Page content section :
Other festivals through the year across Sussex
We have put together this webpage for those of you who now have the 'festival bug' having enjoyed the Adur Festival and Adur Art Trail. There are a wide range of arts, music, comedy, drama, theatrical and other types of festival that take place across East and West Sussex throughout the year.
Please use the list below to find weblinks to the external websites of
other festivals in Sussex that may be of interest to you :
(Note : Festivals are listed alphabetically
under the month(s) they occur in. Adur Festival is not responsible for the
content or accuracy of these other external websites. Before you travel
to any event please check details with the relevant organiser(s) to ensure
that they are still happening).
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
- Various times of the year
- Other useful festival related websites
Let us know about your festival
Are we missing a festival? If you know of another festival somewhere in East or West Sussex then let us know and we can add it to this listing :
January
- None found so far ...
- See also events throughout the year on the Adur District Council website
February
- Brighton
Science Festival
A week long programme crammed with exciting events, including workshops, demonstrations, talks, debates, hands-on activities and much more. The Festival is designed to engage the whole family, young and old. It aims to inform, convince, challenge and entertain anyone curious about why things happen the way they do. - Soundwave
Annual audio festival for young people. Takes place in the winter half-term. - See also events throughout the year on the Adur District Council website
March
- Eastbourne
Festival
A two week celebration of art and culture around the end of March/beginning of April.
Events include artists open houses, art exhibitions and a film festival. - Sussex
Beer and Cider Festival, Hove
Organised by the Sussex CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) - See also events throughout the year on the Adur District Council website
April
- Eastbourne
Festival
A two week celebration of art and culture around the end of March/beginning of April.
Events include artists open houses, art exhibitions and a film festival. - Eastbourne
Artist's Open Houses
Artists across Eastbourne showing their work over one weekend. - End
of the Pier International Film Festival
The festival is primarily a short film competition for independent, low-budget, and new young film makers. Held at venues throughout the South East of the United Kingdom. - See also events throughout the year on the Adur District Council website
May
- Artists Open Houses
Festival, Brighton and Hove
The Artists Open Houses takes place every May during the Brighton Festival and offer a fantastic opportunity for visitors to see artwork displayed in a domestic setting and to buy affordable work direct from local artists and makers - Battle Festival
Evolving festival, moving towards satire and literature including celebrity one-person shows. Runs for a week from late May to early June every year. - Beach
Dreams, Shoreham-by-Sea
The unique community put up a huge marquee and throw a massive community party which begins with the now legendary parades and art structures - the Notting Hill Carnival of Sussex! - Black
Horse Festival
Blues, folk, world music and young bands. Held in Telham every spring bank holiday weekend at the end of May. - Brighton
Festival
Music, theatre, exhibitions, workshops and open houses - England’s biggest arts festival is right on our doorstep. Takes place annually over the first three weeks in May. - Brighton
Fringe Festival
The Brighton Festival Fringe is an open-access arts festival which works in much the same way as the Edinburgh and the Adelaide Fringe.
See also : www.upstairsatthreeandten.co.uk - Charleston
Festival
A variety of literary events featuring writers, authors, artists, musicians and actors who entertain the Festival audience, that coincide with the Brighton Festival. - Eastbourne International
Folk Dance Festival
A mix of both well-established and up-and-coming bands and dance callers, it offers a tremendous variety of dance practice workshops, the spectacle of visiting display sides and the evening social dances - End
of the Pier International Film Festival
The festival is primarily a short film competition for independent, low-budget, and new young film makers. Held at venues throughout the South East of the United Kingdom. - Glyndebourne
Festival Opera
World famous operatic performances. - Great Escape
Festival
Over 200 new local and international artists are showcased in 25 venues over 3 days in Brighton. - Jack-in-the-Green,
Hastings
Traditional music, morris dancing and ceilidhs. Held every May Day bank holiday. - Lewes
Folk Rock Festival
Two days of folk rock ... - Mayfield
Festival
Classical music, international soloists and major choral work. Bi-annual festival that runs for 10 days during early May. - Rx Wildlife
Festival, Rye
(then follow their festival link in their left hand navigation)
Get out and discover the special wildlife along the coast from Hastings to Hythe. Lots of environmental and cultural activities for all the family. Covers the half-term holiday in late May and early June. - Steyning
Country Fair
Celebrates the heritage of Steyning, with traditional crafts and farmers' produce. Takes place on the bank holiday Monday at the end of May. - Steyning
Festival
Including music, visual arts, theatre, literature, dance, workshops, walks, and community events. - Wadhurst
Summer Music
Festival
Music events in May, June, July and August. - See also events throughout the year on the Adur District Council website
June
Adur
Festival : First two weeks of June every year
For full details of what is on see the rest of this website
(sometimes pre-events start in May and post-festival events run on in to July)- Artists Open Houses
Festival, Brighton and Hove
The Artists Open Houses takes place every May during the Brighton Festival and offer a fantastic opportunity for visitors to see artwork displayed in a domestic setting and to buy affordable work direct from local artists and makers - Battle Festival
Evolving festival, moving towards satire and literature including celebrity one-person shows. Runs for a week from late May to early June every year. - Beach
Dreams, Shoreham-by-Sea
The unique community put up a huge marquee and throw a massive community party which begins with the now legendary parades and art structures - the Notting Hill Carnival of Sussex! - Bike Week
Bike Week is an annual opportunity to promote cycling as a source of fitness and fun at hundreds of cycling events up and down the UK! - Chichester
Festivites
A mix of classical, music, talks, and outdoor events. - Crawley
Festival
Wide range of music, walks, talks, and community events. - Crawley
Folk Festival
Folk / Blues / Celtic - a three day family friendly celebration of the best traditional and contemporary music that the folk scene has to offer! (See also www.hawth.co.uk). - Durrington
Festival
Wide range of community events including: village fayre, carnival and evening concert. - Glyndebourne
Festival Opera : mid May to late August.
World famous operatic performances. - Lewes Live
Literature
A festival for young people themed around empowerment through language, freedom of speech, human rights and liberties. - Rx Wildlife
Festival, Rye
(then follow their festival link in their left hand navigation)
Get out and discover the special wildlife along the coast from Hastings to Hythe. Lots of environmental and cultural activities for all the family. Covers the half-term holiday in late May and early June. - South East Open
Studios event
Every year in June, artists and craftspeople across south east England open their doors to the public. It is a unique opportunity to meet, talk to and see them at work - Steyning
Festival
Including music, visual arts, theatre, literature, dance, workshops, walks, and community events. - Wadhurst
Summer Music Festival
Music events in May, June, July and August. - See also events throughout the year on the Adur District Council website
July
- Barns
Green Music Festival
Live music festival at Barns Green, near Horsahm. - Brighton
Carnival
Over 800 people on parade and the Brighton Carnival Village has added a whole new carnival festival site with more music, more food, and more fun than ever before! - Brighton
Kite Festival
Brighton Kite Festival is one of, if not the, longest running kite festivals in the UK. It takes place in Stanmer Park, Brighton, and has happened for over 30 consecutive years. - Chichester
Festivites
A mix of classical, music, talks, and outdoor events. - Chichester
Real Ale and Jazz Festival
A mix of real alea and jazz ... - Crawley
Festival
Wide range of music, walks, talks, and community events. - East
Preston Festival (between Littlehampton and Worthing)
Lots of events and competitions ... - Etchingham
Arts Festival
Classical music concerts in lovely Etchingham Parish Church. Includes new work and young musicians. Runs every year for ten days starting on the first Saturday in July. - Glyndebourne
Festival Opera
World famous operatic performances. - Goodwood
Festival of Speed
The three day Festival of Speed is motor racing's equivalent of Ascot or what Wimbledon is to tennis. An extravaganza of sound and colour that has been described as 'the garden party of the Gods'. The Festival can justifiably claim to be the world’s biggest and most diverse celebration of the history of motor sport and car culture. - Lewes
Guitar Festival
Staging artists from around the globe as well as down the road. - Open Houses
Worthing
More than 200 artists exhibiting across the town at 45 venues. - Paddle Round the Pier Beach
Festival, Brighton
The first weekend in July each year see Europe's biggest free beach and watersports festival. - Petworth
Festival
the Petworth Festival brings the finest performers from all corners of the globe to play in this beautiful West Sussex market town. - Uckfield
Art Trail
A wide range of art displays and exhibitions, demonsrations and courses. - Uckfield
Festival
Mixed arts events and parade. - Wadhurst
Summer Music Festival
Music events in May, June, July and August. - Worthing
Festival
Range of events, organised by Worthing Lions Club. - See also events throughout the year on the Adur District Council website
August
- Artwave
(Lewes)
Annual visual arts festival. - Arundel
Festival
Ten days of the best music (rock, folk and classical), theatre, art and comedy. - Beachdown
Festival, Devil's Dyke, Brighton
The Beachdown Festival is a music festival held on a beautiful site nestled in the South Downs, at Devil’s Dyke. - Chichester
Jazz Festival
Live jazz cruises with three sailings a day along the tranquil Chichester Canal, plus city-based concerts at various local venues. - Coastal
Currents
Open studios, exhibitions and street art performances in Hastings and Rother. Runs for four weeks, late August to late September. - Eastbourne
Lammas Festival
A free extravaganza of folk music, morris dancing, traditional giants, carnival and entertainment for everyone. - England's
Medieval Festival at Herstmonceux Castle
Over 1,000 Knights, Bowmen and Men-at-Arms will lay siege to the Castle - England's largest medieval battle with full cannon support. Activities and entertainment for the whole family. - Glyndebourne
Festival Opera
World famous operatic performances. - Lewes
Guitar Festival
Staging artists from around the globe as well as down the road. - Open Houses
Worthing
More than 200 artists exhibiting across the town at 45 venues. - Petworth
Festival
the Petworth Festival brings the finest performers from all corners of the globe to play in this beautiful West Sussex market town. - Selsey
Festival
Arts, music, dance, drama, exhibitions, family fun and community events. - Wadhurst
Summer Music Festival
Music events in May, June, July and August. - Worthing
Festival
Range of events, organised by Worthing Lions Club. - See also events throughout the year on the Adur District Council website
August food and drink festivals :
- Chilli
Fiesta
West Dean College, nr Chichester - Borde Hill
Country Fair - 'A Taste of Sussex' marquee
Borde Hill, Haywards Heath, West Sussex
September
- Adur
Arts Live
Autumn Arts and Music Festival. - Artwave
(Lewes)
Annual visual arts festival. - Chichester
Festival Theatre
Chichester Festival Theatre has an international reputation for producing a wide range of theatrical productions, from musicals and comedies, to classic drama and innovative new writing. - Chiddingly
Festival
Long established village mixed arts festival with performances in the village hall, pub and church. Always includes an international event. Last week in September and first week in October every year. - Coastal
Currents
Open Studios, exhibitions and street art performances in Hastings and Rother. Runs for four weeks, late August to late September. - Goodwood
Revival
The three day Revival is a magical step back in time and a chance for visitors to revel in the romance and theatre of motor racing as it used to be. Most visitors wear appropriate period clothing and no modern vehicles are allowed within the circuit perimeter throughout the weekend. Theatrical sets bring the past back to life and a celebration of the aviation heritage with some stunning aerial manoeuvres throughout the skies above this WWII former aerodrome. - Out
of the Ordinary (OOTO) Festival
Out of the Ordinary Festival is held at Knockhatch Farm, near Hailsham. 'Ootopia' is a combination of healing events and ceremonies, amazing workshops and talks, live music, healthy food and drink and an incredible vibe, all set in the beautiful fields and woodland of the Sussex Downs. - Rock in
the Barn
Annual live music festival which takes place at the Barn Theatre in Southwick, Sussex - Rye Festival
Emphasis on classical music and literature. - Seaford Live!
Seaford’s music and arts festival. - Small
Wonder Short Story Festival (Charelston)
Short story festival featuring workshops, readings and the chance to meet well-known writers. Takes place mid September. - White Air
Extreme Sports
From 2009 White Air will be taking up Brighton Beach for what will be Europes' biggest extreme sports festival ever. - See also events throughout the year on the Adur District Council website
September food and drink festivals :
- Brighton & Hove
Food and Drink Festival
Around Brighton & Hove - Totally
Tomato Show
West Dean College, near Chichester, West Sussex - West
Sussex Food and Drink month
Includes Pagham Corn Fest and other events around West Sussex - Horsham
and District Food Festival
Kicks off with the Big Nibble, and includes three events for beer lovers - Fiery
Food Festival
Old Steine, Brighton - Glynde
Food and Drink Festival
Glynde Place, Glynde - Hastings
Seafood and Wine Festival
Around Hastings
October
- Adur
Arts Live
Autumn arts and music festival. - Applefest - Apple Festival, Middle Farm, Firle
(near Lewes).
Music, dance, fun and feasting in celebration of English apples.
see : Applefest on MySpace or Middle Farm website (Apple Festival) - Brighton
Comedy Festival Fringe
Range of comedy events.
See also : www.upstairsatthreeandten.co.uk - Brighton Early
Music Festival
An annual event exploring musical interactions and the connections between 'classical' and 'traditional' music. - Brighton
Festival of World Sacred Music
The World Sacred Music Festival aims to inspire and entertain as well as encourage understanding between people of all faiths and none. - Chichester
Festival Theatre
Chichester Festival Theatre has an international reputation for producing a wide range of theatrical productions, from musicals and comedies, to classic drama and innovative new writing. - Chiddingly
Festival
Long established village mixed arts festival with performances in the village hall, pub and church. Always includes an international event. Last week in September and first week in October every year. - Glyndebourne
Touring Season
An opportunity to see the Glyndebourne touring opera productions in Sussex before they set off for their national autumn tour. - Magners
Paramount Comedy Festival, Brighton
A wide range of comedy events and some big names ... - Sussex
Film Festival, Wivelsfield
The Sussex Film Festival is an annual competition of films and videos made by people without professional resources. - Walking
West Sussex Festival
(see also Healthy walking on the Adur District Council website) - Wukulele
Festival, Worthing
A celebration of international ukulele genius. Concerts. Workshops. Fringe. Stalls. Surprises. - See also : Fireworks displays and Sussex Bonfire Society weblinks on the Adur District Council website
- See also events throughout the year on the Adur District Council website
October food and drink festivals :
- Feastbourne
Around Eastbourne - A Taste
of Rye
Around Rye - Apple
Affair
West Dean College, near Chichester, West Sussex - Apple Festival, Middle Farm, Firle
see : Applefest on MySpace or Middle Farm website (Apple Festival) - Autumn
Foraging at Parham
Parham House, near Pulborough
November
- See also : Fireworks displays and Sussex Bonfire Society weblinks on the Adur District Council website
- Adur
Arts Live
Autumn arts and music festival. - Brighton
Comedy Festival Fringe
Range of comedy events.
See also : www.upstairsatthreeandten.co.uk - Brighton Early
Music Festival
An annual event exploring musical interactions and the connections between 'classical' and 'traditional' music. - CINECITY
- Brighton Film Festival
CINECITY screens right across Brighton & Hove in all the city's cinemas and a host of other locations. - Mid Sussex Competitive
Music Festival
Competitive Music Festival for amateurs in Sussex. - See also events throughout the year on the Adur District Council website
December
- Adur
Arts Live
Autumn arts and music festival. - Burning
the Clocks
Winter Solstice event. An annual community event consisting of a children’s lantern parade through the city centre finishing with a firework display from the beach adjacent to Madeira Drive. - CINECITY
- Brighton Film Festival
CINECITY screens right across Brighton & Hove in all the city's cinemas and a host of other locations. - Eastbourne
Artist's Open Houses
Artists across Eastbourne showing their work over one weekend. - South
East Dance - Dance for Camera
Dance and film events with something for everyone. - See also events throughout the year on the Adur District Council website
December food and drink festivals :
- South
of England Agricultural Society - Festive Food and Drink Fayre
Ardingly show grounds, West Sussex
Various times of the year
- Boxbird (Hove)
Boxbird specialises in limited edition and original artwork by some of the most exciting contemporary illustrators and printmakers. As well as established artists Boxbird is keen to support graduate and student artists. - South
East Dance
The mission of South East Dance is to develop more and better dance, for communities, screen and performance through innovative, trailblazing and experimental programmes - University
of Brighton Gallery and Sallis Benney Theatre
Exhibitions and performances at various times during the year. - West
Sussex Open Studios
At certain times during the year, artists across West Sussex open their doors to the public. Join over 260 artists and makers in a world of creation and imagination. Talk to them in a friendly, informal atmosphere and learn more about the way in which they work. - See also events throughout the year on the Adur District Council website
Other useful websites
- Artists and Makers - Contemporary Arts and Crafts in Sussex
- Arts & Business or Arts & Business showcase site
- Arts Council England
- British Arts Festivals Association (BAFA)
- Voluntary Arts Network
Please note :
- Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the events listed on this website. However, Adur District Council and Adur Festival cannot be held responsible for any changes to any of the events, including cancellations.
- Adur Festival is not responsible for the content or accuracy of these other external websites.
- Please check details with the relevant organiser(s) before you travel to any event.
