Lewes has always seemed to me to be a town where ideas flow as readily as the water beneath it.
We sit above rivers, streams, chalk aquifers and winter bournes. Water shapes the landscape here, but perhaps it also shapes the culture. Lewes has long had a reputation for being independent-minded, progressive, environmentally aware and just a little rebellious.
Back in 1264, we had the Battle of Lewes, when Simon de Montfort challenged the divine right of kings and planted early seeds of parliamentary democracy. A few centuries later, Thomas Paine lived and worked here before heading to America, where his words and ideas would help fuel the American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence itself.
Now, in the 250th anniversary year of that Declaration, Lewes is once again preparing to celebrate democracy in its own eccentric and colourful way.
On Saturday, 4 July, the town will host a Festival of Democracy, with a parade through the High Street featuring banners, music, costumes and campaigners. The event is being organised by Lewes Climate Hub, Thomas Paine: Legacy and Lewes Town Council as the beginning of a year-long programme of events.
People are encouraged to dress up around the theme of democracy — from Greeks and Romans to figures from the Battle of Lewes, Suffragettes and Civil Rights campaigners.
I suspect Lewes will throw itself into it with characteristic enthusiasm.
At a time when democracy around the world often feels fragile, polarised or exhausted, there is something rather hopeful about a small Sussex town choosing to celebrate participation, debate, protest, environmental responsibility and the long history of ordinary people demanding a voice.
Perhaps there really is something in the water here (or the beer, and there's plenty of that).
More details will follow soon, but if you'd like to get involved:
info@lewesclimatehub.org
Thomas Paine events:
https://thomaspainelegacy.org/events