Community & Events

The harbour, Newhaven with fishing boats

FREE FAMILY EVENT with music, storytelling, dancing, street theatre and magical sea-mermaids – Sat. Aug 20 at 11 am.

The Sidings first ever event on the Community Courtyard will take place on Saturday 20 August, starting at 11am. It’s a free family-friendly event featuring music, storytelling, dancing, street theatre and the magical sea-mermaid and there are prizes for the best turned-out mermaids and sea monsters.

The event will feature the amazing interactive mermaid in a beautiful deep-sea globe, local favourites Ignite Theatre and the Norcross dancers, tales of the deep from the Nixie of Newhaven, Hula Hooping from Kiki LaHula, local climate change information stalls and loads more to entertain all the family.

This event is being produced by 18 Hours, one of East Sussex’s leading event producers. Everyone welcome!

Sidings creative space

The Sidings community courtyard is available to host family events and activities for the Town. These will work in conjunction with the bistro and other users of the site, and will become a honeypot of outdoor community activity. 

Sidings Bistro event

On Fridays and Saturdays entertainment is available to book at the Sidings Bistro.

cyclists group

Cycling groups and walking parties are welcome in our space. Please book breakfast and lunch parties.


The Sidings is centrally located, on a main cycle route, opposite the bus interchange and near to the railway station and ferry, it is easy to get to without using the car.   And being part of the port it will be actively engaging with visitors from Europe and its ‘sister’ ferry town Dieppe. 

Sea Magic won the BN9 Competition.

Look forward to an afternoon of water-themed summer fun.

Sea Magic will animate every corner of The Sidings this summer on Saturday 20 August with musical street theatre, dance and storytelling with an environmental message. Meet the mermaid in a transparent globe, hula hoop with Xena Flame and listen to the tales of The Nixie of Newhaven while the Norcross Dancers perform.

For Newhaven Festival events visit: www.newhavenfestival.co.uk

The events will be managed by the Newhaven Enterprise Zone. Please use the contact form on the right-hand side to request further information. 

THE SIDINGS

The first phase of the site is the impressive waterside bistro, supported by the community courtyard, and community spaces ready to promote the river, cycling and walking. Later phases will include additional container space to support more social enterprises.

WHERE TO FIND US

Railway Approach, Newhaven, BN9 0DF, East Sussex

MANY THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING