Latest News from Lewes District Council | Thursday 10 April 2025
Artwave figures reveal festival's creative and economic success
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Artists and makers are being invited to showcase their work in Artwave 2025 as last year's attendance and spending figures highlight the 'hugely positive' impact of the festival for Lewes district.
Creatives who wish to exhibit their work in the 2025 festival - which runs from September 6 to 21 - have until Sunday, April 27, to register at www.artwavefestival.org
Last year, Artwave featured the work of more than 1,000 artists and makers across 163 exhibitions, generating over £333,000 in total income for them. The diverse work on show included jewellery, painting, sculpture, printmaking, textiles, ceramics, metalwork and photography.
It is estimated that more than 53,000 people visited over the three weeks of the 2024 festival, which has gone from strength to strength since it began in 1993.
As well as being a popular annual event for residents, the flagship visual arts festival funded by Lewes District Council is a gateway for people from farther afield to discover and enjoy Lewes district - with the average visitor spending just under £40on non-artwork items such as food, drink, shopping and accommodation.
Councillor Johnny Denis, Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Leisure, said: "We are very proud of Artwave and the way it supports our brilliant creative community by giving art lovers the chance to discover new work, meet artists and makers, and buy directly from them.
"Alongside this hugely positive creative impact, the festival is also beneficial to the local economy, attracting people to the area who spend money on enjoying all the great things Lewes district has to offer. My thanks to Charlotte Parsons for all her super work in organising Artwave."
According to a report by Artwave organisers, an impressive 98% of visitors in 2024 expressed their intention to return to the festival in the future, highlighting the event's strong appeal.
For more information about Artwave visit www.artwavefestival.org
Bruce Asbestos - NEW POP MAX | 19 April - 7 June
In collaboration with Towner Eastbourne and Lewes District Council, Look Again returns to Newhaven, all pumped up (pun intended) from 19 April until 7 June.
NEW POP MAX, is a bold and colourful mix of large inflatables and paintings by Bruce Asbestos that will amuse and enthral families, young adults and grown ups alike.
During the duration of the show we also have family friendly workshops, evening events and other fun stuff planned!
Check the website for details www.lookagainnewhaven.co.uk
Living Coast Event – Explore Sussex’s Marine Life in VR
A family-friendly event celebrating local marine life and sustainability takes place on Wednesday 16 April, 11am–4pm at Mercread Youth Centre, Seaford!
The Living Coast Event features the Living Coast Undersea Experience – a virtual reality journey beneath the waves of Sussex. The experience offers a unique chance to see local marine habitats up close in an exciting and interactive way.
Alongside the VR experience, there will be food, eco-activities, preloved school uniform exchanges, and the chance to take part in creating a community bottle top mosaic. Stalls include Plastic Free Seaford and the Anglers National Line Recycling Scheme.
Advance tickets cost £2.50 and all proceeds will be donated to an organisation in Tanzania providing youth led environmental activities
Visitors are also encouraged to donate children’s sports boots for the Preloved School Uniform Exchange – these can be dropped off at local school receptions.
Find out more and book your tickets at sharingskills.co.uk/living-coast-event
New Repair Café Opening in Ringmer – Saturday 26 April
A new community Repair Café is launching in Ringmer on Saturday 26 April, open from 10:00am–12:30pm at the Parish Council Office - Google maps link
This volunteer-led initiative aims to reduce waste, encourage repair skills, and support a more sustainable future. Visitors are invited to bring one item in need of repair – such as a small electrical appliance, IT device, mechanical object, clothing (no alterations), or a garden tool for sharpening. Advice will also be available for ceramics.
No appointment is necessary, and refreshments will be served while visitors wait or after their repair. Donations will be much appreciated (cash or card).
The Repair Café will run on the last Saturday of most months, with a small local team doing their best to help.
Additional volunteers are welcome – particularly those with electrical repair skills.
More information available at: www.ringmerrepaircafe.co.uk
Tree Festival 2025: Celebrating Trees Across Sussex
Don't miss out on the Tree Festival 2025, celebrating the amazing value and beauty of trees in our area!
Following the success of last year’s event, this year’s programme has been expanded beyond Brighton & Hove to include the entire The Living Coast Unesco Biosphere.
Events are running from late April through summer, with two main festival weekends on 14-15 and 21-22 June.
The festival offers something for everyone to enjoy, including practical workshops, and guided walks, to storytelling, and a Branch Out symposium.
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