What's going on in Cuckfield and Bolnore village: news and information — Cuckfield Life - the community magazine for the village of Cuckfield

David Tingley

Cuckfield's Cuckoo Fayre

Welcome to Cuckfield Life’s Cuckoo Fayre event page. Here you will find our most recent information for everything regarding the fayre.

The annual Independent State of Cuckfield Cuckoo Fayre takes place on May Day Bank Holiday Monday every year in the Recreation Ground, from 12noon, with the official opening by the current Mayor at 1pm. Entry is free.

See also, The Independent State of Cuckfield
Cuckfield Parish Council

Our next Cuckoo Fayre will be on Monday 5th May 2025.

2025 Cuckoo Fayre

Following last year's biblical flood and subsequent cancellation the Independent State of Cuckfield is delighted to announce the return of the Cuckoo Fayre. The much-loved event will take place on Bank Holiday Monday 5th May at Cuckfield Recreation Ground (behind the Queens Hall).

This year there are more stalls than ever with a whole range of goodies to buy, tombollas to win and fun to be had. Plus, you can find out more about local groups and charities that are active in our community. The Tea Cup ride and miniature steam railway are back plus there’s entertainment for the kids from Tomfoolery. There will be plenty of food and drink too including Cuckfield Scouts’ burgers, Caribbean BBQ, Siena Pizza Van, Italian treats, cakes, ice creams and fabulous coffee offerings. The HHRFC bar is back alongside a Pimms and a Prosecco bar.

The main arena will feature the Tug-of-War contest with defending champions The White Harte, plus, new this year, a barrel tossing competition for anyone who’d like to try their luck. And let’s not forget the return of the obligatory dog show hosted by Mewes Vets with classes for all types of dogs (registration on the day). There will also be live music acts to entertain you featuring some of Cuckfield’s most talented artists. The Fayre runs all afternoon from midday.

For further information, to book a stall, or to register a tug-of-war team, please email the organisers via: info@cuckfieldstate.org.

Charity comedy night being hosted at Whitemans Green Rugby Clubhouse

Saturday 12th April 2025, 8pm

comedy night poster

Well, if you love stand up comedy, then we’ve got some exciting news in Cuckfield. There is a special charity event that's been organised by 14 year old, Kit, in aid of CoppaFeel!, the breast cancer charity.

It's taking place at the new Whitemans Green pavilion at the rugby club. They have got some brilliant comedians taking part: Rob Rouse is the MC. He'll be organising the whole evening, and it also includes the fabulous Angela Barnes and also Markus Birdman.

It's going to be an amazing evening. Get your tickets. It's on Saturday 12th April 2025. So, that is the latest in comedy in Cuckfield.


Cuckfield Bookfest

Welcome to Cuckfield Life’s Cuckfield Bookfest event page. Here you will find our most recent information for everything Bookfest.

As a community interest group, Bookfest relies on the generous support from sponsors, benefactors and friends to help them host brilliant writers and new talents every year.

See also, Cuckfield Bookfest

Cuckfield Bookfest 2025 dates

We’ll be back next year over the weekend of October 3rd – 5th so do please put the date in your new diary now!

As usual, the Cuckfield Festival management team has been busy planning the programme for 2025. After a quiet January, life got busy in February and we now have several authors lined up.

First up, at 10am on the Saturday morning, is Iain Dale coming to talk about his book on Mrs Thatcher, which is published in June. Iain said he thought 10am might be too early for an audience but we assured him that the people of Cuckfield love a political theme to start proceedings, particularly if it’s Iain delivering it.

Also on Saturday, we have a new venue for a session – Holy Trinity Church. Church Going by Andrew Ziminski is a stonemason’s guide to the churches of the British Isles. This book is a celebration of Britain’s most important and iconic buildings and the historic Holy Trinity Church is the perfect place for this session.

In 2004, Baroness Lola Young became one of the first Black women members of the House of Lords. Eight Weeks tells the powerful story of her determination to defy the odds; she has been an actress, an academic, an activist and campaigner for social justice and a crossbench peer. She is also a very beguiling speaker.

Jonathan Sumption’s latest book, The Challenges of Democracy and the Rule of Law has just been published and is already highly praised. We are particularly lucky to have him as he is very much sought after.

The book selected for the Big Book Group on Sunday evening is SWEAT by Emma Healey whose first book Elizabeth is Missing sold many thousands of copies all over the world. SWEAT is a novel exploring obsession, revenge and control and it will provide lots of points for discussion.

Lots more authors pending at this stage and as usual there will be something for children. Details of all events in due course and the website is the place to go for more information. www.cuckfieldbookfest.co.uk