Local Events
Welcome to Petworth!
Tucked away in the heart of the South Downs National Park, our historic market town is full of charm, character, and plenty to discover.
From seasonal festivals to local traditions, Petworth hosts a wide range of events all year round. Whether you’re here for a day or a little longer, we hope you’ll enjoy them as much as we do.
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Paula Rego: Visions of English Literature at Newlands House Gallery
Now – 6 SEPTEMBER 2026
Wednesday to Saturday 10am – 5pm
Sunday 11am – 4pm
Paula Rego: Visions of English Literature presents a major body of work by one of the most significant figurative artists of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Developed by Hayward Gallery Touring, the exhibition explores Rego’s lifelong engagement with storytelling and literature through the medium of printmaking.
One of the great printmakers and storytellers of our time, Paula Rego drew inspiration from a vast range of sources – from traditional folklore and fairy tales, to literary classics and nursery rhymes.
Paula Rego: Visions of English Literature will present three of the artist’s most ambitious and profound series of works in printmaking: Nursery Rhymes, Peter Pan and Jane Eyre, made across a decade of the artist’s life. Each series will be accompanied by a variety of personal items from the artist, many of which have never been publicly displayed before. Unseen preparatory sketches, etching plates and Rego’s very own childhood copy of Peter Pan will offer audiences an intimate portrayal of the artist’s lifelong fascination with literature and insight into how the artist transformed this material into startlingly original and unexpected pictures.
Expressions in Blue: Monumental Porcelain by Felicity Aylieff at Petworth House & Park
Now – 27 SEPTEMBER 2026
10.00am – 4.00pm
Towering sculptures by renowned ceramicist Felicity Aylieff are being exhibited for the first time at Petworth House and Park. The exhibition takes place across the whole property, including installations throughout the house, film and photographs revealing the remarkable ‘making’ process in the exhibition room, and two soaring obelisks standing between the house and the Upper Pond.
Free with admission, no booking required.
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Treve Summer Festival
18 JULY – 2 AUGUST 2026
11.00am – 6.00pm
32 Artists will be exhibiting this year, showing an exciting and varied selection of artworks providing the perfect opportunity to purchase unique, handmade art direct from the artists themselves.
Meet the Artists and watch them at work, make something yourself at a free Art Workshop, see inside the Printmaking and Painting studios and then relax and enjoy a snack in the garden from the Pop Up Cafe.
Treve Cottage is a traditional 17th Century Sussex, timber framed and tile hung building that nestles in the beautiful West Sussex countryside at the heart of the South Downs National Park. Every year for two weeks in the Summer and One Weekend in the Winter the cottage and gardens become the home of the annual Treve Art Festival and Christmas Treve Show.
Resident artists Sally and Euan, their artist friends and selected guests come together to exhibit, demonstrate their artforms and run art workshops for visitors.
Explore the artwork displayed across
The Traditional 17th Century Sussex Cottage
The Art Marquee *
The Old Studio
The Printmaking Studio
The Painting Studio*
The Micro Cinema*
Woodland Sculpture Trail*
The Store*
* Summertime only
The Gardens are the perfect spot to enjoy the peace of birdsong and nature surrounded by art and with spectacular views across farmland to Blackdown and Bexley Hill. Relax on the grass or at one of the garden tables.
Pop Up Cafe for hot and cold drinks, baguettes and cakes.
Free Art Workshops run by the exhibiting artists at weekends. No need to book just drop in. Most are suitable for all ages.
Live Acoustic Music at weekends.
Children are very welcome. Look out for the Musical Sculptures in the garden just waiting to be played. Watch the films in the micro cinema and enjoy the woodland trail with its little bridges to cross over. See if you can Make a Splash with a donation to Water Ade and enjoy the Arty Dip.
The Barn is our onsite accommodation sleeping 4 persons.
Relax in our beautiful Barn with far reaching views across the Sussex countryside and with walks direct from the door.
For more events visit www.DiscoverPetworth.UK