*** CLICK THE NEWS LINK FOR THE LATEST FESTIVAL NEWS ***
Welcome to the 22nd Henfield Festival of Gardens & Arts!
"OVER THE GARDEN GATE"
ABOUT THE 2021 FESTIVAL - 12th & 13th JUNE
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The Festival began its life as a village event in 2000 as part of the Millenium celebrations. The event has changed in size and in character over the years, but its main purpose is still to celebrate and promote the community and culture of the West Sussex village of Henfield.
Gardens
In normal times, over 30 village gardens and some 8-10 community venues would be open to the public, with a variety of artists' work on display, and with live music being performed in many venues. The Covid-19 pandemic means that the 2021 Festival has been organised differently. The Festival title - "Over The Garden Gate" - means that gardeners have been invited to show their front gardens or create a display that can be seen without actually entering the garden. In other words, visitors can maintain social distancing but still enjoy displays of flowers, fruit and vegetables, perhaps in garden beds, perhaps in wheelbarrows or other containers. Shop owners in and around the High Street have also been invited to create a display in their windows. A map showing the 43 gardens and with an accompanying list of venue addresses, is available to view, and to download and print from the website. For those without such facilities, free printed copies will be available at designated businesses in the High Street from the begining of May.
Covid-19 responsibility
The Gardens & Arts Group is responsible for facilitating and promoting the Festival. The onus is on garden owners and those creating public displays to ensure that the relevant regulations in place regarding social interaction, during the Festival, are adhered to.
Artists & Musicians
It is unfortunate, but - given the uncertainties of the pandemic situation - artists will not be able to display their works in gardens, nor will musicians be able to play live. Some garden owners who are also artists and musicians may demonstrate their work from their front gardens.
Festival progress
For details of Festival progress, click on the "News" page.