Summer of Love

If you're in the Sussex Downs this summer, get along to these events organised by the National Trust to celebrate Gypsy and Traveller history and culture, including seeing Priscilla Queen of the South, Drive 2 Survive's first public sculpture of a Gypsy Cob, about to be permanently installed at the University of Sussex.

August 15^th – December 20th

Launching the Travelling Exhibition ‘Stopping Down Memory Lane’

An exhibition discovering the history of Gypsies and Travellers on the South Downs. The theme is Family, Home, Professions, the Arts and features an iconic canvas artwork designed by Romany illustrator Elijah Vardo, which has been embellished by members of the community, a film of the making of ‘Prissy’ a totemic life sized Gypsy cob horse, forged by Romany blacksmith Jake Bowers, and a selection of historical photos and materials that were discovered at The Keep Archive in Brighton & Hove, with the support of Romany historian and author Janet Keet-Black.

• August 15th to September 10th - Skyway Gallery, Shoreham Centre

• September 23rd to October 5^th - Jubilee Library, Brighton

• December 4th to December 20^th - BN9 Studio & The Atrium, Newhaven

See poster attached and please feel free to share

August 29^th

‘Stepping into the Downs’ a FREE 3 mile Stopping Places walk led by Romany Historian Janet Keet-Black, in the Devil’s Dyke area.

After the success of the walk Janet took us on from Brighton to Lewes for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month in May, we thought we would extend the journey across the Downs and wander through the history of Gypsies and Travellers in the Devil’s Dyke area as part of Devil’s Dyke Discovery Week.

Places are limited so please book your spot by clicking here today

• Friday 29th August, 2025

• Walk: 13:00-15:30, with an after event at Saddlescombe Farm until 17:00

• The walk will be approximately 3 miles

August 30^th

Saddlescombe Farm Open Day  a FREE event ona  beautiful farm nestled at the foot of Devil’s Dyke (which has a rich history of Gypsies and Travellers)

We will have a Gypsy Vardo from Friends Families and Travellers, FREE Gypsy Cob horse rides, and exhibition material. Alongside all the other great stuff that’s happening on the day (see poster attached)

September and October  (exact dates TBC)

We continue to celebrate Priscilla Queen of the South a life sized Gypsy Cob horse forged by Romany blacksmith Jake Bowers. She is tethered at the University of Sussex who will be hosting her for years to come and we are planning a series of events to celebrate her.

I will get back to you when things have been confirmed, feel free to email me josie.jeffery@nationaltrust.org.uk if you would like to find out more