Alexandra Hurley rounds up her top North Somerset events for April

Throughout April

BUTTERFLY HOUSE REOPENS

The North Somerset Butterfly House will reopen in April for 2016 after being closed during the winter months. Wander through the beautifully landscaped tropical greenhouse and walk among hundreds of exotic butterflies and flowers from around the world. Hunt among the plants for bizarre caterpillars and chrysalids.

nsbutterflyhouse.com

1 April

DAZ’S ROCK 4 CHARITY

Daz’s Rock 4 Charity will be returning to the Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare, to host a great night of live music in aid of children’s charity Variety. Food and drink is available, plus an after show party on the pier (wristbands for after party available on the night).

Doors open at 6:30pm, show starts

at 7:30pm; £10 or £12 on the door;

01934 620 238; grandpier.co.uk

3 April

BIRDS AND BUBBLES FAMILY FUN DAY

In addition to the usual attractions at The Helicopter Museum, near Weston-super-Mare, guests can get up close and personal with birds of prey and watch an intriguing bubble display. Every child will receive a free pack of bubbles.

01934 635227;

helicoptermuseum.co.uk

7 April

FAMILY MINIBEAST HUNT

Discover what lies beneath the undergrowth at Leigh Woods. Explore the homes of the hard workers of the woodland using Leigh Woods’ equipment and their expertise to work out exactly what you have found. Pick out your top sprinter to enter into the snail race. Booking is essential.

12:30pm-2pm;

nationaltrust.org.uk/leigh-woods

11 April

CHARLTON FARM GARDENS OPEN DAY

Children’s Hospice South West’s Charlton Farm opens to the public for one day. Explore the special garden designed as a sensory experience for children with complex needs. With its innovative water features, wind chimes and perfumed plants, the garden provides a safe and comfortable environment for children to explore with the help and support of the expert care team.

chsw.org.uk/charlton-farm

16 April

NAILSEA FARMERS’ MARKET

Crown Glass Place, Nailsea, will be a vision of fresh foodie produce from 9am until 1pm with organic meat, free-range poultry, eggs, cheese, preserves, bread, pasties, cakes, vegetables, plants and cider and fine ales on offer.

nailseatowncouncil.gov.uk

24 April

CHAMPION TREE WALK

Explore a range of Champion Trees at Tyntesfield with dendrologist and tree registrar Chris Watts. A fantastic walk for gardening and horticulture enthusiasts alike, Chris will take you on a journey across the estate to discover hidden

gems and some ancient tree giants.

9:30am-12:30pm;

08442 491895; nationaltrust.org.uk

25-30 April

FOOTLOOSE: THE MUSICAL

90’s pop star Lee Brennan will make his musical debut when he joins the cast of Footloose: The Musical at the Playhouse Theatre, Weston-super-Mare. Sing along to classic hits including Holding Out for a Hero, Almost Paradise and Let’s Hear it for the Boy.

01934 645544;

theplayhouse.co.uk

27 April

WORLD TAPIR DAY

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm will be celebrating their amazing Lowland tapirs, Tara and Toby.

Visitors will be able to watch the tapirs and have a chance to win a meet and greet them.

noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk

28-30 April

THE RAILWAY CHILDREN

Portishead Players presents The Railway Children at Somerset Hall, Portishead - a special adaptation of this beautiful, classic story.

2pm Saturday matinee & 7:30pm;

portishead-players.org.uk;

07970 011953