A circular logo with a peach background, featuring a black stylized bird at the center with wings raised. The text reads "The Independent State of Cuckfield" surrounding the bird, with "Est. 1966" above the bird.

What is The Independent State of Cuckfield?

Man dressed in historical royal attire with a large fur collar, wearing a black fur hat, glasses, and a silver chain necklace, smiling.

Cuckfield’s latest Mayor, Alan Carter, triumphed over four other candidates including Woody, a Labrador, who finished runner-up.

Established by a Unilateral Declaration of Independence in 1966, in response to the annexation of the land used for the annual Donkey Grand National at Whiteman’s Green. An event used to raise funds for the local community.

With the Donkey Races effectively banned, a hard core of revolutionaries issued the proclamation of UDI – and established the first election for Mayor, making ISOC the first mayorality (principality) in the world.

Aims

The Independent State’s purpose is to ensure the welfare of all Cuckfield’s citizens, young and old, and to protect the local surroundings. It raises money through the mayoral election and distributes monies to various organisations, groups and charities based in Cuckfield and the surrounding area, to the benefit of the community.

Events

The Independent State of Cuckfield organises the Mayor's election and procession (always the third Friday in October), the Cuckoo Fayre (May Day bank holiday at The Rec), The Cuckfield Senior's Christmas lunch (first Friday in December) and the Cuckfield Walking race (Easter Monday).

Funds

Candidates in the Mayoral election gather votes by persuading the public to donate to their campaign. A penny is worth one vote. The candidate who receives most votes (i.e cash) becomes Mayor. All the money raised by candidates goes into funds for distribution to local good causes. The running costs of the Independent State of Cuckfield itself and its events are covered by raising money outside the Mayor’s Election.

Citizenship

The Independent State of Cuckfield does not operate a formal membership list and so there are no membership fees! All Cuckfield residents are automatically members (or citizens) of the Independent State of Cuckfield.

The duties of citizens are to spread the message that the fundamental purpose of the Independent State is to raise money at each year’s Mayor’s Election and to support ISOC events in any way possible. For example by actively helping, by coming along, or even just by telling family and friends when events are taking place.

Everyone is encouraged to vote…and vote as often as they like!

Visit www.cuckfieldstate.org for more information