Festival Frolics
What’s your fancy? Opera, jazz, chamber, folk or swing? Bonfire celebrations, art trails or a feast of food? Literary discussions and lively debates?
Whatever sparks your interest, plan your car free visit to coincide with the bumper assortment of vibrant festivals and inspiring events that take place throughout the year in and around Lewes.
Here is a selection to pique your interest –
Lewes Chamber Music Festival in June brings together professional musicians of international repute and those at the start of their career for inspired performances of best-loved pieces and more obscure works.
Enjoy the debates led by writers and thinkers from all persuasions at Lewes Speakers Festival in July.
Free for visitors and open to all, Artwave Artists & Makers Trails in August brings you seven different trails to follow with over 500 artists, events and Art on Film features.
Try something new, relish the flavours of local and international food and drink at the Lewes OctoberFeast during September and October.
Lewes Bonfire Celebrations is the biggest bonfire night celebration in the UK with six societies at different locations across the town, revelling in processions, bonfires and fireworks. Visitor accommodation books up quickly and many roads close from around 2pm so early planning and public transport is recommended.
| Getting around | |
|---|---|
| Distance | Check the festival website for location |
| Duration | An evening, a weekend or longer depending on the event |
| Grade | FAIR for town centre festivals and events |
| Directions | Check the festival website for directions |
Useful Information
Many festivals and events near Lewes offer shuttle buses to and from Lewes railway station, so you can give your car a rest and enjoy your fill of festivals.
Glyndebourne Festival Opera offer a complimentary shuttle bus during the festival and tour season.
The Charleston Festival and Small Wonder festivals operate a shuttle service on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays. Otherwise, from Mon-Sat take the 125 bus service from Lewes.
Love Supreme Festival operates a shuttle bus service from Glynde Station and a return bus ticket to Brighton via Lewes.
Firle Vintage Fair run two vintage Routemaster buses between Lewes bus station and the fair.
Into the Wild Summer Festival has a Big Lemon Eco shuttle service from Lewes on Friday and return on Monday.
Remember to check the venue websites beforehand to find shuttle times and how to book.
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Pop into the Visitor Information Centre at the junction of Station Street and High Street for more information on things to do in Lewes.
EXTEND YOUR VISIT
Take a look at some of the other itineraries in Go South Downs. Enjoy a car free visit to the stunning countryside around Lewes where you can enjoy the best of the special landscapes and attractions of the eastern South Downs.