July already? The summer is well and truly upon us and here is our round up of some of the best of what’s on in July in Sussex.
Summer of Discoveries at Chichester Cathedral
The captivating Chichester Cathedral summer programme includes new specialist tours, family workshops and outdoor theatre. The campaign aims to encourage people to rediscover their local Cathedral with a guided tour that explores the fascinating artefacts, art and history held with the ancient walls.
As the Cathedral commemorates the 30th anniversary of women in the church, it will also host a specialist tour acknowledging the unheralded women of the Cathedral. Taking place on Monday 8th and Wednesday 17th July, the tour will uncover the intricate narratives of women who left an indelible mark on the Cathedral.
Visitors can also join one of two daily drop-in tours. The expert tour guides will lead visitors on a journey through centuries of stories and secrets, revealing the enthralling histories concealed within the Cathedral’s ancient walls. From the great and the good to hidden gems tucked away in quiet corners, no tour is ever the same as volunteers share their expertise and insights with visitors. Offered Monday – Saturday at 11.30am and 2.30pm, tours start from just £6 per person. Booking is recommended.
Mr. Men Little Miss Reimagined, Brighton
Until 21st July, Helm Gallery, Brighton’s largest contemporary gallery, is hosting Mr. Men Little Miss Reimagined, a group exhibition reimagining the iconic children’s book series through the lens of contemporary art … it’s the “ultimate love-letter” to childhood nostalgia.
The group exhibition showcases a range of contemporary illustration styles, including the influence of comics, street art, and graffiti. On show will be paintings, pencil drawings, hand-gilded glass, and AI compositions. The exhibition playfully reimagines the Hargreaves family’s world-famous characters and imagery across an eclectic mix of never-before-seen artwork. New artworks have been commissioned from contemporary artists Will Blood, Rory McQueen, Euan Roberts, Pablo Dalas and Alex May Hughes.
On 6th July from 2-4 pm, Adam Hargreaves himself will be attending the exhibition and offering members of the public the incredible opportunity to receive an original drawing by the renowned illustrator, created in front of them, especially for the show (£45 a ticket to meet the author and leave with your very own original sketch of your chosen Mr Men character).
For more information visit and to book: Sketches with Adam Hargreaves – Helm Gallery (helm-gallery.com)
The Gatsby Experience
Step back into the glamorous 1920s for this exclusive Great Gatsby event at Buxted Park Hotel on 6th – 7th July. Indulge in a weekend of luxury, entertainment, and revelry worthy of Jay Gatsby himself.
Transport yourself to the excess and elegance of the Jazz Age with the finest food, drink and entertainment. Arrive decked out in your most lavish 1920s costumes to fully immerse in the magic. Linger over afternoon tea and champagne on perfectly manicured lawns as jazz ensembles fill the air. As the sun sinks, retreat inside the resplendent ballroom transformed into a vintage vision for a sumptuous banquet paired with fine wines before dancing the night away. When the evening’s dazzling fireworks fade, the party continues into the night with cocktails and jazz under the stars.
Pricing from £1,390 per couple for this fully immersive Gatsby weekend marking the roaring twenties in style.
Music at Tottington Manor
Friday nights are Live Music Nights at Tottington Manor with a mix of jazz, rock, swing, rat pack and pop from a variety of different and talented musicians, so you can kick with your favourite sundowner and kick off the weekend whilst on Sundays, there is Live Sax and Keyboards on the decking from 2.30 pm onwards. And on Saturday 8th July, enjoy a bit of Blues with the Brothers in the Blues band. These musicians have incredible performing history including Miller Anderson from T-Rex and all the others have outstanding history playing with top names.
Find out more: Tottington Manor
Love Supreme Festival
The Love Supreme Jazz Festival is a three day greenfield jazz festival held in the stunning surroundings of Glynde Place near Lewes on the 5 – 7 July. A stellar line up includes Dionne Warwick, and Chaka Khan, Joss Stone and Kool and the Gang.
South Downs Summer Music
A celebration of music and community, South Downs Summer Music continues to grow each year. This year, the festival is being held from 16th – 21st July and includes some of the finest international artists to perform in the very special village of Alfriston. Most concerts are held in the unique location of St. Andrew’s Church.
Arundel Music Festival
This open-air music festival takes place on the 19th, 20th and 21st July 2024. It includes one of the most iconic cover bands on the South Coast, Murdoch’s Crazy Eyes. Saturday is a family, ‘Americana’, Folk and Bluegrass afternoon and evening – with bands Stomping Boondocks, and IOLAR amongst others, in addition to line dancing with The Dixie Belles. The festival will close with an afternoon of jazz. From trad jazz of the 1920s to gypsy jazz from Europe and funky dancy form from The Horn Dogs.
Botanical Art Fair Sussex Prairies
On the 20th and 21st July, Sussex Prairie Garden is hosting an exciting new Botanical Art Fair, with Original Art, Prints, and 3D from the wealth of creative talent in Sussex, from both emerging and established artists, all with a great passion for botanicals. This Botanical Art Fair has been created to give artists their own platform, to showcase their truly unique artwork. See their creative interpretations of the botanical and floral theme in painting, photography, textiles, glass, printing and more, complemented by the glorious riot of colour in the gardens, along with music and refreshments.
Open from 11 am-5 pm. Dogs are welcome. Admission (including entrance to the gardens ) – Adult £12, Child £6.
Vintage Bus Wine Tour
Embark on a unique journey on an iconic Big Red 1960s Routemaster vintage bus for a wine tour in Sussex, with visits to two award-winning vineyards. July dates include 6 July (Court Garden and Albourne), 13 July (Court Garden and Ridgeview), 20 July (Ridgeview and Albourne), and 27 July (Court Garden and Artelium).
Hastings Pirate Weekend
Shiver ya’ timbers, and head to Hastings on the 20th and 21st July for swashbuckling pirates. The event includes live music at the Stade, side shows, pirate acts, storytelling, games and treasure hunts, perhaps the odd parrot and other surprises along the way.
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