Summer’s in full swing, and there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of it across Sussex and the South East. Whether you’re looking for something to entertain the kids, a thought-provoking evening out, or an excuse to soak up some culture, July’s line-up of events delivers.
From toy-filled nostalgia at the Weald & Downland Living Museum to explosive science at The Hawth and open-air theatre in Chichester, there’s plenty to pack into the calendar. You’ll also find big-name music, club-inspired performances, and stylish exhibitions worth making a day of. Here’s what not to miss this month.
Best Things to Do in and around Sussex this July
Toys Through Time
Dates: 22 July-3 September
Venue: Weald & Downland Living Museum
Schools out for summer and the bell has rung for playtime! Explore the evolution of toys and games from the Medieval period to the Victorians over this six week celebration of play things from the past. Also look out for outdoor theatre as The Wind in the Willows will be staged on 31st July.
The Reverend Richard Coles
Dates: 15 July
Venue: Chichester Cathedral
Join cleric, broadcaster, author and I’m A Celebrity star, The Reverend Richard Coles, in conversation with Colin Heber-Percy. The pair will be discussing Coles’ latest book in the best-selling Canon Clement Series, A Death on Location. This promises to be an engaging and enjoyable evening led by two charismatic storytellers, with all proceeds going to the Children’s BookFest charity.
Book Your Spot at Chichester Cathedral
Rude Science Live
Date: 27 July
Venue: The Hawth Crawley
Brace yourselves for BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates’ revolutionary, high-tech, highly-explosive new show, packed with outrageous science stunts. On the surface, it’s a riot of disgusting experiments built to delight young audiences, but under the bonnet it’s a brilliantly-constructed, curriculum-driven adventure designed to inspire kids with a fascination for science.
Get Tickets for Rude Science Live
Top Hat
Dates: 14 July–6 September
Venue: Chichester Festival Theatre
When Broadway star Jerry Travers arrives in London to open a new show, he crosses paths with model Dale Tremont, whose beauty sleep is rudely interrupted by Jerry tap dancing in the hotel suite above hers. Instantly smitten, Jerry vows to abandon his bachelor life to win her heart – but the path of true love never does run smooth. Especially since Dale has mistaken Jerry for his hapless producer Horace, who’s trying to avoid the wrath of his formidable wife Madge, and Dale’s own fiery Italian admirer is planning a trip to Venice for her to showcase his couture gowns…
See Top Hat at Chichester Festival Theatre
Club Life
Dates: 17-20 July
Venue: The Old Market, Brighton
Following its Fringe First award-winning debut run in 2023 and three Offies nominations in 2024, Club Life makes its Brighton debut at The Old Market. This unique two-and-a-half-hour club / theatre experience is the brainchild of Fred Deakin, half of Mercury and BRIT-nominated duo Lemon Jelly, who blends music, dance, and storytelling in an immersive, interactive joyride through his formative clubbing years.
Book Club Life at The Old Market
Tim Minchin
Dates: 2 July
Venue: Brighton Centre
Tim Minchin, the incomparable singer-songwriter, pianist, comedian, actor, musical-theatre composer-lyricist and soft-hearted provocateur, is going back on tour with his ironically titled new show, Songs The World Will Never Hear. The tour marks the 20th anniversary of his explosive arrival onto the British comedy scene in 2005.
Jools Holland
Date: 4 July
Venue: Congress Theatre
As the UK’s most popular pianist and bandleader, Jools Holland OBE has performed and recorded with some of the most talented musicians and songwriters in the world. This event sees the 20-piece Rhythm & Blues Orchestra featuring, at its helm, former Squeeze drummer, Gilson Lavis, with special guest Chris Difford and guest vocalists Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka.
Reserve Your Seat for Jools Holland
Picture You Dead
Dates: 15-19 July
Venue: Connaught Theatre
Hot on the heels of the latest instalment of the acclaimed ITV series Grace, Superintendent Roy Grace is back in a brand-new Peter James stage adaptation and world premiere of the bestselling Picture You Dead. Back home in Brighton, DSI Grace investigates a cold case that leads him to the secretive world of fine art, but beneath the respectable veneer lurks a dark underworld of deception and murder.
Gold Cup Final
Date: 20 July
Venue: Cowdray Park Polo
The polo season is in full swing at Cowdray Park Polo Club, renowned as the “Jewel in the Crown” of British polo, and 2025 is gearing up to be another bumper season, featuring a blend of prestigious tournaments, family-friendly events, and world-class facilities, with the Gold Cup Final this year taking place on 20th July.
Ben Sherman: The Decades
Date: Until 4 January, 2026
Venue: Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
Step into the heart of British style as Ben Sherman turns back the clock, embarking on a fashion journey through time. As the lead sponsor of Brighton Museum & Art Gallery’s new exhibition, The In Crowd: Mod Fashion & Style 1955-66, Ben Sherman pays tribute to one of the most stylish and influential eras in British culture. Alongside the leading exhibition, the brand also presents its headline showcase, Ben Sherman: The Decades, celebrating Ben Sherman’s enduring influence on fashion and youth culture. The leading exhibition, The In Crowd, features over 35 mannequins dressed in rare, curated Mod pieces from the acclaimed collection of Roger K. Burton, a distinguished expert in vintage fashion. Known for his work on films such as Quadrophenia and Absolute Beginners and his styling influence on cultural icons including David Bowie, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, Burton brings the Mod era to life in this exhibition through his unique vision. Widely regarded as the quintessential Mod brand, Ben Sherman explores its rich legacy in Ben Sherman: The Decades, a dedicated installation featuring key archival pieces, including the brand’s signature shirts and Harrington jackets. Timeless pieces that have been worn by – and have inspired – legendary musicians, cultural figures and fashion moments throughout the decades.
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.
