East Sussex has something for everyone this summer!  July sees a wide range of events and activities taking place county wide. There’s concerts, plays and tribute acts, as well as carnivals, workshops and art shows. So step outside and enjoy a host of summer fun.

1812 Fireworks & Proms, Eastbourne Bandstand, Eastbourne, 2 July, 16 July and 30 July

This truly iconic Eastbourne tradition is celebrated every Wednesday evening in the summer.

Enjoy the fabulous delights of concert music ending triumphantly with traditional proms favourites and Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture accompanied by a spectacular firework display.

Buck Moonrise Yoga, The Gallivant, Camber, 10 July

Join Yoga teacher Katie and her community of moonrise yogis to celebrate the buck full moon with Vinyasa Yoga.

You will be guided through a 90-minute yoga flow to recharge and relax.

After the class, you will be offered a hot drink to take over the dunes and enjoy on the beach amongst the energy of the buck full moon.

St Leonards Festival, Warrior Square Gardens, St Leonards, 12 July

St Leonards Festival is a free, family friendly event that includes outdoor performing arts, music and a carnival parade.

This year’s theme is ‘Colours of St Leonards’ so feel free to dress up in your most colourful outfits for the day, which will look incredible in the parade if you’d like to take part.

Crowborough’s Summer Fair, Goldsmiths Recreation Ground, Crowborough, 12 July

Taking place on Eridge Field at Goldsmiths Recreation Ground, the Crowborough Summer Fair is a fun event for all the family.

There will be over 30 stalls, plus plenty of food and drink vendors or bring your own picnics to enjoy in the sunshine. Enjoy arena performances including the popular Dog Shows run by Arundawn Dog Rescue as well as children’s activities.

Plus the ECO HUB is back, where you can discover sustainable and environmentally friendly information as well as activities to enjoy and explore.

Summer Calligraphy Workshop, Bateman’s, Burwash, 18 and 19 July

Learn a new skill at Bateman’s this summer.

During this workshop, you will gain familiarity with the materials and learn the basic strokes of calligraphy. Afterwards you will move onto learning how to add watercolour painting and creating summer inspired designs to take home on the day.

This course is perfect for complete calligraphy newbies as well as those who have tried their hand at calligraphy before and need a reminder of how much fun it can be.

Eastbourne Pride, Princes Park, Eastbourne, 19 July

The award-winning Eastbourne Pride event is back and promises a day full of fun, love and support for the LGBT+ community.

Local charity BourneOutLGBT present their family friendly and inclusive Pride event. The Pride Party in Princes Park promises a whole host of entertainment and live music. The colourful Pride Parade will set off at 10am from Eastbourne Pier and head along the seafront to join the party.

Entry to Princes Park is with tickets only (under 12s go free with discounted entry for 13 to 15 years). Tickets can be purchased online and will be swapped for an entry wristband on arrival.

Zooper Summer Holidays, Drusillas Park, Alfriston, 23 July to 1 September

Keep the kids happy all holiday long with a pawsome day out at Drusillas Park.

Get nose-to-nose with over 80 species of animal in Drusillas’ interactive zoo, including sloths, red pandas, meerkats, and lynx. Don’t forget your swimsuits and make the most of the summer sunshine in Get Wet, the Park’s super splash pad, or go wild in indoor and outdoor playgrounds.

Bexhill Carnival, Bexhill, 19 to 26 July

Bexhill Carnival is one of the town’s longest running and biggest events of the year. It takes place in late July, providing a week of free events for the whole community.

Party in the Park is on Friday, 25 July and this year’s acts feature The RockitMen and Live Forever – Sounds of Oasis. Enjoy food and drink stalls, a fun fair and fireworks.

The Carnival Procession takes place on Saturday, 26 July and this year’s theme is Out of this World. Anyone and everyone is welcome to take part in the procession. You can walk, scoot, ride, drive or travel on a decorated float. If you’d like to take part please complete the online entry form.

Pride & Prejudice, Lewes Castle, Lewes, 26 July

Enjoy the magic of Austen set across the dramatic evening backdrop of Lewes Castle.

This summer, critically acclaimed theatre company This Is My Theatre brings Jane Austen’s classic tale to life in a stunning one-act adaptation to celebrate the author’s 250th anniversary year.

Other events

As well as these fabulous festivals, fairs and activities, there are theatre performances, concerts and art galleries to enjoy this summer too.

Highlights include:

  • Alan Ayckbourn’s gleeful comedy Bedroom Farce, Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne, 3 to 12 July
  • Mesmerising dance sensation Rhythm of the Dance showcases slick choreography performed at lightning speed, White Rock Theatre, Hastings, 13 July
  • An ultimate high-voltage dance extravaganza with Burn The Floor: Dianne & Vito – Red Hot & Ready, Congress Theatre, Eastbourne, 26 July
  • South Coast folk-punk heroes, Levellers, stage a rare open-air headline performance, De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill, 19 July
  • Sussex Modernism – a vibrant exhibition where fine art is shown with counterculture and pop, Towner Eastbourne, until 28 September

Visit our things to do pages for more inspiration on places to visit and things to do in East Sussex.

Image: Pride & Prejudice, This Is My Theatre