The Newhaven Gala has been a tradition since the 1800s. Over the many years, the Gala has evolved into a community event, celebrating Newhaven’s culture and heritage and sharing it with others. The Primary School kids and teachers dress up as fishwives and fishermen and go down to the harbour to welcome the Fisher Queen and King who are then crowned before the festivities begin.

This series documents the 2023 and 2024 Galas, showcasing how the Gala preserves Newhaven’s culture and identity as well as how it continues to modernise and evolve to suit the present day.

The Newhaven Gala is the best way to find out more about Newhaven’s history and community.