In photos – more than 300 people celebrate Grove Garden’s biggest-ever Garden Party in Haywards Heath

The event took place on Saturday, July 25 (1pm-5pm) and organisers said there was ‘laughter, music, dancing, homemade cakes, creative hats and an overwhelming sense of community’.

Grove Garden said the special day was held to celebrate and thank the many businesses, organisations, volunteers and people who have helped the garden flourish over the past year and since it first opened its gates.

Nigel Ryan, chair of Grove Garden, said: “This day was all about saying thank you. Grove Garden simply wouldn’t exist without the incredible generosity of our volunteers, businesses, community organisations, funders and supporters. Every act of kindness – whether it's giving time, donating resources, baking cakes, sponsoring a project or simply turning up to support us – has helped create something truly special.

“Looking around the Garden and seeing more than 320 people of all ages laughing together, making new friends and enjoying each other's company was a wonderful reminder of what community is really about. There was so much joy, so much kindness and such a strong sense of belonging. That’s exactly why Grove Garden exists.”

The day was officially opened by Haywards Heath Deputy Mayor Abdul Bashar who described Grove Garden as a very special place and huge asset for Haywards Heath.

Mayor Duncan Pascoe presented Grove Garden’s Community Partnership Awards, which recognised some of the individuals and organisations who have helped the garden continue its mission of ‘replacing loneliness with friendship, purpose, wellbeing and joy’. The Grove Garden Awards for Exceptional Groving recognised the efforts of the volunteers who make up the Grove Garden Team, known as ‘Grovers’.

Grove Garden said one of the highlights was the Mad Hatter competition. Maggie Sherburn won the prize for the most creative design with her flower hat. The garden gave a special mention to artist Dr Debbie Yeboah and her artistic hair creation.

The afternoon tea offered homemade cakes and the garden said ‘a huge thank you’ to volunteer catering coordinator Gill Smyth, alongside trustee Lauren Penfold, who provided homemade lemonade and Pimms.

There was music all day from harmony trio Consilience, internationally acclaimed musicians Tim and Hannah Carpenter and Mike Oliver.

A Grove Garden spokesperson said: “As the music faded and the last cups of tea were poured, one thing was clear: Grove Garden has become far more than a community garden. It is a place where friendships grow, generations come together, and kindness continues to blossom. For everyone who helped make the day such a success, and for everyone who has supported Grove Garden throughout the years, the message was simple:

thank you for helping us grow so much more than a garden.”

Find out more about Grove Garden and see what’s on at www.grovegarden.uk.