I don’t know about you, but here at YES we’re ready for the festival season. With the Easter bank holiday weekend giving us a feel for the summer ahead, we’ve been checking out what festivals are going on across the county.
While a lot of us will be heading to the bigger events further afield, we shouldn’t take for granted the festivals we have here on our doorstep. With the advantage of these being close to home, you don’t need to face the muddy depths of a campsite or have to remember to bring your own loo roll.
We’re lucky here in East Sussex to have such a variety of options. From family focussed Elderflower Fields to a bit of jazz at Love Supreme, or a higher brow classical experience at Glyndebourne – here’s the lowdown on what’s on over the coming months…
Faerie Festival
Friday 17th to Sunday 19th May
For something a little different, each year visitors travel far and wide to celebrate the magical world of faeries with mystical entertainment and uplifting workshops. Community is at the heart of what they do, and visitors say that the weekend is like a big faerie family gathering.
Pleasant Rise Farm
Alfriston
BN26 5TN
http://www.magicalfestivals.co.uk
Glyndebourne
Saturday 18th May to Sunday 25th August
How does three months of exceptional opera in the heart of the Sussex countryside sound? One of the world’s oldest and most celebrated opera festivals, Glyndebourne’s 2019 Festival season is jam-packed full of well-known numbers. Get dressed up and enjoy the 90 minute interval, giving you the opportunity to relax in a beautiful setting with a picnic.
New Road
Lewes
BN8 5UU
Elderflower Fields
Friday 24th to Monday 27th May
Elderflower Fields is an award winning three day festival, designed especially for families with children. Go along for a wild weekend adventure, packed full of music, sports, nature and the arts, all set in the heart of Ashdown Forest.
Pippingford Park
Nutley
TN22 3HW
https://www.elderflowerfields.co.uk/
Love Supreme Jazz Festival
Friday 5th to Sunday 7th July
Love Supreme Jazz Festival is the UK’s only camping jazz festival. Bringing this unique spirit to the UK, Love Supreme combines it with the camping culture of the likes of Latitude and Bestival, resulting in a festival that includes great line-ups, talks, films, dance classes, as well as a dedicated kids area.
Glynde Place
Glynde
Lewes
BN8 6SX
https://lovesupremefestival.com/
Chilled in a Field Festival
Friday 26th to Sunday 28th July
Chilled in a Field is a family-friendly festival full of fun, where you play all day and dance all night. This small, independent festival is for grown up party people and their kids. You’ll find free activities for children and adults all day, bands, musicians, artists, science, theatre, performances and awesome dance music from some of the UK’s top independent labels.
Bentley Estate
Halland
BN8 5AF
http://www.chilledinafieldfestival.co.uk/
Chiddfest Chapter Music and Beer Festival
Friday 26th to Sunday 28th July
This family friendly (and dog friendly) festival is action packed with a full line up of great music, craft beer and ale tents, a funfair and plenty of food traders for all your hunger needs.
Nash Street
Chiddingham
BN27 4DU
https://www.chiddfestchapter.co.uk
Byline Festival
Friday 23rd to Monday 26th August
Byline Festival aims to promote independent journalism and free speech. The festival tagline is Dance, Discuss, Laugh and Change the World. It’s family friendly with lots of kids activities, plus talks, workshops, comedy, poetry and music.
Pippingford Park Manor
Nutley
TN22 3HW
https://www.bylinefestival.com/
Mucky Weekender
Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd September
This one’s much later on in the year but still worth a mention. Mucky Weekender will take place in a secret location over two days in September. Expect excellent live acts, legendary DJ’s, a solid bar selection and two days of pure decadence. Over 18s only.
Location TBC (it’s top secret!)