Hailsham Marks Successful Sussex Day Event

The Town Council has hailed this year’s Hailsham Sussex Day celebrations a great success, as residents and visitors came together in Vicarage Field and the High Street on Saturday [20 June] to enjoy a day filled with entertainment, community spirit and a celebration of Sussex heritage.

The free event attracted a steady stream of visitors throughout the day, with the town centre transformed into a vibrant celebration of local culture, featuring live performances, family activities, community organisations and a bustling market showcasing the best of local independent traders.

Visitors enjoyed a varied programme of entertainment, including traditional maypole dancing by local Brownies, musical performances from Hailsham Choral Society, including the much-loved anthem Sussex by the Sea, as well as displays by the Sussex Stompers and Long Man Morris Dancers.

Families were also entertained by performances from Holdance Studios, close-up magic, balloon modelling and a traditional Punch and Judy show. Throughout the event, Hailsham FM provided music and live coverage, helping to create a lively and welcoming atmosphere across the town centre.

The Sussex Day market featured an excellent selection of local traders, offering everything from artisan crafts and handmade jewellery to confectionery, flowers, skincare products, gifts, clothing and locally produced food and drink. Visitors also had the opportunity to meet and support a range of local charities, community groups and organisations who attended the event.

Communities Committee member Cllr Anne Marie Ricketts said: “We were delighted to see so many people attend this year’s Sussex Day celebrations and help make the event such a wonderful success. The day perfectly captured the community spirit that makes Hailsham such a special place to live and visit.”

“The fantastic entertainment, enthusiasm of our performers, support from local traders and involvement of community organisations all contributed to a memorable celebration of Sussex heritage. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the day such a success.”

Hailsham Town Council would like to thank all performers, traders, volunteers, community groups and staff who contributed to the smooth running of the event, as well as residents and visitors who came along to celebrate the occasion.

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

Following the success of this year’s event, the Town Council looks forward to welcoming the community to future Sussex Day celebrations and continuing to showcase the rich heritage, talent and community spirit that Sussex has to offer.