Good vibes, good times – nothing beats a summer festival. From day events to camping (or glamping if that’s more your thing!) for a couple of nights under the stars, here are some of our festival favourites happening in East Sussex over the course of the summer.

Bexhill Summer FEASTival and Promenade Market, Bexhill, 23 to 26 May

This early summer festival is a delicious offer for the late May bank holiday weekend with a street market on the promenade alongside the De La Warr Pavilion gardens.

Enjoy street food stalls, handmade groceries, bars and a live music stage. Plus outstanding stand-up comedy evenings from Bexhill Live (18 +).

Lewes Music Festival, Lewes, 6 to 8 June

Lewes Music Festival now moving into its fourth year.

Each year the line up gets better and better, with national and international artists supporting many local up and coming bands and DJs within the Sussex area.

Camping and Glamping tickets offer entry from Friday, 6 June. There will be great music on Saturday, while Sunday is 90’s revival day. What’s not to like?

Camper Marmalade, Polegate, 12 to 16 June

This local VW festival  returns with music, street food, bars, a Kids Zone, market traders, wellness sessions and much more.

The festival offers a chance to unwind, enjoy good company, and make the most of a relaxed festival atmosphere.

Hastings Beer & Music Festival, Hastings, 2 to 5 July

Organised by the Hastings Round Table, this four-day annual event celebrates the best of local beer, food, entertainment and music.

From a kids’ disco and family cinema night to DJ sets and live bands via The Hastings Prom with Hastings Big Choir and Brass, there really is something for everyone.

The festival is the biggest social event in the area and gives 100% of profits back to local good causes.  With stunning sea views from its elevated venue, it is a summer event not to be missed!

Love Supreme, Glynde, 4 to 6 July

This established three-day greenfield jazz festival is held on the first weekend of July in the stunning surroundings of Glynde Place.

With a Jazz Lounge, wellness area, and Kids Zone, plus international artists including Nile Rodgers and Chic, En Vogue, Smokey Robinson, and The Roots, this is a festival supremo!

Beach Life Music Festival, Eastbourne, 12 to 13 July

Beach Life returns this summer to a new venue at Eastbourne’s iconic Bandstand, with non-stop live music, street food, stalls and entertainment.

Open from 11am to 5pm, Beach Life brings the summer festival vibe. See the best local live musicians at this family friendly event set against the stunning backdrop of Eastbourne beach.

Battle Festival, Battle, 12 to 27 July

Now in its twelfth year, Battle Festival has quickly become a cultural gem in the South East’s calendar.

With its diverse, family-friendly focus, the festival programme includes an eclectic range of events and activities by internationally acclaimed, award-winning artists.

We Are Love, Ringmer, 24 to 27 July

We Are Love is four bliss-filled days and magical party nights where revellers can dance in the rolling meadows and enjoy a rave in the mystical woods.

This family friendly event features a wellbeing area, children’s activities, and silent discos as well as DJs and live music.

The Good Vibrations Society, Pippingford, 1 to 3 August

This festival is a music and arts event celebrating creativity, diversity, and sustainability.

A variety of musical genres, art installations, workshops, and wellness activities will be showcased over the weekend.

Located in the Ashdown Forest, the festival provides a space for everyone to connect with nature, each other, and themselves.

Hidden Beach Festival, Hastings, 8 to 10 August

Hidden Beach Festival is a two-day community event that believes in the unstoppable power of music.

From pulsing reggae beats to soul-stirring jazz, the stages will showcase the incredible diversity that makes the local music scene vibrant and powerful.

But the festival is more than just music. Come along and enjoy a wellness zone, children’s activities, interactive workshops and a global food village.

Festival tips

Festivals are great fun, but attending them does involve planning! Here are a few tips to ensure you have nothing but fun at your event:

  • Summer festivals are very popular so it is advisable to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
  • Do check before travelling to ensure venues and/or times haven’t changed.
  • Leave non-essential valuables at home.
  • If you’re taking children, check your event is family friendly and remember dogs (expect assistance dogs) may not be permitted.
  • And of course, this is the UK, so check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Don’t forget your wellies!

Finally, please love our countryside and coastline, take your litter home, and remember to leave no trace.

As well as festivals, there are lots more activities and events taking place across the county during the summer. Check out our things to do section for inspiration!

Image – The Good Vibrations Society, credit C Sim