Haywards Heath Life

Introducing the Haywards Heath Summer Guide

By Kelly Lewis

Families across the local area can now enjoy a summer packed with affordable adventures thanks to the launch of the Haywards Heath Summer Guide, a brand-new, free guide bringing together family-friendly events, activities and days out taking place throughout the summer holidays.

The guide has been pulled together by the Events and Community team at Haywards Heath Town Council. It is completely free to download and has been designed for families of all ages, showcasing the wealth of opportunities available across the local community throughout the summer holidays.

Residents can download their free copy from the Haywards Heath Town Council website:
www.haywardsheath.gov.uk/events-and-activities

They can also browse the Council's online events calendar for the latest local events and activities taking place throughout the year. Event organisers wishing to promote their events are encouraged to submit them via the website.

Events include:

  • The Haywards Heath History Hunt, available until 31st August, invites participants to follow the trail, explore the town, uncover history, and take on fun challenges along the way.

  • The Kanga Trail launches on 1st August in Beech Hurst Gardens, inviting families to bring a picnic and enjoy a free day with games, crafts, and entertainment. There will be opportunities for participants to create their own kangaroo ears and add artwork to a kangaroo.

A limited number of printed copies of the Summer Guide are available for those who prefer a physical booklet. These can be collected free of charge from Haywards Heath Town Hall, Haywards Heath Library, and the Dolphin Leisure Centre, while stocks last.

For further information, please contact Haywards Heath Town Council on 01444 455694 or eventsandcommunity@haywardsheath.gov.uk.

MINCKA is Muddy Stilettos' Best Café in Sussex!

Independent Haywards Heath coffee shop MINCKA has been crowned Best Café in Sussex at the 2026 Muddy Stilettos Awards, recognising its commitment to great food, specialty coffee, and genuine hospitality.

The award marks a proud moment for the independent business, which has spent the past five years growing its food offering while building its reputation as a welcoming place for the local community, with great coffee always at its heart.

At MINCKA, the vision has always been to create more than just somewhere to grab a coffee. The aim is to be a daily meeting place where people can meet, work, relax and enjoy great food, specialty coffee and a warm welcome.

Over the past year, the team has spent a lot of time developing MINCKA’s food offering, creating a menu of freshly prepared breakfasts and lunches made inhouse using high-quality ingredients and local suppliers wherever possible.

MINCKA works closely with a number of local businesses, including Woodhouse Butchers in Haywards Heath for meat and eggs, Paul’s Greengrocers in Lindfield for fresh fruit and vegetables, and The Flour Pot Bakery for freshly baked pastries delivered each morning.

Jerome Bolze, Founder of MINCKA, said: “Winning Best Café in Sussex is an incredibly proud moment for everyone at MINCKA. It’s a reflection of the passion and hard work our whole team puts into every customer experience; from the food and coffee we serve to the welcome people receive when they walk through our doors. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who voted for us and to our loyal customers who continue to support an independent local business. This award motivates us to keep improving and creating a coffee shop that our local community can be proud of.”

The award comes at an exciting time for MINCKA as the business continues to grow beyond the traditional coffee shop experience.

Alongside introducing new seasonal menus throughout the year, MINCKA has expanded its corporate catering service, providing fresh office breakfasts and lunches, as well as bespoke catering for meetings and events across West Sussex.

MINCKA is also opening its doors for private evening hire, offering the coffee shop as a unique venue for celebrations, networking events, and private functions. Working closely with its head chef, the team can create bespoke menus tailored to each event, with the option to add a full professional bar and cocktail service through local mobile bar company Southside Bars.

Looking ahead, the team remains focused on great coffee, exciting food, supporting local suppliers, and continuing to make MINCKA a place that brings people together.

For more information about MINCKA, corporate catering or private hire, please contact hello@minckacoffee.com.

Haywards Heath Town Day

Welcome to Haywards Heath Life’s Haywards Heath Town Day event page. Here you will find our most recent information for Haywards Heath Town Council’s community day.

Haywards Heath Town Day is a celebration for the community held annually in the centre of town in Victoria Park, RH16 4LR.

See also, https://www.haywardsheath.gov.uk/town-day

2026’s Town Day will be held on Saturday 12th September.

Click to enlarge

Prepare for Town day

The town council would love you to join them on Saturday 12th September from 12noon to 9pm at Victoria Park.

As well as some wonderful performances including the UK's top ABBA tribute band Re-Björn, the day will include a full funfair with rides and games, a dog show, balloon modelling, crazy golf, a life-size T-rex, and why not try your hand at circus skills, get your face painted and wonder around a selection of stalls, before stopping at the bar for refreshments?

It’ll be a day to remember for all the family.

STALL BOOKINGS

Application forms for a stall or pitch at Haywards Heath Town Day are now open. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday 15th July. We will be in touch to confirm stalls/pitches by Friday 17th July.

Cricket club in the Haywards Heath since 1897

Haywards Heath Cricket Club has been playing at Clair Park since 1897 and is now one of the biggest clubs in Sussex, running five senior sides in the Sussex Cricket League, a Sunday XI, a Midweek Slam T20 team, a women’s softball team, the Honeybees, and a growing girls’ hardball section. The junior section has over 320 members from under 5s to under 16s, with more than 500 families from across the community involved in the club. During the summer months, there is rarely a day when cricket isn’t being played somewhere on the ground.

Volunteers maintain the cricket square and outfield, which is also shared with the public for recreational use. The pavilion has been significantly updated internally thanks to support from Mid Sussex District Council, and the club has invested in its social facilities to make it a welcoming place to watch cricket, enjoy a drink, or have something to eat.

Haywards Heath Cricket Club has been a fixture of the local community for more than a century, facing its fair share of challenges and change along the way. From the current Aldi development to the imminent proposals concerning Clair Hall and the adjacent car park serving Clair Park, the club has continued to adapt while maintaining its important role within the town. While the latest plans present potential concerns, the club is confident that Mid Sussex District Council and whichever party ultimately develops the site will recognise and respect its rich history and enduring contribution to the many families and residents of Haywards Heath, past, present, and future.

Senior Section
After five games, the 1st XI, who play in the Premier Division, the highest tier of the Sussex Cricket League, are currently ninth. The 2nd XI sit third in Division 5, the 3rd XI third in Division 8, and the 4th XI also third in their division. The 5th XI is currently ninth in Division 11.

Junior Section
League teams are up and running at every age group from under 8s to under 15s, with the under 16s due to start next week. The girls’ teams at under 11, under 12, under 14 and under 16 level have all begun the season strongly. Forty girls and boys are currently on the Sussex Pathway programme, and the club recently hosted two under 12 Pathway games at Clair Park, with five Haywards Heath representatives in the side.

In a recent highlight, the under 12s won the prestigious SJCF Bowl final, beating West Chiltington by ten wickets.

Full fixture lists and results for all teams are available at haywardsheath.play-cricket.com Anyone wishing to join the club in any capacity can contact Gary Honeysett at haywardsheathcricketclub@outlook.com.

Local Community Network brings together those with dementia

Last month, a dementia event funded by Mid Sussex District Council’s Local Community Network brought together people living with dementia and their carers for a day of information, advice and lunch.

Organised for the Mid Sussex Older Peoples Council, the event featured talks and information from a wide range of organisations including the Alzheimer’s Society, Raise Your Voice dementia singing project, Sussex Police, Brighton and Hove Buses, Carers Support, Tu Vida, Age UK’s dementia team, Wakehurst dementia walks, and Martlet Manor Care Home. Good Oaks Home Care also attended to offer support, and several local social prescribers were on hand throughout the day.

Sussex Police brought information on the Herbert Protocol, which encourages carers and family members to complete a vital information form about a vulnerable person living with dementia in case they go missing. A form can be found at www.medicalert.org.uk or phone 01908 951045.

Brighton and Hove Buses talked about how all their frontline drivers are trained Dementia Friends to enable patience and understanding, and explained that the buses’ seating, lighting, flooring, and announcements are all designed to be dementia friendly. They brought information on their Helping Hand Scheme card, which you can show to a driver discreetly with a brief written instruction of what assistance you need. To apply for one phone 01273 886200 or go to www.buses.co.uk/helpinghand

Haywards Heath Deputy Mayor Cllr Bashar attended and gave a heartfelt speech to those present.

Wild West Week at Orchards Haywards Heath

Dust off your cowboy boots and saddle up for family fun as Wild West Week rides into The Orchards Shopping Centre from Tuesday 4th to Saturday 8th August.

For five action-packed days, the centre will be transformed into a Wild West adventure, packed with free activities, live entertainment and opportunities for visitors of all ages to join in the fun.

Whether you’re a budding cowboy, a line-dancing enthusiast or simply looking for something different to do during the summer holidays, there’s something for everyone.

Family fun throughout the week

Visitors can enjoy a varied programme of activities, including: Line dancing lessons, Wild West prize bingo, Live country music from Whiskey Over Ice (Friday and Saturday), Rodeo bull rides (Friday and Saturday), Free children’s games and activities, plus lots of food and drink vendors and local market stalls.

Supporting a fantastic local charity

Wild West Week will also help raise awareness and funds for Kangaroos Mid Sussex, a local charity providing vital support and opportunities for children, young people and adults with learning disabilities and complex needs, as well as respite and support for their families. A range of fundraising activities throughout the week will give visitors the chance to support a worthy local cause while enjoying some light-hearted Wild West fun.

Learn to line dance

One of the highlights of the week will be the daily line-dancing sessions led by local favourites Line Dance Fit and Cindy Lou’s Line & Country Dancing. Suitable for all ages and abilities, these friendly sessions are designed to get people moving, laughing and giving something new a try—no experience required. Both organisations have generously donated their time and expertise to support Kangaroos Mid Sussex. A suggested donation of £3 per person will go directly to the charity. Advance booking is required.

Wild West Bingo

Fancy something a little different? Join the Wild West Prize Bingo session at 10.30am on Wednesday morning. For an entry fee of £6 per adult and £3 per child, participants can enjoy six fun-filled rounds with a selection of themed prizes up for grabs.

More than just shopping

Wild West Week forms part of The Orchards Shopping Centre’s ongoing commitment to bringing exciting community events to the heart of Haywards Heath. Centre Events Manager Miranda Virgo said: “We wanted to create something a little different this summer to encourage families to spend time together while supporting our local retailers and our charity of the year. Wild West Week combines entertainment, creativity, music and community spirit, and we can’t wait to welcome visitors for what promises to be a fantastic week.”

So, round up the family and head down to The Orchards this August for a week of Wild West-themed entertainment, community spirit and summer holiday fun.

For more information email hello@theorchardsshopping.co.uk, follow on social media or see www.theorchardsshopping.co.uk

Coro Nuovo concert in St Wilfrid’s Church this July 2026

Music lovers in Sussex are in for a remarkable evening this summer as St Wilfrid’s Church, Haywards Heath hosts an exceptional celebration of young musical talent on Saturday 11th July at 7pm.

Acclaimed local choir Coro Nuovo will present its much-anticipated Summer Prom Concert — an elegant evening of classical favourites and beloved musical theatre performances.

The highlight of the evening will be a prestigious competition featuring three outstanding Sussex Young Musicians, each competing for the coveted title along with financial awards worth up to £5,000. Audiences will have the rare opportunity to experience some of the country’s most promising emerging performers before they embark on what are sure to be glittering professional careers.

From soaring classical masterpieces to memorable show tunes, the programme promises an uplifting and entertaining night designed to appeal to seasoned concertgoers and newcomers alike. With the atmosphere of a traditional summer prom and the excitement of live competition, the concert is expected to be one of the cultural highlights of the Sussex summer calendar.

Tickets are available now: www.coronuovo.org.uk/tickets For further information call 01444 717750.

Marathon comes to Haywards Heath on 3rd May

Training for a race takes commitment, consistency, and attention to detail… but one thing that’s often overlooked? Your vision. Whether it’s reacting quickly to changes in terrain, staying focused in bright conditions, or simply feeling comfortable mile after mile, clear vision can make a real difference to your performance and overall experience.

That’s where the headline sponsor for the Haywards Heath 10 Mile comes in. As a proudly independent, family-run practice based right here in the town, Haydenswan Eyecare is built around community. Co-founder Claire Hayden said: “We’re here for the early morning runners, the weekend joggers, the PB chasers, and everyone in between. Supporting local events like this is our way of giving back to the people we care about most, you.”

As part of Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend, the event comes to Haywards Heath on Sunday 3rd May, and includes Mid Sussex Fun Run, Mid Sussex Mile and the 10 mile, which starts on South Road before entering Victoria Park to complete two course loops covering roads, paths, trails and footpaths in and around Haywards Heath. Much of the route is offroad and mainly traffic free. The fun run starts at 9.30am, the mile (aimed at junior runners) at 10am, with the 10 mile kicking off at 10.30am.

Go to the website (www.midsussexmarathon.co.uk) for more information about all the events. Arrive early, if you are wanting to book a place to run on the day.

The Mewes vets and Raystede pop-up event

On Thursday 2nd April, Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, a well-known local animal charity dedicated to improving the lives of animals and the people who care for them, will be visiting The Mewes Vets for a special pop-in event focused on all things dog behaviour. Taking place from 10am until 3pm, this informal and friendly event will give dog owners and animal lovers the opportunity to meet members of Raystede’s knowledgeable team and learn more about understanding canine behaviour.

Whether you have a new puppy, a rescue dog settling into a new home, or simply want to better understand your dog’s body language and communication, the Raystede team will be on hand to share helpful advice and practical guidance. Visitors will be able to ask questions about common behaviour challenges such as lead pulling, recall, barking, separation worries, and socialisation with other dogs.

The aim of the day is to help owners build stronger, more positive relationships with their dogs, through understanding, patience, and kind training methods. Raystede has many years of experience supporting animals and educating owners, and events like this are a great opportunity for the community to access expert knowledge in a relaxed environment. The team will also be happy to talk about the wider work Raystede does, including animal rescue, rehoming, and welfare education.

Everyone is welcome to stop by during the day, have a chat, and pick up useful tips to help their dogs live happier and more confident lives.

Marion and the Haywards Heath Harriers

From setting up beginner-friendly running groups to launching parkrun in the town, Marion Hemsworth has spent the last 15 years making running accessible to the Haywards Heath community, and her latest project could transform how our community stays active for years to come. Here she talks about her life and love of running.

By Lydia Turner

Marion’s journey to Mid Sussex began in the north of England where she was born in Warrington and brought up in Manchester. It was her passion for teaching that brought her south to attend university in London where she completed a teaching qualification. Marion and her husband then made the move to Mid Sussex, initially living in Ardingly before settling in Haywards Heath where she and her husband brought up their three children. Marion taught maths in schools around Sussex for most of her career, before moving into education management and working as an advisor at the Open University. She finished her career at Haywards Heath College from where she retired in 2010.

In her 30s, Marion dabbled with running, but it wasn’t until she turned 50 that she really found her pace, joining Haywards Heath Harriers and discovering her love of running. Marion said that she started playing squash and then discovered that she was better at the running bit in the squash court than she was at hitting the ball. Running is obviously a passion for Marion. What draws people to running, she believes, is its accessibility. “You don’t have to be a certain standard to run. There’s no entry requirement. You don’t need a team. It fits really well around bringing up children as a way of keeping fit.” For Marion, the appeal goes beyond physical fitness. “I like the fact it’s freedom. And it does make you feel good afterwards, that endorphin boost works for everybody, really. But I also love the social side. We visit park runs around the country with my family, and afterwards you have a coffee, you’ve done something, but now let’s chat, let’s socialise, pick up on everybody’s gossip.”

Marion has had several roles within Haywards Heath Harriers over the years and currently serves as the secretary. What started as simply running with the club gradually evolved into take on the administrative side as well. In 2010, Marion and a friend became aware that there was a group of people who didn’t run with Harriers because they felt that it was too competitive them and that they might not be able to reach the standard set by other members, so Marion and her friend Julie set up a more recreational running group for beginners and the less experienced, not so motivated, not so competitive runners, called J&M Running, which is now well established within the town.

Marion explained how J&M Running also venture out of the town, with trips to the north of the country, back to where Marion was brought up. “We did a Blackpool Lights run, because that area was where we used to go as a family with my mum and dad to Blackpool and the St Anne’s. A group of us also ran the Copenhagen Half last year with Berlin this year for some. We get around!”

Not content with her involvement in both Haywards Heath Harriers and J&M Running, Marion was determined to put her beliefs into action. Convinced that running is an accessible social activity, good for mental and physical health and open to as many people as possible, she threw herself into helping set up a parkrun in the town. Clair parkrun began in 2014, attracting good numbers of people on a Saturday morning and this was also followed by another parkrun at Wakehurst, further expanding opportunities for local people to become involved in the sport that Marion loves.

To read Marion’s full story, please pick up your copy of Haywards Heath Life through all of March.