STREETS and venues across the town will come alive again this month as the annual Hailsham Festival launches at the weekend and runs through until 24th September.
It all kicks off this Saturday in Vicarage Field with the Mish Mash Maurice Dancers, singer Just George, Hailsham FM, face painting, crafts for children and candy floss.
At 4pm on Saturday, there’ll be a presentation called ‘My Life on the Buses’, which will be given by Chris Cheek and Philip Ayres. It’ll take place at B12 Bar and Kitchen.
The day will be rounded off with Jeffrey Holland’s show .’..and this is my friend Mr Laurel’ at the Hailsham Pavilion which has been selling to packed houses and receiving awards and rave reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe (you may remember Jeffrey from Hi de Hi!).
The King’s Head Cacklebury will host its annual ‘Party in the Pub Garden’ on Sunday from 1.30pm – 6.30pm. It promises to be a relaxed, informal afternoon with music by local performers including Harrison Henderson, Jason & Lisa, Phill & Bob and Moss.
Throughout the month, there’s an array of exciting and unusual films and performances to see at the Hailsham Pavilion – some at special discounted rates. These include Sons of the Desert, Baroque Alchemy and Singalong Frozen! Click here to book tickets.
Free Dance Festival in Vicarage Field
A Journey of Festival and Dance will be taking place in Vicarage Field on Saturday 23rd September with free workshops, dance and entertainment.
The vibrant event, starting at 8pm, aims to raise community spirit by bringing excellent quality dance performances to everyday outdoor space, raising the profile of dance, encouraging participation and reflecting local diversity.
There will be workshops featuring the Corina Piatti Tango Trio, a talented group of musicians and singers bringing the authentic sounds of Argentine Tango to Vicarage Field. In the evening there will be a performance by Compagnie Bilbobasso’s ‘Amor’ which combines tango, fire and theatre in a spectacular show.
For anyone who would like to learn some tango moves themselves, there will be an opportunity to join a tango workshop led by Caola Degener-Pereira, a professional tango dancer and teacher. This is free to attend with no need to book in advance.
Nostalgia Fair
Another exciting, free-to-attend event, will be hosted in the Hailsham Cattle Market and will take you back in time to enjoy nostalgic entertainment.
The Nostalgia Fair will take place from 11am-16:00 on Saturday 23rd September and will feature fairground rides, a ride-on steam train, Punch and Judy performances and Marco with his Magic and Circus skills.
There will be a Fancy Dress competition for Children up to 10yrs. with a theme “Back in Time” (Enter on the day.) A Vintage Bus, Vintage Steam Engine and Vintage Fairground Organ will all be there to entertain visitors.
The Longman Morris Dancers will be performing and the 60s/70s band Howlin’ Grooves, will be giving you the chance to dance, whilst both Spinning Jenny and Craftie Annie will be offering the chance to try your hand at arty skills.
There will also be a display of Historical Hailsham presented by Hailsham Museum, all backed up by Hailsham FM keeping everyone informed throughout the day. No ticket required.
Eastwell Place Bridge (the Artists’ Bridge)
The art installation on Eastwell Place Bridge is now complete and will be officially opened on Saturday 9 September at 3pm.
Frequently covered with graffiti, the bridge will now be adorned with stunning artwork created by local people. The bridge, which runs over the Cuckoo Trail, is on the footpath leading from London Road to the Western Road Recreation Ground.
This single-level iron bridge was completed in 1913 and was previously called the America Crossing. Nobody fully knows why.
Following a public appeal, over 250 pieces of artwork were submitted by members of the community, both young and old. The pieces were displayed at Gallery North and visitors were asked to vote for their favourite piece in one of two categories, under 18 and adult. Nearly 200 votes were cast and winners of the people’s vote were Heather Cannan-Braniff for her painting of Hailsham Pavilion and 10-year-old Jobe for his model of a train entitled The Cuckoo Line.
The Eastwell Bridge Community Arts Project will be officially opened by the mayor of Hailsham, Cllr Paul Holbrook and representatives of East Sussex County Council and Wealden District Council. Members of the public are welcome to come and view the new art display from 9 September.
Here’s a full list of the activities and shows below…
Saturday 9 SEPT
Open Morning: 10.00-15.00 Vicarage Field, BN27 1BJ
Children’s Art Exhibition: 10.00-17.00 Hailsham Library, BN27 3DN
A Life on the Buses: 16.00-17.30 B12 Bar and Kitchen, BN27 1BJ
.. and this is my friend Mr. Laurel: 19.30 Hailsham Pavilion, BN27 1AE
Art Trail – Sat 9th to Sun 24th Sept Various venues
Sunday 10 SEPT
Party in the Pub Garden: 13.00-18.00 Kings Head, South Rd, BN27 3NJ
Baroque Alchemy: 14.30-16.30 Hailsham Pavilion, BN27 1AE
Monday 11 SEPT
Open Debate: 14.30 Diplocks Hall, BN27 3JY
This year’s debate is on “The Right To Protest” – a very topical subject presented by the U3A Discussion Group.
It promises to be a lively and thought-provoking debate. Join in or just listen!
Light refreshments will be served. There is no charge to attend but as numbers are limited please book your place by emailing pamrobinson977@hotmail.com – please mark the subject, “Festival Debate”. The event begins at 2.30pm
TUESDAY 12 SEPT
Festival Film – Sons of the Desert: 19.30 Hailsham Pavilion, BN27 1AE
Wednesday 13 SEPT
An evening with Milton Hide: 19.30 Bates Green, Arlington, BN26 6SH
Thursday 14 SEPT
Tango and Tapas: 19.30-22.30 B12 Bar and Kitchen, BN27 1BJ
Friday 15 SEPT
The Jivebeats: 19.30-22.00 Hailsham Memorial Institute
Saturday 16 SEPT
Open Morning: 10.00-15.00 Vicarage Field, BN27 1BJ
Children’s Lego Building: 12.00-15.00 Hailsham Memorial Institute
CSI Hellingly Day 1: 11.00-16.00 Hellingly Country Park
Mayor’s Concert: 14.00-15.30 Hailsham Parish Church, BN27 1BJ
Greek Mythology, Monsters & Media: 16.00 B12 Bar and Kitchen, BN27 1BJ
1984: 19.30-21.00 Hailsham Pavilion, BN27 1AE
Sunday 17 SEPT
CSI Hellingly Day 2: 11.00-16.00 Hellingly Country Park
Singalong – Frozen!: 14.00-17.00 Hailsham Pavilion, BN27 1AE
A Feast of Flutes: 16.30-18.00 Hellingly Church, BN27 4HA
Monday 18 SEPT
Downland Poets: 14.30-16.30 Hailsham Parish Church (lounge)
Murder Mystery Night: 19.00-22.00 Union Corner Hall, BN27 1NA
Tuesday 19 SEPT
Check the website
Wednesday 20 SEPT
An Evening of Folk Music : 19.30-22.00 Kings Head, South Rd, BN27 3NJ
Thursday 21 SEPT
An Evening of Burlesque: 19.30 B12 Bar and Kitchen, BN27 1BJ
Hailsham Theatres. A Bride in the Hand: 19.30-22.00 Summerheath Hall, BN27 3DR
Friday 22 SEPT
Hailsham Theatres. A Bride in the Hand: 19.30-22.00 Summerheath Hall, BN27 3DR
Saturday 23 SEPT
Nostalgia Fair: 11.00-16.00 Cattle Market Site, BN27 2AQ
Hailsham Theatres. A Bride in the Hand: 19.30-22.00 Summerheath Hall, BN27 3DR
Journeys Festival of Dance: 20.00-21.00 Vicarage Field, BN27 1BJ
Sunday 24 SEPT
Art Trail – Sat 9th to Sun 24th Sept Various venues.
Tickets to all festival events are available via the festival website. Although some events have already sold out there are still many tickets left. Please click here for details and book soon!
The printed brochure is now available in Hailsham’s shops, restaurants and businesses, and should already have been delivered to your door.
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