Welcome to the Twentieth Uckfield Festival!

Things have come a long way since that first event held to mark Millennium Year 2000. But some key features have remained same – such as the much-anticipated Children’s Street procession which will be its usual riot of colour and sound to the High Street on July 6th. Be there!

And on the same day Luxford Field will overflow with stalls as our community comes together for a day of music, children’s events, dance and some of the wackiest street entertainment- Uckfield’s Big Day Out!

The Festival Club has free gigs every evening throughout the week in the Luxford Lounge. The Club provides a showcase for local talent, often at the start of their careers. It was at the Festival Club that an unknown named Rory Graham performed some of his first gigs. Rory Graham is now better known as Rag’n’Bone Man!! Come and spot the stars of tomorrow!

On the 7th of July spend an evening with Rudyard Kipling in this wonderful evocation of the Sussex author’s life. Author and local historian Geoff Hutchinson takes us back to the year 1933 and invites us to spend some time in the company of Rudyard Kipling as the great author relates tales from his eventful life through his books and his verse.

Also on this day, be sure to watch out this year for the classic car show.

Next up on the 8th of July, we have Peppers Ghost with a fascinating collection of Victorian magic lantern images which they use as the basis for their show. They accompany the slides with music, songs, poetry and readings.

After a thrilling concert with the Ridout Family in last year’s Uckfield Festival Tom Ridout returns on the 9th of July with his own trio in a groundbreaking new project.

A welcome opportunity on the 10th of July to hear the beautiful voice of Natasha Norodien, whose singular interpretations of traditional ballads and covers of material by folk influenced songwriters are inspired, she says, by such greats of the folk revival as Sandy Denny, Joan Baez and Mary Black.

Saturday evening 13th of July features a fun picnic evening of music and fireworks hosted by the Rugby Club.

Up next is the Uckfield Grand Prix with a 10 am warm up followed by an 11 am start on the 14th of July. Approximately 20 teams of 10 and 11-year olds from Uckfield and District Primary Schools compete in this exciting annual Festival event with the Kit Cars they have built and customized.

And to finish off the ten days of fun, on the night, of the 14th of July we have a very special event of George Harrison played by the wonderful ten piece “All Things Must Pass Orchestra.” Be sure to book early for this!

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