Roar-some dinosaurs take over Hailsham for 20th anniversary Festival celebration

Hailsham High Street  transformed into a prehistoric playground as dinosaurs descended to unite the community for a spectacular Street Celebration event marking the 20th Anniversary of Hailsham Festival of Arts and Culture.

From 10am to 2pm, the centre of Hailsham  came alive with an exciting programme of attractions including street theatre, live music, magic, samba, 25+ indie street market and arts workshops.  Larger-than-life dinosaur puppets roamed the high street, delighting families and visitors of all ages.

The event was sponsored by Wealden District Council and Stevens & Carter Estate Agents, with additional  support from a wide range of local businesses, organisations and community groups who helped bring the anniversary celebration to life in the heart of Hailsham. Among the Festival’s Supporters were Lead Corporate Sponsor Lightning Fibre as well as Hailsham & District Chamber of Commerce, Angela Marden Estate Agents, Media Attention, Hailsham News, Bournefree Magazine, Crown Wealth Management, Grove Theatre Eastbourne, Hailsham Town Council, HailshamFM, Creative Wealden, Hailsham Parish Church, insight6, Knockhatch Adventure Park, Nic Gray Associates, Hailsham Pavilion, Royal Indian, Wealden District Council, Wealden Community Lottery, Chalk Cliff Trust, Applause and The National Lottery Community Fund.

“It was a brilliant to see the town so busy across Hailsham’s town centre. The Street Celebration was a great community focused event for us to be a part of  and we’re really pleased to be involved in this year’s Festival.” Commented Sam Beale Stevens & Carter Estate Agents

Bumble the Brontasaurus and friends from Rent-a-Dinosaur proved to be one of the day's biggest attractions, offering plenty of photo opportunities, mischief and memories.  In addition, there were vibrant performances of The Gazelle and The Hunter from  the Sonia Sabri theatre company, electrifying music from Brighton based Drum and Blaze Samba band and tricks-a-plenty from  local favourite Marco the Magician. 

Reflecting on the day, Hailsham Festival’s Chair; Tony Biggin commented:

“Twenty years of Hailsham Festival is a fantastic achievement, and we wanted this year's celebration to reflect what makes Hailsham so special; its people, its community and the incredible support we receive from local businesses and organisations.

“Seeing the High Street come alive with families enjoying the entertainment, was a wonderful way to celebrate 20 years of the festival. There was talk all day of how kind, friendly and respectful everyone was, and this event really showed how special a town Hailsham is. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make it possible.” 

The event also highlighted the important role that the town centre and High Street continue to play in bringing the Hailsham community together.  With the support of sponsors and partners from across the town and wider Wealden area, the festival provided a showcase for local organisations while giving residents and visitors a chance to enjoy a free day of entertainment in the centre of Hailsham.

“We are delighted to have supported Hailsham Festival's 20th Anniversary Street Celebration. Events like this are a great example of what can be achieved when local businesses, community organisations and councils work together to create something that benefits the whole town.” Emma Pearce, Lightning Fibre, Lead Corporate Sponsor.

Following on from the 5th, Hailsham Festival runs until 19th September, bringing over 40 arts and culture events to the town and surrounding area.  Keeping to their ethos of inclusivity, the Festival committee ensures that over half of the events are free of charge, with others priced at five pounds. Sponsorship plays a key role in keeping costs down and delivering ‘Arts for all’. 

A Huge Thank you

Hailsham Festival would like to thank all of its sponsors, supporters, volunteers, performers, businesses and community organisations who contributed to the event, as well as everyone who came along to join the party and make the weekend celebration such a success.

For further information visit www.hailshamfestival.co.uk