Town Hall Open Day - Fun for all the Family
Town Hall, High Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2QS
This Heritage Open Day, step inside Lewes Town Hall and explore the stories that make our town unique. In partnership with the Cluniac Network and Lewes Bonfire Societies, history comes alive through sights, sounds, and hands-on activities.
The Bonfire Societies transform the Corn Exchange into a living timeline of English history - from the Reformation and Protestant martyrs to the Gunpowder Plot - complete with dramatic sets, costumes, and audio guides. In the Assembly Room, discover Lewes’ famous bonfire traditions up close with banners, artefacts, and costumes on display.
The Cluniac Network brings medieval life at Lewes Priory of St Pancras alive in the Yarrow Room. Make herb sachets, try brass rubbings, play the Cluniac board game, or test your knowledge with the ‘How Cluniac Are You?’ quiz. Explore sensory bags, view the Lewes Breviary, Priory stones, and images of Lewes’ founders, or ask a Monk your questions about monastic life.
In the Council Chamber and Mayor’s Parlour, try on councillor’s robes and hats and pose for a mayoral portrait. You can also explore how town planning shapes the places we live – and how towns change over time to support the people in them. Friendly volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about the building’s history and its role in the town today.
There will also a be a café run by the Bonfire Societies. This is a free event.
Town Hall, High Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2QS
The building is on several levels, if wheelchair/pushchair access is required please call ahead to register