Festivals, days out, fetes and other interesting events in West Sussex in 2012
Arun Divers Charity Jump
| 12 Feb 2012 | Littlehampton |
| Jumping into the River Arun at Littlehampton from the bridge by The Arun View Inn on the 12th February 2012. This year Arun Divers are sponsoring the charity Jamie`s Wish, raising money to grant wishes for young people with life threatening diseases. This charity is local to Littlehampton, we try and help the smaller lesser well know charities. Sponsor forms available Gary Moore 07788 177773 or Terry Monnery 07745 950900 or the Arun View. Registation by 11.30am jumping at 12.30pm fancy dress optional. There will be will have 2 recovery boats to pick up jumpers plus refreshments and Grand Raffle in the pub. Hot soup for all jumpers. |
Affordable Housing Fair
| 25 Feb 2012 | Chichester |
| Infomration for people looking for affordable housing. At the Council House, Chichester from 11am to 3pm. |
Walberton Market
| 2 Mar 2012 | Walberton |
| Held in the pavilion on the First Friday of every month from 10.30 - 12 noon. Free car park outside. Fresh produce, homebaked goods and local crafts plus a canteen selling hot and cold drinks and cakes. Contact Jo Rea 07786 383596 for more info. |
Sussex Beer Festival
| 8 - 10 Mar 2012 | Brighton | More info >> |
| CAMRA's huge annual beer and cider festival, with an enormous choice of ales. |
Open Garden at Staple House Farm
| 22 Apr 2012 | Chichester | More info >> |
| A chance to see the Gardens at Staple House Farm in East Lavant - in aid of St Wilfrid's Hospice. |
Brighton Festival Fringe
| 5 - 27 May 2012 | Brighton | More info >> |
| Not quite counter culture - but a great cross section of creative works of all types. |
Brighton Festival
| 5 - 27 May 2012 | Brighton | More info >> |
| One of the best arts festivals in the UK - a real diversity of creative arts and performers. |
South Downs Way Hiking Challenge
| 5 - 6 May 2012 | Petersfield | More info >> |
| In aid of Dreams Come True. 2 Day hike starting in Winchester and finishing in Midhurst. There's also one at the end of June. |
Lindfield Arts Festival
| 11 - 13 May 2012 | Lindfield | More info >> |
| A great platform for local artists, performers and craftspeople. |
Just Walk
| 12 May 2012 | South Downs | More info >> |
| Multi venue sponsored walk which includes a chance to walk over our very own South Downs. |
NHA Garden and Local Produce Fair
| 17 May 2012 | Billingshurst |
| At Summers Place, Billingshurst, West Sussex RH14 9AB 10.30a-3.30pm Admission is £3.50. Additional information on stalls or visiting can be obtained from Paula on 01293 447367 or pauladaly@stch.org.uk. . |
Floral Fringe Fair
| 19 - 20 May 2012 | Petworth |
| The Floral Fringe Fair will take place on May 19th/20th at Bignor Park, Near Petworth, RH20 1HG. From 10 to 5 each day. Admission £6, children under 14 free, dogs allowed on leads, 11 acres of gardens to explore included in the ticket price. A special event in a hidden setting in the heart of the south downs national park. The fair will have specialist nurseries, contemporary craft stalls, local food producers and delicious home-made lunches and cream teas in the newly renovated old stables. Also in attendance will be the RSPB, The Woodland Trust and The Sussex Wildlife Trust. The theme of the fair is attracting wildlife into your garden.The house is the home of The Mersey family. Contact details for the fair:- Jean Jackman 07939 272443 and jeanjackman@hotmail.com |
Hike In Heels
| 20 May 2012 | Chichester | More info >> |
| See grown men in drag - all done in the best possible tatse and in aid of the the Hospice. |
Steyning Festival
| 26 May - 10 Jun 2012 | Steyning | More info >> |
| A great small arts festival - music, arts and theatre all well catered for - and back in 2012 after taking a year out. |
Pink Ribbonwalk
| 26 May 2012 | Petworth | More info >> |
| Charity fundraising event in aid of Breast Cancer Care taking place at Petworth House in West Sussex on the 26 May 2012. The organisers are are hoping to attract up to 800 walkers that day to complete either the 10 or 20 mile walk |
Steyning Country Fair
| 30 May 2012 | Steyning | More info >> |
| Music, dancing and the country traditions of an old Sussex market town of Steyning brought to life for the day. |
Harting Festivities
| May 2012 | South Harting | More info >> |
| The Harting Festivities are a model of what a village festival should be all about. |
Southwick Beer Festival
| May 2012 | Southwick | More info >> |
| The beer festival is a fund-raiser for the Southwick Community Association and has over 50 ales to choose from. |
Sompting Festival
| 1 - 4 Jun 2012 | Sompting | More info >> |
| A beer and music festival combined with Sompting Village Fair. The Festival takes place over the first weekend of the Adur Festival and is run by the Parish Council. |
Festival of Flowers
| 7 - 9 Jun 2012 | Chichester | More info >> |
| Chichester Cathedral once again holds its Festival of Flowers. You can see over 60 flower arrangements in the beautiful setting of Chichester Cathedral. Recently described as 'The gold standard of Flower Festivals' by the Church Times, this event is a must for flower lovers and a no-go zone for hay fever sufferers. |
Ditchling Fair
| 16 Jun 2012 | Ditchling | More info >> |
| Ditchling Fair is getting ready to celebrate its 700th anniversary. |
Henfield Festival of Arts
| 16 - 17 Jun 2012 | Henfield | More info >> |
| A trail of gardens and artists houses in Henfield each summer. |
Festival of Speed
| 19 Jun - 1 Jul 2012 | Chichester | More info >> |
| Now a motorsport institution - at Goodwood House near Chichester. |
South Downs Way Walk
| 22 - 30 Jun 2012 | South Downs | More info >> |
| An organised walk along the route of the South Downs Way over 9 summer days. |
Chichester Festivities
| 24 Jun - 14 Jul 2012 | Chichester | More info >> |
| Highbrow culture - classical music, book readings and interesting talks by Radio 4 types. |
Goodwood Festival of Speed
| 28 Jun - 1 Jul 2012 | Chichester | More info >> |
| A huge celebration of fast cars. One of Britain's biggest motor racing festivals |
Race For Life
| 30 Jun - 1 Jul 2012 | Brighton | More info >> |
| Women and girls of all ages, shapes and sizes are needed to join forces for the events which will take place at Stanmer Park, Sussex Road in Brighton on Saturday the 30th of June and Sunday the 1st of July. Cancer Research UK's Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is a women-only series of events which raises millions of pounds every year for life-saving research into 200 types of cancer - helping men, women and children across the South East survive. Race for Life is non-competitive. Women can choose whether to walk, jog or run the 5k route. Most are able to walk 5k in an hour. All women are welcome, regardless of whether they are taking part on their own or as part of a group. |
South Downs Way Hiking Challenge
| 30 Jun - 1 Jul 2012 | Petersfield | More info >> |
| In aid of Dreams Come True. 2 Day hike starting in Winchester and finishing in Midhurst. |
Moonlight Walk
| Jun 2012 | Chichester | More info >> |
| 10 mile sponsored walk around Chichester starting at midnight. In aid of St Wilfrid's Hospice. |
Loxwood Beer Festival
| Jun 2012 | Loxwood | More info >> |
| A good range of Sussex beers and an afternoon and evening of music in aid of the Pre-School in Loxwood. |
Chichester Challenge
| 8 Jul 2012 | Chichester | More info >> |
| An epic march or mountain bike ride on the South Downs near Chichester. |
Brighton Carnival
| 14 - 15 Jul 2012 | Brighton | More info >> |
| Brighton Carnival needs your support to ensure its survival. |
West Chiltington Village Show
| 14 Jul 2012 | West Chiltington | More info >> |
| With flowers, fruit and vegetables, arts and crafts plus a wide range of stalls and activities for visitors both young and old. |
Crawley MELA
| 20 Jul 2012 | Crawley | More info >> |
| Family fun and activity with something for everyone - one of the biggest multi-faith events in the south-east |
Ebernoe Horn Fair
| 25 Jul 2012 | Ebernoe |
| Historic fair with its own special traditions, including the annual cricket match and the singing of the Horn Fair Song. Takes place on St James's Day each year - it's traditional. |
Glorious Goodwood
| 31 Jul - 4 Aug 2012 | Chichester | More info >> |
| One of the most glamorous events in the UK horse racing calendar |
Bognor Birdman
| Jul 2012 | Bognor Regis | More info >> |
| Now back on Bognor Beach - you'll believe that man can fly....just not very far. |
Uckfield Festival
| Jul 2012 | Uckfield | More info >> |
| A smorgasbord of dance, music, theatre, walks and talks. |
Wivelsfield Village Day
| Jul 2012 | Wivelsfield | More info >> |
| A day in the sunshine (hopefully) for the village of Wivelsfield near Burgess Hill. Look out for Harris' traditional funfair, a climbing wall, a miniature steam railway, & face painting. In the main arena there will be some displays by clubs & organisations such as a junior football match by Mid-Sussex Blues; plus dancing by Wivelsfield Primary School, a tug-of-war competition; lots of fun children's races for all ages; and a pantomime donkey derby race. For the adults there will be a beer & Pimms tent and a stalls from many local food producers. After lunch a companion dog show will run with fun classes for all and the Little Theatre will perform. Terrific. |
Worthing Birdman
| 18 - 19 Aug 2012 | Worthing | More info >> |
| Basically nutters jumping off the pier. And great entertainment. |
Ashington Festival
| 18 Aug 2012 | Ashington | More info >> |
| One day festival in the village incorporating Ashington Carnival and Parade. |
Hike 4 Hospices
| 18 - 19 Aug 2012 | South Downs Way | More info >> |
| A great walk along the South Downs Way in aid of a great cause - the 4 Sussex hospices of St Barnabas House, The Martlets, St Wilfrid’s and St Peters & St James. |
Rudgwick Steam & Country Show
| 25 - 27 Aug 2012 | Rudgwick | More info >> |
| A country show with bands, novelty attractions which change every year and steam engines. |
Worthing Rotary Carnival and Procession
| 27 Aug 2012 | Worthing |
| All along the sea front in Worthing - starts at 1.30pm. |
Arundel Festival
| Aug 2012 | Arundel | More info >> |
| One of the biggest arts and music festivals in West Sussex. |
Chichester International Film Festival
| Aug 2012 | Chichester | More info >> |
| Organised by one of the best independent cinemas in Sussex. |
Selsey Festival
| Aug 2012 | Selsey | More info >> |
| Music, gardening, fun fair, astronomy, musical theatre - a bit of everything comes to Selsey. |
Shoreham Airshow
| 1 - 2 Sep 2012 | Shoreham | More info >> |
| Loud, dramatic and exciting. A top airshow and a leading Shoreham attraction. Organised by the Royal Air Forces Association. |
The Regis TAP
| 2 Sep 2012 | Eartham | More info >> |
| Bognor Regis Motor Club’s new event – The Regis TAP – Classic Car Tour (of Sussex) and Picnic. Not only will you have a chance to experience some of the best driving roads West Sussex has to offer, visiting some superb venues (not all normally open to the general public) you will be helping to raise vital funds for St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Chichester. Bring your own Picnic and Chair. The event starts at Great Ballard School at Eartham. |
St Catherine’s Hospice Dragon Boat Racing
| 2 Sep 2012 | Crawley | More info >> |
| Dragon Boat Racing at Tilgate Park. See the Hospice website for details. |
Findon Sheep Fair
| 7 - 8 Sep 2012 | Findon | More info >> |
| Centuries old and a glimpse at a now forgotten way of life in Sussex. The Sheep Fair at Findon is one of the longest established continuously held events in England and it's really important that we keep this link with Sussex culture going for future generations. |
Brighton Food Festival
| 7 - 30 Sep 2012 | Brighton | More info >> |
| A month long celebration of food and drink in Sussex and further afield. |
Brighton Food Spring Festival
| 7 - 30 Sep 2012 | Brighton | More info >> |
| Among other things, the Festival showcases local Sussex food producers. |
The Balcombe Victory Walk
| 9 Sep 2012 | Balcombe | More info >> |
| The annual Balcombe Walk from Victory Hall in Balcombe. See the Hospice website for details. |
Goodwood Revival Meeting
| 14 - 16 Sep 2012 | Chichester | More info >> |
| 50s style chic and classic racing cars battling it out on Goodwood Motor Circuit. Great fun. |
Worthing Model Railway Show
| 15 - 16 Sep 2012 | Worthing |
| Held at Durrington High School, The Boulevard, Worthing, West Sussex, (BN13 1LA for SatNav) on 15 and 16 September 2012. There will be a wide variety of layouts, plus traders and society stands. Light refreshments available. Ample free parking. Durrington station is about 10 - 15 minutes walk. Buses 6, 9, 10 & Pulse stop nearby. Access to The Boulevard is off the A2032 Littlehampton Road. As you turn into The Boulevard southbound from the roundabout, the entrance drive to the school is the first turn left. (Note that there is no right turn into the school drive from the northbound carriageway of The Boulevard). As you turn into the drive you will see the school and car park in front of you. The times are as follows: Saturday 10:00am to 4:30pm Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm Adults £4, Child £2, Family (2+2) £11 |
St Catherine’s Hospice Autumn Gift Fair
| 19 - 20 Sep 2012 | Shipley | More info >> |
| Over 80 stalls await at Knepp Castle, offering everything from local produce and home made cakes to gifts for her, him and baby, from housewares and linens to leather bags, designer clothing and the latest swimwear |
Christmas Fair
| 19 - 20 Sep 2012 | Ardingly | More info >> |
| Xmas Fair at Ardingly Showground with the support of Friends of East Sussex Hospices. |
Hollycombe Beer Festival
| 28 - 29 Sep 2012 | Hollycombe | More info >> |
| Hollycombe's first ever Beer Festival - at the Hollycombe Steam Collection near Liphook. |
Horsham Food and Drink Festival
| Sep 2012 | Horsham | More info >> |
| Well established food and drink festival in Horsham Town Centre each September. |
Hurst Festival
| Sep 2012 | Hurstpierpoint | More info >> |
| Hurstpierpoint's annual festival has a bit of everything - from samba to bouncy football, dancing and much much more. |
The Cancerwise Soapbox Derby & Charity Fun Day
| Oct 2012 | Goodwood | More info >> |
| Watch the thrills and spills of Soapbox Racing, as well the racing there will be plenty of activities to enjoy, and stalls and displays to visit and an opportunity to visit the iconic Goodwood Motor Circuit. Supporting local charity Cancerwise. |
Horsham Town Centre Festival
| Oct 2012 | Horsham | More info >> |
| Three day event in October each year which brings thousands of visitors to Horsham Town Centre. |
Liphook Carnival
| Oct 2012 | Liphook | More info >> |
| A day of fun with lots of children's activities followed by the crowning of the carnival queen and fireworks. |
Adur Arts Forum
| Oct 2012 | Shoreham | More info >> |
| Highly eclectic autumn music festival in and around Shoreham. |
West Sussex Food and Countryside Festival
| Oct 2012 | Steyning | More info >> |
| A festival of guided walks around the Sussex countryside. |
Apple Affair
| Oct 2012 | West Dean | More info >> |
| Apples all the way and a chance to look round West Dean House too. |
Rare Breeds Show
| TBA 2012 | Chichester | More info >> |
| Come and see over 500 cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and poultry in this delightful agricultural show for rare and traditional breeds of farm animals. It’s one of the biggest shows of its kind in the south east. Plus craft and trade stands with a countryside theme. |
The West Dean Festival
| Aug 2013 | West Dean | More info >> |
| A three day family-friendly festival promising to celebrate the best in music, performance, storytelling and creative making. Visitors have a choice of choice of camping in the grounds, staying at the 19th Century mansion, which is home to West Dean College, or arriving on a daily basis. |
WHAT'S ON
- Art exhibitions
- Classical concerts
- Music listings
- Theatre guide
- Special events
- Dance
- Comedy
- What's on index
WEST SUSSEX TOWNS
- Arundel
- Bognor Regis
- Burgess Hill
- Chichester
- Crawley
- East Grinstead
- Haywards Heath
- Horsham
- Littlehampton
- Midhurst
- Petworth
- Shoreham-by-Sea
- Steyning
- Worthing
SUSSEX INFO
Saturday February 04