Thomas Paine festival promises 'revelations'

Thomas Paine and Lewes: Revolution and Reason, will take place in July 2009 and feature a variety of events, including a street party in Lewes High Street.

Paul Myles, a director of the group which is organising the event, said he had uncovered some new information about Thomas Paine which showed the importance of Paine's time in Lewes.

Mr Myles said: 'We've carried out a lot of research on Tom Paine's time in Lewes and have unearthed some new facts.

'His stay in the town had a profound impact on his life and it's where he learnt his debating and writing skills.

'A lot of mistakes have been made in writing about his history in Lewes and we are aiming to set the record straight.'

Mr Myles has been working with historian and author Dr Colin Brent and the pair will present some of their findings at a launch meeting later this month.

Organisers of the event have called on Lewes businesses to get behind the festival and invited them to attend a meeting on February 27.

Mr Myles has promised a major announcement at the launch meeting, he said: 'There is some big news coming up at the end of the month and it'll be something which has a lasting positive effect on Lewes.

'We hope the festival has as big an impact on the town as the Rodin exhibition in 1999.

'It'll be great for businesses and organisations in Lewes to get involved with the festival and work with us to help plan what's going to be a great event.'

The launch meeting takes place February 27 at 6.30'“8.30 pm at Lewes Town Hall.

If you represent a Lewes business and would like to attend the meeting email [email protected]

The festival has been funded by 20,000 in grants from Lewes Town Council and Lewes District Council.