Arundel Festival of the Arts 2022
Photography by Charlie Waring
Written by Amanda Hopkinson
Arundel Festival of the Arts 2022
The 10-day annual Arundel Festival of the Arts is back and better than ever for 2022 – its 44th year!
From dragon boats to duck racing, choirs to Count Basie, and Shakespeare at the Castle to street entertainment… From Friday 19th to Monday 29th August, Arundel will buzz with family-friendly fun for all ages.
The 2022 Arundel Festival of the Arts will be a joyful and uplifting celebration of music, art, theatre, culture, food, and drink in our historic West Sussex town.
Festival committee chair, Sharon Blaikie says, “Our unique, inclusive summer Festival brings together residents, community groups, local businesses, event organisers and attractions staging uplifting, accessible events for the whole community to enjoy. We’re thrilled to be coordinating an umbrella programme of events throughout the town, working with partners and associates to offer a huge range of entertainment and activities across the whole range of the arts”.
What can you enjoy at the 2022 Arundel Festival of the Arts?
Arundel Festival is heaven for lovers of the arts, with every style and genre of music, art, theatre, culture, food, and drink for you to enjoy.
Arundel Castle is the backdrop to your favourite events, including Dragon Boat Racing, ABBA MAGIC on the High Street, a 3 day Music Festival, Duck Race on the Bank Holiday Monday, Burfest in Burpham, Children’s Cathedral Concert, Festival Market, and the local station V2 Radio will be doing a LIVE broadcast on Saturday 20th outside Jubilee Gardens and this is just some of what’s going on!
You can also stroll the The Gallery Trail, enjoy the Theatre Trail, and Words, Music & Wine in private homes and Arundel Town Hall, and soak up Arundel’s heritage in a huge range of indoor and open-air venues around town.
There are performances from the magical Children’s Concert featuring the Sleepy Lagoon Orchestra where you can learn about the instruments.
You’ll also find the Sporting Bears Classic and Sports cars on Arundel High Street, Live music around town and Theatre from Drip Action Theatre Trail and Arundel Players at the Priory Playhouse.
Once the opening ceremony in the High Street has launched the festival on Friday 19th August from 4.15pm to 5.15pm – this year’s fun will begin!
Music Festival…
Arundel Festival’s three-day Music Festival returns to Brooks Field this year – and it’s bigger than ever!
• On Friday 19th August, The Fabulous Fug Trio and Murdoch’s Crazy Eyes will kick off the weekend of music and entertainment, with DJ Eddie J to keep the party going.
• On Saturday 20th August, you can rock for an incredible 8½ hours, with a fabulous line up including the UK’s leading Led Zeppelin tribute band, Whole Lotta Led, the magic of Kate Bush from Jane Clarity’s Simply Kate Bush, Mark A. Wright’s Elvis tribute act, the Tennessee Baker Boys, Saikuru and DJ Eddie J.
• On Sunday 21st August local choirs will sing in a huge range of styles, with the Worthing Steel Band adding a Caribbean touch to the day. You can enjoy music from West Sussex Sings, Rustington Community Choir, Arun Choral Society, Encore Vocal Choir, and the Rock Choir.
Then from 5pm, head to Burfest on Burpham Cricket Green for an evening of jazz, blues, soul, Latin and rock music, with food, drink, and fun for all ages.
Throughout the Music Festival, stalls and pop ups from local suppliers will offer a range of food and drink to keep you singing, dancing, and smiling…
For a full calendar of Arundel Festival events please visit www.arundelfestival.co.uk and look out for WOW!, the Festival’s printed What’s on Where guide, which is available from local businesses and eateries around town.
Where can you book tickets?
You can book tickets online and in person at the Festival Box Office, open 10am to 1pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at The Arundel Museum, Mill Road, Arundel.
Bank Holiday Weekend Parking
All-day parking is available from 9am to 7pm on Saturday 27th , Sunday 28th and Monday 29th August, for £5 on the left-hand side as you enter The Causeway into Arundel. Please use postcode BN18 9JJ. Thank you to Littlehampton Rotary Club for giving their time to help us run this car park.
How can you find out more?
For a full event calendar and more information about specific events, please visit www.arundelfestival.co.uk where you can sign up for our weekly Festival newsletter. And, follow @arundelfestival to be the first to hear the latest Festival news and ticket information.