What's on in Sussex this May Bank Holiday weekend?

Some of the biggest events on the Sussex social calendar are happening this bank holiday weekend, which has been dubbed Marvellous May.

Promising "something for everybody", people across the county will be able to enjoy theatre, comedy, cabaret, exhibitions, family shows, spoken word and circus, among other events.

The popular Brighton Fringe festival begins on Friday, celebrating its 20th year with "a feast of good taste", while Brighton Festival kicks off on Saturday with the annual parade of children through the city.

The crowds of visitors are expected to bring a welcome boost to trade for many businesses.

Some of the highlights include Magnificent Motors in Eastbourne on Saturday and Sunday and celebratory Jack in the Green parade in Hastings on Monday.

Peter Martin, head of events and seafront at Eastbourne Borough Council, told Radio Sussex: "We have Magnificent Motors this weekend, which is taking place on the Western Lawns which is just opposite the Grand Hotel.

"We have over 600 vintage cars, everything from 1900, very early vehicles, to modern day electrics."

He added there will also be a funfair, lots of retailers and a bar on site, as well as a stage for presentations and talks.

The free event will be an "excellent fun day out for all the family", Mr Martin said.

In Hastings, Keith Leech, founder of the annual Jack in the Green event, said: "We've got a lot coming up this weekend, it's really really exciting.

"We've discovered that there's a sort of Jack in the Green-type thing that used to happen in Jamaica and the local Afro-Caribbean community have been working on it and they're doing a talk this evening, so that's going to be really exciting.

"Then we've got a folk session playing music, singing songs in the East Hastings Angling Association.

"Then over the weekend we've got Morris dancing across the streets of Hastings, all day long, particularly around the Old Town area, every single day, culminating with the procession with the Jack in the Green on Monday."

In Brighton and Hove, Amy Keogh, managing director of the Brighton Fringe Festival, said there were more than 800 events planned for this year.

"People have the freedom to put a show on, do a performance... and so you get the chance to see some brilliant stuff, some crazy stuff," she told Radio Sussex.

"We cross so many genres, we go through theatre, music, circus, comedy, family shows, dance, exhibitions. We've got new venues which are bringing new shows."

With forecasters predicting the sunshine and high temperatures will stick around, visitors and residents will be able to enjoy a splash to cool off.

Three paddling pools - at Saunders Park, Hove Lagoon and The Level - are opening in Brighton and Hove from Saturday until 14 September.

But the King's Road paddling pool is planned to be re-opened in the summer, the council said.

Councillor Alan Robins, cabinet member for sports and recreation at Brighton & Hove City Council, said: "We know how important this paddling pool is to the local community.

"Now we are certain the roadworks which would have impacted the site will take place later in the year we have made the decision to re-open this pool for the summer.

"We are currently sourcing quotes to bring the pool up to a suitable standard but are determined to have it open and being enjoyed by families as soon as possible."

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook,, external on X, external and on Instagram., external Send your story ideas to [email protected], external or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.