The East Sussex Living History Festival

28/05/2026

EARLY BIRD TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!

Step back in time this August Bank Holiday as the East Sussex Living History Festival returns to the stunning Michelham Priory House & Gardens for its biggest year yet!

Explore centuries of history brought to life with hundreds of reenactors, live combat displays, hands‑on activities, medieval markets, performances, workshops, and so much more....

Early Bird prices end 30th June - don’t miss out!

Adults £12
Seniors £11
Children £5.50
Under 5s Free

📅 29th–31st August 2026
📍 Michelham Priory House & Gardens
🎟️ Book now and save: https://sussexpast.co.uk/event/east-sussex-living-history-festival/

14/05/2026

We’re delighted to begin announcing the first wave of market traders already confirmed for 2026! A wonderfully authentic medieval marketplace is really starting to take shape, with a fantastic range of artisans and traders including Bewitched Brews & Crafts, Trade Winds Silver Kent, Anderida's Secrets, AM Woodturning, Wicked Wix, Vectisarms, Lionheart Replicas, Thimblerig Cards, Chain Made, and author Toni Mount!

With much much more to be revealed in the coming weeks, it’s already shaping up to be an exceptional offering in this, our 5th year.

Tickets will be on sale very soon, so for now, be sure to keep 29th, 30th and 31st August firmly in your diary for The East Sussex Living History Festival at Michelham Priory House & Gardens!

08/05/2026

Registration Now Open – East Sussex Living History Festival 2026!

We’re delighted to announce that registrations are now open for the East Sussex Living History Festival, returning to the stunning Michelham Priory over the August Bank Holiday!

Now in its 5th successful year, we’re determined to make 2026 our biggest and best event yet – and we’d love you to be part of it.

For Reenactors:
- Living History and Plastic Camping available
- Daily combat demonstrations
- NEW for 2026 – an archery course set around the grounds, with a prize-giving on the final day

For Authentic Traders:
- NO PITCH FEE
- Strong visitor numbers of approximately 800–1,000 per day
- A fantastic opportunity to trade in a highly engaged, thematic environment

Set within the beautiful grounds of the 15th-century Michelham Priory House & Gardens, near Hailsham, this unique event offers an immersive and atmospheric backdrop for both participants and visitors alike.

Please note: Spaces are limited and always in high demand.

👉 Registrations will close on 1st July

Secure your place now via the link below 👇

https://form.jotform.com/261264707243354

23/09/2025

Our sister-event, The Traditional Tudor Wassail returns to Michelham Priory House & Gardens on Saturday 10th January 2026!

You can expect a licensed bar, food and refreshments, entertainment confirmed so far: Raven, Mythago Morris, Anderida Border and world renowned fool Devilstick PEAT! With more to be announced soon...

There will also be the usual spectacular fiery torchlit procession from the Elizabethan Barn to the Orchard for a rowdy wassail ceremony!

Full details including ticket information coming October 2025.

30/08/2025

We absolutely love this video from Talos Arcana! It really captures the atmosphere of the weekend....

29/08/2025

Did you step back in time to join us over the Bank Holiday Weekend at Michelham Priory House & Gardens?

If so, why not let others know what a fabulous time you had by leaving us a review!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556226692363&sk=reviews

29/08/2025

We're so pleased to share with you all, Roz Bassford's beautiful collection of photos from last weekend!

Photo collection by Roz Bassford

28/08/2025

A lovely little clip of this year's festival by Andy Clifton.

https://youtu.be/-9Dr8i2vo-o?si=uMXLfnkF21iwTSTl

26/08/2025

Wow! What a weekend...

A few photos from some of the many encampments bathed in Monday's morning sunshine.

It was so wonderful to see so many people join us for a weekend in medieval times!

Did you join us? Share your pictures below...

Do you have any feedback? Please let us know or message us directly...

Until the next time - merry meet, merry part and merry meet again!

25/08/2025

It’s your last chance to experience the Living History Festival!✨

Spend your Bank Holiday immersed in living history, crafts, and entertainment with us!

👣 Enjoy a special Monday-only performance by Anderida Border Morris
🎪 Catch Devilstick Peat, ⚔️ live combat, 🏹 archery & more
🛠️ Try axe throwing, maille-making, or silversmithing (pay on the day)
📚 Meet historian Toni Mount for books, signings & medieval insights

🎟️ Open 10am-5pm

Follow the link below to learn more and book your tickets now:
https://sussexpast.co.uk/event/east-sussex-living-history-festival/