Excitement Builds as Launch of 2025 Hailsham Festival Approaches

The countdown is on for one of the most eagerly awaited cultural events in the region, as Hailsham gets ready to welcome the 2025 Festival of Arts and Culture this September. Running from 6th to 21st September, the annual festival is now just weeks away and promises to once again celebrate the town’s creative spirit with a vibrant and varied programme.

As the launch date draws near, anticipation is mounting for a packed schedule that brings together artists, performers and audiences from across the southeast and beyond. With live music, theatre, dance, film, literature, workshops and dynamic street entertainment, this year’s festival offers something for everyone, from families to seasoned arts enthusiasts.

Among the exciting new additions to this year’s line-up is Voices of Volya, a Ukrainian choir raising vital funds for medical equipment in support of Ukraine’s frontline efforts. Theatre fans can enjoy performances from Hailsham Theatres and The Grove (Eastbourne), including the hilarious Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense and a thrilling Agatha Christie-style Murder Mystery Supper.

Film lovers won’t be disappointed either. The Hailsham Pavilion Cinema & Theatre will screen cult favourites like The Lost Boys (1987) and the ever-popular Mamma Mia Singalong (2008). A standout event this year is a special screening of Pride & Prejudice (2005), marking 250 years since Jane Austen’s birth, paired with an immersive theatrical experience.

Families can look forward to the return of the Saturday Nostalgia Fair, with steam train rides, vintage activities, crafts, music and children’s entertainment. Creative workshops will take place at Belle’s Pottery and Gallery North, while Vicarage Field Fun Mornings will bring free community activities to the town centre on Saturday mornings.

The festival will also provide plenty of opportunities for aspiring creatives. Competitions in art, poetry and creative writing are back, along with the popular Hailsham Art Trail – showcasing local talent in cafés, shops and public spaces throughout the town.

The full festival programme is live at www.hailshamfestival.co.uk, and organisers are urging locals and visitors alike to plan their schedules and join the celebration.

Speaking ahead of the Festival, Hailsham Festival Chair Tony Biggin expressed his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled and delighted at the way in which the 2025 festival is shaping up. It is a real privilege to live in Hailsham where there is such a rich mix of talent and creativity across all the arts and culture.”

Mr Biggin also extended thanks to sponsors and supporters: “As always a big thank you to our partners and sponsors – including Lightning Fibre (lead sponsor), Hailsham Town Council and others – without their generous funds, we wouldn’t be able to commission such a wide range of talent.”

Town Mayor, Councillor Chris Bryant, added his endorsement: “Hailsham and the rest of East Sussex has such an amazingly rich seam of arts and culture. There is an amazing wealth of artistic talent, and I would encourage people to put the festival dates in their diaries.”

“Last year’s festival was nothing short of amazing with some truly great artists, writers, photographers, poets and music performers showcasing their talent across the Hailsham area. There was a positive atmosphere for the duration of the festival, and I was grateful to everyone for turning up and supporting the town’s festival so well.”

Councillor Bryant also recognised the essential role of volunteers: “I’m sure festival organisers will surpass all expectations again this year with events and on behalf of the Town Council, I’d like to thank those community groups and individuals in the town for all the hard work and generous support given to organising this year’s festival.”

“A vast amount of work is carried out behind the scenes by dedicated volunteers, and we are hoping that even more will get involved in this year’s festival, give their support and contribute to its success.”