Summer equals sunshine, warm temperatures and school holidays and there is lots to do across East Sussex during August. Check out our top picks below.
The Big Hastings Lifeboat Concert, 1 August
RNLI Hastings Lifeboat Station is celebrating 200 years of saving lives at sea with the Big Lifeboat Concert. The station crew are hosting a free concert to mark the 200th anniversary of the RNLI. The event includes a concert showcasing local talent and 200 maroons (rockets) will be launched at 6.25pm.
The concert starts at 3pm and is free to attend although donations, which will support the ongoing work of the RNLI, are warmly welcome and greatly appreciated.
Open-Air Cinema, various locations, 3, 16, 24, 30 August
Watching a film outside on a warm summer’s evening can’t be beaten. Cinestock are bringing Open-Air Cinemas to three locations in East Sussex this summer.
Watch Grease or Back to the Future at the Sussex National Hotel near Uckfield, or enjoy the brand new musical masterpiece Bob Marley – One Love at Lewes Castle and Michelham Priory House near Hailsham.
The Dressing Book by the Rude Mechanical Theatre Company, Eastbourne, 7 to 11 August
Eastbourne based The Rude Mechanical Theatre Company, return to Helen Gardens with their hilarious original comedy, The Dressing Book.
This new production of a Rudes’ classic will feature brand new songs and a cast of some of your favourite Rude performers. Staged in The Little Big Top, the production promises a delightful evening of entertainment.
Open Garden: Late Summer Loveliness, Fairlight Hall, Fairlight, 8 August
Visit Fairlight Hall gardens and take in magnificent horticultural sites such as the Tropical border, the Glasshouse, the Walled Garden, and the Peony border along with many wonderful areas of the garden.
In August, enjoy the garden at the height of summer and the cutting garden is in full bloom.
Weald on the Field, Uckfield, 10 August
Weald on the Field is back for 2024!
Uckfield’s biggest community festival returns to Luxford Field with live music acts, street food stands and pop-up bars, local craftspeople plus family entertainment.
Airbourne International Airshow, Eastbourne seafront, 15 to 18 August
The UK’s biggest free seafront airshow returns with four days of spectacular flying.
Airbourne features the best of the RAF as well as international display teams with fast jets, aerobatic displays, helicopters, freefall parachutists all demonstrating their skills along four miles of seafront and over Beachy Head.
The event also includes children’s entertainment areas, a military exhibition area and end of show fireworks.
Knight School, Bodiam Castle, Bodiam, 18 to 26 August
Enoy a fun-filled day for all the family as you learn what it takes to be a real knight!
Experience action-packed tournament duels, get involved with storytelling shows, and try armour handling as performers from Histrionics deliver this interactive family-friendly event.
Rye Flower and Veg Show, Rye, 31 August
This traditional flower and vegetable show is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
The show takes place at Rye Community Centre and is open to the public from 2pm. Classes include the biggest sunflower head, the heaviest squash, and the funniest shaped vegetable. The winner for the fragrant rose category will be decided by public vote so why not pop along for a sniff! There are also cookery, photography and handicraft categories.
Read our previous what’s on in July article for more ideas about things to do and places to visit over the summer. If you’re looking for ideas to keep the kids amused during the long school holidays, check out our Summer holiday saviours article.
Image: Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow
