Festival setting for innovation

This year s Lewes Festival, opening on April 26 and running until May 6, continues to promote the town s reputation for innovation with tradition.

Among the events planned are the toad-in-the-hole world championships and the annual Lewes pea throwing championships.

And this year there will also be a dwyle flunking knockout challenge at The Lewes Arms on May 6, which is also Lewes Garland Day.

Said Claire Murray of The Lewes Arms: 'The origins of dwyle flunking are lost in the mists of time and the probably befuddled minds of the customers of inns of long ago.

'It s a sort of adult ring-a-ring-a-roses with music and real ale, and it s not for faint-hearted players but good fun to watch.

Mark Barrett, chairman of the Lewes Festival said: 'We are pleased that the festival gives Lewes groups this sort of opportunity.

If you are a community group with events planned over the festival period and would like to be included in the festival programme then write to Lewes Festival, 211 High Street, Lewes BN7 2NL, by January 23.