THE Hailsham Festival of Arts and Culture is returning this autumn for a milestone 20th anniversary, bringing a vibrant, two-week celebration of creative expression to the heart of Wealden.
Running from Saturday 5th September to Sunday 20th September 2026, this year’s festival is themed ‘The World Around You’ – an invitation for the community to look outward at their shared environment, spaces, and one another through the power of the arts.
Online bookings are now open. Organisers are urging residents and visitors to secure their tickets early at www.hailshamfestival.co.uk for a packed programme of indoor and outdoor theatre, music, dance, film, art, and comedy.
The festivities kick off on Saturday 5th September, with a spectacular, free-to-attend opening Street Celebration in Hailsham High Street. The town centre will come alive with street theatre, circus acts, market stalls, live music, magic and dinosaurs!
Over its 15-day run, the festival features an array of diverse, high-profile headline events designed to inspire all ages, including:
- The Gazelle and The Hunter (5th September): An immersive exploration of South Asian culture presented by the internationally acclaimed Sonia Sabri Company. The performance seamlessly blends award-winning Kathak dance and Indian classical music with contemporary influences.
- Tony Harris is Henry VIII (7th September): Following his sellout performance as Churchill last year, the fabulously entertaining, knowledgeable and hilarious Tony Harris is back by popular demand. This time appearing as everyone’s favourite king!
- Rocky Horror Immersive Cinema (11th September): A dedicated screening of the cult classic rock musical at the historic Hailsham Pavilion, where filmgoers are invited to dress up and fully immerse themselves in the experience.
- Volya Voices Ukrainian Choir (17th September): Following popular demand, this joyful, high-energy music and dance ensemble returns to the festival lineup.
- Cackle Street Cats Puppet Theatre & Workshop (19th September): Brought to life by the renowned Rust & Stardust theatre company, this hilarious musical comedy and puppetry workshop offers perfect family-friendly entertainment.
Festival Chair Tony Biggin said: “In our 20th year, this festival is a celebration of the Festival’s legacy of creative expression built over the past two decades. Using the arts in all their multifaceted glory, our goal is to unite, reflect, and inspire. There is a huge amount of free, family-friendly community involvement alongside our ticketed events, ensuring there is truly something for everyone.”
This year, the Festival is generously supported by Lead Corporate Sponsor Lightning Fibre Broadband as well as funding support from Hailsham Town Council, Wealden District Council, the Chalk Cliff Fund and the National Lottery Community Fund. In addition to other local business category sponsors.
The full digital programme and box office launched this month. For more information, event schedules, and to book tickets, visit www.hailshamfestival.co.uk.
