Community header template

Photography by Charlie Waring

Written by Barb Hogan

What is the Arundel Festival of the Arts 2023?

A wonderful, vibrant and exciting 10-day event held throughout Arundel which is better than ever for 2023 – its 45th year!

Join us from 18th to 28th of August for a joyful and uplifting celebration of music, art, theatre, culture, food, and drink in our historic West Sussex town. Family Fun for all ages at Arundel Festival.

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 a 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 2023 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. 

There is just so much to see and do – Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night staged at Arundel Castle in the The Collector Earl’s Gardens

The thought provoking, challenging and interesting Words Music and Wine events being held in unique private venues around the town.

You can also stroll the Arundel Gallery Trail and soak up Arundel’s heritage in a huge range of indoor and open-air venues around town.

The Hanover Band will delight lovers of classical music and ABBAMAGIC! on Arundel High Street will make you a Dancing Queen for the night!

During both weekends and if you like a slower pace, there are Tuk Tuk rides in the High Street. As in previous years, you can watch an amazing array of performers, from young local bands to seasoned professionals and everyone in between!

There is a spectacular amount of street entertainment across the whole of Arundel, providing a fun filled festival for all the family. Including stilt walkers, belly dancing, jive, Morris dancers, magicians, fire shows, circus skills and the very traditional and ever popular, Punch and Judy.

The Sporting Bears Motor Club are bringing their classic, sports and performance cars to the High Street and they will take you for a ride in the car of your choice. There are some absolutely fabulous ones to choose from! Which will take your fancy?

With family fun at Arundel Lido, Arundel Wetland Centre and Arundel Museum – check out their Children’s Trail, there is just so much going on all around the town every single day. You will be spoilt for choice – but that’s the idea! and all this is just some of what’s going on!

Is there going to be a Music Festival?…oh yes!!!

The music festival in Brooks Field (behind Mill Road Car Park) is going ahead once again on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th with a fabulous line up including the ever popular local band Murdochs Crazy Eyes. 

The local suppliers will be there too offering a range of food and drink to keep you singing, dancing, and smiling!!

When does it all start?

The Festival gets underway with the opening Flag Raising Ceremony in Arundel High Street on Friday 18th August when the town will buzz with street entertainment, cafe culture, musical performances, and family friendly fun for the whole community to enjoy and be part of.

For a full calendar of Arundel Festival events please visit Arundel Festival and also here.

Where can you book tickets?

You can book tickets online here.

Bank Holiday Weekend Parking

All-day parking is available from 9am to 7pm on Saturday 26th , Sunday 27th and Monday 28th August, for £5 on the left-hand side as you enter The Causeway into Arundel. Please use postcode BN18 9JJ. Thank you to Angmering South Downs and 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.