Hassocks events

Hassocks residents shine in HURSTfolk

A number of Hassocks residents are involved in HURSTfolk. This music festival takes place in Hurstpierpoint from 22nd to 24th November, showcasing homegrown talent on various local stages. Tickets are available from www.hurstfolk.org

A new album for our times

On Friday 22nd, Mike Reinstein, is celebrating the release of his latest album, The Birds Don’t Sing Around Here at The Players Theatre, Hurstpierpoint. On stage with him will be his wife Reina on keyboards, Ali Gavan on bass and Lee Humber on drums. They all appear on the album which was produced by Ali this year at Brighton Road Studios near Hassocks.
Released on November 4th, this is Mike’s fourth album for the Irregular Records label. In this latest collection, he uses his songwriting skills to cast an unflinchingly forensic gaze at the troubling times we’re all living through. With a mixture of wit, anger and a wide palette of musical styles, The Birds Don’t Sing Around Here is a powerful critique of our wounded world.
The album can also be accessed on most streaming platforms and is available as a CD from his website www.mikereinstein.co.uk

Plus support from Ian

Ian Roland, Hassocks based singer-songwriter, Ian Roland, and his band are supporting Mike Reinstein on 22nd November at the Players’ Theatre.
On 31st October, Ian released his new track about a much-loved local landmark, making the song available through Youtube. Ian references the chalk grassland slopes and wildlife which can be seen in this chalk grassland habitat. Listen out for mention of the adonis blue, meadow pipit, skylark and round-headed rampion, the county flower of Sussex. Here is the link https://youtu.be/YrhPHp_KJlU

Happy to be back

Sell-out jazz vocalist, writer and artist, Lou Beckerman is happy to be a part of Hurst Folk again, and says: “On 24th November, as the sun sets on atmospheric Danny House, we’ll be presenting an early-evening intimate concert to help people unwind.” With her background in health and the arts, Lou has a special love of bringing healing elements together in a woven tapestry of soothing jazzy sounds and heartfelt poetry.
She is also running a Saturday morning adults’ singing workshop on 23rd November. It’s for everyone - No previous experience of singing needed. Larks and frogs, carcrooooners and bathtub-balladeers - ALL are most warmly welcome! Again it’s aimed at relaxation, confidence-building, health, wellbeing, and fun! Lou delights in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where all can enjoy the rewards of music-making and singing together. For more information about Lou please visit her website: www.loubeckerman.com

Hassocks Americana and Ale Festival

Welcome to Hassocks Life’s Americana and Ale Festival event page. Here you will find our most recent information for everything regarding the festival.

Next year’s event information coming mid-2025!


Americana and Ale Festival

Americana and Ale Festival 2024

This year’s Mid Sussex Americana and Ale Festival has a particularly strong community focus on the Sunday. Jim Walker says: “Our local lucky charms, Hassocks very own The Self Help Group are back to charm you all, with their unique and captivating songs.”

Local musician and radio presenter, Ben Featherstone will perform some of his well-known songs, and an exclusive album preview of his new album,‘Tomorrow’s Heart’. Jim Walker says: “Expect heartfelt lyrics, a strong stage presence, and a unique fingerstyle guitar playing.” Featherstone has previously shared the bill with renowned artists such as The Libertines and Guy Garvey, and will be joined on stage by musicians who have performed with some iconic acts. Jim Walker elaborates: “This performance is particularly special as Featherstone rarely plays live with string players, especially those that are usually reserved for the Albert Hall, making it an event not to be missed at 4pm on 25th August.”

Hassocks name, Ian Roland, will appear as a trio with Dave Coomber on bass and James Chapman on drums. Listen out for The Equatorial Group from Eastbourne and Tapes for Diane from Brighton. In addition, Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou are making a very welcome return from Hastings; the duo have released five critically acclaimed studio albums.

Some international artists are coming from much further away! Ashley Campbell and Thor Jensen form a unique meeting of musical genres. Jim Walker says: “With Ashley coming from the world of country and Americana and Thor having a diverse background from rock to gypsy jazz, they create a fresh sound as a duo.” Mid Sussex Music & Ale Festival takes place on the 24th and 25th August. The doors open at 2pm to 11pm each day. Tickets available at: thehassocks.co.uk

Adastra Hall hosts Hassocks On Show

Volunteers at Adastra Hall have breathed new life into an old Hassocks event by relaunching Hassocks On Show.

This community event will take place on Saturday 28th October from 10am until 3pm, and local clubs and organisations have snapped up available spaces! With nearly 30 exhibitors, and over 70 pastimes on show, the exhibition promises to give lots of useful insights into organisations and clubs from across the village.

The event is free for residents and their friends to attend. The WI are running the tea and cakes service, and the event will be across all three of the rooms at Adastra Hall. There is also a presentation about the extension project. This is a great opportunity to come and see what the hall has to offer to potential hirers too. Here’s a schedule of all those clubs and societies attending:

• Hhd u3a
• Keynotes Music
• Know Dementia
• Let’s Dance Hassocks
• Love Art Sudios
• Museum of Gardening
• Parish of Clayton and Keymer
• Sarita Prints Joy Block Print Workshops
• Seasons Art Class
• Star Cinema
• Sussex Vale Rotary
• WI
• Adastra Hall Table Tennis Club
• Bounce Hassocks

• Girl guides
• Hasocks Circle Dance Group
• Hassocks Community Organisation
• Hassocks Community Runners
• Hassocks Croquet Club
• Hassocks Field Society
• Hassocks Good Causes Whist Club
• Hassocks Green Group (HKD transition)
• Hassocks Parish Council
• Hassocks Tennis Club
• Hassocks Twinning Association
• Budding Foundation
• Crafty Ladies
• Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Sussex

“There is absolutely something for everything,” said Chris Hobbs, Chair at Adastra Hall. “This has been such an easy thing to organise and we are in the sad position of having to turn some groups away, just because we filled the spaces without much effort at all. I’ve lived in Hassocks for 22 years and I had no idea about some of the groups’ existence!”

The raffle will feature many prizes, all donated by the stallholders, and will raise funds which will be equally shared between the Teddy and the Big C campaign and the Adastra Hall Extensions Project.