Welcome to the Hailsham Festival 2018!
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the 2018 Hailsham Festival, a celebration of talent, creativity and imagination centered in Hailsham and its surrounding area.
The festival originated over ten years ago when it consisted mainly of its highly regarded Art Trail. That trail has grown in strength and diversity ever since and continues to be a rich showcase for local artistic talent and skill. Exhibition spaces can be found across the area and we are sure that you will enjoy the wide range of work on display.
Music, dance, drama and cinema are well represented with performances in venues ranging from the iconic Hailsham Pavilion as well as Summerheath Hall, Chapter 12 Bar and Kitchen and the Bluebell Barn in Arlington. The Mayor’s Opening Concert in the Parish Church will feature musicians from the church as well as a performance by Hailsham Choral Society. Young talent will be represented with performances by students from Hailsham Community College and the East Sussex Music service’s Eastbourne Area Concert Band. We are also pleased that the recreation ground will this year play host to a walking carnival as part of the festivities and of course there’s much, much more – jazz, folk, theatre, film, poetry and literature as well as competitions and activities for families!
From the moment I started taking part I was bowled over by the variety, quality and richness which the festival has to offer. Thanks are due to our sponsors and supporters and particularly the Chalk Cliff Trust whose generous help ensures that we have the resources to take creative risks and offer a diverse programme of events. The arts represent a vital component of our culture, enriching our community and creating a vibrant landscape from which we all benefit.
I do hope you enjoy the festival.
Dr Tony Biggin (Chair)