top of page
Search

Spotlight - Sussex Events Guide: July 2026

Updated: 6 days ago



Thursday 30th July, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm

 

Following on from last year’s hugely successful event, the team at Brighton Royal Pavilion are thrilled to be again partnering with Brighton & Hove Pride to bring a glamorous evening of delicious food, fabulous entertainment and premium English Sparkling wine, generously provided by their partners at Roebuck Estates. All this set against the historic backdrop of the original party palace, the Brighton Royal Pavilion! The compere for the evening is the legendary local cabaret star, Mr Joe Black and guests will be entertained by the incredible Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus.

 

Once again the dress code is ‘Proud & Fabulous’ and all proceeds from the event go to support both charities: Brighton & Hove Museums and Brighton & Hove Pride.

 

Tickets are £70 pp to include 3 x glasses of Roebuck vintage sparkling wine or a soft option and a bowl food reception as well as special performances including the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus. 

 



Jive Aces Summertime Swing


Saturday 1st August, 2 pm

 

The hottest vintage event of the Summer, 'Summertime Swing' is back in the beautiful surrounds of Saint Hill Manor in East Grinstead. The UK’s number one jive and swing band and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists host another afternoon of jazz, swing, blues and rock ’n’ roll with special guests; vintage trio The Knightingales, Parisian blues man Richard Nola, New Jersey Queen of jazz Nicolle Rochelle and rockin’ guitarist Lucky Will – plus classic cars, dance floor, DJ, vintage stalls, food and bar with all proceeds going to charity.

 


Two armoured jousters on horseback clash with blue lances before a crowd, colourful banners and splintered wood flying on a green field.

Knights of Hever Summer Jousting Tournament


Selected dates from Saturday, 11th July to Monday, 31 August. 


Celebrate 40 years of jousting at Hever Castle this summer. On selected dates between 11th July and 31st August 2026, the Knights of Royal England will battle for glory in thrilling displays of horsemanship, combat and pageantry. Battling it out in the saddle and on foot in a traditional form of joust, the valiant knights will compete to find this season’s ultimate champion. Join Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn for one of Kent’s most spectacular historical events, included with admission.



Hand-painted plate shows a coastal village with houses, green hills, and four sailboats on blue water against a blue background.

The Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show at Michelham Priory


Friday 24th to Sunday 26th July, 10 am to 5 pm


Visit the Sussex Guild Show at Michelham Priory, a listed Tudor house with extensive gardens, surrounded by a medieval moat. Meet contemporary craft makers from whom you may buy directly or commission bespoke items. High-quality handmade ceramics, textiles, jewellery, leatherwork, stone carving, pewter, wood, glass, furniture and printmaking. Some designers will be demonstrating their skills.


Admission £12 adults, £6 children. Free parking, licensed café, children’s play, and picnic areas.


Michelham Priory & Gardens, Upper Dicker, Near Hailsham BN27 3QS, 01273 479565 www.thesussexguild.co.uk


Smiling group in navy COME FROM AWAY shirts pose indoors by patterned curtains.

Burgess Hill Musical Theatre Society Presents Come From Away


Wednesday 22nd to Saturday 25th July

 

Experience the remarkable true story of kindness, community and human connection in BHMTS's production of Come From Away. This award-winning musical tells the incredible true story of 7,000 airline passengers stranded in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, following the events of 11 September 2001, and the residents who welcomed them with open arms. Filled with unforgettable music, humour, and heart, Come From Away is an uplifting celebration of resilience and compassion.


This show has a limited run between 22nd and 25th July, 7.30 pm with Saturday Matinee at 2.30 pm.

 

Book your tickets at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/bhmts


Young blond boy in a green shirt reaches toward a sunflower in a lush garden on a bright sunny day.

Make This Summer One to Remember at Sharnfold Farm


All Summer Long


Looking for affordable family fun this summer? Sharnfold Farm, near Eastbourne, is inviting families to enjoy unlimited visits throughout its Summer at Sharnfold Farm event with a Summer Pass for just £12.45 per person.

Explore the stunning sunflower field, tackle the ever-popular maize maze and enjoy themed play areas, friendly farm animals, an onsite café and farm shop. Set within the beautiful East Sussex countryside, Sharnfold Farm offers the perfect day out for all ages.

With unlimited visits included, families can return to make the most of a summer filled with outdoor adventure and lasting memories.


www.thefamilyparksgroup. co.uk/summer-fun/


Orange album cover with red circle and bright sunburst; text reads Hymnus Paradisi, Herbert Howells.

Howells: Hymnus Paradisi


Saturday 18th July, 7:30 pm


Join Brighton Festival Chorus and the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra at All Saints Church in Hove for a richly atmospheric programme exploring humanity’s relationship with nature, loss, and transcendence. The concert opens with Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Five Variants of Dives and Lazarus, based on the English folk song of the same name. It has become one of his best-loved works. Thereafter, it is Herbert Howells’ Elegy for Viola and String Orchestra – a poignant meditation on grief and remembrance, suffused with tenderness and introspection. Following the intervalHowells’ Hymnus Paradisi – an extraordinary composition that blends choir and orchestra in music of luminous beauty and spiritual depth. Set in the stunning surroundings of All Saints, Hove, this promises to bean unforgettable evening of music that speaks to the heart.


Telephone bookings: 0333 666 3366All Saints Church, Hove, BN3 3QE

www.ticketsource.co.uk/ brighton-festival-chorus


Two costumed performers pose playfully by a sword and rock in a castle garden, with ivy-covered stone tower and blue sky behind.

A Knight’s Tale Summer Holidays at Hever Castle


Wednesday 22nd July to Monday 31st August


Step into a world of knights, legends and medieval adventure at Hever Castle this summer. Young visitors can train as Knights of the Round Table, enjoy interactive challenges, falconry displays and spectacular jousting tournaments as Hever Castle celebrates 40 years of jousting. Combining history, storytelling, action and adventure, Summer Holidays at Hever Castle is the perfect destination for families looking for unforgettable activities, outdoor fun and memorable days out with the children. Perfect family fun, included with admission.



Three people in dog, bunny, and cat costumes pose with magnifying glasses in a sunny garden beside a sign with cat photos.

Family Learning Days at Raystede


Wednesdays & Thursdays during School Holidays


Visit Raystede every Wednesday and Thursday during the school summer holidays for a fun-filled family trail, where you can discover more about some of the animals in the charity’s care. Complete the trail, and you’ll receive a selection of fun take-home resources to enjoy with your own pets. Alongside the trail, Raystede will be offering a range of animal- themed arts and crafts, games and hands-on activities for the whole family to enjoy. Entry is free, but places are limited, and these events are always popular.


Book your place today to avoid disappointment - www.raystede.org/FLDtickets


Four friends walk smiling on a sunny dirt path through tall grass, one carrying a straw hat and another a woven basket.

Winchelsea Gastronomic Promenade


Saturday 25th July


Come along for the Winchelsea Gastronomic Promenade, a delicious celebration of food, drink and local heritage in one of England’s most atmospheric ancient towns. This full-day event on foot covers around seven miles, taking you through beautiful Winchelsea and the surrounding landscape while you discover the stories behind this remarkable place.

Expect a relaxed, sociable experience filled with flavour. Whether you are a dedicated foodie, a curious visitor, or simply looking for a memorable day out, this unique promenade promises an unforgettable taste of Winchelsea. Book your place and savour something truly special this July. Dog friendly.



Bearded man in green glasses performs onstage under a canopy, smiling and holding a microphone, with purple lights behind him.

Greenaway Live – A Night to Remember


Saturday 5th September, gates open 2 pm


Get ready for an unforgettable evening of music, entertainment, and community spirit! Greenaway Live is back, and this year, it’s bigger and better than ever. Come to make a difference in the lives of families in Sussex, Surrey, and Kent. This spectacular event is organised by The Greenaway Foundation, an incredible charity dedicated to supporting families in need. All proceeds from Greenaway Live will go towards the Foundation’s Christmas efforts, helping to provide food and Christmas presents for families across Sussex, Surrey, and Kent. Bringing joy and comfort to those who need it most during the festive season. Every penny raised goes directly to the local community to help ease the effects of child poverty. Gates open at 2 pm, with five bands playing from 3 pm to 10 pm.


For more information, go to: www.greenawayfoundation. org/greenaway-live/


Two boys play tennis on a grassy lawn, one watching a red ball in front of a manor with colorful play structures.

Summer at Scotney Castle


Saturday 18th July to Sunday 6th September


Planning your summer holidays at Scotney Castle? Unleash your energy with the National Trust’s Summer of Play supported by Pokémon. Discover a world of play on the festival meadow, full of games and activities to take part in. Let your imagination run wild with different themed zones and team up as a family to complete challenges. Car park booking is essential.

Wed 22 July to Mon 31 Aug

Book your visit today at: www.national- trust.org.uk/scotney-castle.



Woman and boy laugh while pretending to ride toy horses past a stone castle moat on a sunny day.

Bodiam Castle


Now until Saturday, 5th September


Bodiam Castle, one of Sussex’s most iconic medieval landmarks, invites visitors to step back in time this summer. This 14th-century moated castle, with its spiral staircases and battlements, sets the scene for a swashbuckling quest with the How to Train Your Dragon: How to Be a Pirate Trail, which follows Hiccup and Toothless on the Pirate Training Programme. Alongside this, discover medieval armour displays, meet costumed characters on moat tours and explore Conservation in Action. With fascinating live reenactments and the return of Summer of Play, this summer at Bodiam Castle brings plenty for the whole family to enjoy.




Wooden bridge over a lily-covered pond in a lush garden, with blooming pink and purple shrubs under a clear blue sky.

Lakes and Lilies Festival at Sheffield Park and Garden


Now until Sunday, 6th September


Visit Sheffield Park and Garden this summer for an exciting programme of events celebrating this magnificent Grade I listed garden.

The waterlilies take centre stage on the picturesque lakes during the summer months, with the opportunity to experience a 360° view of the blooms from the floating pontoon. The Lakes and

Lilies Festival is full of engaging workshops and activities for all ages. From paddleboarding to watercolour workshops, big tree climbing events and myths and legends themed play zones. Visit the Sheffield Park and Garden website for a full listing of everything on offer throughout the summer.



Family plays croquet on a grassy lawn, with a child about to throw a ring; trees and a cottage roof behind them.

Bateman’s


Various Dates over Summer


Bateman’s, the Jacobean home of Rudyard Kipling, offers a jam-packed summer programme in the heart of the Sussex countryside. Families are invited to take part in a jungle adventure with the ‘Monkey Puzzle’ trail, a brand-new family trail inspired by the much-loved ‘Monkey Puzzle’ children’s book by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, along with an exclusive display of ‘Monkey Puzzle’ prints. Little ones can burn off some energy with the fun-filled Summer of Play. Other events include the opportunity to meet local artist Claire Fletcher, enjoy live poetry readings and take part in BSL interpreted house tours.


Comments

bottom of page