This West Sussex port is becoming increasingly popular with families priced out of Brighton but it has a thriving community and atmosphere all of its own, finds Jenny Mark-Bell
Ropetackle Arts Centre
This community-run arts centre is staffed almost entirely by volunteers and features an eclectic programme of live music, comedy and film. There’s even a film club which screens old and new favourites – the new season begins in May and membership is £25 per season.
Performing live this month are comedian Bridget Christie and musician Seth Lakeman, while folk legends Pentangle will perform in June. You can eat at the centre too, with light lunches and snacks available as part of the daytime menu, and more substantial pre-show dining available on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
To find out more about what’s on over the coming months, visit ropetacklecentre.co.uk
Brighton City Airport
This Art Deco, Grade II-listed airport is a true local landmark and part of aviation history, being the oldest airfield in the country (the first airmen flew out of Shoreham in 1910). On 4 July 1911 Shoreham was the starting point for the first recorded cargo flight when Horatio Barber and his Valkyrie monoplane flew a box of Osram light bulbs to nearby Hove. Unsurprisingly, it played a major part in both World Wars. More recently, it has become the venue for Wild Life Festival which this year takes place on 11 and 12 June.
Following last August’s tragic crash Shoreham AirShow has been cancelled this year but organisers hope to bring it back in 2017
Marlipins Museum
Housed in a stunning, chequered Norman building, the museum has exhibits on local and maritime history with particular emphasis on two of the area’s industries: the silent film industry based at Shoreham Beach from 1914, and aviation at Brighton City Airport.
The museum is open from May to October at £3 admission for adults and £1.50 for children
Shoreham Beach
A designated Local Nature Reserve supporting many species of plant and birdlife. Shoreham Fort lies at one end, a fortification dating back to 1857 when Shoreham was becoming strategically more important for Sussex. It would have housed around 40 soldiers and been mounted with six guns. There are open days throughout the year when you can tour the fort or lend a hand with volunteering.
check www.shorehamfort.co.uk for dates
Dogs Trust
The Shoreham centre has 52 kennels housing canines looking for homes. You can read about all the animals on the website at www.dogstrust.org.uk and staff are available to talk about the kind of home you can offer, and what kind of dog will suit you and your family.
River Adur
The town is dominated by the river and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy being on the water, such as kayaking, windsurfing or canoeing at one of the local clubs. A number of houseboats are moored at Shoreham-by-Sea.
Angling is available at West Breakwater Fishing for a small fee and deep sea fishing trips can be arranged from Shoreham by private charter
Shoreham Gallery
Run by a collective of 24 local artists, thie gallery on Brunswick Road houses a variety of disciplines including ceramics, textiles, fused glass, stained glass, sculpture, jewellery, photography, wood turning, wood carving, framed work of pastels, watercolours, oils and linocuts. The gallery is part of Adur Art Trail which takes place over two weeks in May/June.
Shoreham RiverFest
This annual event takes place every August Bank Holiday, falling from 26-30 August this year. Organisers promise Dragon Boat Racing, a river swim, food and music at various locations and an opening party on Coronation Green on the Friday night.
Follow www.facebook.com/shorehamriverfest for up-to-date details
Adur Festival
This year the event celebrating the Adur region will take place from 4-19 June. The theme for this year’s festival is Place.
Organisers say they want to celebrate the area’s rural and coastal communities and they are asking audiences to get in touch with them to suggest performance venues or register their own events.
