New festival brings over 100 whiskies to Lewes this February
A new whisky festival is coming to Lewes this winter, bringing more than 100 whiskies from independent bottlers, distillers and importers.
Lewes Whisky Festival, run by the team behind Summerton Whisky Club, will be held in the Corn Exchange at Lewes Town Hall on Saturday February 13 2027.
The festival takes place across two sessions — 12pm to 3.30pm and 4.30pm to 8pm — with tickets priced at £49.95.
Tickets include a festival glass to keep, a programme and unlimited tastings across every table in the hall, allowing visitors to try whiskies from Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, America, India and beyond.
Exhibitors confirmed so far include independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail, Old Pulteney, WhistlePig, Heaven Hill, Boann, Isle of Raasay, The English Distillery and In the Welsh Wind, alongside Kakira Distillery, whose Ugandan rum will provide something different.
The festival says more exhibitors are expected to be announced through the autumn.
Dan Humphrey, founder of Lewes Whisky Festival, said: "I wanted a festival where you can walk up to any table, ask a daft question, and get a proper answer — no velvet rope, no lecture."
The event is designed to be approachable, not about knowing your single malt from your blended malt before you arrive but about enjoying whisky.
There are no tokens to buy and no extra charges at any table, and the people pouring are the ones who make, choose or champion the whisky, on hand to answer beginner and expert questions alike.
The festival is deliberately not serving food on site, encouraging visitors to eat at one of Lewes's many independent pubs, cafés and restaurants before or after their session.
Organisers are also urging visitors to travel by train where possible.
Dan continued: "Lewes felt like the obvious place to do this properly, with a fantastic venue that is already home to the South Downs Beer & Cider Festival, extensive train links to allow it to be an event for all of Sussex, and a vibrant local community."
With 480 places available across the day and no more, organisers are encouraging early booking.
More information and tickets can be found at leweswhiskyfestival.co.uk.