The weather is getting warmer, and now is the perfect time to kick back, relax and do something fun. With that in mind, here’s our pick of the best Sussex summer festivals 2024.
Petworth Festival
31 May – 1 June and 10 – 27 July
A magnificent celebration of music and the arts, with an exceptionally high quality programme of classical concerts and recitals, chamber music, song, jazz, cabaret, theatre, comedy, visual arts, talks and walks in and around Petworth.
Bexfest
1 June, Bexhill
Held on the on the DLWP Terrace & West Lawn in Bexhill and with a 90s fancy dress theme, expect a fabulous musical line up.
Look Again Supergraphics Festival
June, Newhaven
This June, Newhaven will host a new month-long festival of events, workshops, walks and community gatherings to accompany fifteen specially commissioned artworks that have been installed across the town. The festival will see blank walls and neglected streets converted into spaces of colour and creativity by some of the biggest names in graphic art, illustration and street art. Plus, enjoy a pop up bar, from Abyss Brewing, and street food every Friday (3-8pm), Saturday (10am-11pm) and Sunday (10am-8pm), and events throughout the month. Events include a free printing workshop with Paris 68 Redux (1st June), a free outdoor cinema screening (8th June), free crazy golf sessions (15th & 16th June) and talks by some of the mural artists (21st June).
Black Deer Festival
14 – 16 June, Eridge
Described by The Independent as “One of the most culturally eclectic and rewarding festival experiences in the UK.”, this is a festival of Americana which includes Sheryl Crow, Rufus Wainwright,The Shires, Damian Lewis and many others.
Steyning Festival
May and June, Steyning
The Steyning festival features a variety of events including art trails, children’s events, community events, literature and talks, music and dance, theatre, comedy and film, walks and tours, and other events.
Worthing Festival & Summer of Circus
June – October, Worthing
Promising world-class acts, dynamic performances, and inspirational arts and heritage experiences. The season features internationally recognised artists and companies such as Ed Gamble, Alison Lapper, Jasmin Vardimon, as well as a vibrant array of acts in Summer of Circus 2024.
Forest Row Festival
14 – 16 June
The focus of this Festival is the music and performances on Forester’s Green in the heart of Forest Row. That said, there will also be mouth-watering selection of food stalls to cater for every possible taste, all sourced locally and an array of local crafts, and (for the first time) a wellness zone.
Festival of Chichester
15 June to 21 July
A month-long celebration of the arts with over 100 events in Chichester. For entertainment seekers, theatre and cinema events are included as well as a classical music programme to indulge in. From classical concerts to theatre to a whole range of talks, poetry and guided walks as well as the best in jazz, blues, folk, rock, pop and world music.
The Big Gig
29 June, Horsham
This Horsham event features live music and tribute acts which include Murdoch’s Crazy Eyes, the UK’s No.1 George Ezra tribute, Tom Morrison, Fleetwood Mac Legacy, Almost Pink, Kieran as Ed Sheeran and lots more.
Arundel Festival of the Arts
July
An inclusive festival of the arts with spectacular events across ten summertime days, showcasing a wide range of outstanding talent in the beautiful, historic and thriving town of Arundel.
Worthing Pride
5 July, Worthing
Held every year at Steyne Gardens, Marine Parade, in Worthing as you might expect this festival celebrates the great diversity of the LGBTQI+ community, and includes a fabulous line-up of amazing artists and some great local stallholders offering a delicious selection of yummy food.
Medieval Festival Weekend
6 -7 July, Arundel
The lower lawns of Arundel Castle will be ringing with the clash of armor this summer as their Medieval tournament re-enactment takes place. Explore a tented encampment and see demonstrations of historical crafts, including forging, cooking, leather work, as well as combat, falconry and the Knights and archery tournament.
Beach Life Festival
13 and 14 July, Eastbourne
Beach Life returns this summer to a new venue at Eastbourne’s iconic Bandstand, with non-stop live music, street food, stalls and entertainment. Bringing the summer festival vibe, it will soundtrack your summer with the best local live musicians at this family friendly event, set against the stunning backdrop of Eastbourne beach.
Battle Festival
12 – 28 July, Battle
This is an art and music festival in Battle which also includes workshops and demonstrations and even a scarecrow festival.
Gossops Rock Classic Car Show & Summer Fest
21 July, Dormans Crawley
See a line up of classic cars, bikes, scooters and trucks – old & modern, British, American, European, all makes, models. Plus great live music.
Ardingly Summer Fest
10 August, South of England Showground
Promising the perfect day for music lovers, adventure seekers, and families looking for a day jam packed with entertainment, fun, and a touch of magic.
Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival
22 – 26 August, Rye
A wonderful line up of world class headline concerts at the stunning setting of St Mary’s church and fabulous free live music performances at an array of local fringe venues, a dedicated outdoor music performance stage, educational music workshops, seminars, and vibrant street music!
Living History Festival
24 – 26 August, near Hailsham
Head to gorgeous Michelham Priory in East Sussex for a festival that includes historical living encampments starting with the Medieval period and moving forward in time. There will be traditional food, blacksmiths, and activities to take part in all designed to immerse you in the past.
Boundary Brighton Festival
28 September, Stanmer Park
Ending our line up of Sussex summer festivals, this is big, bold and electric. This year’s Boundary dance music festival includes performances from Wilkinson and Chaos in the CBD, Denis Sulta, Eliza Rose, Ewan McVicar, Flowdan, Shy FX, and Singer, Mungo’s Hi Fi and Friends, Soul Mass Transist Systems, with special guest including Deekline, Ed Solo, Benny Page and 10 years of Jungle Cake.
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