Worthing Festival will return to town in 2024 ‘bigger and better’

It has been confirmed that Worthing Festival will come back next summer for two weeks following the debut event earlier this year.

The multi-arts celebration will run from June 8 to 23 and will have an action-packed programme of music, dance, art, heritage, comedy and more.

Councillor Rita Garner, Worthing’s cabinet member for culture and leisure, was overwhelmed by the support for a second festival following conversations with the town’s businesses and creative community.

It is estimated that the debut festival brought more than 14,000 visitors to the town centre over nine days.

Worthing Festival was inspired through conversations between Worthing Borough Council and the town’s arts community, who asked for an event to help promote the wealth of local creative talent. A multi-arts festival was decided upon and brought to life by Time For Worthing, the council’s official tourism arm.

Drumheads and the Spring into Soul Choir brought their samba show to the town on the promenade (Image: Worthing Borough Council)

Next year’s celebration will be longer to ensure a greater number of performances, events and workshops can be registered.

Local venues and people keen to participate in next year’s festival have been invited to register their events from January 15 on the Worthing Festival section of the Time For Worthing website.

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Support sessions will be held for event organisers in the run up to the festival – the first will be on January 18 as part of Colonnade House’s Professional Development Week.

The official branding for this year’s festival will be revealed in the new year as part of a competition held for students at Northbrook College. Last year, student Jessica Galbraith had her design front and centre of the festival’s marketing.

Supergrass’ Gaz Coombes performing at The Venue in Worthing (Image: Worthing Borough Council)

Cllr Garner said: “It’s hugely exciting to confirm that the Worthing Festival will be returning next summer.

“Following last year’s debut festival it was amazing to hear how many people had a great time in the town enjoying the host of live music, creative workshops, heritage talks and comedy performances on offer.

“By working together with our talented locals, great venues and town’s arts forum, we hope to deliver a bigger and better festival for our residents and visitors to enjoy next year.”