Building on the success of previous years, the Town Council is also launching a brand-new Best Dressed Sussex Day Shop Window Competition, inviting town centre businesses to play a central role in the festivities and help showcase Hailsham at its very best in the lead-up to the event.
Local shops and businesses are encouraged to create bright, imaginative and eye-catching window displays inspired by Sussex. Judges will be looking for overall visual impact, creativity and originality, as well as innovative interpretations of a Sussex theme — whether drawing on the county’s rich history or celebrating modern Sussex life.
There is no need to formally enter the competition. All town centre businesses displaying a Sussex Day-themed window will automatically be included in the judging process, which will take place anonymously in June.
The winning business will be presented with an award and framed certificate on Saturday 20 June during the Sussex Day celebrations.
Communities Committee Chair Cllr Anne Marie Ricketts said: “The Town Council is delighted to once again host a Sussex Day celebration for residents and visitors, and we’re especially pleased to introduce the Best Dressed Shop Window competition for our town centre businesses.”
“The competition is about celebrating our shared heritage and highlighting the strong community spirit that Hailsham is so well known for. We hope businesses will embrace the opportunity to get involved and add colour and creativity to the town in the weeks leading up to Sussex Day.”
Sussex Day is the official county day of the historic county of Sussex and is celebrated annually on 16 June. The date marks St Richard’s Day, honouring Sussex’s patron saint, Richard of Chichester, and commemorates the translation of his remains at Chichester Cathedral in 1276.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to support the celebrations, explore the town centre displays and join in marking this important day in Sussex’s heritage calendar.
