Patronal Festival Report - St Laurence, Farmer

St Laurence, Falmer
Patron saint: St Laurence
Festival date: 10 August 2025

St Laurence, Falmer celebrated its Patronal Festival with a richly supported Choral Evensong, made possible through a grant that enabled the parish to host a full choir and reception. This festal service crowned a summer series of monthly Evensongs that drew visitors to the church’s peaceful setting near Brighton and the Amex stadium.

An eighteen-strong choir drawn from All Saints, Hove and several Brighton churches, directed by Chris Whitley-Jones with David Stevens at the organ, sang Bruckner’s Locus Iste, Ayleward’s Responses, Psalm 112, Brewer in D and Wood’s O Thou, the Central Orb. Attendance was strong, with many newcomers present, and both congregation and singers expressed enthusiasm for future services. The Priest-in-Charge preached at both the morning Eucharist and Evensong on St Laurence’s witness and enduring message of valuing the poor as the church’s true treasure.

After the service, celebrations continued at The Swan Inn, where a decorated barn, welcome drinks and generous refreshments created a lively atmosphere. Support from the pub and the grant contributed significantly to the success of the day. The parish hopes to continue Evensong next year on special occasions, encouraged by the positive response to this memorable Patronal festival.