Welcome to Cuckfield Life’s Mayoral Election and Procession event page. Here you will find our most recent information for everything mayoral.
Held on the third Friday in October, the Mayor’s Election prides itself on being completely and openly corrupt – whichever candidate buys the most votes is declared the winner and elected as the next Mayor of The Independent State of Cuckfield. Votes cost one penny each
The Saturday morning after election night sees the The Mayor’s Procession through the village.
See also, The Independent State of Cuckfield
Final push for mayor’s election
Campaigning for this year’s mayor’s election is now in full swing with candidates pushing hard for those final votes. The election takes place at the Rose & Crown this year on Friday 17th October from 7.30pm so make sure you’re there to cast the final votes to find out who will be awarded the crown of new mayor of Cuckfield. Front runners are Woody (local Labrador), Alan Carter (local driving instructor), Lucy Martin (local WGSC manager), Jack Ford (local Talbot manager) and Gareth Knapman (local sparky and Wheatsheaf regular).
Mike Schlup, Chairman of the Indpendent State of Cuckfield commented: “Despite what you may be hearing on the streets of Cuckfield, the election result is never in the bag until the polls close at 10pm on election night. Candidates collect votes by raising money (1 penny = 1 vote) and it is well known that secret donors will top up a candidate’s total at the very last minute before the polls close. So, it keeps us all guessing right up to the last minute.”
The Saturday after the election (18th October) sees the new Mayor presented to Cuckfield as part of the mayor’s procession. This sets off from Warden Park Academy at 2.30pm, heading up to Ardingly Road and then back down to the High Street at 3.30pm. The High Street will remain closed until 5pm for the celebrations which include a marching band, entertainment for the kids and, later in the evening, live music in the Talbot. All funds raised in the mayor’s election are distributed to the groups taking part in the procession and other good causes in and around Cuckfield.
If you would like to take part please email info@cuckfieldstate.org.
Mayoral Elections and Procession 2025
The Independent State of Cuckfield Mayor’s election takes place this year on Friday 17th October at the Rose & Crown. Candidates collect ‘votes’ in the form of pennies and the winner is the one with the most pennies on election night. Not only is this beautifully simple. but all the money raised goes straight back to local groups and charities.
Candidates this year are Alan Carter standing for the Rose & Crown, Lucy Martin for HHRFC, Gareth Knapman for the Wheatsheaf, Jack Ford for the Talbot, and of course Woody for The Cuckfield Show (TBC for the White Harte). Polls open at 7pm and votes can be cast in cash or by card to help your candidate cross the line first. Or you can donate directly to your favourite before election night. It’s always a fun and raucous evening so come along and be there to welcome the new Mayor.
The following day sees the mayor process through Cuckfield from Warden Park to the High Street as they greet their new subjects. All the floats that take part in the procession receive a share of the mayor’s fund. The new Mayor will also have the honour of representing the Independent State on its 60th anniversary. To find out more or to get involved email info@cuckfieldstate.org or follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/independentstateofcuckfield
The 2025’s Mayoral Election is on Friday 17th October at the Rose & Crown, followed by the Mayor’s Procession on Saturday 18th October at 2pm - leaving from Warden Park Academy, through the village, ending at The Talbot.. A weekend not to be missed!