The Arundel Festival of the Arts Committee and Trustees, alongside local residents, businesses, musicians, and sponsors, hosted a vibrant fiesta-style evening featuring steel pan and acoustic guitar, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere. The event was about showing our appreciation as a Festival to all those who play a vital role in making this happen. Distinguished guests included Their Graces, The Duke and Duchess of Norfolk, and the Mayor of Arundel, Cllr Tony Hunt.

Festival Director Sharon Blaikie welcomed attendees and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers whose tireless contributions made the festival a reality. “This year has been especially poignant,” she noted. “We formed a Board of Trustees that provided invaluable guidance on governance and logistics for this monumental Festival, which showcases over 200 events in this beautiful and historic town.” With the support of more than 80 volunteers, the festival highlights the dedication and spirit of the community and its contributors. 

This year’s excitement kicked off with a fundraising duo at Arundel Castle in June, followed by a 3 day music festival in Brooks Field in July. The main festival in August transformed the town as residents and venues generously opened their doors to exhibit art in the Gallery Trail, featuring over 100 artists and makers. Sharon also acknowledged the support from partners, supporters and sponsors, particularly Esquire Developments, who demonstrated their commitment to community engagement and highlighted the positive relationships built with the Arundel Volunteer Team as an example of why Arundel is such a wonderful place to live. 

A sense of pride and unity filled the evening, further enhanced by the announcement of Phil Fitzalan-Howard, the Duke of Norfolk’s son, joining the Board of Directors as a Trustee. Each year, the festival strives to enhance this beloved celebration and appreciation of arts and culture, drawing visitors to the historic town while providing enriching experiences for local residents. "It was a wonderful opportunity to network and to hear feedback on the events. There are exciting times ahead and we look forward now to building on this solid foundation to deliver a fantastic Festival for 2025”. 

Rachel Fellows, Chair of the Board of Trustees, and Trustee Wendy Marshall shared insights on the efforts to strengthen the festival’s sustainability, acknowledging the logistical challenges and rising costs faced. They highlighted the trustee boards agility and commitment to delivering an exceptional event despite these obstacles, emphasising that the Charity is well placed for the future.

Mayor of Arundel Cllr Tony Hunt congratulated the Festival of the Arts on their achievements, emphasising the importance of sustainability and the environmental impact of the festival. He noted the collaboration with the ‘Arundel Wombles,’ local volunteers who ensured recycling was prioritised at numerous events. This year, Arundel became one of the first towns to be licensed as a member of the Wombles charity, reinforcing the community’s commitment to sustainability.

For more information about the festival, volunteering opportunities, or sponsorship inquiries, please contact secretary@arundelfestival.co.uk.

Notes for Editors:

The Arundel Festival of the Arts is a vibrant celebration of the arts, music, drama, and visual arts, featuring a diverse programme that includes Shakespeare at the Castle, performances by Drip Action Theatre, and the Arundel Players. Music highlights this year included The Hanover Band, Burfest, Glen Miller, and Billy’s Band, along with events at the Cathedral, St Nicholas Church, the Victoria Institute and the Jailhouse. 

New partnerships were established this year, including the Festival’s Open Air Cinema and an "It's a Knockout" Challenge hosted at Arundel Football Club. Additionally, the festival featured the Gamelan Bus and a return of the Duck Race, which raised over £5,000 for the RNLI. Despite unpredictable British weather, events such as ABBAMAGIC on the high street attracted enthusiastic attendees, contributing to the festival’s resounding success. Festival markets, Dream Rides in sport and classic cars (raising money for children’s charities Home-Start Sussex and The Lavinia Norfolk Centre Charitable Trust) as well as the Arundel 10k Run organised by the 1st Arundel Scout Group as their yearly fundraiser with 450 participants. 

The festival also supports other local charities, including raising funds for organisations such as Keep Me Breathing, The Sussex Snowdrop Trust, Chestnut Tree House (the Big Hoot Arts Trail) and the Bishop Luffa Chicken Club Project. With a focus on charity and community collaboration, inclusive of the arts, the festival offers free family entertainment, al fresco dining experiences, and an atmosphere filled with fun and music.

New for 2024: The festival placed a spotlight on environmental impact through a 13-foot sea giant puppet and a contemporary dance performance inspired by climate emergency and biodiversity themes. “Out of the Deep Blue” highlighted the festival’s commitment to sustainability, with the festival committee collaborating with the Arundel Town Council Environment Working Group. The Arundel Wombles were present at all major events to assist with recycling efforts, achieving over 50% waste recycling and developing future initiatives to raise public awareness