Village Halls Week 2026 – Register Now
Village Halls Week is set to take place from 16-22 March 2026 with the aim of raising awareness of England’s 10,000+ rural community buildings.
CELEBRATING THE HEART OF RURAL SUSSEX
Village Halls Week 16-22 March 2026
This March, we’re celebrating the village halls that keep Sussex communities healthy, active and connected. Join us for a week of events, stories and recognition of the volunteers who make it all possible.
What is Village Halls Week?
Village Halls Week is an annual celebration recognising the vital role village halls play in rural life. From 16 to 22 March 2026, halls across Sussex and throughout England will be joining the celebrations.
Action in rural Sussex (AirS) is proud to support village halls and community buildings in Sussex. We will be helping halls showcase their activities and the volunteers who make them happen, and highlighting the incredible difference these spaces make to thousands of Sussex residents.
This year’s theme is Connecting Communities to Health and Well-being. It shows how village halls support physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection at every stage of life. Each day will have it own theme:
- Be physically active: from exercise classes to sport, dance and chair-based yoga, village halls offer so many opportunities to get active
- Connect: whether it’s community cafes, youth groups, or lunch clubs, people of all ages and backgrounds can make friends and feel a sense of belonging at their village halls
- Give back: Volunteer! Many activities in village halls are run by volunteers, as are 88% of village halls. It’s a great way to meet people, make friends and feel you’re making a difference.
- Learn something new: from pre-schools to language and art classes, there’s always something new to learn at your village hall.
- Be present: live in the moment. Village halls host mindfulness, meditation and yoga classes to help you relax and focus on what’s important. Many have outdoor spaces too where you can reconnect with nature.
Based on: NHS Steps to Mental Well-being, https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/five-steps-to-mental-wellbeing/
Get Involved
For village halls: If you’re planning activities during Village Halls Week and would like us to promote them, or if you need support or guidance, please get in touch: villagehalls@ruralsussex.org.uk
For media enquiries: We can connect journalists with village halls, volunteers and users for interviews and features during Village Halls Week.
For residents: To find your nearest village hall or learn about Village Hall Week activities in your area, check out our map.
Follow our Village Halls Week coverage on social media:
#VillageHallsWeek #SussexVillageHallsWeek
Contact the Community Buildings team at villagehalls@ruralsussex.org.uk
Village Halls: How to Get Involved
If you run or volunteer at a village hall in Sussex, Village Halls Week is your opportunity to:
✓ Showcase what your hall offers
✓ Welcome new users and potential hirers
✓ Recognise your volunteers
✓ Raise your profile locally
✓ Connect with your MP and local councillors
✓ Celebrate your community’s achievements
Four Ways to Participate
1) Share Your Stories on Social Media
Post photos and stories about your hall, volunteers and activities throughout the week. Use the hashtag #SussexVillageHallsWeek so we can find and share your posts.
Follow Action in rural Sussex on social media and engage with our Village Halls Week content. Tag us in your posts and we’ll help amplify your message.
@actioninruralsussex @airssussex
2) Hold an Open Day or Event
Open your doors to the community during Village Halls Week. This could be:
- A special open day showcasing your facilities
- An ‘open door’ policy during your regular activities
- A community celebration or social event
- Demonstrations of classes and groups that meet at your hall
Download free posters and promotional materials from ACRE’s website to help spread the word.
3) Write to Your MP
Let your Member of Parliament know about the vital work your hall does. You can use this template to help you write a letter. Use your letter to:
- Explain your hall’s impact on community health and wellbeing
- Highlight the contribution of volunteers
- Invite them to visit during Village Halls Week
- Discuss any challenges your hall faces
MPs value seeing local community initiatives first-hand, and Village Halls Week is the perfect opportunity for engagement. Find your local MP here.
4) Connect with Local Media
Share your Village Halls Week activities with local journalists:
- Craft a compelling story about your hall
- Connect with local newspapers and publications / websites / Facebook groups
- Prepare for interviews or photo opportunities
- Highlight the human impact of your work
Let Us Know What You Have Planned!
We will consult the map to see which halls in Sussex are planning something (there are currently 20 of you!), but if there is anything you’d like us to be aware of and feature in our socials or bulletin, please complete this form and/or drop us a line at villagehalls@ruralsussex.org.uk
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