Burgess Hill Summer Festival 2018 takes place from Saturday 2 to Sunday 10 June and celebrates the wealth of talent and creativity the town has to offer.
Highlights of this year’s Festival include an open air performance of Shakespeare’s The Tempest performed by acclaimed theatre company The Lord Chamberlain’s Men in the lovely grounds of Burgess Hill Girls, an opportunity for aspiring young dancers to attend a workshop with exciting youth dance company Ceyda Tanc, top children’s entertainer Tomfoolery in the Festival Marquee, the celestial sound of harps in St John’s Church with the Glissando harp ensemble, and a chance to see some old film footage of Burgess Hill, including construction of The Martlets Shopping centre and hall in the early 1970s.
A variety of free and low-cost workshops and taster sessions are also on offer, providing opportunities to get creative and have a go at new activities. There is something for all ages and pockets – 52 of the 66 events are free or cost £5 or less.
The Festival Marquee in St John’s Park will host a variety of events during the first weekend of the Festival, including the popular Wild About Mid Sussex, a generous helping of Wilbury Jam live on stage on Saturday evening, Sunday morning children’s entertainment with Tomfoolery, an afternoon of popular Classics in the Park with Burgess Hill Symphony Orchestra and a family evening of music and entertainment presented by some of Burgess Hill’s churches.
The 9-day Summer Festival includes classical and popular music, dance, art and craft, literature, walks, talks, nature, quiz, after-school activities, history and family history, workshops, events for different ages and for the whole community.
The Festival is co-ordinated by Burgess Hill Town Council with participation by 47 local groups, businesses and individuals.
Town Mayor, Councillor Chris Cherry, said: “We are very grateful to all those involved in putting on such an array of events for this year’s Summer Festival – there really is something for everyone!”
Festival programmes are available from the Town Council’s Help Point at 96 Church Walk, as well as Burgess Hill Library and other community venues around the town. The programme can also be viewed on the Town Council’s website www.burgesshill.gov.uk/Summerfestival. Keep up to date throughout the Festival via the Town Council’s Facebook and Twitter.
Tickets are on sale now.
