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

This summer, another festival will take place in Hassocks, featuring top award-winning Americana artists from the USA and UK. Mid Sussex Music Hall is based in the function room of Hassocks Hotel, and is a collaboration between landlord, Chris Lambe, and James Walker, the Managing Director of Brighthelmstone Promotions.

The next event is a three-day festival over the August Bank Holiday Weekend. The weekend ticket, at just £54, offers the best value, but you can also purchase individual tickets for Friday, Saturday or Sunday, with prices starting from £13. “We are very lucky to have achieved this line-up,” says James Walker, and he adds: “Many have achieved international awards and recognition.”

Artists include Andrew Combs, Joshua Ray Walker, who has performed on The Tonight Show, and Whitney Rose, who won the ECMA Award for Country Album of the Year and Honky Tonk Female of the Year at The Ameripolitan Awards. Multi-award winning Americana artist, Robert Vincent Band, and Diana Jones, a New York based folk singer, will play on Saturday. “With her new release, Song To A Refugee, Diana Jones brings her signature brand of storytelling to the worldwide refugee crisis,” says James Walker. Some artists have local connections. Friday’s haunting duo, Native Harrow are based in Sussex as is Anya Louise. Don’t miss Hassocks-based talent: The Self Help Group; Ian Roland; Dan Russell, and look out for songwriter, Peter Bruntell, named by Rolling Stone magazine as ‘one of England’s best kept musical secrets’. For full line-up and tickets see: www.brighthelmstonepromotions.co.uk

Americana and Ale Festival in Hassocks hosts local and international artists

Stellar line-up at The Hassocks this August Bank Holiday