The Countdown is on for Forthcoming Big Town Events in Hailsham

The countdown is on for a string of town events and community celebrations taking place in Hailsham in late spring and early summer, including the Hailsham Community Run, Prom in the Park, Sussex Day and Stand Proud 3.

“Residents and visitors can expect everything from the finest food and gifts on sale at the forthcoming town events, in addition to some amazing live entertainment and family activities,” said Cllr Anne Marie Ricketts, Chair of the Communities Committee. “Big community events such as these, whether wholly or jointly organised and sponsored by the Town Council, attract traders and visitors from across the region and the various spring and summer events coming soon will be no exception!”

“We are confident that they will be well received by the public and provide fun for all the family.”

Hailsham Community Run

The town is gearing up for the return of the Hailsham Community Run, which will take place on Sunday 17th May. Now in its fourth year, the event continues to grow in scale and popularity, with organisers inviting participants of all ages and abilities to sign up.

Open to runners, joggers and walkers alike, the event offers a range of distances designed to encourage widespread participation, from beginners and families through to more experienced runners. Registration remains open and can be completed online: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/HailshamCommunityRun2026/.

This year, the Town Council has allocated £6,000 towards the delivery of the event, supporting essential elements such as medals, specialist accessibility facilities, event signage and volunteer provision.

A central aim of the running event is to create an event that is accessible to as many people as possible. Routes have been designed to accommodate a wide range of participants, including those with mobility requirements, families with young children and individuals taking part for the first time.

Prom in the Park

Final preparations have been made for a brand new annual summer event in Hailsham, ‘Prom in the Park’, a vibrant community celebration with a powerful purpose at its heart in its inaugural year: raising vital funds for St Wilfrid’s Hospice (Eastbourne).

Taking place on Sunday 7th June, from 3pm to 6pm at the Western Road Recreation Ground, the event promises an uplifting afternoon of music, family entertainment and community spirit.

Residents are warmly invited to bring along picnic blankets, chairs and hampers for a relaxed outdoor concert atmosphere. Jacket potatoes and refreshments will also be available from Ye Olde Spud Shoppe and providing the musical centrepiece of the afternoon will be Warbleton Brass Band – performing a lively and wide-ranging repertoire of much-loved classics and contemporary favourites.

Families can also enjoy a host of free children’s entertainment, including close-up magic, balloon modelling and a traditional Punch and Judy show presented by Jonathan Cann. Local radio station Hailsham FM will be on site to capture the atmosphere and support the occasion.

Sussex Day

The Town Council is once again preparing to celebrate Sussex Day with a free, family-friendly community event taking place in Vicarage Field and Hailsham High Street on Saturday 20 June, from 9am to 3pm.

Throughout the day, visitors can browse market stalls offering locally sourced produce and handcrafted goods, relax in the beer tent and enjoy a variety of live performances. Highlights will include traditional maypole dancing by local Brownies, musical performances by Hailsham Choral Society, the Sussex Stompers and the Long Man Morris Dancers.

Holdance Studios will be providing mini dance performances and there will also be plenty to keep younger visitors entertained, with close-up magic, balloon modelling and a Punch and Judy show performed by Jonathan Cann. Local radio station Hailsham FM will also be on site providing live coverage throughout the day.

To help 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.

Stand Proud 3

All is set for a schedule of activities and entertainment for this year’s Stand Proud in Hailsham event – ‘Stand Proud 3’ – taking place at the White Hart in Horsebridge on Saturday 27th June, from noon until midnight.

Held in recognition of Pride Month, the event aims to celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity and demonstrate solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. In support of these objectives, the Town Council has part-funded the event with a contribution of £1,750.

The programme will feature a diverse range of live entertainment throughout the day and evening. Performers include rhythm and blues act Moss Casa, acoustic duo The Management, cover band School’s Out, and rock, indie and pop group Nightflame. Popular drag artist Fonda Cox will return as the headline performer, following highly successful appearances at previous Stand Proud events.

Additional activities will include children’s entertainment provided by Awesome Alfie, alongside Sweet Circus Experience, Name That Tune and Rainbow Bingo hosted by Sam. Food and refreshments will be available from Sparkles by the Pond.

Flaming Fun Day

Taking place on Sunday 28th June at the Western Road Recreation Ground, Hailsham Bonfire Society’s Flaming Fun Day will feature live music, family entertainment, stalls, fairground rides, steam train, games, food vendors, face painting, performing arena, licenced bar and much more.

Entry to the event is free and the event promises to be a fun community day out.

The Town Council is sponsoring this year’s event by funding £4,500 funding towards promotion of the event, live music, toilet hire, first aid, security and associated stage costs.