BN9: UnderCurrents
UnderCurrents
The Sidings, Railway Approach, Newhaven, BN9 0DF
18 July to 30 August
Alongside exhibitions and events inside the Marine Workshops, this summer the Newhaven riverside plays host to UnderCurrents - a programme of creativity, conversation and unexpected encounters at The Sidings.
What's On
UnderCurrents Launch Party
18 July | 2.00pm to 10:30pm | Free entry
Kicking off the UnderCurrents Summer Programme with an evening of music, food and good company, join us for the UnderCurrents Launch Party and help set the tone for a fun summer to come. Expect sets from Chris Coco and Equal Measure DJs, The Kites, DJ Uffie, community workshops with Dawn East and plenty of reasons to linger by the river.
Sunday Jazz
19 July & 16 August | 1.00pm to 5.00pm | Free entry
Ease into Sunday with an afternoon curated by the wonderful Saltdean Jazz Band. Expect an eclectic mix of classic jazz, contemporary sounds and a few unexpected detours, all set against the backdrop of the river. Whether you're a lifelong jazz fan or simply looking for a relaxed Sunday afternoon, bring friends, grab a drink and settle in for some exceptional live music.
From Shaman to Starman
23 July | 7.00pm to 9.30pm | £6
Join broadcaster and author Dr David Bramwell alongside Jak Hutchcraft for an evening exploring the strange threads that connect folklore, myth and modern popular culture. From ancient ritual to David Bowie, expect stories, music and unexpected connections. A fascinating night of ideas for the curious, the sceptical, and everyone in between.
Port of Cool
25 July | 1.00pm to 11.00pm | tickets from £26-£31
A Family Store Festival is coming to Newhaven. Bringing together some of the UK's most exciting independent musicians alongside artists, makers and creative misfits, Port of Cool is a celebration of DIY culture, great music and good company on the banks of the River Ouse.
Expect live performances from Memorials, Paddy Steer, Minor Dents, Charlie Keen's Silver Birch, M. Woodroe, Crab and more, with DJs Innerstrings and Ian Parton (The Go! Team) keeping things moving throughout the day.
Alongside the music you'll find independent traders selling prints, zines, records, clothing and artist-made goods, plus local food, craft beer from ABYSS Brewery, and plenty of reasons to spend the whole day discovering something new.
The Sorrowful Tale of Sleeping Sidney
31 July | 6.30pm to 8.30pm | Free, booking required
Award-winning puppeteer Daisy Jordan brings this beautifully strange tale to life in a performance that's equal parts funny, moving and delightfully unsettling. Suitable for families with older children and anyone who enjoys imaginative storytelling. A rare chance to experience one of the UK's most distinctive puppetry performances.
Rhoda Rocks
8 August | 4.00pm to 10.30pm | £5 for charity
A joyful celebration of the life of Rhoda Funnell - artist, friend, Artwave legend and pillar of the local creative community. This special fundraising event honours Rhoda in the way she'd have wanted: with music, dancing, laughter and good company, while raising money for the incredible Martlets Hospice.
Face painting, glitter tattoos, Bam Bam dance workshop, and riverside disco with DJs, dancing and plenty of fizz. Plus the launch of the 2026 Artwave Festival brochure. Everyone welcome.
Wicker Man Night
27 August | 7.30pm to 10.30pm | £12
Join Dr David Bramwell and White Wall Cinema for an evening celebrating one of Britain's most iconic cult films. Expect stories from the making of The Wicker Man, folklore, film history, and a screening that rewards both devoted fans and first-time viewers. An unforgettable night exploring one of British cinema's strangest masterpieces.
Ouse Valley Folk Festival
27 to 28 August | Various times and tickets
The second Ouse Valley Folk Festival celebrates the rich musical heritage of the Ouse Valley alongside the artists and ideas shaping its future. Across Friday and Saturday, the programme brings together traditional music, contemporary folk and folk-adjacent sounds, creating a welcoming festival that honours the past while embracing new influences.
Friday features Goblin Band, Bloody Bones and DJs, while Saturday welcomes Nick Pynn & Kate Daisy Grant, The Kites, Rob Abbott, Pemma and Paul Hartnoll's Folk Horror Electro Techno Disco Roadshow, alongside Ouse Valley Morris, performances from Folk Against Fascism, storytelling and family-friendly animal mask making with Stealthy Rabbit.
Whether you're a lifelong folk fan or simply curious to discover something new, it's a chance to experience one of Britain's richest musical traditions in a fresh and welcoming setting.
