The Garden Party 2026

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Hickstead 2026!

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Features

A wide panoramic shot of the Brighton Palace Pier in England at sunset. The historic Victorian pier extends into a calm blue sea under a vibrant sky filled with wispy purple, pink, and orange clouds. In the foreground, a pebbly beach stretches across the bottom of the frame, while the pier’s ornate white buildings and "Brighton Palace Pier" signage are illuminated against the twilight.

Icons Of Brighton

Brighton has never been content with simply being a seaside town. Perched along the Sussex coast, it has reinvented itself time and again – royal retreat, bohemian haven, LGBTQ+ capital, and creative powerhouse. What makes Brighton iconic is not just one landmark or figure, but the way its places, history, and personalities intertwine to form a city that feels both timeless and defiantly modern.

Jockeys in colourful outfits race horses on a green track, surrounded by trees. A red and white post is visible in the background.

Spotlight - The Sussex Events Guide: May 2026

Discover the best events in Sussex this May 2026! From horse racing to enchanting trails, explore what Sussex has to offer this May.

Man lying on grass reading a book, smiling. Sunny park setting with blurred green trees. Open notebooks nearby. Relaxed and cheerful mood.

April Book Reviews

From fame to football, witches to wild embarrassment, here’s what April authors have to offer in terms of new releases

Stone castle with ivy, flag, and benches in a vibrant garden of red and yellow tulips under a blue sky. Lush greenery surrounds the scene.

Spotlight - The Sussex Events Guide: April 2026

Your essential guide to what's going on in and around Sussex in April

Community News

Steam train "The Flying Scotsman" moves through a lush, green countryside with trees overhead and a clear blue sky, emitting white smoke.

Volunteering at the Bluebell Railway

The Bluebell Railway is a heritage steam railway in East Sussex, running between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead. It operates a fleet of beautifully restored steam locomotives and vintage carriages that travel through the picturesque Sussex countryside, offering a truly nostalgic experience. This is possible with the help of over 1000 volunteers who help run the railway, from restoring carriages to greeting visitors.

Person in a market holding three bunches of asparagus labeled "Bedlam Farms." Background displays colorful fruits and vegetables.

Award Winning Farm Shop

The Seasons Wholefoods Named 2026 Independent Local Shop / Village Store of the Year and South East at the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards

Stone church with arched windows and a tower, surrounded by gravestones on grass. A flag flies atop against a clear blue sky.

HENFIELD - Where History and Countryside Meet

In the heart of West Sussex, Henfield blends centuries of history with rural charm. Timber-framed cottages, scenic countryside and a vibrant community make this picturesque village both a delightful destination and a desirable place to live.

Soccer team with kids posing on a green field. Players in green jerseys. Trees in the background. Smiling faces, team spirit visible.

On Any Given Monday

James Forryan travels to the home of Burgess Hill Town FC to meet The Monday Club – a band of unsung heroes playing a vital role in ensuring that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes of this grassroots football club.

Hidden Membership

Win A Family Ticket To The South Of England Show 2026!

Back for 2026, we're so pleased to once more have FIVE family passes up for grabs to this brilliant annual show with so much family fun! The South of England Show is a staple in the agricultural and equestrian calendar. Taking place 5th - 7th June, the 2026 event returns with an action- packed three days of displays and competitions, live entertainment, country pursuits, and rural crafts. A family-friendly celebration of the countryside and British farming, this show offers e

NEW: Win A Pair Of VIP Tickets To Proms '26 OR A Night At The Movies At Robin Hill!

We're offering you another chance to win a fabulous pair of VIP tickets to your choice of two unforgettable classical music events at Robin Hill this summer, with ferry travel included... Following the success of last year’s Proms ’25 event, Classic Isle is returning with Proms ’26 as well as a second evening of world-class entertainment with A Night at the Movies, and you’ve got the chance to be at either event with a pair of VIP tickets! Proms ’26, on Saturday 11th July, wi

BACK FOR 2026: Win A Weekend Pass To Good Vibrations Society Festival

Back for 2026, we’ve got one family bundle and two pairs of weekend tickets to give away to Good Vibrations Society, one of Sussex’s most magical summer festivals! Taking place across three magical days (31st July - 2nd August) in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, Good Vibrations Society returns with an expanded programme celebrating music, wellbeing, ecology and community. Set within the stunning surroundings of Pippingford Park, the family-friendly festival continues to evol

Win A Pair Of Tickets To Brighton Rewind Festival

We've got FIVE pairs of tickets to give away to this brilliant throwback tribute festival taking place in Brighton on Sunday May 3rd! It's turning back time at St Ann’s Wells with Brighton Rewind – a full afternoon and evening of iconic hits, legendary anthems and feel-good festival vibes, all in aid of the Spring Festival. Taking place 2pm–9pm for an unforgettable tribute line-up celebrating some of the greatest artists of all time, expect singalongs, dancing on the grass,

Stuff We Like!

Solve The Case: The Clocktower Affair

A Victorian Sherlock-Style Mystery... London, 1894. Fog curls through the narrow streets of Whitechapel as gas lamps flicker weakly against the winter gloom. At precisely midnight, the great bell of Blackthorn Clocktower tolls once… then abruptly falls silent. The following morning, the clocktower’s keeper, Mr. Alfred Wren, is found dead inside the tower mechanism room. And yet, according to every witness, the tower had been locked all night from the inside. Can you solve the

Five British Towns With the Strangest Histories

Britain is full of beautiful towns—but some come with histories so strange they sound completely made up. From plague villages and smuggling hideouts to towns built on superstition and scandal, these places prove that the UK’s past is anything but boring. Here are five British towns where the history is every bit as fascinating as the scenery: 1. Eyam — The Village That Locked Itself Away In 1665, when the bubonic plague arrived in Eyam, the villagers made an extraordinary de

Icons Of Brighton

It's a Dog's Life: Natural World

Spring is in full swing, so Teddy and the apprentice, Bear, are enjoying the wonders of the natural world as Helen Stockton, his human translator, explains It’s the time of year when the natural world is arguably at its best. Spring is gradually giving way to summer, the countryside looks lush, and there are baby animals and birds in abundance.

Food And Drink

Recipe: Chocolate Roulade

This gorgeous chocolate roulade is made without flour, so it’s light as a feather. Add berries to the whipped cream filling to make a delicious gluten-free dessert

A grey atable with a white bowl on the left with one whole lemons and two halves. A square playe on the middle right with a full lemon drizzle cake and one slice cut off.

Easy Lemon Drizzle Cake

Brighten up a dreary spring day with an easy, zesty lemon drizzle cake recipe.

Recipe: Home Baked Sausage Rolls

Sausage rolls are often enjoyed as a quick snack, fresh from the oven – or make the perfect addition to any summer picnic, when chilled

Recipe: Pumpkin, Sage & Walnut Crostata

This recipe has a sweet pumpkin filling and tangy Stilton topping for a dramatic veggie dish to feed the family

Home And Garden

A bright orange pumpkin with a curved stem sits on a bed of hay in the foreground. In the background, other pumpkins and gourds are arranged, along with some colorful flowers and green plants, suggesting a harvest or fall display. The setting appears to be outdoors or in a greenhouse, with soft, natural light.

Blooming Times - The Amenable Squash Family

Pumpkins, courgettes and marrows, (collectively labelled ‘squash’) are members of a diverse botanical group: cucurbits. They are well-adapted to outdoor living – although the cucurbit family also includes aubergines, cucumbers and melons that typically require the protection of a greenhouse.

Award Winning Farm Shop

The Seasons Wholefoods Named 2026 Independent Local Shop / Village Store of the Year and South East at the Farm Shop & Deli Retailer Awards

Bright living room with beige tufted sofas, green throw pillow, glass coffee table with vase, plants, and sheer curtains. Peaceful ambiance.

Homes - Summer Shades

As temperatures rise and light levels change, homes benefit from subtle shifts that make them feel cooler, calmer and more breathable. Softening a home for warmer months doesn't require redecorating or major expense. Often, it's about adjusting textures and finishes to reflect the season.

Bright studio with a bed, sofa, and a kitchen. Teal accents, dreamcatcher, patterned backsplash, and soft lighting create a cozy mood.

Homes Extra: Small Space. Big Style

Living in a small space is less about compromise and more about intention – smart zoning and clever storage can transform even the smallest home into a space with serious style.