Spotlight Events: October 2026
From spooktacular fun to autumn beauty, here's the latest goings-on across our beautiful county at this lovely time of year:
Fall for Autumn at Hever Castle: Autumn Colour
Monday 28th September to Sunday 1st November
There’s something particularly magical about Hever Castle in autumn, when the gardens burst into fiery shades of red, gold and amber. Visitors can enjoy self-guided walks through the 125-acre grounds, with the Castle’s famous Boston Ivy providing one of the season’s most spectacular sights.
Alongside the autumn displays, there’s plenty to discover, from fascinating tree tours and dahlia talks to forest bathing, fungi sessions and sustainable autumn crafts. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful country walk, inspiration for your own garden or a seasonal family day out, Hever is a beautiful place to embrace autumn.
Ardingly International Antiques & Collectors Fair
Tuesday 3rd to Wednesday 4th November
Experience the ultimate cosmopolitan antiques and vintage event at the Ardingly International Antiques & Collectors Fair, conveniently located with excellent links to London and the South Coast.
Bringing together hundreds of stallholders from across the UK and Europe, Ardingly offers an exceptional opportunity to source furniture, fine art, jewellery, silver, collectables and much more. Set within the South of England Showground, Ardingly is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, quality dealers and ever-changing selection of treasures, making it one of the South East’s premier antiques destinations.
South of England Showground, Ardingly, West Sussex, RH17 6TL
01636 702326
Furlong Fright Night – Halloween at Long Furlong Barn!
Saturday 31st October, 7pm-11.30pm
Get ready for a night of spooky surprises, live entertainment and Halloween fun at Furlong Fright Night! Dance the night away with live music from the incredible Inner Soul Collective and prepare to be amazed by spectacular performances from Fireknight Circus, including LED stage shows and spooky stilt walkers roaming the venue.
Tuck into delicious gourmet loaded fries by Summit Gourmet and enjoy spooky-themed cocktails and drinks from the fully stocked bar. From the moment you arrive, you'll be transported into a Halloween-inspired world, with the barn transformed and decorated to create the perfect eerie atmosphere. Don’t miss the Halloween party of the year!
01903 871594
Autumn Adventures at Sharnfold Farm
Saturday 3rd October to Sunday 1st November
Autumn is set to be full of family fun at Sharnfold Farm! Head to the PYO Pumpkin Patch on weekends from 3–18 October, where hundreds of pumpkins, seasonal displays and picture-perfect photo spots await. Entry is just £7.45 per person when booked online, with pumpkins priced separately by weight.
Then, from 24th October–1st November, things get spooky for the Sharnfold Spooktacular! Explore the Halloween-themed Farm Trail, at just £8.45pp, discover mischievous characters and spooky surprises, and add a Pumpkin Carving Experience for £6.95 per carver.
Pre-book your tickets online in advance at:
Halloween Trail at Scotney Castle
Saturday 17th October to Sunday 1st November
The colours are changing and the monsters are gathering at Scotney Castle. These monsters are enjoying a rare day off, but they've lost their invitation to an eerie gathering. Follow the trail, spot hidden creatures and solve clues to uncover the secret party message before nightfall. £3.50 per person, small prize included.
Book your visit today at:
The Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show at Eastbourne College
Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th October, 10am – 5pm
The Sussex Guild Show at Eastbourne College in the sports hall of the Winn Building, near the cultural centre of this vibrant coastal town. Meet contemporary craft makers, buy handmade applied arts or commission a bespoke piece direct from the designer. Excellent handmade ceramics, textiles, jewellery, leatherwork, pewter, wood, glass, furniture and printmaking.
Admission: £4 at the door (card payments accepted), students and children free. College café with refreshments, parking available nearby. Assistance dogs only.
Eastbourne College, Carlisle Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4XJ
www.thesussexguild.co.uk 01273 479565
The Sussex Peasant Big Autumn Markets
October Dates
Celebrate the Sussex harvest at The Sussex Peasant’s Big Autumn Markets, bringing together local farmers, growers and independent food producers alongside an abundance of seasonal food.
9 Oct, 9am–4pm – St George’s Church, Kemptown
10 Oct, 9am–2pm – The Thatched Inn, Hassocks
15 Oct, 9am–2pm – Miller & Carter, Haywards Heath
16 Oct, 9am–4pm – St Ann’s Well Gardens, Hove
17 Oct, 9am–3pm – Preston Park, The Ride, Brighton
Meet the producers, discover new local brands and shop the best of the Sussex autumn harvest.
Find out more: www.thesussexpeasant.co.uk
David and Jonathan by Marc-Antoine Charpentier
Five October touring dates
NSO stages another operatic masterpiece, bringing this dark Baroque jewel with its achingly beautiful score – sensuous and dancelike by turns – to London and the South for the first time.
A biblical tragedy with a war-torn setting: love and duty collide, with David, Jonathan and Saul caught in a web of desire, politics, and paranoia, building to a climax that lets Charpentier’s richly expressive music shine. With a new English translation, David and Jonathan is staged by the creative team behind The Silver Bell and Dragon of Wantley. Toby Purser conducts The Bellot Ensemble, an international cast and NSO Chorus.
Performances at Hove, Cadogan Hall, Cuckfield, Eastbourne and Winchester www.newsussexopera.org
Model Railway Exhibition at Uckfield Civic Centre
Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October, 10am – 5pm
The Uckfield Model Railway Club is holding its Annual Exhibition at the same venue again following on from the highly successful event held last year. Once again, featuring a selection of some of the best quality layouts around. Several trade stands as well as demonstrations and society stands. Layouts and stands over both floors of the Venue.
Adults £10, children free: up to 2 children aged 5 to 15 inclusive admitted free if accompanied by an adult. Unaccompanied & additional children £5. Under 5s free.
Uckfield Civic Centre, Civic Approach, Uckfield TN22 1AE
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