Welcome!

Welcome to Hailsham Festival of Arts and Culture 2026, our 20th birthday year!

This year’s theme is The World Around Us and within our usual wide range of events we will be focusing on the environment and ways in which we can live more sustainably and protect the world around us for future generations.

We are particularly proud of the fact that in line with our commitment to inclusivity, over half of our 30 events are free of charge and that a number of others cost £5 or less.

Please do visit the Artists’ Bridge where nearly 80 pieces of art created by members of the local community are now permanently displayed. You can find more information here: The Artists’ Bridge.

The Virtual Art Gallery and the Children’s Virtual Art Gallery are open all year and contain some wonderful art by predominantly local artists – do please click on the links to visit them.

If you would like a quick overview of the events which will take place during the 2026 festival please click on the Festival At a Glance menu above. You can then click on any of the images for more information.

The festival is held annually in September and represents a celebration of both professional and amateur  talent, creativity and imagination centred in the market town of Hailsham and its surrounding area. Events include art, music, dance, drama, creative writing, poetry and film.

Performances and exhibitions are held in venues including the iconic Hailsham Pavilion, Summerheath Hall and Hailsham Parish Church among many others.

The arts represent a vital component of our culture, enriching our community and creating a vibrant landscape from which we all benefit. Recent research from University College, London reveals that engaging with arts and culture can slow biological ageing as much as exercise. Increase your life expectancy with Hailsham Festival!

Thank you for all your support over the years. Please watch this space or follow us on Facebook or Instagram for details.

Tony Biggin

Chair, Hailsham Festival

Hailsham Festival Committee