Overview
- A full revamp of the Sussex Bee Market as a flagship annual event celebrating all bees, honeybees, wild bees and pollinators — while remaining firmly rooted in practical beekeeping
- General admission £3 covers hall, trade stands and auction; separate paid tickets for talks
- Zoom live streaming of all four talks, with post-event recording access for full day and Zoom passholders
Confirmed Speakers
TALK 1 Dave Goulson – ‘Saving Our Insects’
Professor of Biology at the University of Sussex and bestselling author of A Sting in the Tale. One of the most recognisable voices in pollinator conservation in the UK. Opens the festival with the broadest possible public appeal — beekeepers, gardeners and conservationists alike. A significant coup for the inaugural Sussex Bee Festival.
TALK 2 Richard Rickitt – ‘Gardening for Bees & Pollinators’
Broadening the festival’s appeal to gardeners and the general public. A natural companion to the wild bee and conservation trade stands, and highly shareable for publicity. Perfectly positioned as the second morning talk to sustain the public audience.
TALK 3 Rhona Toft – ‘Seeking Varroa-resistant Bees’
A timely and highly practical talk on one of the most pressing challenges facing UK beekeepers. Focuses on the bees themselves and the potential for breeding Varroa-resistant strains — resonating strongly with both novice and experienced Sussex members.
TALK 4 Marin Anastasov – ‘Self-Sustained Queen Rearing’
Practical queen rearing content accessible to beekeepers at all levels, from those producing 10 queens to those producing 100 in a season. One of the most-requested topics nationally and a strong draw for the experienced contingent within Sussex membership.
Programme
| TIME | EVENT | LOCATION |
| All day | Trade stands & refeshments | Refectory & terrace |
| 09:30 | Doors open | |
| 10:00–11:00 | TALK 1 Dave Goulson ‘Saving Our Insects’ 45 min + 15 Min Q&A – Zoom streamed | Theatre AG02 |
| 11:00–11:15 | Comfort break & changeover | |
| 11:15–12:15 | TALK 2 Richard Rickitt ‘Gardening for Bees & Pollinators’ 45 min + 15 min Q&A – Zoom streamed | Theatre AG02 |
| 12:15–13:15 | Lunch & networking | Refectory & terrace |
| 13:15–14:15 | TALK 3 Rhona Toft ‘Seeking Varroa-resistant Bees’ 45 min + 15 min Q&A – Zoom streamed | Theatre AG02 |
| 14:30–15:30 | TALK 4 Marin Anastasov ‘Self-Sustained Queen Rearing’ 45 min + 15 min Q&A – Zoom streamed | Theatre AG02 |
| 15:45–16:45 | AUCTION Curated lots Pre-published catalogue | Hall AG01 |
| 16:45 | Close & thanks | Stands close |
Venue & Facilities
- Uckfield College — Saturday 17 April 2027
- Main Hall AG01 — auction display
- Theatre AG02 — all four talks
- Refectory, kitchen and upper terrace — trade stands, social hub, catering and networking
See Bee Market Location & Parking | Sussex Beekeepers Association for parking