Sussex Retold: Sounds, Sites, Stories conference

Location: University of Sussex

Organiser: Sussex Retold

Artists, story-tellers, scholars, land-workers and policy-makers will gather at the University of Sussex to share work and ideas at a creative conference, Sussex Retold: Sounds, Sites, Stories, on Friday 19 June 2026. The day offers a timely investigation into the diversity of Sussex heritage and how the past can be used for progressive futures.

Speakers include:

Anooshka Rawden, Cultural Heritage Lead for the South Downs National Park Authority
Alinah Azadeh, artist, writer and local cultural activist
Caroline Lucas, former MP and now Professor of Practice in Environmental Sustainability at the University of Sussex
Matthew Bird, Director of Love Our Ouse
Libby Drew, Knepp Wildlife Foundation Director and
Charlie Cain, National Trust Ranger, Saddlescombe Farm.

The day will also feature walks, workshops, and a site-specific play by award-winning playwright Sara Clifford, and end with music and dancing at The Swan Inn, Falmer, with acclaimed young folk stars The Wilderness Yet.