Unveiling the official poster for The Worthing Festival ‘23

An image by Northbrook degree student, Jessica Galbraith has been chosen as the official identity for The Worthing Festival ‘23 - the town's first multi-arts festival.

Promotional place brand Time for Worthing and Worthing Borough Council held a competition for Northbrook College students to find a dynamic piece which could be used as the ‘face’ of the Worthing Festival ‘23, which will take place 10th -18th June.

Cllr Rita Garner, Worthing Borough Council's cabinet lead for Culture and Leisure, said: “We were blown away by the quality of the students' entries from a fantastically wide range of disciplines - photography, fine art, graphics etc. Choosing just one winner was a tough decision, but in the end Jessica's entry was the unanimous favourite and creates a bold identity for the town’s first Worthing Festival.”

Jessica's image formed part of her Makeup and Hair for Theatre and Media BA (Hons) Degree course at Northbrook. She says, ’I was thrilled to hear that my image has been chosen to be ‘the face’ of the Worthing Festival. I’m really excited to see my work translated into promotional materials.'

The judging panel comprised Helena Thomas, Principal of Northbrook College, Kirstie McCool - Course Leader for Photography at Northbrook, Cllrs Garner, Dale Overton and Catherine Glynn-Davies, Richard Manders from Colonnade House and Judy Fox from Time for Worthing.

Helena Thomas said: “It's always great for our Northbrook students to have the opportunity to link in with live projects. The transition between academic learning and the world of work can be tricky, so we welcome partnership opportunities such as the Worthing Festival poster competition as invaluable ‘real life’ experiences for our students.”

This is the first year of The Worthing Festival, which will take place in venues across the whole borough and will comprise music, theatre, dance, art, heritage, comedy, spoken word, film, workshops, outdoor and family events taking place in venues across Worthing.

Time for Worthing are overseeing the marketing and promotion of the Festival, with listings available in a dedicated Worthing Festival - What's on section of the website. Events and links to book tickets directly with venues went live in March.

Event organisers and groups are invited to sign up to take part. From performance, comedy, dance and music to craft workshops and demonstrationseveryone is welcome.

Submissions of interest can be entered via a link on the Time for Worthing home page, https://timeforworthing.uk/ worthingfestival2023/

A CELEBRATION OF ARTS & CULTURE IN WORTHING

Music, theatre, dance, heritage, art, comedy, spoken word, film, outdoor and family events

For more information visit timeforworthing.uk

#Hidden gem on the hills

My name is Gwenn, and I work in Worthing’s best kept secret, the jewel of the crown, a true living library of rare plants and trees, hidden on the South Downs.

Despite being ancient and fragile, the place bursts with life and energy, from fauna to flora, humans to rare plants from across the world, dreams to events, passion to propagation.

My work is my playground, I love it and this is why.

Every day, my team and I reach for the hills!

Every day we care, we plant, we plan, we contemplate and protect for all to enjoy, for now and for generations to come.

We are honoured and proud to be the temporary guardians of this wonderful place, known for its social history, botanical interest and sentimental value within our community and from afar.

Everyday, we are reminded of the powerful impact that such places bring to the world. From a long standing volunteer recalling her first steps as a child walking along our borders, to meeting the head of the Millenium Seed Bank talking about the value of preserving our seeds in her vault, 10 feet underground.

Everyday, my team and I commit to do the best possible job for the people of Worthing and other voyagers to marvel over this safe haven every single day of the year. So please, come, spot one of us in our smart new gilet ou tablier, and say hello!

#A ordability and Accessibility

We intend to improve ways to enjoy the gardens. The gardens are free to enter and you can benefit from ‘Highdownloads’, exclusive resources. Pick them up from the visitor centre for a small donation or download free online. From our Plants Trails and Explorers cards to our Town to Down Walks, showcasing ways to access the gardens on foot from Angering, Goring train station and Durrington Community Centre. The walks are short and engaging and are suitable for children.

Check out our Accessibility page for more information about what to expect, including a video and a downloadable visual guide to Highdown Gardens.

#O grid

We are super excited to announce that, thanks to a generous private donation, 31st March the water is flowing once more into our pond in a “guilt free” way of harvesting the power of the sun.

#Get Involved

If what you seek is not there yet, don’t be shy, drop us a line and let us know what your Highdown Gardens looks like. Who knows, you might also want to get involved and volunteer your time.

#WHAT’S ON

We have an exciting programme for 2023, something for everyone.

Events

• ‘Discover Days’

Join a series of creative days exploring art and nature starting this Easter holiday with an Egg Hunt, drama workshops, bushcraft tasters, face painting, pop up studio, drawing tables, storytelling and much more. 5 and 12 April, 10am-3:30pm. Book early to avoid disappointment.

• ‘Sundown at Highdown’

Why not try something different during the Summer evenings with our alfresco performances? Starting with our traditional outdoor theatre shows by the Rainbow Shakespeare Theatre presenting The Tempest and The Comedy of Errors from 11 to 23 July.

TOURS & TALKS

• ‘Blooming Highdown’

Experience the very best of Highdown Gardens with a seasonal expert guided tour to learn about our iconic plants and impress your friends! Watch out for our ‘Peony and Rose’ tours in May.

• ‘ Highdown Lowdown’

The gardens come to life during our weekly guided tours. Led by one of our talented guides sharing the garden’s rich social history, showcasing plants of seasonal interests and enticing anecdotes. Every Thursday 2-3pm, or why not book a private talk with our Gardens Curator, bringing to life the incredible contemporary research and archiving endeavour to protect Sir Frederick Stern’s National Plant Collection. Upon request only

Workshops

• ‘Know and Grow’

Think you know everything about plants? Our programme of practical propagation and identification workshops will boost your knowledge. Available from May.

Extra Treats

• ‘Pop up Shop’

Bursting with chalk loving plants and vintage terracotta pots, local makers ceramic and textiles and much more. Every Thursday and Friday afternoon 12:30-3:30pm

• ‘A Taste of Highdown’

The perfect way to awaken your senses with our delicious afternoon cream teas, and relaxing cheese and wine evenings in the heart of the gardens from June as part of Worthing Festival.

Make sure you don’t miss out: subscribe to our mailing list or check out our ‘What’s on’ page regularly.

It’s right on my door step! Definitely worth a visit....

A little gem hidden away. Greg

One last thing, we hire spaces and are open minded, so if you have an idea, a business or a concept suitable for Highdown, or just need a space for a meeting or your event we want to hear from you too.

Best wishes and a Happy Easter to the Worthing community from the Highdown Gardens team.

‘Such a beautiful place, almost therapeutic. ’ Olivia

Don’t miss out, find us highdowngardens.co.uk facebook.com/highdowngardens instagram.com/highdowngardens