That festival feeling

If you missed the shenanigans of Wild Life, The Great Escape or the Brighton Festival and Fringe, then there’s no need to panic, as we’ve got plenty of other festivals across Sussex to get involved in, no matter what your flavour…

FAMILY

Chichester Festival
April-October
The festival welcomes around 300,000 visitors annually with a programme of plays, musicals, talks, events and more.
www.cft.org.uk

Arundel Festival
20-29 August
The historic town of Arundel opens its doors every August for an outstanding mix of arts and entertainment.
www.arundelfestival.co.uk

Lammas Festival
30-31 August
This two-day festival of music and Morris dancing also celebrates the ritual of Lammas Harvest.
www.lammasfest.org

England’s Medieval Festival
27-29 August
Britain’s largest celebration of the Middle Ages is held at the 15th century Herstmonceux Castle.
www.englandsmedievalfestival.com

EMF---Jousting-6

England’s Medieval Festival

Firle Dog Festival
20-21 August
As well as offering food, drink, trade and craft stands for visitors, the festivals offers the chance for your dog to try racing, showing and agility.
www.firleplaceevent.co.uk

Beach Dreams Festival
24-26 June
Now in its 17th year, this Shoreham beach-based three-day event packs in great live music, real Sussex beers and ciders and plenty of local entertainment.
www.beachdreamsfestival.co.uk

Brighton Kite Festival
9-10 July
A whole range of shapes, sizes and colours will be on display at Stanmer Park during the 38th Brighton Kite Festival.
www.brightonkiteflyers.co.uk

Chilled in a Field Festival
29-31 July
Relax, unwind and make new friends with a backdrop of creative, sociable activities, great music and home cooked food as you play all day and dance all night.
www.chilledinafieldfestival.co.uk

Chilled in a Field Festival

Chilled in a Field Festival

MUSIC

Love Supreme Jazz Festival
1-3 July
Three days of jazz, soul and blues take place across four stages in the tranquil setting of Glynde Place.
www.lovesupremefestival.com

Blues on the Farm Festival
16-19 June
Voted ‘Best British Blues Festival’ in the 2010 British Blues Awards, BOTF is known for its high quality music in a safe and relaxed environment.
www.bluesonthefarm.co.uk

Lewes Live Festival
8-9 July
This two-day music festival in Lewes offers something for everyone, from rock and folk to ska and blues, as well as a great selection of beers and ales.
www.leweslive.com

Glyndebourne Festival
May 21-10 December
Combining elegant dining with incredible opera, Glyndebourne this year features a jam-packed seven-month programme.
www.glyndebourne.com

Glyndebourne Festival

Glyndebourne Festival

Battle Arts & Music Festival
October
Performances by internationally renowned musicians, visual arts exhibitions and fringe events are lined up for 2016’s event.
www.battlefestival.co.uk

Mammothfest
Sept 30–2 Oct
The biggest rock and metal festival in the south east will be bringing the best up and coming talent alongside some of the biggest bands in the world to Sussex this summer.
www.mammothmetalfestival.co.uk

Together the People Festival
3-4 September
Now in its second year, this two-day festival on Preston Park will feature Brian Wilson performing Pet Sounds along with more great music, food, film and arts.
www.togetherthepeople.co.uk

Southdown Folk Festival
23-25 September
Based in Bognor Regis, the festival offers a range of music, workshops, sessions and other attractions from The Regis Centre and Hotham Park.
www.southdownsfolkfest.co.uk

Big Green Cardigan Festival
9-11 September
Great artists, real beer sensibly priced, home cooked food, no queues and no kids are the highlights of this festival with an end of summer vibe.
www.biggreencardigan.com

Big Green Cardigan Festival

Big Green Cardigan Festival

Brighton Early Music Festival
October 28–13 November
Exploring the connections between classical, folk and world music from the Middle Ages until the 19th century, BREMF’s theme this year is Nature & Science. www.bremf.org.uk

Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival
Dates TBC
Taking place once again in 2016, the historical town of Rye plays host to a festival that is boutique by design, offering variety and intimacy. www.ryejazz.com

Walled Garden Music Festival
15-17 July
At the beautiful Brightling Park Estate, the second annual WGMF will feature one main stage, brilliant individual bands, artists and cover acts.
www.walledgardenmusicfest.co.uk

Big Kahuna Festival
26-28 August
Located in the heart of a beautiful Horsham pine forest, the inaugural Big Kahuna will feature iconic 90s bands as well as jazz, funk, reggae and classic house.
www.bigkahunafestival.co.uk

Big Kahuna Festival forest

Big Kahuna Festival forest

Boundary Brighton
17 September
Taking the best of Brighton’s creative energy and lust for life, this brand new festival has four stages, a vintage fair and great local food, all at Stanmer Park.
www.boundarybrighton.com

Party at the Races Festival
1 October
Another new festival for the county of Sussex, PATR is dance music extravaganza will take place at Brighton Racecourse, with stunning views across the city.
www.partyattheraces.com

Undercover Festival
9-10 September
The South East’s alternative festival will feature more than 65 acts in two days celebrating the very best of ska, punk, dub, reggae and much more.
www.undercoverfest.com

MOTORS

Eastbourne Airbourne
11-14 August
A thrilling line up includes military fast jets, helicopters, parachutes and incredible displays from aerobatics teams, including the Red Arrows.
www.visiteastbourne.com/airbourne

Eastbourne Airbourne

Eastbourne Airbourne

Music Mania Scooter Weekend
29-31 July
A celebration of scooters and mods held at Brighton Worthing Club in Anmering featuring entertainment, scooters, camping and more.
www.musicmaniaevents.co.uk

Goodwood Festival of Speed
23-26 June
The largest motoring garden party in the world, this unique weekend brings together cars, stars and motor sport ‘royalty’ in the grounds of Goodwood House.
www.goodwood.com/festivalofspeed

SPORT

Aegon Eastbourne International
18-25 June
Some of tennis’ biggest WTA stars will be on show as they battle it out at Devonshire Park ahead of the Wimbledon Grand Slam.
www.lta.org.uk/Aegon-International-Eastbourne

Paddle Round the Pier
2-3 July
The world’s biggest free beach and watersports festival sees 55,000 visitors descend on Hove Lawns for a host of exhibitions, retail, performances and world class races on the water.
www.paddleroundthepier.com

Paddle Round the Pier

Paddle Round the Pier

Eastbourne Cycling Festival
4-5 June
The Western Lawns on Eastbourne’s seafront will play host to the 2016 event showcasing a range of cycling and sports activities.
www.eastbournecyclingfestival.com

Sussex Triathlon Festival
18 September
A stunning course and a true test for every athlete, the Sussex Triathlon Festival now enters its sixth year, set in the stunning grounds of Ashburnham Place.
www.sussextriathlon.co.uk

Eastbourne Extreme
16-17 July
Kick off the summer holidays on Eastbourne seafront at one of Sussex’s most intense free sports festivals with a line up of air, land and water-based outdoor activities.
www.visiteastbourne.com/extreme

The Sussex Country Show
18-19 June
A family-friendly weekend delivering traditional field sports displays and a host of have-a-go-activities in the beautiful grounds of Parham Park.
www.sussexcountryshow.co.uk

TAKEPART Festival
June 18–3 July
Working with over 100 sports clubs and activity providers, the festival provides opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get involved in sport and physical activity.
www.brighton-hove.gov.uk

TAKEPART Festival

TAKEPART Festival

FOOD & DRINK

Chili Fiesta
5-7 August
One of the UK’s largest chilli event, this three-day family-friendly festival includes entertainment, firework and plenty of chilli.
www.westdean.org.uk/Events/Outdoorevents/ChilliFiesta

Wild Boar Week
22-30 October
For one week the Rye restaurants showcase an array of gamey treats including Mallard, Partridge Pheasant, Rabbit and Venison.
www.wildboar.org.uk

The South of England Show
9-11 June
Animals, countryside, shopping, food and drink and entertainment are all available at the South of England Show.
www.seas.org.uk/south-of-england-show

Worthing Food & Drink Festival
24-25 September
As well as food demos, markets and entertainment, the food festival will be joined by celebrity chefs Jean-Christoff Novelli and Rosemary Shrager.
www.visitworthing.co.uk/whats-on/food-and-drink-festival

Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival
September
The Autumn Harvest runs in September each year all across the city and is the biggest of its kind in the South of England, with food and entertainment aplenty.
www.brightonfoodfestival.com

Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival

Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival

Wealden Food & Wine Festival
16-17 July
The festival returns to Pevensey Castle this year and over the weekend will pack in live music, talks and walks, vintage classic cycles and children’s activities.
www.wealdenfestivals.co.uk

Gurnsey International Food Festival
Sept 23–2 Oct
This week-long foodie fiesta offers fantastic promotions in restaurants and cocktail bars as well as markets and shows and interactive events.
www.visitguernsey.com/food-festival

OTHER

Brighton Pride
5-7 August
The UK’s biggest celebration of the LGBT community begins with a parade through the city before Preston Park and numerous streets play host to parties.
www.brighton-pride.org

Brighton Comedy Festival
October
The second largest festival in the UK attracts over 30,000 people every autumn and is back again in 2016 for the 15th straight year.
www.brightoncomedyfestival.com

Brighton Digital Festival
September
A celebration of digital arts and culture, each year brings an array of exhibits, events and conferences which draws over 41,000 people to the city.
www.brightondigitalfestival.co.uk

Brighton Digital Festival

Brighton Digital Festival

National Garden Scheme Festival
4-5 June
The country’s biggest garden visiting celebration this year will see 400 gardens across England and Wales open their gates to the public for charity.
www.ngs.org.uk

About Daniel White
Dan has written numerous articles for Title Sussex. He no longer works for Title Media and has made a confident career in the world of coffee!