Celebrate the beginning of May in Sussex with a curated mix of luxury and culture.
The Season Finale at Plumpton Racecourse is a highlight of the social calendar – a day where high fashion, fine hospitality, and racing tradition converge. For a touch of theatrical magic, balletLORENT brings two sophisticated adaptations of Snow White to the Connaught Theatre, each offering an imaginative twist on the beloved tale.
Whether you’re in the mood for refined race-day glamour or an enchanting evening at the theatre, Sussex promises style and culture in equal measure.
Top Attractions in Sussex this May 2025
Aled Jones
Date: 3 May
Venue: The Hawth Crawley
The original classical crossover star has listened to fans and has extended his Aled Jones: Full Circle tour, bringing it to Sussex in May. He will be continuing to share the incredible stories and songs of his career in this one-man show. Aled was the boy treble who captivated the world with his angelic voice. Selling more than seven million albums, he’s equally at home on the classical stage, or starring in musical theatre productions in London’s West End.
Snow White
Dates: 2-3 May
Venue: Connaught Theatre
Magic mirrors, poisoned apples, and a smitten prince can only mean one thing: Snow White is coming to Worthing. This spring, balletLORENT is bringing not one, but two enchanting dance theatre versions of classic fairy tale Snow White to the Connaught Theatre. The first retains all the well-loved elements of the original centuries old Brothers Grimm tale and is suitable for ages 5+. A second version, called Snow White: The Sacrifice, was specially created for audiences aged 16+.
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Try a Trade
Dates: 4-5 May
Venue: Weald & Downland Living Museum
Step into history and ignite your child’s imagination at the Weald & Downland Living Museum. Young visitors are invited to immerse themselves in two exciting days of hands-on activities, especially designed to introduce the younger generation to the heritage trades and crafts that shaped our past. From learning traditional trades to trying their hand at unique skills, children will get the opportunity to experience a wide range of activities including carpentry, baking, pottery, milling and more.
Get your tickets at the Weald & Downland Living Museum
The Great Escape
Dates: 14-17 May
Location: Brighton
Synonymous with new music discovery and acting as a springboard for rising artists, The Great Escape is the festival for new music. Playing host to over 450 up-and-coming artists and hotly tipped talent across 35+ walkable venues, alongside the music industry-led TGE conference, the festival will kick off the 2025 season on 14th May in Brighton.
A Skirmish
Dates: 24-26 May
Venue: Arundel Castle
Arundel Castle will be hosting a Medieval Festival – A Skirmish over the last May bank holiday weekend. This thrilling event will be set in 1474 as Arundel Castle becomes the stage for a gripping clash between England and France. While the Earl’s forces are deployed abroad, a daring French raiding party lands on the coast, intent on capturing the castle and plundering the South Coast. With only a small garrison force left to defend it, the Earl’s household must unite to repel the attack and hold their ground until reinforcements arrive.
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Spring into Community
Date: 3 May
Venue: Wakehurst Kew
The ‘Spring into Community’ event is a free festival for charities and community groups, featuring workshops and activities, bringing together art, music and science. It also ties into celebrating the Millennium Seed Bank’s 25th anniversary this year. Workshops include a BSL tour of the Millennium Seed Bank Atrium and Forest bathing.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
Dates: 5 May – 14 June
Venue: Minerva Theatre
Funny, profound, deeply moving and uplifting, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a joyous new musical adapted by Rachel Joyce from her own multi million-selling novel, featuring irresistible modern folk songs by the chart-topping indie musician, Passenger (Let Her Go). Harold Fry – grey, tired and lonely – receives a letter from an old friend and heads out to post his reply. And keeps walking. From South Devon to Berwick upon Tweed. Because Harold is trying to make up for lost time, confront the ghosts in his past, and – perhaps – keep someone alive.
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Nish Kumar
Date: 12 May
Venue: Brighton Komedia
With the country in turmoil, there’s only one comedian who can kill the mood even further… Nish Kumar – named as one of The Guardian and The Telegraph’s 50 Best Comedians of the 21st Century – will be tackling climate collapse, income inequality and the emotional sensation of being a British Indian man who didn’t vote for a British Indian Prime Minister. It’s 80 minutes of sweet, sweet vibe killing.
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Gary Barlow
Date: 15 May
The Songbook Tour 2025 is set to be a huge celebration of Gary Barlow’s illustrious four-decade-spanning career, and will see him perform an array of songs from his much-celebrated back catalogue of hits with both Take That and as a solo artist. This will be a celebration of Gary Barlow’s status as one of Britain’s most successful songwriters and record producers.
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Season Finale
Date: 11 May
Venue: Plumpton Racecourse
Style, elegance, top quality live horse racing and an after party to remember – you really won’t want to miss this year’s Season Finale at Plumpton Racecourse. If you love getting dressed up in your finery and celebrating fashion, make sure you put Sunday 11th May in your diary. Plumpton’s ever-popular Season Finale is guaranteed to be the racecourse’s most stylish day of the year. There’ll be prizes galore for the best dressed ladies and gentlemen – whether it’s hats, heels or heritage tailoring – it’s your chance to shine. And the kids won’t be left out as there’ll be plenty of prizes for the best dressed little ones too. Prizes include a £500 Holland Cooper voucher for the ladies first place, and a custom made suit from Hockerty for the men.
Some of the finest food and drink will be available for you to enjoy while you take in the races at Plumpton’s beautiful course, surrounded by spectacular countryside views. There will be a real garden party feel with highlights this year including the popular Prosecco Bar, a Pimms Bar, strawberries and cream and delicious Belgian waffles.
To celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, they’ll be commemorating the end of World War II with a special area dedicated to the historic era which will include a real Anderson Shelter, one of the iconic shelters built to protect civilians from enemy bombs. Plumpton Racecourse prides itself on being at the heart of the community and the Season Finale is a day out for all the family. There’s entertainment for everyone. As well as a traditional funfair, you can challenge the family with a round of crazy golf. Younger children will love the soft play area and face painting plus there are garden games suitable for all ages.
But the fun doesn’t stop at the final furlong. Plumpton’s glitzy after-party includes music and dancing, with renowned Mint DJs spinning the beats.
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.
