It’s estimated that last year’s debut festival brought more than 14,000 visitors to the town over nine days. With the support of the Worthing's artists, performers and businesses, the festival’s organisers aim to deliver an even bigger and better celebration this year.

The Worthing Festival was inspired through conversations between Worthing Borough Council and the town’s arts community, who were looking for a way to celebrate the wealth of local creative talent. A multi-arts festival was decided upon and brought to life by Time for Worthing, the council’s official tourism arm.

Cllr Rita Garner, Worthing’s cabinet member for culture and leisure, was amazed by the support for the inaugural festival and has been working alongside the town’s creative community and council officers to ensure the celebration continues to grow year on year.

Once the festival is well established, it’s hoped that it can be owned, developed and delivered by the local creative community moving forward.

Cllr Garner said: “I’d really encourage our local creatives, businesses and community groups to consider how they could get involved with this year’s festival and register their early interest or event idea.

“We would love to have a wide range of events running across the town over the two-week celebration, so please let your creativity shine. Anyone looking for some support in getting involved can contact our team on worthingfestival@worthing.gov.uk.” 

Local venues and creatives keen to participate in this year’s festival can now register their events by heading to the Worthing Festival section of the Time for Worthing website, https://timeforworthing.uk/worthing-festival/

The final deadline for event organisers to edit listings for Worthing Festival ‘24 is 15th April. Full website listings will go live to the public on 16th April.

For the latest details on the Worthing Festival, follow its new dedicated social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and X.