Ardingly Summerfest 2025—The Ultimate Big Family Day Out

Ardingly Summerfest returns on Saturday 6th September 2025 to the South of England Showground, promising a full day of family-friendly entertainment, live music, and thrilling spectacles, capped off with a stunning fireworks display.

What's On at Ardingly Summerfest 2025

Monster Mayhem in the Main Arena

If it’s raw power and car-crushing action you’re after, the monster trucks are unmissable. Big Pete, standing at a colossal 16ft tall and weighing 7.5 tons, is the world’s only real monster truck and an absolute beast in motion. Alongside him, Slingshot and Grim Reaper will roar into the arena with gravity-defying jumps, bone-shaking revs, and metal-mangling destruction.

For an extra thrill, you can even climb aboard Slingshot for a passenger ride — a rare chance to experience the might of a monster truck from the inside.

FMX and High-Flying Stunts

The Bolddog FMX Team returns to deliver a high-octane freestyle motocross display, featuring backflips, mid-air tricks, and jaw-dropping jumps that will have the crowd on the edge of their seats. If that wasn’t enough, the trampoline stunt show and parkour displays will keep the energy high, combining athleticism, acrobatics, and sheer nerve.

Live Music and Entertainment

The Summerfest live stage will be buzzing all day with top tribute acts and live bands. Swifties will love Fearlessly Taylor, the UK’s ultimate Taylor Swift tribute act that captures the energy and sparkle of a live Taylor performance. For those who like their anthems loud and nostalgic, That 80s Rock Show serves up a stadium-style homage to the golden era of rock.

Oasis Maybe channels the raw swagger of Britpop legends Oasis, while The Burning Aces blend rock’n’roll, ska, and indie with unrelenting energy. The Red Stripe Band keeps things lively with their boogie-woogie and swing sounds, and the event’s charismatic host, Hannah Jackson, will keep the good vibes flowing all day long.

Family Fun All Day Long

There’s no shortage of family activities to explore. The Time 2 Bounce Inflatable Park is a sprawling playground of giant slides, bouncy castles, and obstacle courses. Lennie the Land Train is on hand to help tired legs travel across the showground with ease, and The Bubble Man will mesmerise little ones with his larger-than-life bubble displays.

The Birds of Prey Arena features awe-inspiring flying demonstrations with eagles, owls, falcons, and hawks — plus opportunities for kids to get involved in hands-on coaching sessions. Meanwhile, the circus workshop lets budding performers try their hand at juggling, tightrope walking, and more.

Traditional field games like sack races, welly wanging, and tug of war add a nostalgic twist to the day, while ribbon and poi dancers, stilt walkers, and colourful performers will roam the festival grounds, keeping the atmosphere lively at every turn.

Epic Extras

For those looking to level up the day, there are helicopter pleasure flights taking you up to 2,000 feet for a bird’s-eye view of the showground and surrounding countryside. You can also take a tank ride for an adrenaline-fuelled taste of military might.

The fairground is bigger and better than ever, with discounted rides at just £2 each until 2pm — perfect for early birds looking to maximise their fun.

Food, Drink, and Shopping

Refuel throughout the day at the Artisan Food Village, which offers everything from gourmet street food to indulgent sweet treats. The picnic area provides a relaxing spot to enjoy your own food if you prefer, and multiple bars across the site ensure you’re never far from a refreshing drink. A variety of market stalls and craft traders add an extra dimension to explore between the main attractions.

A Fireworks Finale to Remember

The day ends with an unforgettable fireworks finale, delivered by Double British Firework Champions, Illusion Fireworks. Expect a stunning pyrotechnic spectacle set to music, closing Ardingly Summerfest with an almighty bang and a sky full of colour.

Key Information

• Date: Saturday 6th September 2025

• Location: South of England Showground, Ardingly, RH17 6TH

• Times: Car park opens at 11:30am, gates open at 12pm, and the event concludes at 10pm.

Ticket Prices

Advance ticket pricing is available until 25th July 2025:

• Child (3–15): £14

• Adult (16+): £28

• Family (2 adults + 2 children): £78.40 (advance only)

On-the-day prices:

• Child: £20

• Adult: £40

• Infants under 3 go free.

Tickets are available here, subject to a booking fee.

Getting There

The South of England Showground is well-served by road with ample free parking, including spaces for blue badge holders. Haywards Heath is the nearest railway station, with onward buses and taxis available. Cyclists will find bike racks on site.

What to Bring

It’s advisable to bring picnic blankets, chairs, and weather-appropriate clothing. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome, but please note that the music and fireworks may not be suitable for all pets.

Don't Miss Out

Ardingly Summerfest 2025 promises a memorable day filled with excitement, music, and fun for all ages. Whether you’re there for the monster trucks, live music, family activities, or the grand fireworks finale, it’s set to be a highlight of the Sussex events calendar.

If the fireworks inspire you, you're in luck because here at Epic Fireworks, we stock the UK’s biggest and best range of consumer fireworks—everything from mega rockets to garden-friendly fountains. Whether you’re planning a back garden bonanza or a full-blown party with all the pyro, we’ve got you covered.

Even better, our ready-made DIY display packs take all the guesswork out of planning. Just light the fuse, step back, and take the glory.

Browse our display packs now – and make your next celebration go off with a bang.

Want More Firework Events Like This?

This isn’t the only explosive date in the calendar. From beachside festivals to historic castle displays, there’s a sky full of events happening around the UK this year. You’ll find all the unmissable ones in our handy guide: Your Ultimate Guide to UK Firework Events in 2025.