Celebrate in style at one of Wealden’s many festivals…

Wealden proudly hosts a vibrant range of festivals each year – from celebrations of local culture, music and art, to food, nature, and much-loved Sussex traditions. More than just dates in the diary, these festivals are about connection: sharing experiences, bringing communities together, and celebrating what makes this corner of Sussex so special.

They showcase the very best of local talent and produce, shine a light on heritage and customs that might otherwise be lost, and offer genuine opportunities to experience the heart of Wealden’s culture.

Wealden’s rich creative scene gives rise to an exciting mix of festivals throughout the year. The much-loved Hailsham Festival brings the town to life each September with performances, concerts, art trails, exhibitions, talks, workshops and fairs. At Farleys House & Gallery, the annual Surrealist Picnic adds a wonderfully eccentric blend of music, dance and creativity within the grounds of its sculpture garden.

For the concertgoers, there’s plenty to discover across this part of Sussex. The annual Mayfield Festival is a firm favourite, spanning beautiful classical music through to jazz, film and folk. The South Downs Summer Music International Festival in Alfriston welcomes world-class musicians such as Dame Felicity Lott, along with curated evenings of poetry and music.

Rather rock out to your music? Wealden’s lively communities love a good music festival – from Isfest and Chiddfest, to Uckfield’s Weald on the Field and Heathfield’s French-themed Le Marché. Beyond the main stage, these festivals also champion local food, art and crafts.

Wealden’s landscape naturally lends itself to festivals celebrating nature, wildlife and agriculture. A major highlight is the Heathfield Agricultural Show, while Pippingford Park’s Elderflower Fields and Good Vibrations Festival blend the importance of our nature and environment with music, dance and wellbeing. Both family-friendly festivals, they’re also a great choice with the kids in tow.

As a district of the historic Sussex county, Wealden is steeped in traditions passed down through generations. The infamous Sussex Bonfire Season – though often associated with the bigger names of Lewes or Hastings – is very much alive here too. With 13 societies in total, events in villages such as Chiddingly, Mayfield and East Hoathly each bring their own unique customs and effigies. Other events, like Michelham Priory’s Traditional Tudor Wassail in January, celebrate age-old practices and stories handed through the centuries.

Where there is tradition, there is history; Wealden hosts both in abundance. The district is home to England’s Medieval Festival each August Bank Holiday, while smaller events such as Pevensey’s History Festival offer an engaging look at local tales of old.