Full line-up for free St Leonards Festival is unveiled

The popular annual event features a lively programme of artists and activities. From noon to 5pm the gardens will come alive with live music, dance, storytelling, walkabout theatre, drumming and a colourful community parade.

Main stage acts will be introduced by local favourite Ben Watson. The line-up includes a mix of roaming and stage performances such as The Show Globe bringing its ‘Enchanted Flower Globe’ to the festival, gliding gracefully through the gardens.

The UK African Acrobats will showcase impressive acrobatic skills, Dolly Delicious brings playful character performance plus Xena Flame delighting crowds with her hula hoop artistry. Raven Drummers, Sambalanco and the Section 5 Drummers will open the festival with a drumming circle.

There will be live music from community musicians including Yasmien Huband and Erin.

Families can enjoy storytelling inside Richard Storybeard’s cosy yurt and take part in free craft activities in the workshop marquee, where children can make animal themed items to take on the parade. Parade participants are invited to gather at 2.45pm at the Rose Garden in Warrior Square to join in the Community Parade, which sets off at 3pm. This year, the parade and workshop activities take inspiration from animals, and visitors are encouraged to come along in their own animal themed costumes or creations.

Visitors can browse community stalls, enjoy delicious food from local vendors and relax in the gardens. A new attraction for this year is The Ribbon Tunnel, an interactive walk-through installation that brings colour, movement and playfulness to the festival space.

St Leonards Festival Committee chair Aretha George Tooley said: "St Leonards Festival is such a special moment in our year. It brings people together in a way that feels joyful, creative and full of heart. Every performer, every volunteer and every visitor who joins us helps create something truly uplifting for our community.

"We cannot wait to welcome everyone back to Warrior Square Gardens for a day that celebrates the spirit of St Leonards and its community."

Visit stleonardsfestival.org.