Picture the Cuckmere Valley, famed for its meanders at the river mouth and chalk horse engraved on the Downs. Venture along the east side of the river valley and you will find the village of Litlington, nestled in the heart of the South Downs, just across the river from Alfriston.
Make this journey in the middle of June, and you will be treated to a fabulous Flower Festival in the beautiful church of St Michael the Archangel, Litlington.
St Michael’s dates from about 1150AD, it is mainly built of flint while the spire is covered in wooden shingle. Of particular interest are the three bells, the treble dates from the early 15th century and is one of the oldest working bells in the county. The simple 16th century stone font will be brimming with flowers while the church boasts one of the earliest ‘scientific’ sundials cut into the south wall of the porch with an equal hours system still in use today!
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The theme of this Flower Festival is Litlington Past and Present – this simple village church will be brimming with colour and creativity:
• Tributes to the history of the village will include the Litlington Tea Gardens, the oldest tea gardens in the country; and Clapham House, home to Mrs Fitzherbert in the early 1800’s, one of Prince Regent’s mistresses, indeed he may have secretly married her in St Michael’s!
• The modern day will be depicted in a variety of floral displays, representing both the village community and local business: the Litlington Kindergarten which has brought new vitality to Litlington Village Hall, while Long Man Brewery is a fabulous example of thriving rural enterprise.
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In the paddock next to the church there will be refreshments available all day: relax over morning coffee, freshly baked cakes, delicious lunches or a cream tea. Sample the award winning artisan beers brewed just next to the church at the Long Man Brewery. Make time to browse the stalls where you may be tempted by a selection of local produce, for those with green fingers there will be a fabulous plant stall, there will be books for all tastes, or pick up a bargain bric a brac. All are welcome to a Festival Service on Sunday 21 June at 5pm.
Make a day out of it, the views are stunning and there are some great family walks; along the river bank, or for those with energy to run off pick up the South Downs Way which runs right through the village.
Litlington Flower Festival would be delighted to see you, from 10 to 5.30pm each day. If you use a Sat Nav, plug in BN26 5RA and you will arrive at the door. There will be an easy drop off at the roadside for those with restricted mobility and a level pathway bringing you straight into the church. There is plenty of free parking and admission will also be free… but all donations of course will be very gratefully received!
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