With its historic houses, gardens and festivals, Sussex is a hive of cultural activity. Discover both exciting new initiatives like the Brighton Craft Fair and a rich vein of existing heritage attractions such as Bodiam Castle.

Festivals

Brighton hosts the largest annual arts festival in England which celebrates the best in theatre, dance, literature, visual arts and more. Head to the city during May and be part of the action. For something on a slightly smaller scale, nearby Lewes has an annual Artwave Festival, involving everyone from farmhouses to framing shops. If music be your food of choice then there is much to keep you contented in Sussex. OxJam takes place across the county, with a particular focus on Brighton, and is Oxfam's most ambitious music event ever. Gigs will be taking place throughout October and will welcome the musical genres of classic, folk, punk, and funk.

Alternatively switch on to different cultures with the Brighton Festival of World Sacred Music, which runs from 17th - 21st October. Bringing together local, national and International musicians it embraces a wide range of traditions from, amongst others, the Christian, Buddhist, Jewish and Muslim faiths. Or get to grips with Opera when the Glyndebourne Touring Opera comes back to Glyndebourne for three weeks in October.

Art and Theatre

There is a wealth of creative talent on display within enticing venues throughout the county. The classic De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill has been recently restored to its 1930s glory. It offers a fantastic line-up of exhibitions and performances throughout the year. Running until January is Triple Echo, three sound and film installations that examine the interpretation of music with its various performances.

Another jewel in Sussex's crown is the nationally significant Pallant House Gallery in Chichester, which combines the old and new in a building that fuses a Queen Anne Townhouse with contemporary design. Its changing exhibitions during the year reflect the best visual arts work to be seen anywhere.

There's also Charleston House near Lewes, a building transformed by former residents Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant of the famous Bloomsbury Group. It is now one of the most intimate and unique galleries to be found nationally, paying homage to their lifetime of work. Not forgetting the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery and Hove Museum and Art Gallery who, until January are exhibiting 'A Blue to Dye For' a survey of the World's oldest and most distinctive dyestuff.

Bygone Eras

Sussex is not all about the new. Its history stems right back to the 'birthplace of England', Battle Abbey, near Hastings, which, in 2007 received a brand new Visitor Centre. Visit Amberley Working Museum to learn more about England's strong industrial heritage. For classic Gothic architecture, head to Lancing College whose chapel has an incredible 90ft nave or sample a slice of 18th century charm with Lamb House in Rye, home of the author Henry James.

Fact Box

For more information visit www.culturesussex.com