Wealden high streets join The Big One Hundred celebrations with creative window displays

The Big One Hundred marks the 100th anniversary of A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh stories in 2026. Celebrating Ashdown Forest in Wealden, the original Hundred Acre Wood, the programme brings together residents, businesses and visitors through a series of events and activities inspired by the landscape and wildlife while introducing a new character, Poppet, to inspire a new generation of adventures.

The displays are designed to help create interest in local high streets while encouraging residents and visitors to take part in The Big One Hundred celebrations.

Starting mid-July and throughout August businesses in participating towns will dress their windows using a special display pack featuring the distinctive eyes of Poppet, a curious new character inspired by Ashdown Forest.

The window displays are being supported by Crowborough, Heathfield, Hailsham, Uckfield and Polegate’s Chamber of Commerce and the town councils. Some of the towns are holding competitions for the public so keep an eye out for these.

Each window will be unique, whether colourful, quirky, artistic or playful creating something for visitors and residents to enjoy while supporting local businesses.  Businesses will be encouraged to use their imagination and creativity to bring their displays to life.

Poppet will be touring around the district, appearing at events and bringing a little Ashdown magic to communities along the way.

Look out for appearances at:

Ashdown Forest, 18-19 July 2026

Hailsham Town Centre, 26 July 2026

Sheffield Park and Garden, 1 August 2026

Weald on the Field, Uckfield, 8 August 2026

Herstmonceux Castle, 22–23 August 2026

Each stop will feature special appearances by Poppet, giving people the chance to take part in The Big One Hundred celebrations across the district.

Councillor Rachel Millward, Alliance for Wealden (Green Party) and lead councillor for Community, Culture and Communications and leader of the council, said, “We’re excited to see the creativity our local businesses bring to this initiative. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate The Big One Hundred, brighten our high streets and help boost our local economy and bring attention to the importance of the Ashdown Forest and preserving it for years to come.

“We hope the displays create a real buzz across our towns and help people discover more about Ashdown Forest and the celebrations taking place across Wealden.”

To book and enjoy the programme at one of the tour dates, click here. https://www.explorewealden.co.uk/whats-on-and-more/the-big-one-hundred

Photo credit: David Levene