Ah Sussex! With its rolling Downs, winding rivers and salty seascape, our stunning county has long been a draw for dreamers and thinkers. From folklore to literature, paintings to song, the creative urge is strong in this part of the world, and we are delighted to celebrate it at Ropetackle this summer.

Take British Official War Artist Eric Ravilious. The Sussex-bred artist, known for his paintings of the South Downs, appears as the subject of an intriguing documentary that makes good use of his art, letters and diary entries to tell a fascinating story. ERIC RAVILIOUS: DRAWN TO WAR will be screened on Wednesday 21^st May at 2pm. Click here for tickets!

The Sussex landscape has inspired reams of myths and legend, and who better to tell them than local Forest School leader Heidi McNie? What is the story behind the Long Man of Wilmington? What did the Devil do to Devil’s Dyke? And what about the Knucker Dragon, who loves to eat Sussex Pond Pudding?

With stories from Bosham Harbour on the East Sussex coast, dipping into the sandy Weald, then back up the chalky hills of the Downs, this is a celebration of Sussex’s histories and mysteries. Dark, magical and funny, Heidi’s stories show how connecting to our local land and landscape brings more magic into all of our lives. Join her and other Ropetackle Storytellers on Monday 9^th June at 7.30pm for SING A SONG OF SUSSEX. Click here for tickets!

We then move to Charleston and, specifically Rodmell, home to novelist Virigina Woolf. From her secluded bedroom at Monk’s House, with full views of the green hills around, she wrote her books, and enjoyed the acclaim of the recently-published A Room of One’s Own. The latter, a feminist classic from whence comes the immortal line: ‘A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.,” will be brought to life on Sunday 13^th July at 7.30pm. Performed by the brilliant Rebecca Vaughan, A ROOM OF ONE’S OWN is a sharp, humorous and thought-provoking play and a bold, 21^st century reimagining of Woolf’s iconic lecture. Click here for tickets!

Lastly, the Sussex rivers and waterways are lovingly explored, with inspiring talks by local raconteurs David Bramwell and Vera Zakharov. Blending history, mythology and personal journeys, Bramwell’s CULT OF WATER explores humanity’s deep connection with water, while Zakharov’s RIVERINE RESURRECTIONS examines their exploitation and resurgence. Both invite the audience to reconsider their relationship with water and the hidden stories beneath the surface. The event takes place on Tuesday 8 July at 7.30pm.

All tickets can be purchased online at ropetacklecentre.co.uk, in person at the Box Office, or by phoning: 01273 464440.