April is a wonderful time in Sussex, filled with blossom and with luck, a little sunshine! There is lots going on and here are just a few suggestions for things to do and what’s on in April in Sussex.
Petworth Spring Festival
23 March to 14 April
Don’t worry if you’ve missed the start of this festival because there is still lots to enjoy. Set amongst over 50,000 mixed daffodils in the Pleasure Garden at Petworth House, the festival is three weeks of spring activities and events for adults and children including a free family trail, with activities along the way (and six nature-inspired willow sculptures to discover) and drop in family crafts. Visit the National Trust website for details.
Children’s Trail at Borde Hill
23 March to 14 April
Children can follow the swashbuckling story trail of Bertram Bunny on a fantasy Easter Island adventure. Packed with games and activities along the way, kids can search for hidden treasure left behind by Jumping Jack Bunny, fresh from his high-seas escapades. At the end of the trail, head to the Captain’s Quarters to tell the Pirate a secret word to be rewarded with a prize.
Easter egg hunt at Bodiam Castle
29 March to 14 April
Bodiam Castle are hosting a dragon eggs-travaganza with fun-filled activities for all the family. The trail takes place from 10am to 4pm.
Easter activities at Weald and Downland Living Museum
2 to 14 April
Join an Easter egg trail around the Museum’s 40 acre site. Watch the bakers demonstrate their skills in the historic bakehouse over the Easter weekend. There will be an opportunity to enjoy freshly baked traditional Hot Cross Buns!
Alfresco Dining: Safari Pizza at Bolney Wine Estate
30 March
OK, this may be a March event but just in case you fancy it, how about wood-fired pizzas matched with Bolney wines, as well as some exclusive Easter-themed dessert pizzas! Tickets are £15, and include a welcome flight of Bolney wines (all food + additional drinks to be purchased on the night). Bolney Estate are also launching the Bolney Summer Wine Bar in April … watch this space for details.
Madame Butterfly at Bexhill’s De La Warr Pavilion
4 April
Featuring the Ukrainian Opera and Ballet Theatre Kyiv with international soloists, highly-praised chorus and full orchestra. This award-winning opera returns in a new production to Bexhill with exquisite sets including a spectacular Japanese garden and fabulous costumes including antique wedding kimonos from Japan.
I Allow Myself the Luxury in Lewes
5 to 6 April
Living Room Circus, Rowdy & Fancy’s and Think Emerald invite you to an evening of Circus, Chocolate & Chakras and a chance to indulge your senses! Curious? This event is described as a “a multi sensory experience unlocking the hidden senses and sensations within the body and the mind”. It’s an immersive hub of taste, smell and awe with artisan chocolates and seven extraordinary performances. You can find out more at www.LivingRoomCircus.com.
The Turner Prize at Towner Eastbourne
See a fantastic section of old vehicles that have just driven from Sevenoaks to Hastings. Or, if you’re in the west of the county and want to see some beautiful cars, head to Amberley Museum on the 7 April for their vintage car show.
Digital Photography at Uckfield College
16 April
As part of Adult Learning for Rural East Sussex (ACRES) this class is for beginners and will focus on more creative aspects of photography and different genres. The course in Uckfield will help you develop your composition technique and build on your knowledge and understanding of your camera. Contact ACRES for details.
Botanical Art Class at Borde Hill
18 April
Capture the beauty of spring during a two-hour watercolour painting workshop led by botanical artist, Penny Sanderson. Using blooms from the Garden, Penny will guide you through the process of painting tulips. Suitable for beginners, this practical session will include composition, form, and essential watercolour techniques, culminating in a beautiful painting to take home. Held inside the Garden Marquee, tickets include Garden entry, materials and a delicious Cream Tea.
Wild garlic trail, Washington
20 April
Visit a location abundant in wild garlic, and learn about safe identification and the many ways to use and preserve one of spring’s most popular edible plants. Visit rewilding us.co.uk for more information.
A Masquerade Ball at Mannings Heath
20 April
Help raise money for St Catherine’s Hospice and have a fabulously fun night. The evening includes a glass of fizz on arrival, a three-course meal and a raffle. Visit: www.stch.org.uk for details.
Ploughing Match & Exhibition at Henfield
20 April
How about Woodhouse Vintage Ploughing Match and exhibition of all things rural? Here you’ll find vintage tractors, stationary engines, seed drills, horticultural and agricultural tools as well as leather and carpentry tools plus much more. Hot food and drinks available. Set in a lovely location. Dogs welcome but must be on leads.
Renewing Hope in Rural Mission and Ministry
26 April
Rev’d Gary Cregeen is the Priest-in-Charge of Ashburnham with Penhurst, and Rural Officer for East Sussex. From an ecumenical perspective, Gary will speak about challenges and opportunities in rural ministry at St. Mary’s Parish Church, Petworth, from 7.30 pm.
A bear hunt!
27 April
Brambletye School in East Grinstead is hosting a free pre-schooler ‘bear hunt in the bluebells’ event for children aged 2-4 years and their families. Staff will take the children on a mini journey of activities, adventure and discovery in the beautiful school grounds, followed by a picnic by the Bluebells with the Headmaster, Head of Pre-Prep and Early Years teachers. This free event and details can be found on the Brambletye School website.
Tulips Festivals
Late April
The actual date of our two best known tulip festivals are weather dependent but look out for Arundel Castle Tulip Festival and Pashley Manor Tulip Festival both likely to take place in late April. Or, if you can’t wait, Fairlight Hall Estate near Hastings is hosting Tulipmania on the 11 April.
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