In taking inspiration from the Nobel Peace laureate, the Festival really puts Brighton on the map as a city committed to freedom and tolerance, as well as promotion of the arts.

I think it's fair to say that our Festival is at the cutting edge of the arts in the UK and internationally, and is well known for exploring big ideas. As well as being a great thing for the local economy, it also brings art into the open, making it more accessible for everyone.

With Aung San Suu Kyi at the heart of the programme, this year's Festival will be a way for us to express solidarity with the Burmese people, many of whom are still prevented from enjoying the sort of freedoms which we take for granted...