SussexFest And How To Celebrate This Sussex Day
If there is something a resident of Sussex could be druv to, it's Sussex Day.
Sussex Day is the annual celebration of all things Sussex that is celebrated on 16th June each year. Given the history and tradition it encompasses, though, it's a recent arrival on the calendar.
The official day for the historic county of Sussex was established in 2007, following a proposal by Worthing resident Ian Steedman. The date was chosen given its association with Saint Richard, the Patron Saint of Sussex—June 16th marks the anniversary of the body of the former Bishop of Chichester (1244-1253) being translated from the nave of Chichester Cathedral to his shrine.
Now, Sussex Day, when the Sussex flag, featuring its distinctive six gold martlets on a blue field, will fly from buildings across West and East Sussex, including Chichester's County Hall, is a chance for the residents to showcase and promote the region's rich culture and heritage.
Although the day itself falls on 16th June, villages, towns and cities in the region will be celebrating throughout the week.
SussexFest — Chichester Cathedral Green, 14th June, 2026
In 2026, the first SussexFest is set to be held in Chichester, the county town of West Sussex. Running from 11am to 4pm on Sunday before Sussex Day, the event on the Cathedral Green in the city centre will feature family-friendly entertainment, drop-in workshops and live performances celebrating local talent. Expect singing, dancing, theatre and more—you can find full details at the Chichester Cathedral website.
Chichester Cathedral is also hosting a Sung Eucharist for Saint Richard, the Patron Saint of Sussex, whose statue stands near the West Door before SussexFest. The Dean of Chichester Cathedral, The Very Revd Dr Edward Dowler, will preside over the celebration that begins at 10am.
Other Sussex Day Events In The Local Area
Just down from the Cathedral on Chichesters West Street, Edes House will be running a Sussex Day guided tour of the historic house on the day itself. Promising to uncover insights into the county and Edes Houses role in it as well as hidden details of the stunning location, tickets for the 90-minute tour on June 16th are available now.
To the west of Chichester, Southbourne is celebrating Sussex Day near the border of West Sussex on 13th June. Running from 1pm to 3pm, the Sussex Day Fete is free to attend.
The above events will help you celebrate the county day. If youre looking for a deeper dive into Sussex traditions this Sussex Day, though. Here are some activities to look out for or even take part in.
Sussex Sites To Visit
Sussex Day is about exploring the magical landscape of Sussex as much as its culture and traditions, so its the perfect time to spend some time in the stunning countryside around us.
The Sussex Wildlife Trust has over 20 nature reserves throughout East and West Sussex, including local spots, Leythorne Meadow, Levin Down and West Dean Woods. If youre looking for an understanding of the county's rural history, a heritage centre like the Weald and Downland Living Museum offers a stunning and fascinating glimpse into a thousand years of Sussex life.
Morris Dancing
Traditional Morris dancing will be seen across Sussex throughout June, from Lewes to Chichester. A tradition thought to date back to the 15th century, the energetic English folk dance with a flurry of sticks, handkerchiefs or sticks and bells is a staple of celebrations.
Those attending SussexFest on Chichester Cathedral Green will be able to see the Fishbourne Morris Dancers perform from 2pm.
Read The Sussex Charter
The Sussex Charter is something that you may hear across the historic county in early June. Listen out for it being read in full, quite possibly by your local Town Crier, at noon on 16th June.
The declaration is a companion piece to Sussex Day, setting out the commitments for the people of Sussex to protect the land, wildlife, boundaries, and to support neighbours and the prosperity of the region. Naturally, it ends with Sussex's traditional motto: We wunt be druv—the county dialect for We will not be driven.
Sing Sussex by the Sea
Alongside the Sussex Charter and the distinctive sound of morris dancing, you may also hear the refrains of the song Sussex By the Sea.
Written in 1907 by William Ward-Higgs, the song, also known as A Horse Galloping, is considered the unofficial county anthem of Sussex. Regularly sung at celebrations, including Sussex Day, its inspiration is a little unclear. Various origin stories have been put forward, including being written for the wedding of a member of the Royal Sussex Regiment or taking direct inspiration from Rudyard Kiplings 1902 poem Sussex.
Read About Historic Sussex
There are plenty of fiction and non-fiction books to help you celebrate Sussex this June— dont forget the books set in or around Chichester are a great starting point.
If you're looking for inspiration to boost your book challenges this National Year of Reading, why not leap into the county's rich history and folklore?
The 2025 book Beowulf Revelations by George Jones draws inspiration from the Old English poem, which has been translated by, among others, JRR Tolkien and Seamus Heaney. Recounting ancient events in Sussex, Jones weaves the tale of the Anglo-Saxon King with the myths of dragons in the rolling Sussex hills and fascinating insight into the place names of the county. It's the perfect fusion of the magic and history unique to Sussexs origins.
Alternatively, Bernard Cornwells The Saxon Stories—a series of 13 novels that inspired the BBC/Netflix series The Last Kingdom—is a 9th-century saga of battles and shifting loyalties that frequently takes place in the marshlands, hills and coastline of historic Sussex. A rollicking good mix of swords and politics!
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