What’s On in Sussex in November
Capture the essence of the season and explore the best things to do in Sussex this November. From the sharp wit of Ricky Gervais’s stand-up to the timeless beauty of Verdi’s La Traviata, Sussex offers exquisite experiences for those with refined tastes. November is also perfect for family outings that both educate and entertain. Here are Absolutely’s top picks for this month.
Ricky Gervais
26 November | Brighton Centre
Ricky Gervais has announced the highly-anticipated first set of official UK dates for his brand-new stand-up show ‘Mortality’, with Brighton one of his stop offs this month. Fresh from his most recent stand-up special ‘Armageddon’ winning a Golden Globe, hitting number one on Netflix and claiming the world record for the highest grossing comedy gig of all time, ‘Mortality’ will once again be filmed for Netflix. “We’re all gonna die. May as well have a laugh about it. Mortality looks at the absurdities of life. And death. Bring it on,” says the comic superstar. Be sure to grab your Ricky Gervais tickets before they sell out.
John Barrowman
1 November | The Hawth Crawley
Renowned actor, singer, best-selling author, and entertainer John Barrowman MBE will take to the road this autumn with a brand new solo show, Laid Bare Audiences are in for a treat as the star of stage and screen brings his unique brand of music and storytelling to theatres up and down the country. John is a huge theatre star on both sides of the Atlantic due to his critically-acclaimed leading roles in Broadway and West End productions, and iconic screen roles.
Get your tickets at The Hawth Crawley
Luke Jerram
Until 10 November | Chichester Cathedral
Luke Jerram’s acclaimed art installation, Mars, has landed at Chichester Cathedral, an immersive artwork measuring seven metres in diameter and featuring detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface. As part of an exciting programme of special events, visitors can enjoy an atmospheric exploration of Mars by twilight at a series of ticketed evening viewings, where the installation will be on show alongside a sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer Dan Jones.
Book tickets at the Chichester Cathedral
Faithless
9 November | Brighton Centre
Following rave reviews for their recent headline performance at Glastonbury, Wilderness and Bestival and a jaw-dropping new live set up debuted on a limited run UK/EU tour earlier this year, dance pioneers Faithless have announced a 21-date live UK/EU tour. With Sister Bliss at the helm alongside a full-live seven-piece band, Faithless proved they are very much a force to be reckoned with as they traversed through music old and new, delivering world-class production and unforgettable scenes.
La Traviata
2 November | Glyndebourne
Verdi’s timeless classic is one of the most frequently performed operas in the world. A favourite with audiences and critics since its Glyndebourne premiere in 2014, this stylish and sophisticated staging from director Tom Cairns and designer Hildegarde Bechtler emphasises the timeless nature of the story. Adam Hickox will conduct the Glyndebourne Sinfonia and a cast that includes Elisa Verzier as Violetta and Matteo Desole and Sehoon Moon as Alfredo.
Stargazing Evenings
Throughout November | The Observatory Science Centre
Go and enjoy the fabulous atmosphere that surrounds The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux, at night and look through some of the largest telescopes in the country at some extraordinary night sky objects. Stargazing Evenings are a fascinating way to experience the natural wonders of the night sky. It may be the Moon or the planets (if they are visible) or it may be deeper sky objects – looking through a telescope is an awe inspiring experience.
Book at The Observatory Science Centre
Drawing the Unspeakable
Until 27 April, 2025 | Towner Eastbourne
Journalist and broadcaster David Dimbleby will take on a new role this autumn – as he guest curates a major art exhibition at Towner Eastbourne alongside his daughter Liza, artist and writer. It is ten years since Towner became an independent charity and since David Dimbleby was appointed as Towner’s Chair. In September 2024, he will step down from this role. To mark this, together with Liza, he has been invited to curate an ambitious thought-provoking exhibition focused on drawing titled Drawing the Unspeakable, featuring a wide range of artists.
Get tickets at Towner Eastbourne
The Winter Fair
23-24 November | South of England Showground
The Winter Fair is all set to return to the South of England Showground in Ardingly, West Sussex, on 23-24 November. This festive event is the perfect opportunity for visitors to begin their Christmas preparations while enjoying a fun-filled day with family and friends.
The Winter Fair features an extensive array of shopping stalls from local and independent traders. From unique gifts such as handcrafted leather accessories, cashmere fashion, and natural soaps to festive home décor, Christmas decorations, and exquisite jewellery, it‘s the ideal destination for shoppers seeking something special. Food and drink enthusiasts can also indulge in gourmet pies, cheeses, wines, handcrafted Christmas treats, and more, making it the perfect place to stock up on seasonal delicacies.
For those looking to immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit, the Winter Fair offers a host of hands-on workshops and activities (additional fees apply), including chocolate workshops, Santa’s Grotto, wreath-making workshops, and willow weaving.
In addition to these festive activities, visitors can enjoy live music performances and the children’s fairground and capture a family photo in the giant snow globe. The fair will also feature face painting, mini ride-on trains, and the chance to witness birds of prey up close.
Book tickets at South of England Showground
Round off a perfect day with a delightful twist to your visit. Indulge in a whimsical afternoon tea with a twist at Tinwood Estate, that will leave your taste buds as enchanted as your surroundings.
