The Rose and Crown in Cuckfield welcomed back it’s Summer Block Party for the third year running over the bank holiday weekend where it played host to an eclectic mix of live bands, sumptuous street food, beer on tap, garden games and much more. The free event that kicked off at midday and lasted well into the evening saw crowds of people swaying to the music, munching on the grilled BBQ, handmade wood fired pizzas, sugary crepes or knocking back the ice cold drinks that were being served up by pub landlord James Clark from inside the Horsebox Bar. “I think this year’s event had to be our busiest yet. I know I say that every year, but it was absolutely packed. The sun even came out for a little bit and it was really great to see everyone connecting, chatting, enjoying the food, the music and just letting their hair down so they could have a good time. I’m really happy with how the day went and can’t wait for the next one,” said James.
August Bank Holiday Bloc Party in Cuckfield
Next month the Rose and Crown will host its Summer Bloc Party.
It’s the third year running for James Clark and his team who have put together the special event, but this year they’re hoping to change things up a little.
“The last couple years have been tough for everyone and it’s lovely when the whole community comes together and has a bit of fun. We’ve had a pretty wet July so what we’d all like to see is the sun shining. That always helps to create a better atmosphere so we’re keeping our fingers crossed for good weather.”
The party will see the return of the outside Horsebox bar serving drinks and new Head Chef, Anthony Martin will be grilling up a fantastic BBQ menu. There will also be a number of other food stalls offering a varied range of sweet and savoury options to fuel the hungry crowds and there will games for the family to play in the courtyard.
And let’s not forget the live music. This year there has been a slight change to the lineup with the return of some old favourites together with number of new performers taking to the stage.
Free Admission. No Reservations. All ages are welcome.
Gates open on Monday 28th August 2023 at 12pm
Cuckfield's Rose and Crown holds successful block party
By Jacqueline Elmore
As colourful revellers of the Notting Hill Carnival took to the streets of London over the August Bank Holiday weekend, Cuckfield residents enjoyed their own mini festival at local watering hole the Rose and Crown, where hundreds of people gathered for a day of food, beer, music and laughter. Pub landlord, James Clark also joined in the fun as he served drinks to his thirsty customers as they queued up in front of his wooden cabin bar. “This is the second year we have run this event and the place is jam packed. Last year was the first one of its kind and we decided that it would be a good way of bringing everyone together after nearly two years of being locked inside due to the pandemic. It was our way of saying ‘it’s now time to let your hair down and have some fun.’ I can’t quite believe the amount of people that have turned up today and the music hasn’t really started yet. It’s going to be quite a night,” said James.
The free event saw the return of many mobile street food vendors like Pizza Oven selling their handmade woodfired pizzas, La Crepere with their made to order crepes, as well as Sussex Coffee Trucks serving their best frothy coffee. And to top it all, the pub cooked some delicious BBQ food and tempted customers with their sticky pulled pork and dirty fries.
The outdoor stage played host to a number of vocal bands including, Kirsty Bishop, No Strings Attached, Kat and Travis, Real Time who closed the event and the one and only Band of Dads, who performed some of their favourite hits to the dancing crowds that cheered through each of their sets. “We’ll definitely be coming back to party next year. It’s been a cracking day all round,” added James.