Sussex has an incredible line-up of diverse and eclectic festivals. Whether you’re after live music or bookish literature, some interesting food and drink or even a pirate, over the course of the coming months, Sussex has a festival for you:
Cuckfield Music Festival
7 – 14 June 2026, Cuckfield
This festival features an exciting programme that involves professional,
semi-professional and amateur musicians, schools and colleges, all to encourage people of all ages to engage with and perform live music.
Newhaven Festival
2026 TBC (Normally September)
Run by Newhaven Town Council and timed to coincide with Lewes Artwave, this festival highlights local arts and cultural events and encourages visitors into the town to see and experience the vibrant artistic community.
The Rye Pirates and Smugglers Day
8 August, Rye
Grab your parrot and sdust off your hook and set sail for a pirate and smugglers procession, a market, street performances, sea shanties, best dressed pirate competitions and more!
Rye Arts Festival
11-26 September, Rye
The event has a diverse and interesting programme covering author talks, classical concerts, folk, blues, jazz events, great drama and a stimulating film programme. The full lineup is still to be released.
If you are missing the festival season already and enjoyed reading about our Sussex summer festivals, you may also enjoy:
