Festival banner art display

More than 18 banners depicted stories from the Bible and seasons in the Christian calendar.

Ron Lucas, retired senior steward, said people seemed surprised at how many banners there were.

He added: 'The exhibition idea started when we talked about the festival at a stewards' meeting.

'We then thought there is a lot of art in Christianity and remembered the banners.'

Jenny West, organiser of the arts festival, said her personal favourite was a 'Fishers of Men' banner.

She said: 'It was really fascinating.

'They really have put such a lot of effort in for the festival.'

Normally only two communion and prayer banners are displayed in the main hall.

All the banners are sewn from heavy felt by a special group from the church which meets once a month.

Members pool ideas to create lively themes for each artwork and have produced one banner a year since 1990.

Visitors heard a selection of John Wesley hymns as they went round the exhibition.

The church has already decided to make an artistic contribution for the second Hailsham Arts Festival next year.

They have yet to decide whether this will include banners or something different.