Local Funeral Directors Wins Best Dressed Sussex Day Window Competition

A Hailsham town centre funeral directors has been crowned the winner of this year’s Sussex Day shop window display competition, organised by the Town Council to celebrate the county’s heritage and encourage community participation in the lead-up to the town’s annual Sussex Day celebrations.

R. Butler & Sons Funeral Directors, located in Station Road, took first prize after impressing the judging panel with a striking and thoughtfully designed window display that beautifully captured the spirit of Sussex Day. Featuring traditional Sussex-themed decorations, the display attracted the attention of passers-by and stood out for its creativity, originality and strong visual appeal.

The competition invited businesses across the town to decorate their shop fronts with displays inspired by Sussex’s unique identity, history and culture. Judges assessed entries based on their overall impact, imagination and the way they interpreted the Sussex Day theme, whether through references to the county’s rich past, iconic symbols, landscapes, traditions or contemporary Sussex life.

Staff at R. Butler & Sons were delighted to receive their award when representatives from the Town Council, including Communities Committee member Councillor Anne Marie Ricketts, visited the premises to present a certificate recognising their winning entry.

Councillor Ricketts praised all the businesses that took part in the initiative and thanked them for helping to bring colour and character to Hailsham town centre.

“We were delighted to see the effort, enthusiasm and creativity shown by local businesses through their Sussex Day window displays,” said Councillor Ricketts. “The standard of entries was extremely high, and each display helped to create a wonderful atmosphere in the town centre ahead of our community celebrations.”

“I’d like to offer my particular congratulations to R. Butler & Sons, whose display was both imaginative and eye-catching, capturing the essence of Sussex Day in a warm and engaging way.”

“This competition is not only about celebrating the history and traditions of our county, but also about recognising the strong community spirit and pride that makes Hailsham such a special place. It was fantastic to see local businesses embracing the occasion and contributing to the vibrant appearance of our town centre.”

Hailsham’s Sussex Day community event will take place in the town centre on Saturday 20 June from 9am to 3pm, and will bring together residents and visitors for a day of entertainment, activities and celebrations showcasing the best of Sussex heritage and local community spirit.

The event promises a lively day out for all ages, with visitors able to browse a wide range of market stalls featuring locally sourced produce, artisan crafts and handmade goods, while enjoying refreshments from the beer tent and a full schedule of performances throughout the day.

Entertainment highlights will include traditional maypole dancing by local Brownies, musical performances from Hailsham Choral Society – including the much-loved Sussex anthem Sussex by the Sea – alongside appearances from the Sussex Stompers and the Long Man Morris Dancers.

There will also be plenty of family-friendly entertainment on offer, including mini dance performances from Holdance Studios, close-up magic, balloon modelling and a Punch and Judy show. Local radio station Hailsham FM will provide live coverage and music throughout the celebrations.

To ensure the safety of visitors and participants, Hailsham High Street will be closed to traffic from 7am to 5pm on the day of the event.