Horsham May 2015: A week of inspired events and ceremonies is being created to celebrate the many dramatic and colourful moments in the journey of life.

 click for programme of events 

The festival will be held in conjunction with the national Dying Matters Awareness Week. Across the country similar events will take place highlighting the importance of celebrating life’s milestones… events from the familiar to the exotic.

Horsham’s local happening is being created by some of Sussex’ most skilled and imaginative creators of ceremonies for life’s important landmarks. They range from Health Walk Leaders to Mindfulness Teachers, from Earth-centred facilitators to Interfaith Ministers, from animal-lovers to nature-lovers.

All are welcome to the ceremonies planned to take place in Horsham Park – on the bandstand, in the maze, the sensory and Human Nature Gardens and the Pavilions. Country walks will be interspersed with ceremonial pauses and wine tastings. A guided tour of the old cemetery in Dene Road will include a ceremony of remembrance. These and many other events illustrate how life, in all its colour and adventure, from birth to death can be beautifully interwoven with rituals and ceremonies.

The action starts on Saturday May 16th with an opening ceremony, followed by an afternoon of sacred storytelling and music. It will close on Sunday May 24th with a procession, picnic and a peace ceremony in the park that celebrates the 15th anniversary of Horsham’s Healthy Walks. People of all ages can join or participate in at least two inspirational events a day.

Jean Francis is coordinator for this event. Jean is a One Spirit Interfaith Minister who helps people arrange celebratory funerals, prior to need, author and Horsham resident.