Every year on 16th June, the good people of Sussex celebrate the coastal counties of East and West Sussex. We acknowledge the identity, heritage, and everything that makes our beautiful counties special.
Known as Sussex Day, this county wide celebration is all about our pride in the landscapes, history, culture, food and the wonderful people that make Sussex what it is.
From the rolling South Downs, coastal heritage and seaside towns to ancient castles, villages, local traditions, crafts and of course the incredible Sussex food scene, there’s a lot to celebrate.
But where did Sussex Day come from, and how can you join in the celebrations? Let’s take a look at the story behind Sussex’s special day.
How Sussex Day Started
Sussex Day was first suggested in 2006 by Ian Steedman, from Worthing, who felt that Sussex deserved its own special day, just like other counties and countries do. The idea caught on, and in 2007 Sussex Day was officially recognised and the celebrations have been growing year on year.
The 16th June was chosen because it’s St Richard’s Day, the feast day of the patron saint of Sussex. St Richard of Chichester served as Bishop of Chichester from 1245 until his death in 1253, and is remembered for his piety and devotion to the people of Sussex.
The Sussex Flag
If you’ve ever spotted a blue flag with six golden birds, it’s the Sussex flag. The six birds are martlets, a mythical bird that looks a bit like a swift or swallow. The martlet is depicted with no feet which symbolises perpetual flight.
The six martlets on the flag represent the six historical Rapes of Sussex, an old term for the county’s territorial sub-divisions; Chichester, Arundel, Bramber, Lewes, Pevensey, and Hastings.
Although the martlet has symbolised Sussex since at least the 17th century, the flag didn’t arrive until 2011. The design of the six gold martlets on a blue field was first flown at Lewes castle on 28th May 2011 and respresents the whole of Sussex. Both East and West.
The Sussex flag is being flown today at the Houses of Parliament in London.
How Sussex Day is Celebrated
Each year, Sussex Day is marked with local events, flag-flying, and plenty of Sussex pride. In the days leading up to 16th June, the Sussex flag is flown in towns and villages across the county. I’ve noticed more and more of them popping up around the county all year round which I like to see.
More community gatherings, local food events, heritage walks, and family-friendly festivals are happening as Sussex Day is becoming more well known. And they all help bring the unique culture of Sussex to life.
Celebrations are held around Sussex with events at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum, Parham House, Petworth and many towns and villages over the weekend. There were 12 Morris sides celebrating in Lewes and town criers in Worthing.
We celebrated in Battle, East Sussex with a Sussex Weekender. The motto of the weekend was, of course, ‘We Wunt Be Druv’ which is old Sussex dialect meaning ‘we won’t be driven’. We’re a stubborn lot in Sussex!
The Sussex Charter
The Sussex Charter is read aloud in some towns and the county’s unofficial anthem, ‘Sussex by the Sea‘ by William Ward-Higgs might well be sung. Good to know it’s not just confined to the Amex Stadium.
The Sussex Charter reads…
“For all the people of the ancient Kingdom of Sussex. Let it be known the 16th June of each and every year shall be known as Sussex Day.
Sussex day shall be celebrated according to the rites and traditions of Sussex.
Let it be known all the people of Sussex shall be responsible for the maintenance of those boundaries that join to those of our neighbours.
Let it be known all the people of Sussex shall be responsible for all the environs within those boundaries.
Let it be known, the people of Sussex shall recognise the inshore waters that lie inside a line drawn from Beachy Head, and extending to Selsey Bill as being, the Bay of Sussex.
Let it be known, the people of Sussex will undertake responsibility for the general well being of our neighbours.
Let it be known the people of Sussex shall be guardians of our wildlife.
Let it be known the people of Sussex will, through custom support all local business.
Finally, let it be known, as guardians of Sussex, we all know Sussex is Sussex … and Sussex wunt be druv!
In God we trust.
God Save the King!”
How to Celebrate Sussex Day for Yourself
Whether you’re a local or just love the county, here are a few ways you can celebrate Sussex Day this 16th June:
- Visit an historic Sussex site. Explore one of Sussex’s twelve castles or visit Battle Abbey for a deep dive into Sussex history.
- Take a walk. There’s so much natural beauty in Sussex so head out for a hike along part of the South Downs Way, along the coast or visit iconic Sussex beauty spot the Seven Sisters cliffs.
- Sing along to ‘Sussex by the Sea‘ the county’s rousing anthem. Maybe even make an effort to learn the words!
- Support some of our local producers and treat yourself to some Sussex food and drink. There’s a lot to choose from including dozens of Sussex gins, ciders and ales to local cheeses, chutneys or even chocolate. You could visit a Sussex Vineyard and celebrate with a wine tour.
- Cook up a traditional Sussex recipe. Sussex Smokie is one of our favourites.
- Share what you love about Sussex and post your favourite Sussex photos on social media. Head over to our Facebook Page and share your best on this post. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #sussexday.
Why we Should all Celebrate Sussex Day
Sussex Day is so much more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a chance to celebrate what makes our part of England so unique. From its rich history and stunning coast to countryside landscapes to its proud traditions, artisan producers and warm communities. Sussex really is something special.
So on Sussex Day raise the Sussex flag along with a glass of Sussex Sparkling and take a moment to appreciate everything our wonderful county has to offer.
Happy Sussex Day!
Suzanne Jones is owner and editor at Hello Sussex which was founded in 2017. When she’s not exploring Sussex or writing about it you’ll most likely find her, camera in hand, enjoying coastal and countryside hikes across the county.
Suzanne is also travel writer and content creator at top travel blog The Travelbunny which she founded in 2011.