Hassocks’ very own festival returns - DownsFest 2022!

DownsFest is back! In July, there will be a weekend of comedy and music for everyone to enjoy at Adastra Park. This year introduces Comedy@ DownsFest too!

On Friday 15th July, in partnership with ‘Funny That Comedy,’ DownsFest are pleased to announce six comedians will be on stage throughout the evening including Stephen K. Amos and local favourite, Stephen Grant. “We look forward to an evening of fun and laughter, whilst enjoying a summer’s evening drinking local beers and feasting on a variety of street food,” says organiser, Michelle Binks.

On Saturday 16th July, the all-day music festival, DownsFest 2022, will be headlining One Step Behind, the Masters of Madness, and featuring a collection of musical acts throughout the day. Michelle explains: “We are also introducing a FamilyZone@DownsFest this year, which will be including a circus programme from Poi Passion which is all part of the Saturday ticket price.” DownsFest intends to bring everyone together through music and comedy for a fun-filled two days to raise money for St Peter and St James Hospice, the local Mid Sussex charity who look after and support families with those at the end of their life.

As DownsFest is over two days, consider making it a ‘true’ festival experience by camping at Southdowns Way Camping and Caravan, just a 10 mins walk from Adastra Park. Or visit by train with Hassocks Station on the London-Brighton line also just 10mins from the festival.

Tickets are available from £19.50. For more information and ticket options please visit www.DownsFest.co.uk

Sussex Vale Rotary, local charities they support and why they need your help

By Duncan Honeyman

Over the past year, Sussex Vale Rotary has supported the local Foodbanks, Sussex Cancer Fund, St Peter & St James Hospice, Hurst Museum, Hurst Girls Brigade, the Red Cross, CAB Project Wenceslas and refurbished defibrillators in Hurst and Hassocks, together with other local groups needing help.

As the festive season draws near, we are already planning the supply of Christmas hampers to those in need. Your help is welcome and very necessary, and we look forward to meeting you when we hold our local street collections in Hurstpierpoint on 11th December, followed by Hassocks on the 18th. Please give generously: every penny raised goes to good causes as we have no overheads. Besides the charities listed above, Sussex Vale also sponsors the Memory Moments Café in Hurstpierpoint with the support of Know Dementia. It meets on the first Thursday of the month at the Court Bushes Centre (2pm-4pm) and we need volunteers to help with the general running of the café. If you think you can help for a couple of hours one day a month, please email: secretarysvrotary@gmail.com.

Our community needs your help to continue to develop a supportive and friendly environment for all the local residents, so if you want to become involved in this, why not consider having a look at what Sussex Vale Rotary offers? We meet fortnightly at The Greyhound in Keymer, in a relaxed and friendly environment, so if you are interested in learning more about Rotary and how you can help or join us, please contact our club secretary, or ask in The Greyhound for the next meeting date.