The Haywards Heath Pop-Up Museum welcomed an incredible 800 visitors over the weekend of 25th and 26th April, marking a hugely successful return for this much-loved community event in Haywards Heath.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, the expanded two-day format proved to be a resounding hit with residents and visitors alike. From the moment doors opened on Saturday morning at the Town Hall, there was a queue stretching outside the door, as eager attendees gathered to step inside and explore the rich history of their town. The strong turnout continued throughout the weekend, reflecting a growing enthusiasm for local heritage and community-led events.
Visitors were treated to a wide range of engaging exhibits, showcasing the stories, people, and places that have shaped Haywards Heath over the years. Contributions from local organisations – including the Beech Hurst Miniature Railway, Cuckfield Museum, West Sussex Libraries, St Wilfrid’s Church, St Francis Hospital, the Haywards Heath Horticultural Society, Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton, Haywards Heath Tennis Club, the Albermarle Centre, and local Guides and Scouts groups – helped create a vibrant and varied experience for all ages.
One of the standout elements of the weekend was the opportunity to view historical photographs and materials curated by local historian Charles Tucker, known for his Facebook group “Haywards Heath In Days Gone By”. His collection sparked conversation and nostalgia among visitors, and many attendees enjoyed reminiscing about familiar streets, landmarks, and moments from the town’s past.
Sunday afternoon brought another key highlight, with a well-attended series of talks from local historians. These engaging presentations offered deeper insights into various aspects of the town’s development and heritage, and were met with great interest from attendees keen to learn more about their community.
Beyond the Town Hall, the event also extended into the wider town through an interactive history scavenger hunt, which proved particularly popular. Well over 100 residents took part in the trail, exploring key locations and uncovering stories along the way. This activity not only encouraged participation across all age groups but also brought the history of Haywards Heath to life beyond the exhibition space.
Following the public weekend, the Pop-Up Museum continued to inspire learning as local schools were welcomed to visit on the Monday. Pupils were excited to explore the exhibits, discovering a wide variety of subjects they had never encountered before, while also recognising familiar places and areas of the town as they appear today. These visits provided a valuable educational experience, helping to connect young people with the history of their local community in an engaging and memorable way.
Although the event was free to attend, the generosity of visitors meant that over £90 was raised in voluntary donations. All proceeds will go to the Mayor’s chosen charity, the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity, adding a meaningful fundraising achievement to the weekend’s success.
The Mayor of Haywards Heath, Cllr Duncan Pascoe, expressed his delight at the outcome of the event, praising the strong community spirit and enthusiasm shown throughout the weekend. He said: “It has been fantastic to see so many people come together to celebrate the history of Haywards Heath. The turnout has exceeded all expectations, and it’s been especially rewarding to see residents of all ages engaging with the stories of our town. The Pop-Up Museum is a wonderful example of community collaboration, and I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to making it such a success.”
Haywards Heath Town Council would like to extend sincere thanks to all contributors, volunteers, speakers, and visitors who made the event possible. The overwhelming support and positive feedback demonstrate the value of bringing local history to life in accessible and engaging ways.
Following this year’s success, the Town Council looks forward to building on the momentum and continuing to develop the Pop-Up Museum in years to come, ensuring that the stories of Haywards Heath remain at the heart of the community. Should you be interested in contributing memorabilia or volunteering your time at the next event, please contact [email protected]
