Hollywood Star's Arrival Met With Local Anger and Unusual Soundtrack
The tranquil Sussex countryside witnessed an unusual confrontation last week as Tom Cruise arrived by helicopter at the Church of Scientology's UK headquarters, where fellow members deployed loud bagpipe music to drown out protesting locals. The 63-year-old actor's appearance at the controversial church's annual fundraiser in East Grinstead drew approximately 7,000 Scientologists from across the globe - and significant opposition from residents who have demonstrated against the event for four consecutive years.
Months of Disruption Culminate in Noisy Standoff
Local residents described extensive disruption beginning weeks before the main event. 'For six to eight weeks they were laying down pallets in the field to make a car park,' recounted one anonymous resident. 'We had the disruption and noise of that, with lorry after lorry coming. Then they made all the neighbours listen to bagpipe music on a loop all day.'
The disturbances continued into the night with residents reporting two generators powering floodlights in the temporary car park. 'One didn't go off until 1am and the second generator stayed on all night,' the resident added, noting the empty car park remained illuminated throughout the night despite no vehicles being present.
Failed Legal Bid Preceded Chaotic Event
The controversial gathering occurred shortly after the Church of Scientology withdrew an application for a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in July 2024. The church had claimed protests outside their premises caused 'harassment, disturbance and alarm' to members, though Mid Sussex District Council's cabinet was due to reject the application before the withdrawal.
Another frustrated local described the scene: 'It's an endless stream of people and so much noise - the infrastructure isn't built for it so it ends up being chaos. Then you've got Tom flying over in his chopper and it causes a right old racket.' The situation worsened when a minibus accident forced road closures, adding to the disruption.
Despite local objections, a Church of Scientology spokesman defended the event, describing it as 'a resounding success' that generated significant cultural and economic benefits for the area. The church maintained the weekend featured 'traditional bagpipe performances, community festivities, and a gala charity concert supporting local causes.'
The Sussex event preceded Cruise's appearance days later at the London premiere of The Running Man with costar Glen Powell, where he was photographed alongside actress Emilia Jones.
