This January, Sussex offers a diverse lineup of unforgettable events, from Jack and Michael Whitehall’s comedic adventures in Brighton to the breathtaking artistry of Nigel Hall in Eastbourne. Whether you’re a fan of history, live performances, or community traditions like Wassailing Day, there’s something for everyone.
Ahead, we’ll guide you through the highlights of Sussex, making sure your calendar is filled with memorable experiences this January.
What’s On Near Sussex This Month
Jack & Michael Whitehall
Dates: 3 January
Venue: Brighton Centre
Jack Whitehall and his father Michael are stopping off from their travels to bring you an extra chapter of their adventures. Get all the backstories you could ever need with Hilary on hand to referee when it all gets too heated. Expect tall tales, family secrets and rare revealing photographs from the family album. Together, Jack and Michael have survived naked yoga, Chernobyl’s toilet facilities and, most recently, struggles with fatherhood as they bring a brand-new Whitehall into the world.
Wassailing Day
Dates: 19 January
Venue: Weald & Downland Living Museum
Visit the Weald & Downland Living Museum for their annual Wassailing Day to bless the Museum’s orchard. Join a procession, with music, songs and short performances, starting from the market square and leading to the orchard for the wassail, to ensure a good harvest. In the orchard an apple tree will be decorated as part of a traditional ceremony and the audience are invited to join in with the ‘Wassail’ shout.
Get your tickets at Weald and Downland Living Museum
Omid Djalili
Dates: 18 January
Venue: Chichester Festival Theatre
The Persian Comedy Powerhouse performs his critically acclaimed new show Namaste, where Omid peacefully bows to his inner anger and unleashes a torrent of comedic vitriol upon the current state of this dangerously messed up planet. No government gets a green card. No tyrant avoids a take down. No audience member leaves the theatre with an ounce of laughter left in them… You have been warned.
Book your tickets at Chichester Festival Theatre
The Hewat Collection
Dates: Until 12 January
Venue: Pallant House Gallery
Celebrate the extraordinary collection of Anne and Angus Hewat. Presenting the latest additions to Pallant House Gallery’s ‘collection of collections’, this exhibition showcases an important group of photographs by the pioneering photographer Julia Margaret Cameron, work by abstract artist Graham Sutherland, and watercolours by Paul Nash. The Hewats had a long association with the Gallery and generously supported the acquisition of the New Wing site, making possible the 2006 capital development.
RSVP at the Pallant House Gallery
Jo Whiley
Dates: 25 January
Venue: Concorde2, Brighton
Get ready to be transported back to the decade that defined a generation, as the legendary Jo Whiley brings her electrifying new show Jo Whiley’s 90s Anthems to your doorstep. The undisputed queen of this decade of British music will be rummaging through her record bag, dusting off her vinyl and bringing you the biggest hits and hidden gems that shaped the soundtrack of the 90s. From the rise and huge success of Blur and Oasis to the block rocking beats of The Chemical Brothers and The Prodigy, with Jo behind the decks, this isn’t just a soulless 90’s playlist – it’s a journey through music history.
Jason Manford
Dates: 22 January
Venue: De La Warr Pavilion
Jason Manford is back with his brand-new live show: ‘A Manford All Seasons’. Jason’s been busy since his last smash-hit stand up show, but fans of his Absolute Radio show will know this nationally acclaimed comedian hasn’t changed a bit. A Manford All Seasons is Jason’s latest comic offering that is set to hit the road in 2025, his iconic ‘expert observational comedy’ (The Guardian) is sure to be ‘comic gold’ (Mail on Sunday).
Nigel Hall
Dates: Until 2 March 2025
Venue: Towner Eastbourne
Towner presents a selection of sculpture, prints and drawings by internationally renowned artist Nigel Hall. The exhibition includes some of his earliest American desert landscape sketches from the late 1960s, alongside a number of large-scale drawings, and the newest sculptural works, through which he has been exploring an interest in computer-modelling.
Book tickets at Towner Eastbourne
Religion, Rebellion & Reformation
Dates: From 14 February
Venues: Chichester Cathedral
To celebrate its 950th anniversary in 2025, Chichester Cathedral presents Religion, Rebellion & Reformation, a compelling exhibition curated by its Canon Treasurer, the Reverend Canon Vanessa Baron. Nine centuries of Sussex history will unfold through artefacts revealing stories of resilience, rebellion and reformation.
Running from 14th February, the exhibition is at the heart of the Cathedral’s Chichester950 celebrations. Featuring artefacts and treasures contributed by local parishes and community groups, it brings together pieces from churches, archives and libraries across the Diocese of Chichester, which spans over 100 miles through East and West Sussex.
Covering 950 years of history, each artefact represents a century of Sussex heritage, uncovering stories of faith, resilience and transformation through the lives of educators, thinkers, reformers and rebels.
The exhibition includes medieval Bishops’ rings, a 12th-century reliquary, a 15th-century theological treatise and a Bible carried into the trenches during World War I. Together, these artefacts offer a profound insight into Sussex’s heritage and its ties to the Christian faith.
How Absolutely Picks the Best for You
At Absolutely Magazines, we pride ourselves on curating only the finest recommendations for our refined readers. Our editors leverage their extensive expertise in lifestyle journalism to ensure that every selection meets the highest standards of quality and relevance. From scouring local insider tips to understanding trends and feedback, we leave no stone unturned in identifying the most exceptional venues for you. Guided by an appreciation for your taste, we prioritise venues and events that epitomise luxury, style, and premium experiences. You can trust us to bring you the Absolute best, every time.
