The Artists' Bridge

Opened Saturday 9th September!

As part of the ‘Hailsham Festival of Arts and Culture 2023’ several community groups, artists, schools, local organisations, businesses and individuals were invited to take part in a Hailsham-wide community arts project.

They were encouraged to submit artwork which reflected local history, nature and communities. These were then assessed and the winning entries installed on to the panels along the length of the bridge to brighten it up and create a real sense of local ownership and pride in the space, preventing previously seen instances of graffiti on the bridge.

Here you can see some of the fantastic artwork that has been added to the bridge. There are over 65 pieces along the bridge.

This project was supported by £7,200 awarded from Wealden District Council's UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of the wider plan to revitalise the Cuckoo Trail.

Eastwell Bridge is a footbridge that crosses the old Cuckoo railway line, now what we know as the Cuckoo Trail. Incorporating this project into the annual Hailsham Arts and Culture Festival is an example of how the festival continues to go from strength to strength. The Hailsham Festival of Arts and Culture is held annually in September and is now entering its sixteenth year. The festival represents a celebration of talent, creativity and imagination centred in the market town of Hailsham and surrounding areas. The festival began in 2007 with an Art Trail which has grown ever since and is a rich showcase for local artistic talent and skill. Working in partnership with Hailsham Artists’ Network, it regularly includes works from over 100 artists which are shown in venues across the district.

Tell us what you think of the new artwork along Eastwell Bridge by completing our short feedback survey.