Cuckfield's Cuckoo Fayre

Welcome to Cuckfield Life’s Cuckoo Fayre event page. Here you will find our most recent information for everything regarding the fayre.

The annual Independent State of Cuckfield Cuckoo Fayre takes place on May Day Bank Holiday Monday every year in the Recreation Ground, from 12noon, with the official opening by the current Mayor at 1pm. Entry is free.

See also, The Independent State of Cuckfield
Cuckfield Parish Council

Our next Cuckoo Fayre will be announced early 2026.

2025 Cuckoo Fayre success!

By Mike Schlup

The Cuckoo Fayre returned on the May Day Bank Holiday, determined to make up for last year’s rain enforced cancellation.

It was a chilly start to the day but the sun showed its face and the crowds came out in force. There were over 50 stalls selling all variety of goodies and raising funds for local good causes, plus plenty of tasty food and drink options. Live music from Made In The Shade, Kirsty Bishop, Jess and Paul and Alex Dew kept everyone entertained, and for the younger visitors Tomfoolery was onhand with his fun show.

The Tug of War competition was a closely fought battle with HHRFC just edging reigning champions the White Harte Tractor Boys to lift the Ted Murphy memorial trophy. And - new for this year - was the barrel toss challenge which proved a big hit with the crowds.

The Independent State of Cuckfield would like to thank all the volunteers who helped to make the Cuckoo Fayre such a success this year. For more information or to get involved email info@cuckfieldstate.org.

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Mid Sussex District Council newsletter - May 2025

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Council takes next steps to secure new cultural offer at Clair Hall

Mid Sussex District Council will go out to the market to take plans for a new cultural offer at Clair Hall to the next stage. Cabinet councillors have agreed to go out to procurement to find a cultural partner who can work with the Council to provide a three-screen cinema with a food and drink offer at Clair Hall. The aim is that the largest cinema would also be able to host and stage live performances. The Council hopes to have found an operator by the summer so that the next step to find a developer for the scheme can begin. Visit www.midsussex.gov.uk for more information.

Skate Fest is back for May half term!

Fancy brushing up on some skateboarding skills or even trying it for the first time? Then come along to one of our free community Skate Fest events during May half term. You don’t need to book, just turn up on the day at any one of three events during the school holidays. All ages are welcome. The events will be happening on: Tuesday 27th May @ St John’s Park, Burgess Hill 2 – 4.30 pm Wednesday 28th May @ Victoria Park, Haywards Heath 2 – 4.30 pm Thursday 29th May @ King George’s Field, East Grinstead 2 – 4.30 pm Cllr Anne-Marie Cooke, Cabinet Member for Communities and Communications, said: “It’s great that we’re holding these skate events again as they’re always so popular for all ages. Grab your skateboard and come and join us!”

To read the full newsletter, pick up your copy of May’s Cuckfield Life or click the images to enlarge them,

VE Day with Holy Trinity Church, Cuckfield

By Rev’d Daniel Valentine of Holy Trinity Church

Easter tells the story of hope in the face of despair. It begins with grief and loss— but ends with resurrection. The stone is rolled away. The tomb is empty. Out of sorrow comes new life. VE Day was, in its own way, a national echo of that pattern: people emerging from the long winter of war into the possibility of spring—both literally and spiritually.

This year, our Cuckfield events will form part of national commemorations across the UK. At noon, the bells of Holy Trinity will ring out across the village and again at 6.30pm in joyful solidarity with churches and cathedrals nationwide calling us to remembrance, gratitude, and togetherness. At 7pm, all are warmly invited to a Church Parade Service of Thanksgiving and Peace at Holy Trinity.

Whether you’re a regular in church or have never been before, you’ll be most welcome. We’ll reflect on stories of courage and reconciliation, pray for peace, and give thanks for those who gave so much. Afterwards, we hope you’ll stay for a traditional fish and chip supper—an opportunity to share food, stories and friendship (booking details and venue to be confirmed). At 9.30pm, we’ll close with a rousing chorus of “I Vow To Thee, My Country”—a powerful reminder of the values of service, love, and sacrifice that shaped a generation.

This year also marks the re-establishment of the Cuckfield Branch of the Royal British Legion—an important way to honour those who served and support today’s armed forces’ community. I’m honoured to have recently been elected Chair and warmly invite anyone who feels a connection to this cause to consider joining. You don’t need to have served in the armed forces to be a member—just a shared commitment to remembrance, support, and community. To join, visit www.britishlegion.org.uk When registering, please indicate you’d like to be associated with the Cuckfield Branch so we can grow our local community together.