Hurst Festival was conceived in 2004 by a merry band of friends over dinner, impressed by the wealth of talent in our village. It has one aim; to provide people with two weeks of enjoyment in September during which we can meet each other, experience something new and feel connected to our community.
Since those early days, Hurst Festival has grown year on year to offer more than 80 events to thousands of locals at venues all across the village of Hurstpierpoint.
Hurst Festival is charity run by a committee of volunteers and the diversity of the events we offer is only possible thanks to the generous financial support of our sponsors and funding providers and the community who come together to help out at events, host events and make the festival a success.
As a community organisation we are always looking for enthusiastic people to join our committee or to volunteerat events. If you’re interested, please email info@hurstfestival.org.
Hurst Festival Committee 2024
Festival Director: Colin Matthews
Festival Manager: Katherine Jackman
Festival Administrator: Nichola Campbell
Box Office Manager: Gail Murray
Committee: Ian Deeley, Lucy Driver, Guy Lovegrove, Julia Kirby, Joe Vasayaporn, Daryn Buckley, Roland Phillips, Gail Murray
Trustees: Michel Olszewski (Chair), John Barry, Belinda Sharp, Margaret Carey, Shaughan Parish and Bob Sampson
Company Secretary to the Trustees: Barry Budibent
How did it all start?
The first Hurst Festival took place in 2004 as an afternoon of events at the Hurstpierpoint Village Centre showcasing some of the amazing artistic talent in the village.
Over 500 people turned up and the founders realised that their idea had serious potential. Building on the enthusiasm and the energy generated by that one day, plans were quickly underway to create a full-length festival to take place each September.
A committee was formed – well there has to be one – but it’s a very friendly group, meeting and bouncing ideas around over a few bottles of wine!
The first two-week festival was held in September 2005 and ever since we have put on an amazing range of events each year.ColumnParagraph
We can’t do this without all the fantastic support we get from Volunteers, sponsors and businesses. It takes thousands of hours of work to put together a programme of over 80 events over the fortnight and we do our best to provide something for everyone. As soon as one Festival ends, we start work on the next one, so if you’ve an idea for next year, and would like to work with us, please get in touch on info@hurstfestival.org