Get ready, Hailsham!
This September, the market town’s beloved Festival of Arts & Culture marks a 20th Anniversary milestone, and it’s going to be an absolute blockbuster. For two weeks, our streets, cafes, and heritage venues will transform into a vibrant canvas of pure creativity.
What started in 2006 as a modest one-week art trail has blossomed into a two-week cultural kaleidoscope. Founded by Jenny West to bring world-class talent right to our doorstep, the festival has hosted global artists alongside legendary cultural figures like Michael Rosen.
Today, current Chair Tony Biggin and a dedicated volunteer committee keep that magical momentum going.“My driving passion has always been ensuring that the people of Hailsham have access to the absolute best in arts and culture,” says Tony.True to its roots, the festival’s greatest triumph is inclusivity. The committee fights hard to keep ticket prices remarkably low, offering plenty of free events so everyone in our community can join the party.To celebrate two decades of inspiration, this year’s 20th-anniversary lineup kicks off with a free street celebration featuring HUGE dinosaur puppets, magic, samba, outdoor theatre shows, and a vibrant street market.
The fun continues with an ambitious programme of over 40 spectacular events that blend new creative experiences with old favourites.
A Huge Thanks to Our Lead Sponsor
An event of this scale wouldn’t be possible without local support.
We are incredibly grateful to welcome back community-focused broadband provider Lightning Fibre as our Lead Corporate Sponsor.Emma Pearce from Lightning Fibre shares “We are thrilled to be part of Hailsham Festival once again” and “proud to support the volunteers who do such an amazing job of bringing people together to celebrate the Arts.”
The Lightning Fibre team are particularly looking forward to the 20th Birthday Street Celebration and the highly anticipated Tony Harris Henry VIII comedy Theatre event. Don’t let the best seats slip away! Support our local venues, celebrate our community, and come together to mark 20 years of dreaming big.
Don’t Miss Out—Book Today!
When: 5th – 20th September 2026
Where: Various venues across Hailsham inc. High Street, Vicarage Field, Hailsham Pavilion, Gallery North, Summerheath Hall, Charles Hunt Centre, and more!Tickets:
Browse the full programme and book tickets at www.hailshamfestival.co.uk.To learn more about our lead sponsor, visit www.LightningFibre.co.uk.