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Wealden District Council > News Articles > Sussex Craft Week to takeover Alfriston for a celebration of makers, heritage and community

Sussex Craft Week to takeover Alfriston for a celebration of makers, heritage and community

Publish Date: 24 June 2026

The historic Wealden village of Alfriston will transform into Craft Town Alfriston this June as part of Sussex Craft Week 2026, a pan-Sussex celebration of craft, skill, heritage and community. Across ten days, residents and visitors will be invited to discover exhibitions, maker displays in shop windows, and join in creative demonstrations. Work by top regional makers will be woven into the everyday life of one of Sussex’s most picturesque villages.

two women standing next to each other crafting. the lady on the left is watching the other person whilst they sew

Sussex Craft Week is curated by ROSA Magazine. Jessica Wood, Publisher says: “The Craft Towns project aims to bring back together the ingredients that made towns successful places: locality, community, heritage, skill and business.”

Set within the South Downs National Park in Wealden District, and renowned for its independent businesses, historic buildings and creative spirit, Alfriston provides an ideal backdrop for celebrating the skills and stories behind heritage and contemporary making.
Makers’ work on show includes ceramics, paper engineering, woodwork, jewellery, textiles, basketry, metalwork, leathercraft and millinery. All the works are by skilled Sussex makers.

Craft Town Alfriston forms part of the wider Sussex Craft Week programme, which returns for its second edition in 2026 with more than 60 events taking place across East and West Sussex. The festival celebrates excellence in craftsmanship, supports professional makers, promotes emerging talent and encourages people of all ages to engage with craft through exhibitions, workshops, open studios, talks and demonstrations. It is one of two ‘Craft Towns’ the second is Arundel.

Councillor Rachel Millward, Alliance for Wealden (Green Party) and lead councillor for Community, Culture and Communications and leader of the council, said, “We are proud to be supporting Craft Town Alfriston, which celebrates the rich creative heritage and skilled craftsmanship of this distinctive part of the Wealden district. Through exhibitions, workshops and demonstrations, the festival supports makers and encourages people to engage with craft and also plays an important role of bringing communities closer whilst supporting the local economy.”

The initiative is expected to attract visitors from across the region, contributing to Alfriston’s visitor economy while highlighting Sussex’s growing reputation as a centre for contemporary craft and heritage skills.Visitors are encouraged to make a day of their visit, exploring Alfriston’s independent shops, galleries, cafés, historic landmarks and surrounding countryside alongside the Craft Town programme.