The History of Adur Festival

A LEGACY of Community and Arts

1987

Origins and Early Years

The Adur Festival was established in 1987 as an annual celebration of arts and community in the Adur district of West Sussex. For over two decades, it took place in the first two weeks of June each year, quickly becoming a fixture of the local cultural calendar.

Adur District Council initially managed and funded the festival, which grew steadily in scope and popularity. From its beginnings, the festival was community-oriented and multi-disciplinary, encompassing visual arts, music, theatre, literature, dance, and more—all intended to celebrate Adur's local talent and unique coastal heritage.

2000s

Festival Growth

By the 2000s, the festival featured hundreds of events across towns like Shoreham, Lancing, Sompting, and Southwick during its fortnight-long run. Local churches, parks, and community halls transformed into venues for art exhibitions, concerts, and performances.

The 2008 festival (the 21st Adur Festival) included a two-day Sompting Arts & Beer Festival opened by the local MP, art exhibitions in Shoreham's historic churches, and live entertainment in town centers.

2014-15

Creative Themes

Each year carried a unifying theme to inspire participants. In 2014, the theme was "Strange Creatures," culminating in a quirky carnival parade with street performers and even a "Strange Creature Fashion Show" for kids.

The following year's theme, "Food of Love," inspired food-related arts events and performances. The 2015 festival spanned 16 days and packed in over 50 events, including art exhibitions, live music, family activity days, creative workshops, stand-up comedy, theatre shows, guided history walks, pop-up tea rooms, village fairs, and even a beer festival.

2015

Street Parties

A highlight of 2015 was a trio of large outdoor street parties held simultaneously in Shoreham, Lancing, and Southwick, featuring international street theatre acts performing alongside local community groups.

Thousands of people turned out for these carnival-style street events, underscoring the festival's ability to bring the community together in public spaces. The festival also incorporated existing community traditions like the World Oceans Day "Environment Festival" on Shoreham Beach and International Neighbours Day.

2012-13

New Leadership

In 2012, amid tightening budgets, the council decided that continuing to solely fund the festival was "unsustainable." This precipitated a shift in how the festival was financed and administered.

Starting in 2013, the nonprofit Ropetackle Arts Trust (based at the Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham) took over coordination of the festival. The festival's income became a mix of grants from Arts Council England, reduced contribution from Adur District Council, support from Sussex Community Foundation, and sponsorships from businesses like Shoreham Port.

2013-15

Community Involvement

One of the Adur Festival's greatest strengths was its "open access" approach—anyone could register an event under the festival banner so long as it took place in Adur during the festival dates.

As festival coordinator Mella Faye-Punchard explained, "the festival can't grow unless the community takes ownership of it." Through public planning meetings, individuals and groups like Friends of Shoreham Fort, East Adur Lions Club, and local artists would propose events. This collaborative, community-led model fostered a strong sense of local pride and ownership.

2016-17

Challenges and Pause

Despite successfully transitioning to a new funding model, the festival faced challenges by 2016. The festival's longtime art trail was struggling to recruit organizers, and both the festival and art trail took a "pause" in 2017.

Several factors contributed to the festival's discontinuation: funding challenges, the departure of key leadership, the growing complexity of organizing large events, and the lack of an established independent committee to take it forward once Ropetackle stepped back.

Legacy

Lasting Impact

The Adur Festival's rich history from 1987 to 2016 demonstrates what is possible when a community comes together to celebrate its identity. Its significance—in terms of community cohesion, local pride, and cultural vibrancy—remains in the memory of Adur residents.

For nearly three decades, the festival:

  • Showcased local artistic talent
  • Brought the community together across town boundaries
  • Supported the local economy
  • Created a sense of place and cultural identity
  • Raised the profile of Adur on the regional cultural map

Though currently dormant, the spirit of the Adur Festival continues to inspire community events throughout the district.

Key Contributors

Adur District Council

Founding Organizer

Ropetackle Arts Trust

Festival Coordinator (2013-2016)

Mella Faye-Punchard

Festival Director

Shoreham Port

Lead Sponsor

Festival Memories

View Full Gallery