Summer fun kicks off in Burgess Hill for family-friendly community festival
Both children and grown-ups are cordially invited to an unmissable Sussex event this summer, as the Burgess Hill Summer Festival opens its doors on Saturday June 2. We find out more about the acts, activities, music and more that will be on offer for families during the nine-day community event
Sussex is renowned for its wealth of festivals and events that take place throughout the warmer months. But as summer finally blesses us with its presence, it’s not just the likes of Brighton that has something to shout about, as Burgess Hill is also celebrating the wealth of talent and creativity that it has to offer with its very own summer festival!
It’s not just the likes of Brighton that has something to shout about, as Burgess Hill is also celebrating
Taking place throughout the town from Saturday June 2 to Sunday June 10, the nine-day extravaganza will boast no less than 66 events (52 of which are either free or cost less than £5 to attend), with something for all ages, interests and budgets.
If you’re into your theatre, you won’t want to miss an open-air performance of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, from acclaimed theatre company The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, in the grounds of Burgess Hill Girls. Elsewhere, aspiring young dancers will be able to attend a workshop with exciting youth dance company Ceyda Tanc, while top children’s entertainer Tomfoolery is bringing his unique brand of fun and frolics to the Festival Marquee in St John’s Park.
There’s plenty on offer for music lovers too, including the celestial sound of harps in St John’s Church from the Glissando Harp Ensemble. Plus, history buffs will be fascinated by archive film footage of Burgess Hill, including the construction of The Martlets Shopping centre and hall in the early 1970s.
Glissando Harp Ensemble
And with a variety of additional events including the popular Wild About Mid Sussex, as well as a generous helping of Wilbury Jam live on stage on Saturday evening, there’s lots for kids to look forward to, whereas adults can take in an afternoon of popular Classics in the Park with Burgess Hill Symphony Orchestra. Or, if the whole family wants to get involved, an evening of music and entertainment presented by some of Burgess Hill’s churches will be just the thing.
As a truly local event, this collaborative festival is co-ordinated by Burgess Hill Town Council, with participation by a grand total of 47 local groups, businesses and individuals. It’s this community spirit that makes Burgess Hill’s summer offering stand out, as everyone’s rolling up their sleeves, getting involved, and putting on a showcase of all things home-grown for visitors and locals to remember.
Says town mayor, Councillor Chris Cherry: “We are very grateful to all those involved in putting on such an array of events for this year’s Summer Festival – there really is something for everyone!”
So, whether you’re a fan of classical or popular music, have a passion for dance, art or literature, fancy embarking on a nature walk, or want to take in an insightful talk or workshop, it’s all happening in Burgess Hill throughout June!
Tickets for Burgess Hill Summer Festival are on sale now, with programmes available from the Town Council’s Help Point at 96 Church Walk, as well as Burgess Hill Library and other community venues around the town.
The programme can also be viewed on the Town Council’s website at www.burgesshill.gov.uk/Summerfestival
