Join the Riverlution this September and celebrate the Ouse

Be part of the Riverlution: Thriving Ouse Festival to celebrate, learn and act for the Sussex River Ouse and its tributaries. The community festival taking place 19 - 27th September will be a series of events for local people to come together for a shared vision and collective action. Learn about what we can all do to create a culture of care and be part of positive change for the benefit of all people and species we share this beautiful Ouse valley with. 

Voices of the Ouse opens the festival bringing together key organisations and communities who represent, work alongside, and feel a deep connection to its waters. A very special Council of All Beings workshop in the Lewes Town Hall Council Chamber will bring the voices of the eel and kingfisher in our democratic spaces. 

Britain’s Hidden Fishes film screening will dive below the surface to learn about our incredible fish species and the plight of Ouse fish. Community volunteers will be reporting on their year of testing on Glynde Reach, the poorest fairing Ouse tributary, as part of a special Artwave exhibition in Ringmer. Walks and volunteering opportunities will connect you with our local waterways.

There is something for everyone on the weekend of 26-27th to tie in with International Rivers Day. The Head of the Ouse boat race and Lewes Rowing Club Open Day will accompany our Community River Day. Celebrate the incredible achievements of the pioneering River Rights Charter on Cliffe Bridge, learn how you can uphold the river’s rights and take part in our Community River Mapping. Wild Words talk will explore how language can influence positive change. There’s rivery creativity for kids and plenty of tea and cake! 

'Rivers are finally getting the attention they deserve in our hearts and landscape but more needs to be done to turn the tide on the health of the river. We are intrinsically linked and water is the ultimate life giver so there’s no better time to unite for the Ouse. Join us in Loving our Ouse - be part of the Riverlution!': Natasha Padbury, Festival Director, Love our Ouse Support & partners include Ouse Valley Climate Action, The National Lottery Community Fund, Chalk Cliff Trust, South Downs National Park, Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust and Lewes District Council. Beautiful artwork by Michelle Hockey.