With Christmas still to come, looking ahead to January and the “blues” that come with it may not be top of your priority list.
But making some exciting plans early may be the perfect solution to helping you through the post-Christmas slump and setting you up for a blues-free January.
And, with so much to do and see in Lewes in the month, it’s a good idea to schedule it to ensure you don’t miss anything.
Read on to discover three cultural activities to enjoy in Lewes to help wash away the January blues.
1. Celebrate the Twelfth Night with a traditional wassail
Wassailing is a cherished tradition of singing, gift-giving, and sharing drinks from the wassail bowl to mark the Twelfth Night. It’s a festive, communal way to bid farewell to the Christmas season and welcome the year ahead.
This year, the Lewes Saturday Folk Club invites you to their annual wassail at the Elephant & Castle pub. With the warmth of a roaring log fire and candlelight, they’ll fill the evening with winter songs and traditional wassailing tunes.
Guests can enjoy Twelfth Cake – a delightful mix of orange peel, crystallised ginger, honey, spices, and rum – and a wassail bowl of hot spiced old ale. If you have an apple tree, bring a twig along to participate in the indoor wassailing ceremony, where blessings for the year ahead will be shared.
Everyone is welcome, whether you’d like to sing, play an instrument, or simply enjoy the atmosphere. The evening begins with English dance tunes for instrumentalists, followed by a mix of traditional songs from the British Isles and beyond.
So come along and experience the perfect way to embrace the spirit of the season in good company.
The Lewes Saturday Folk Club’s wassail night is on 11 January from 8 pm, at the Elephant & Castle, White Hill.
2. Experience art by some of the most celebrated artists of the past century at Charleston
Charleston in Firle, East Sussex, is a historic property closely associated with the Bloomsbury Group, now open to the public. Once the country home of painters Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, it showcases their distinctive decorative style, blending art and domestic life.
This winter, Charleston invites you to explore a range of exceptional exhibitions, including a display of portraits of Vanessa Bell by Duncan Grant, offering a glimpse into their creative and personal connection (from 16 November to 23 February).
You can also discover the fascinating story of how a modern art collection came to life through over 80 paintings passed between three prominent collectors: Eddy Sackville-West, Eardley Knollys, and Mattei Radev. This collection features works by some of the most influential artists of the 20th century, including Pablo Picasso, Winifred Nicholson, Amedeo Modigliani, and Graham Sutherland (from 25 September to 2 March).
Another highlight is the exploration of the lives and groundbreaking careers of Cedric Morris and Arthur Lett-Haines, who were both romantic and creative partners (from 16 November to 23 February).
And, for the more contemporary-minded, Grayson Perry presents his works on the theme of “home,” offering a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on domesticity and identity (from 25 September to 2 February, at Charleston in Lewes).
With such a rich array of exhibitions, Charleston is a must-visit this winter. Whether you’re drawn to the innovative spirit of the Bloomsbury Group, the bold modernists of the 20th century, or the cutting-edge voices of today, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
You can find all these exhibitions at Charleston in Firle, apart from Grayson Perry’s, which is at Charleston in Lewes on Southover Road.
3. Catch a thought-provoking talk at the Lewes Speakers Festival
The Lewes Speakers Festival brings together some of the brightest minds and most engaging speakers from across the UK, offering insights on an array of topics including science, literature, politics, and history.
Over three days, the festival takes place at the All Saints Centre in Lewes, a historic and vibrant setting for lively discussions and thought-provoking ideas.
This year’s line-up features an eclectic mix of experts and thinkers.
Among others, speakers include:
- Iain Dale, who will explore the history of dictatorships, and look at their evolution from the ancient world to modern times.
- Professor Neil D. Lawrence, addressing complex questions surrounding artificial intelligence and identity
- Wendy Joseph KC, offering an examination of morality and justice through the lens of her legal career.
- Professor Danny Dorling, shedding light on inequality, drawing lessons from the experiences of children around the globe.
With such a diverse program, the festival promises something for everyone – whether you’re passionate about history, curious about the future of technology, or interested in how societal structures shape our world. It’s an opportunity to engage with compelling ideas, ask questions, and leave inspired.
The Lewes Speakers Festival runs from 17-19 January at All Saints Centre, Friars Walk, Lewes.
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To find out more, please get in touch by emailing us at financial@barwells-wealth.co.uk or by phone on 01273 086 311.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
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