Hailsham Set to Celebrate Sussex Day with Free Town Centre Event

The Town Council is preparing to mark Sussex Day with a vibrant free community celebration in Vicarage Field and Hailsham High Street on Saturday 20 June, from 9am to 3pm.

Residents and visitors alike are invited to enjoy a packed programme of live entertainment, family activities and local market stalls as the town comes together to celebrate the rich heritage and culture of Sussex.

The event promises a lively day out for all ages, with visitors able to browse a wide range of market stalls featuring locally sourced produce, artisan crafts and handmade goods, while enjoying refreshments from the beer tent and a full schedule of performances throughout the day.

Entertainment highlights will include traditional maypole dancing by local Brownies, musical performances from Hailsham Choral Society – including the much-loved Sussex anthem Sussex by the Sea – alongside appearances from the Sussex Stompers and the Long Man Morris Dancers.

There will also be plenty of family-friendly entertainment on offer, including mini dance performances from Holdance Studios, close-up magic, balloon modelling and a Punch and Judy show performed by Jonathan Cann. 

To ensure the safety of visitors and participants, Hailsham High Street will be closed to traffic from 7am to 5pm on the day of the event.

In the lead-up to Sussex Day, the Town Council is also inviting local businesses to take part in a Best Dressed Sussex Day Shop Window Competition, helping to add colour, creativity and a festive atmosphere to the town centre.

Businesses are encouraged to create imaginative Sussex-themed window displays inspired by the county’s history, traditions, landmarks and modern-day culture. Entries will be judged anonymously during June, with the winning business receiving an award and framed certificate during the Sussex Day celebrations on 20 June.

Cllr Anne Marie Ricketts said: “We’re delighted to once again host Sussex Day celebrations in the heart of Hailsham and look forward to welcoming residents and visitors for what promises to be a fantastic community event.”

“Sussex Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our county’s heritage while bringing people together to enjoy local entertainment, traders and family activities. We also hope our businesses will embrace the occasion by decorating their shop windows and helping to create a vibrant and festive atmosphere across the town centre.”

Sussex Day, officially celebrated each year on 16 June, honours the historic county of Sussex and commemorates St Richard’s Day in recognition of Sussex’s patron saint, Richard of Chichester. The date also marks the translation of his remains at Chichester Cathedral in 1276.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to come along, enjoy the entertainment, support local traders and join in the celebrations of this important day in Sussex’s heritage calendar.