Local BAFTA-winning animator Laurie Rowan creates playful new identity for Worthing Festival 2026

Worthing’s biggest arts celebration returns this June with a bold new visual identity created by internationally recognised animator and director Laurie Rowan.

The team behind Worthing Festival has unveiled the official artwork and dates for 2026, marking the next chapter for the town-wide celebration following a successful inaugural year under independent leadership.

Fringe events will run from 1–30 June 2026, with the main Festival taking place 19–21 June 2026 in Homefield Park.

A playful portrait of Worthing

Created in Laurie Rowan’s trademark style of joyful, character-led illustration, the 2026 identity celebrates community, creativity and connection.

Rowan, who is based locally, designed a playful cast of characters representing the spirit of the festival and the people who make it happen. Known for building modular, expressive figures in animation software, Rowan adds an unexpected twist, layering real wood textures into his digital creations, so that even the most surreal animated forms feel grounded in natural material.

The result is a vibrant, tactile world that feels both contemporary and rooted – a fitting reflection of Worthing’s growing creative community.

Laurie Rowan said:

“I wanted to create something that felt joyful, welcoming and distinctly local. The festival is about people coming together – performers, audiences, families, artists – so building a playful community of characters felt like the perfect way to represent that energy.”

Laurie Rowan

Laurie Rowan is an animator, illustrator, director and art director known for his distinctive style and unique approach to characterisation and playful modular design.

He began his career as a studio-based creative lead before becoming a freelancer, creating work for major clients including the BBC, Channel 4 and Disney.

His projects have achieved numerous accolades, including a Children’s BAFTA win, nomination and a Lovie Award. In recent years, his work has gained international recognition, featured by leading design publications and included in “Ones to Watch” lists worldwide.

Rowan has created commissions for brands including Google, Microsoft, MTV, The New York Times and The New Yorker. His work has received critical acclaim, including a Young Directors Award nomination and multiple Vimeo Staff Picks, and has amassed more than 925 million views online.

He is represented by Nexus Studios for direction.Despite his international profile, Rowan remains closely connected to Worthing’s creative scene.

Worthing Festival, building on a breakthrough year

Worthing Festival builds on the success of 2025’s inaugural year after taking over from the local council.

Last summer saw Homefield Park transformed for two days of live music, art installations, local food and drink, and roaming entertainment, with the festival even visiting the local hospital children’s ward to bring performances directly to young patients.

The festival celebrations also included a community parade mid-June, culminating in a street party to celebrate the Worthing Festival month.

In 2026, the festival returns bigger and more ambitious, with more than 50 bands, performers and artist groups spanning locally-based, national and international talent — from local, emerging voices and young creatives to established professionals. Audiences can expect expanded creative workshops for adults and children, including dedicated children’s sessions at The Haven and a brand-new children’s tent within the festival site. Across the weekend, visitors can explore even more site-wide art installations, alongside the return and expansion of the immersive Sound Garden arts trail. The festival site will also open on Friday afternoon for a special neurodiversity-friendly, relaxed afternoon before the bands start on Saturday – offering access to the arts trail for people to experience the festival at a gentler pace. Enhanced bar facilities will increase capacity and speed of service, supporting a growing audience. The much-loved Fringe community parade and street party will return and kick off the month-long celebrations, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to building, growing and developing an inclusive cultural programme for the whole town.

A town-wide Fringe throughout June

Worthing Festival Fringe runs from 1–30 June 2026, supported by the Festival team.

The Fringe hosts events across venues throughout the town, all promoted via the official website to help increase footfall and visibility for local businesses and creatives. Anyone can register an event as part of the Fringe, making it one of the most open and accessible cultural platforms in the region.

Jennifer Left, Creative Director said,

“After the incredible response in 2025, we’re thrilled to be growing the festival for 2026. Laurie’s artwork perfectly captures the warmth, creativity and playful spirit of Worthing. This year is about celebrating our growing community and making June a month the whole town can be proud of.”

Dates for the diary

Worthing Fringe: 1–30 June 2026
Worthing Festival: 19–21 June 2026
(Homefield Park – Friday evening opening with art installations, food and drink)

Further programme announcements will follow in the coming months.