to know: Meet at Peace Statue at Hove Lawns at 2pm for body-painting, sign-making and good music (bring food, some sun-cream/an umbrella) before the short march towards the i360 kicks off at 3pm.
Sun 16th August; 2pm; free
Freethenipplebrighton.Wordpress.com
