The Meeting House celebrates its 60th anniversary – see what events are happening
Posted on behalf of: University of Sussex
Last updated: Monday, 5 October 2026

The Meeting House, the Grade II* listed building at the heart of the University of Sussex campus, was constructed in 1965/66, with the first services conducted in there in October 1966. To mark this very special anniversary, the University is holding a programme of events open to students, staff and the wider public. The highlight of the week promises to be a 1966 themed concert from the Brighton Beach Boys. Book your tickets early to avoid disappointment!
About the Meeting House
Designed by Sir Basil Spence, the visionary architect behind the iconic sixties buildings of the University of Sussex campus, the construction of the Meeting House was made possible due to generous funding and endowment from the Caffyn family. The family is renowned throughout Sussex for their chain of garages, and the late Sir Syndey Caffyn was a dedicated supporter of the University.
The Meeting House was designed as an inclusive place of worship. The building’s beautiful interior regularly plays host to religious ceremonies of multiple denominations, as well as memorials, weddings, funerals, social events, seminars, concerts, while acting as a space to, as in the University’s motto, “be still and know.” Regular student events and support sessions put the building at the centre of many of our students’ experience at the University.
What’s on in October?
Monday 26 October
- 6.30pm-8pm: Architectural talk with Professor Alistair Grant – information and tickets
Tuesday 27 October
- 9am-5pm: Open House
Wednesday 28 October
- 12 noon-1pm: Organ concert with D’Arcy Trinkwon – information and tickets
- 1pm-3pm: Organ workshop with D’Arcy Trinkwon – information and tickets
- 2pm-4pm: Chaplain’s tea party – information and tickets
Thursday 29 October
- 10am-6pm: International Students hangout
Friday 30 October
- 7.30pm-10pm: Hits of 1966 with the Brighton Beach Boys – information and tickets
Saturday 31 October
- 3pm-5.30pm: Chinese students hangout
