Sussex Day is approaching, but what is it and how can we celebrate it?

Sussex Day falls on June 16 and celebrates the county’s heritage and all it has to offer.

The celebration was conceived in 2006 by Worthing man Ian Steedman who grew up in Brighton and lived in Sussex most of his life.

Mr Steedman, who was a prolific letter writer to The Argus, died in February 2023. His widow Ruth is keen that Sussex Day continues to be marked.

Ian Steedman and his wife RuthIan Steedman and his wife Ruth (Image: Supplied)

After Ian died she said: “Ian was always up to some caper or other. He was Sussex mad and loved Brighton and Hove.

“Recently he wanted Worthing to be made a city - it meant everything to him. He loved Sussex Day, he did everything he could to promote it.

“Sussex meant the world to him.”

Henry Smith, MP for Crawley, took up the idea during his time as leader of West Sussex County Council. The day was initiated in 2007.

The county day also coincides with St Richard’s Day, the feast day of Sussex patron saint St Richard of Chichester.

It marks the anniversary of the translation of St Richard’s body from its original burial place in the nave of Chichester Cathedral to an elaborate shrine at the cathedral in 1276.

There are countless ways to celebrate Sussex Day this year, such as attending a local event, visiting the county’s best spots, or learning more about its history in one of many museums.

Last year, ex-Argus reporter Daniel Green marked the day by embarking on a 90-mile trek of Sussex by public transport.

Ex-Argus reporter Daniel Green did a tour of Sussex to celebrate last yearEx-Argus reporter Daniel Green did a tour of Sussex to celebrate last year (Image: The Argus)

Wielding a flag of Sussex, Daniel visited Chichester, Worthing, Brighton, Lewes, Eastbourne and Camber Sands.

Daniel said: “I was left in awe and with a great appreciation for the county I live in.

“The journey captured the essence of Sussex’s beauty and heritage but I also came to realise that - as enjoyable and jam-packed as my journey across Sussex was - I had barely scratched the surface of what our wonderful county has to offer.”

To celebrate Sussex Day, Crowborough Town Council is holding a free family event on the Crowborough Chapel Green from 1pm.