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 in 2026.
Medieval Weekend Festival, Arundel Castle
4 – 5 July
Arundel Castle comes alive with the excitement of its Medieval Festival Weekend, and this time the clocks are turning back to 1474. Set against the backdrop of the lower lawns, visitors can join in the Earl of Arundel’s grand celebration of the birth of his first grandson with a Knight’s Foot Tournament, and an archery contest between four nations… England, France, Poland, and the Holy Roman Empire.
Explore the tented encampment and a bustling market, where historic crafts and skills are brought to life through engaging demonstrations. Behold spectacular displays of combat, falconry, fire eating and, of course, archery.
Love Supreme Jazz Festival, Glynde Place
3 – 5 July
Love Supreme is a significant fixture in the UK’s cultural calendar, offering a programme that spans jazz, soul, funk, R&B, and beyond. The 2026 edition features an extensive and varied line-up, including internationally recognised artists such as The Temptations and the Four Tops, Sister Sledge and Gabrielle alongside emerging talent from the UK and beyond.
CraftFest at Standen House
2 – 5 July
Showcasing the core crafts of the Arts and Crafts movement, Sussex Contemporary join us with demonstrations on Goose Green and a crafts marquee on the croquet lawn.
Lordington Lavender, near Chichester
8 – 12 July, 18 – 19 July
Battle Festival
10 – 26 July
Battle Festival is an arts and music festival with an eclectic range of events and activities by internationally acclaimed, award-winning artists.
Latehurst at Wakehurst
17 to 19 July
This summer, Wakehurst will be hosting a sunset series celebrating the long summer evenings every Thursday, Friday and Saturday with live music, food and more.
Friday Lates, Horsham
18 July
Head to the Carfax for an evening of live music. Every Friday night from 6pm to 8pm throughout June, July, and August at the Horsham Carfax Bandstand.
Hastings Pirate Weekend
Shiver ya’ timbers, and head to Hastings 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.
The Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show, Michelham Priory
24 – 26 July
Showcasing a wide range of handmade ceramics, textiles, jewellery, leatherwork, stone carving, pewter, wood, glass, furniture and printmaking in marquees on the lawns as well as in Michelham Priory‘s Elizabethan barn. Some designers will be demonstrating their skills, so you’ll see jewellery making, woodturning, embroidery and quilting, together with several potters showing different techniques.
The Labyrinth Challenge at Leonardslee
24 – 26 July
This is an exhilarating three day festival of summer fun at Leonardslee Gardens near Horsham. The UK’s biggest inflatable obstacle course, bounces back to Leonardslee. Race through over 1,000ft of obstacles, jumps and slides, or let little ones explore the all-new Toddler Zone, designed for those under 1.2m.
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