Arundel Festival of the Arts is the biggest community event around and one of the most celebrated arts and culture events in the South of England, bringing together an eclectic mix of music, theatre, literature, and community events. With a rich history dating back to 1977, the festival has played a pivotal role in fostering artistic excellence and community spirit. Since its inception by the 17th Duke of Norfolk and local leaders, the Arundel Festival has welcomed renowned cultural figures such as David Hockney, Nigel Kennedy, Julian Lloyd Webber, and Katherine Jenkins. 

Arundel Festival was established as a company limited by guarantee and became a registered charity in 2010 thereby ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of the festival. The charity’s core objectives are to promote and celebrate the arts, provide opportunities for creative expression, and enhance community engagement through a diverse programme of events. It aims to support artists, musicians, and performers while fostering a strong sense of local identity and cultural heritage. By making the arts accessible to all, the charity plays a vital role in enriching the town’s social and economic fabric.

The charity has continually demonstrated its resilience and flexibility by successfully adapting to modern challenges, including a virtual edition during COVID that reached audiences worldwide. Over the years, it has expanded and evolved to include The Music Festival in July and Arundel Festival of the Arts in August which includes ’The Gallery Trail”, Shakespeare at the Castle and a diverse programme of performing arts and music under its umbrella. The Castle Fundraiser has become the cornerstone of our fundraising and is now a significant event in its own right.  In October 2024, the board of trustees changed the name of the company from “Arundel Festival” to “Arundel Festivals & Events” so that it adequately represents the activities that the charity undertakes.

At the end of 2024 we proudly launched our “Arts for All” programme which seeks to break down barriers to participation in the arts by offering accessible and inclusive opportunities for individuals who may not otherwise have the chance to engage in creative activities. This programme is about fostering creativity and community spirit through group activities that encourage collaboration and a shared appreciation of the arts. 

With a commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement, plans are already underway for an extraordinary 50th-anniversary celebration, ensuring the charities continued growth and impact.