And so another year passes by and another Arundel Festival is over already! We absolutely love this annual event and it seems to get bigger and better every year.
The festival takes place in late August for 10 days either side of the bank holiday weekend. The event brings together music, art, and theatre for a wonderful celebration. The town of Arundel itself, with its cobbled streets, medieval castle, and stunning riverfront views, serves as a stunning backdrop.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a music lover, a foodie, or just looking for an unforgettable experience in a wonderful setting, the Arundel Festival has something for everyone.
One of the coolest things about the festival is the Art Trail. Picture this: Arundel’s streets transform into a massive outdoor art gallery. Shops, galleries, and peoples house’s become showcases for all kinds of talented artists. It’s like an an artsy treasure hunt combined with an episode of Through the Keyhole! You wander the town admiring the art as much as the resident’s beautiful gardens you never knew existed behind the towns walls!
For families, the Arundel Festival offers a dedicated Children’s Festival, providing young visitors with an array of activities, workshops, and performances tailored to them. From puppet shows to storytelling sessions, children can explore their creativity and imagination in a fun and inclusive environment.
And then there’s Abba night! The festival just would not be the same without this epic night. On the Thursday of the festival, the town shuts the high street for the evening and Abba Magic take to the stage. What started out as a tribute band playing in one of the pubs has now become the headline of the whole festival by reputedly the best Abba tribute band there is. People fill the High Street all the way up to the castle at the top. Everyone is singing and dancing and spilling out of the pubs just having a great time. What’s more amazing is this event is FREE! They are collecting donations at the entry/exit points but this is completely voluntary, though for sure you will be happy to part with your cash to support the town, as it is such an enjoyable night.
If you can time your family holiday to coincide with the Arundel Festival, you will not be disappointed. Abba night is hands down one of the best evenings we have had in a while and it’s great fun for all ages.
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