Winnie-The-Pooh Centenary Celebrations To Tour Sussex This Summer

A major programme of family-friendly events marking 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh is set to take place across Sussex this summer, with organisers confirming full details of a county-wide tour.

Creative company Trigger will launch “The Big One Hundred” with a special opening weekend on 18 and 19 July in Ashdown Forest — the real-life inspiration for the Hundred Acre Wood.

Visitors will be invited to take part in “Explorer Days”, featuring nature-themed activities, workshops and interactive performances — including appearances from a giant puppet creature inspired by the forest’s rare wildlife.

Following the launch, the celebrations will travel to locations across Wealden during the school summer holidays, including:

• Hailsham Town Centre – 26 July

• Sheffield Park and Garden – 1 August

• Uckfield’s Weald on the Field – 8 August

• Herstmonceux Castle – 22–23 August

The events are designed to encourage families to explore the outdoors, with children able to collect stamps as they complete activities and encounter the roaming puppet — operated by a team of up to 10 performers.

Creative Director Angie Bual said the project aims to bring the magic of Ashdown Forest to communities across Sussex.

“This is a chance for children and adults alike to step into the landscape that inspired the stories and to discover more about this extraordinary environment,” she said.

The large-scale puppet has been created in collaboration with designer Jack Irving, known for work with global artists including Lady Gaga and Katy Perry.

Organisers say the programme is also intended to highlight the importance of protecting Ashdown Forest — a rare heathland habitat and Site of Special Scientific Interest — while encouraging reading and storytelling as part of the national Year of Reading.

All events are free to attend, but tickets must be booked in advance. Priority booking for Wealden residents opens on 18 May, with general release from 26 May via the official website.

Further information is available at the event’s official site.