A selection of events and things to do in Sussex this April. Easter egg hunts, festivals, performances and a whole host of other exciting things to do for all ages.
28 March-12 April - Easter Eggsplorer Trail, Garden Games and Activities
This Easter holiday families will be able to take part in a special Easter trail throughout Borde Hill Garden. Borde Hill Garden, Borde Hill Lane, Haywards Heath.
For more information visit www.bordehill.co.uk
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National Trust Eggsplorer Easter Egg Trails
This year, families are invited to become a Cadbury Eggsplorer by unleashing their inner explorer and following adventurous trails to win a chocolate prize.
To join in with the fun in East and West Sussex, visit www.eastereggtrail.com
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Drusillas Park April Fun
• 1 April: Ben and Holly: enjoy some meet and greet magic.
• 3 April: The Fat Controller: the Fat Controller will be causing a locomotion when he alights at the Park.
• 6 April: Hello Kitty: visit Hello Kitty in her beautiful themed house.
• 8 April: Peppa Pig and George: Peppa Pig and her brother George will be making appearances at various intervals throughout the day.
Drusillas Park, Alfriston: 01323 874100
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Charleston Workshops and Masterclasses
• 1-12 April (closed 7 April): Secret Garden Trail. Over the spring holidays, families can explore Charleston’s glorious gardens for free.
• 13 and 20 April: Mosaic
• 14 April: Rag Rug Cushions.
• 18 and 19 April: Interior Design.
• 21 April: Blacksmithing at Glynde Forge.
• 27 and 28 April: Botanical Painting.
• 30 April: Painted Lampshades masterclass with Cressida Bell.
The House is open as usual from Wednesday to Sunday, 1pm-5pm including Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. For more information about the above, visit www.charleston.org.uk
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3, 4 and 6 April - Horsham Piazza Italia 9
Carfax, Horsham
Horsham’s 2015 Piazza Italia Easter festival is back on Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Monday. The event is a celebration of all things Italian, offering three amazing fun days out for free in the heart of Horsham’s medieval market town centre.
See a thrilling display of Italian supercars, motorbikes and a display of iconic Minis and sample delicious authentic Italian food and drink in the Italian market. Visit the fashion show and enjoy plenty of Italian and car related fun. The event provides a truly unique experience with high value entertainment for all ages and interests.
For more information visit www.horshampiazzaitalia.uk
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3-17 April - The Museum at Easter
Celebrate Easter as our rural forebears did at the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum. See a selection of houses prepared for Easter, make an Easter bonnet and join the parade on Easter Monday.
Weald & Downland Museum, Singleton, Chichester: 01243 811363
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3 April - Easter on Abbey Green, Battle
In the imposing shadow of Battle Abbey, witness local teams lose their marbles in this traditional annual competition dating back to the early 20th century. ‘Flick-off’ takes place at 10am on Good Friday and the whole event is traditionally done and dusted by midday.
Teams cannot be entered on the day, but if you are not a member of a team you can always try your luck on the all-comers board for spectators of all ages.
Children’s Easter Bonnet Competition and Parade 11.30am, with the free children’s marble scramble immediately afterwards – see how many you can take home! A thousand marbles up for grabs at the end of the competition.
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4-6 April - Normans and Crusaders at Arundel Castle
Set within a historical tented encampment, Raven Tor Living History Group will recreate the crafts, weapons training, and battle tactics of the 12th century Norman period. With the Yarnsmith of Norwich Story Teller, falconry, archery and combat demonstrations, the weekend will be filled with the sights, sounds and smells of the late Norman period.
For more information visit www.arundelcastle.org
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Amberley Museum this Easter
• 1 April: Joking at Amberley Activity Day with Hawking About: Solve the riddles, spot the April Fool’s joke and see the owls flying.
• 5 April: Vintage Car Show
• 6 April: Museum Working Day
• 1-6 April: Easter Trails: Answer the clues, and follow the chalk trail to the rabbits’ burrow. Can you win a prize?
• 8 April: Trails and Easter Crafts Activity Day
• 12 April: Ride the Amberely Buses Day
• 26 April: Spring Industrial Train’s Day
Amberley Museum, Houghton Bridge, Station Road, Arundel: 01798 831370
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6 April - London Harness Horse Parade
South of England Centre, Ardingly
10.30am. This annual event depicts transportation through the ages. In addition to the 100-plus horse drawn vehicles, the parade will include vintage tractors, historic and classic cars, allowing spectators to experience the changes from horse drawn transport to mechanically propelled vehicles. Admission: £7 per adult with children and parking free.
For more information visit www.lhhp.co.uk
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9 April - Undersea Explorers
Brighton Swimming Centre
9.45-10.45am or 10.45-11.45am. Sussex Wildlife Trust is bringing the sea to a swimming pool! Children aged 7-11 years are invited to come along for a snorkelling experience with a difference as Nikki Hills from the Making Waves Project will have filled the pool with life-like marine plants and animals including starfish, crabs, jellyfish and more. Learn basic snorkel skills and find out about local marine life through games and fun activities.
Accompanying adults must remain poolside during session. Meet at Brighton Swimming Centre, Eastern Road, Brighton BN2 5JJ. This event is free, although donations to Sussex Wildlife Trust are appreciated. Booking essential.
For further information and bookings contact Nikki Hills: nikkihills@sussexwt.org.uk or tel: 07943 504479.
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Paradise Regained Tour
Cheryl, Mike and Jay (formerly of Bucks Fizz) with Bobby McVey
More than 30 years after they stormed charts across the globe with a string of hits, Cheryl, Mike and Jay are once again set to tour the world with a 70-date world tour. • 9 April: White Rock Theatre, Hastings: 01424 462288 (tickets £19.50)
• 18 April: Eastbourne Hippodrome Theatre: 01323 726756 (tickets £19.50)
• 22 May: The Capitol, Horsham: 01403 750220 (tickets £20.00)
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10 April - Dial Medicine for Murder
Folkington Manor, Folkington
8-10pm. The intriguing story of Dr John Bodkin Adams and Dr Harold Shipman, two of the most notorious physicians of the 20th century, is explored in a unique ‘consultation’ with Dr Harry Brunjes and Dr Andrew Johns. Tickets start from £15 and can be bought online; guests can dine at the Manor before the show.
For further information and tickets visit www.folkingtonmanor.com
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12 April - The Cat in the Hat
2pm and 4pm. Based on the much loved book by Dr Seuss, The Cat in the Hat is a lively and engaging first theatre experience for young children aged three years plus. Expect towering hats, mischief and an imagination recharge! Tickets: £10-£12, Family of four £40.
De La Warr Pavilion, Marina, Bexhill: 01424 229111
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13-18 April - Rebecca
Kneehigh Theatre
7.45pm. Following the mysterious death of his first wife, Maxim de Winter returns to Manderley with his new young bride. Surrounded by memories of the glamorous Rebecca, the new Mrs De Winter is consumed by jealousy. She sets out to uncover the secrets of the house and a past fiercely guarded by the sinister housekeeper, Mrs Danvers. All is not what it seems at Manderley…Wednesday and Saturday matinees 2.30pm. Tickets: £15.50-£26.50.
Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne: 01323 412000
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18 April - Clare Teal
More Divas and Me!
8pm. The Queen of Swing celebrates more of the music of her heroines, from Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Judy Garland, Doris Day, and many of their illustrious contemporaries. Tickets: £22.
Ropetackle Centre, Shoreham: 01273 464440
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18 April - The Life and Times of the Badger
Sussex Wildlife Trust
3-10pm. If you would like to sit in a woodland ‘classroom’ and talk badgers with wildlife enthusiast and photographer David Plummer, then come along to the Sussex Wildlife Trust one-day course ‘Life and Times of the Badger’ at Rusper near Horsham. After discussing badger lifecycle and biology, David will take you through the woodland in search of tracks and signs.
David is also holding two ‘Evenings with Badgers’ from 6.15pm-10.00pm on Monday 27 and Wednesday 29 April. Booking essential, for further details and prices please tel: 01273 497561 or visit: www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/courses
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20-25 April - Peter Pan Goes Wrong
7.45pm. The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society set out to present J.M. Barrie’s classic tale of Peter Pan, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong…does! Thur and Sat Matinees 2.30pm. Tickets: £10-£29.50.
Theatre Royal, Brighton: 0844 871 7677
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22 April-4 May - Tulip Festival
Pashley Manor Gardens, Ticehurst
11am-5pm. Over 25,000 bulbs in 107 varieties have been planted throughout the gardens in carefully themed colours to create a stunning effect. Representatives from Bloms Bulbs will be on site throughout the festival with a display of cut tulips and to offer advice and take bulb orders for delivery in autumn.
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24-26 April - The Garden Show in Spring
Firle Place, Firle, Lewes
10am-5pm daily. The show offers the perfect opportunity to plot and plan for the year ahead. You will find plenty of garden related gifts, artisan work, craft and home products, garden furniture, sundries and the most delicious country foods.
Firle Arts and Craft Market will again be held in the beautiful Old Georgian Riding School showcasing local art and design work. The Fabulous Flower Festival and ‘Herbal & Healthy’ refreshments will be in St Peters Church.
A great day out with plenty of activities on site to keep all the family occupied.
For more information visit thegardenshowonline.com
