Festivals in Sussex
Back to Top of ListFestivals in Sussex
Borde Hill Summer Series
Location: Borde Hill, nr Haywards Heath Dates: 13-16 August
The Borde Hill Summer Series is a lively programme of events held in the beautiful parklands of Borde Hill Garden in Sussex, offering a mix of live music, food and outdoor entertainment. Visitors can enjoy performances ranging from jazz and folk to tribute acts, set against the backdrop of sweeping lawns and scenic countryside. Street food vendors and bars add to the festival atmosphere, making it easy to spend a relaxed summer evening outdoors.
Website: Borde Hill Summer Series
Love Supreme Jazz Festival
Location: Glynde Place, East Sussex Dates: 3–5 July 2026
The UK’s biggest outdoor jazz festival, drawing large crowds and major international acts. The lineup spans jazz, funk, soul and hip-hop across multiple stages. It has genuine national and international pull.
Website: https://lovesupremefestival.com/
Glyndebourne Festival
Location: Near Lewes Dates: May–August 2026
A world-famous opera festival known for its high production values and formal atmosphere. Audiences travel internationally for performances and the iconic picnic tradition. A true cultural institution.
Website: https://glyndebourne.com/
Elderflower Fields
Location: Ashdown Forest Dates: 22–25 May 2026
A well-regarded family-friendly festival blending credible music programming with arts and outdoor activities. It’s intimate but professionally run with a loyal following. A polished boutique experience.
Website: https://elderflowerfields.co.uk/
Into the Wild Festival
Location: East Grinstead Dates: 28-31 August 2026
A nature-focused festival combining world music, wellbeing and immersive experiences. It attracts a niche but dedicated audience. Strong emphasis on atmosphere over big-name lineups.
Website: https://www.intothewildgathering.com/
Big Church Festival
Location: Wiston Estate, West Sussex Dates: 28–30 August 2026
The UK’s largest Christian music festival, drawing tens of thousands. Big production and major acts within the genre. A large-scale, genre-specific event.
Website: https://bigchurchfestival.com/
Peasmarsh Chamber Music Festival
Location: Peasmarsh Dates: 25–28 June 2026
A high-end classical festival attracting internationally renowned musicians. Intimate concerts with serious artistic credibility. A destination event for classical audiences.
Website: https://peasmarshfestival.co.uk/
Loxwood Joust
Location: Loxwood, nr Billingshurst Dates: Weekends of 1/2, 8/9, 15/16 August 2026
Step back in time at the Loxwood Joust, one of the UK’s largest and most immersive medieval festivals. Visitors can explore a bustling market, enjoy live music and street entertainment, and sample traditional food and drink. With plenty for families to enjoy, including crafts, performers and hands‑on activities, the Loxwood Joust offers a full day out celebrating medieval life in an atmospheric rural setting.
Website: Loxwood Joust
Rye International Jazz & Blues Festival
Location: Rye Dates: 27-31 August 2026
A respected jazz and blues festival bringing international artists to an atmospheric historic town. Combines ticketed concerts with outdoor stages. A strong draw for genre fans.
Website: https://www.ryejazz.com/
Compton Festival
Location: Compton, West Sussex Dates: 29–30 August 2026
A growing independent festival with multiple stages, live music, comedy and arts. Set in the South Downs with camping and a curated food and drink offering. A scaled-down but authentic festival experience.
Website: https://www.comptonfestival.co.uk/
The Wake Festival
Location: Loxwood, West Sussex Date: 29 August
The Wake Festival is an intimate, independent music festival in West Sussex curated by the founders of Green Man, offering an affordable and accessible live music experience set in the heart of nature.
Website: The Wake Music Festival
Chiddfest
Location: Hailsham, East Sussex Dates: 24–26 July 2026
A lively three-day camping festival with tribute acts, themed nights and accessible programming. Big on atmosphere and crowd energy. Popular and entertaining.
Website: https://www.chiddfest.uk
Lewes Music Festival
Location: Lewes Dates: 5–7 June 2026
A growing multi-day festival featuring national and international acts alongside emerging talent. Strong reputation and full weekend structure. A proper festival feel.
Website: Lewes Music Festival
Beat Bunker Festival
Location: Bodiam Dates: 17-19 July 2026
A boutique house music festival with a strong underground focus. Known for curated lineups and a dedicated crowd. Small but respected in its niche.
Website: https://beatbunker.co.uk/
Cuckfield Music Festival
Location: Cuckfield Dates: 7-14 June 2026
A community-rooted festival with a strong musical focus. Features a mix of professional and emerging performers. Low-key but culturally rich.
Website: Cuckfield Music Festival
Rye Arts Festival
Location: Rye Dates: September 2026 (TBC)
A multidisciplinary festival with a strong music component. Set across historic venues with thoughtful programming. Relaxed and culturally engaging.
Website: https://www.ryeartsfestival.org.uk/
Battle Festival
Location: Battle Dates: July 2026
A growing arts and music festival blending classical, jazz and contemporary performance. Hosted across historic venues. Increasingly recognised regionally.
Website: https://www.battlefestival.co.uk/
South Downs Folk Festival
Location: Bognor Regis
Dates: 11–13 September 2026
A multi-venue folk festival with dozens of performances. Combines traditional and modern folk styles. Strong appeal within the UK folk scene.
Website: https://southdownsfolkfest.co.uk/
Petworth Proms & Petworth Summer Festival
Location: Petworth Park, St Mary’s Church Petworth, and venues across Petworth, West Sussex
Dates: Proms 14/15/16 May, Summer:16 July- 1 August 2026
A complementary pair of established Petworth festivals sharing audiences, venues and artistic focus. Petworth Proms is a large‑scale, outdoor classical concert weekend set in Petworth Park, featuring orchestral and vocal performances with picnic and family appeal. Petworth Summer Festival is an arts festival with a primarily classical music programme, alongside talks and cultural events hosted in historic indoor venues, offering a more intimate concert experience.
Websites: Petworth Proms 2026 & Summer Festival 2026
Festivals in Brighton
Back to Top of ListPride events in Sussex
Worthing Pride 4-5 July 2026 - a weekend of celebrations with live music and so much more.
Chichester Pride Saturday, 23 May 2026 - A growing local Pride festival featuring live performances, community stalls and (recently added) parade elements, focused on creating an inclusive space in West Sussex
Brighton Pride 1-2 August 2026- Firmly established as the UK’s most popular international Pride Festival, Brighton & Hove Pride attracts a diverse demographic audience from across the globe and is singularly the most popular visitor attraction in the City’s event calendar.
Eastbourne Pride Saturday 13 June 2026 - The award winning Eastbourne Pride event is back and promises a day full of fun, love and support for the LGBT community.
Crawley Pride 22 August 2026 - Bringing famous LGBT+ acts mixed with amazing local artists, businesses and people to celebrate the amazing diversity in our town.
