Big Summer Picnic in Cuckfield 2026

Sunday 5th July from 1-5pm

Get ready for a fantastic afternoon of fun, music, and community spirit as HHRFC rugby pitch, Whitemans Green prepares to host the 2026 big summer picnic.

The free event, courtesy of Cuckfield Parish Council and in partnership with Haywards Heath Rugby Club, promises something for everyone. From live music to family-friendly activities - it’s the perfect way to spend a sunny Sunday with friends and neighbours.

There will be live entertainment from the brilliant Band of Dads (B.O.D.) who will be playing throughout the afternoon, setting the perfect soundtrack for your picnic and friendly blanket gatherings.

Kids can enjoy fairground rides and special activities, plus there’s a free Skate Jam—so don’t forget to bring some cash!

You will also be able to tuck into an array of delicious offerings from a variety of food and drink stalls.

Cuckfield Village Show

Welcome to Cuckfield Life’s Cuckfield Village Show event page. Here you will find our most recent information for everything about the show.

See also, Cuckfield Village Show Facebook
The Cuckfield Society

2026’s Village Show will be held on 5th September.

The stage is set for Village Show 2026

The classes have been chosen, the judges and stewards all secured and the date agreed. So it’s all systems go for this year’s village show on Saturday, 5th September at the Baptist Church on Polestub Lane.

According to the Met Office, this summer in the UK is expected to be warmer than average, with a high probability of drier, warmer conditions in the south and an increased risk of extreme heat, following the record-breaking, hot summer of 2025.

This, says Britain’s favourite gardener, Monty Don will bring challenges, but his guidance is start now, and includes planting potatoes, sowing cut flowers, and maximising sheltered spaces for herbs and vegetables.

Susan Osborne, from the organising committee explains; “Ours is a traditional village show and this year growers, bakers, crafters and makers can enter almost 90 classes of vegetables, fruit, flowers, baking, preserves, crafts, art and photography to show of their skills. And with record junior entries last year, we’ve been keen to make sure that there’s plenty of choice for younger entrants to get involved too. Once again, if you’re 75 and over you can enter for free and we don’t restrict the number of entries you can make. This is a community event for the community and we want as many people as possible to get involved.”

This year’s Show will be the 20th annual event organised by The Cuckfield Society. Doors will open to the public at 2pm. Full terms and conditions of entry, and a complete list of the classes to enter can be found on the village show section of the Cuckfield Society’s website www.cuckfieldsociety.uk

Cuckfield Music Festival

Welcome to Cuckfield Life’s Cuckfield Music Festival event page. Here you will find our most recent information for the festival.

Cuckfield Music Festival is a registered charity that exists to bring a programme of musical events to Mid Sussex, working with professional, semi-professional and amateur musicians, schools and colleges, to encourage people of all ages to engage with and perform live music.

See also, Cuckfield Music Festival

2026’s Music Festival will take place 9th - 12th June

“I’M A HUGE FAN OF MUSIC IN ALL ITS FORMS, AND LOVE | THE WAY FESTIVALS BRING ALL SORTS OF DIFFERENT MUSIC-MAKERS TOGETHER.”
- BBC Radio 3’s Katie Derham, Cuckfield Music Festival Patron.

www.cuckfieldmusicfest.co.uk

9th June - 1pm Alexander Hancorn, Trumpet through the ages

10th June - 1pm Kitty Casey, Echoes of the heart

10th June - 7.30pm Lindfield Community Voices & No Strings Attached, Choir and acapella extravaganza!

11th June - 1pm Corey Wickens, Violin - from Vivaldi to Bernstein

11th June - 7.30pm Ian Shaw, jazz pianist/vocalist, When Bowie Met Joni

12th June - 1pm Alexander Rider, Harp, from Debussey to Scott

A musical theatre cabaret at Whitemans Green Sports Club
12th June - 7.30pm Rachel Lloyd, Debs Parker, and Gemma Stainer, leading ladies from West End to Broadway!




Upcoming Bridgerton-style afternoon tea this April

You are cordially invited to join us at the historic Ockenden Manor for what will surely be the event of the season!

Cuckfield Music Festival, in partnership with Time Health, are delighted to debut the first event in the 2026 Cuckfield Music Festival Programme.

On Sunday 19th April 2026, be the envy of the Ton and enjoy a sparkling Sussex welcome, a traditional afternoon tea, and the exquisite sounds of a live String Quartet performing music from the beloved series.

We warmly encourage Regency attire, and a prize awaits the most distinguished guest! Beware that there is limited availability so please do book your tickets and fill your dance card today.

Society will be watching.

Mark your calendars, music lovers

This June, the Cuckfield Music Festival brings high-quality performances straight to the heart of the community. People can enjoy four free lunchtime concerts, free tickets for under 18s, and £2 evening tickets for 19-25-year-olds.

The festivities begin on 19th April with a Bridgerton themed tea party at Ockenden Manor, complete with a live string quartet (see above). And let’s not forget on 30th May, Holy Trinity Church hosts the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus in a special performance that promises to lift your spirits.

Finally, the main festival runs from 7th - 12th June packed with unique performances for music lovers of all ages. Keep your eyes peeled for further updates right here at Cuckfield Life or click https://cuckfieldmusicfest.co.uk/