11 minute read

Spotlight Events

Image Credit: Bluebell & Birches Wall Art by Sue Tinkler

Sat 25 & Sun 26 June

The Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show at Borde Hill Garden

Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th June Sussex Guild members will be showing their inspiring work in a craft village of marquee pods on the Azalea Ring lawns at Borde Hill Garden. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the talented designer makers and will be treated to spectacular examples of ceramics, furniture, glass, jewellery, metalwork, textile art, woodwork and much more, which can be purchased or specially commissioned. In addition, there will be craft demonstrations, including two daily dramatic and unpredictable elemental raku kiln firings. With skilled demonstrations, fine crafts and the opportunity to wander through the beautiful Borde Hill Garden, there is plenty to see for a wonderful day out, you will not be disappointed!

There is a 5% online discount for prebooked tickets or buy at the gate Borde Hill Garden, Borde Hill Lane, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 1XP www.thesussexguild.co.uk 01273 479565

Ardingly Antiques Fair

Tuesday 21st June, 9am to 5pm & Wednesday 22nd June, 8am to 4pm Shop antiques, vintage and collectors items at the largest antiques fair in the South of England. Find unique decorative pieces for your home and garden, along with Tue 21 & thousands of rare collectors Wed 22 items. For anyone who June cares for the environment and wishes to give back to local and small businesses, Ardingly is the only place in West Sussex that you need to show your support. Ardingly is the best place near London to source delicate ceramics, antique furniture, antique artwork and rare silver pieces. Tickets online: www.iacf.co.uk South of England Showground, Ardingly, RH17 6TL

A Three-Day Celebration of Song at St. Anne’s Church, Lewes

Friday July 1st to Sunday July 3rd With world-class performers, beautiful music, illuminating programmes and a masterclass on Monday 27th June given by Mark Padmore booking also at: www.trybooking.co.uk/BPBU Lewes Tourist Information Centre: 01273 483448

Friday 1st at 7.30pm: Mark Padmore, Nancy Cooley ‘Close to Nature’ Saturday 2nd at 1pm: Gareth Brynmor John, William Vann ‘The Children’s Hour’ Saturday 2nd at 7.30pm: Harriet Burns, Ian Tindale ‘Ballads, Bards and Minstrels’ Sunday 3rd at 1pm: James Atkinson, Hamish Brown ‘The Wanderer’ Sunday 3rd at 7.30pm: Ellie Laugharne, Harriet Burns and chamber ensemble ‘A Coat of Many Colours’

Tickets, programmes and all information from: www.lewesfestivalofsong.co.uk

Fri 1 to Sun 3 July

Roses are the Focus at this years’ Hever in Bloom

Monday 20th – Sunday 26th June Hever Castle & Gardens’ summer celebration will place roses in the foreground and focus visitors’ gaze upon these rich and wonderful blooms which number 5,000 at the childhood home of Anne Boleyn.

Visitors to the Rose Garden will be able to smell the roses and enjoy botanical art and rose buttonhole workshops as part of Hever in Bloom.

Tours of the Rose Garden will commence at 11:30am daily and 2pm on weekdays and are included in admission. www.hevercastle.co.uk

Mon 20 to Sun 26 June

Friday 10th to Sunday 12th June, 10am to 5pm Art, Design, Your Garden and You! With over 300 stalls: plenty of plants, garden goods and unique wares. Gardening advice and free talks. Family fun: juggling, face painting, bouncy fun, toddler funfair, archery and Huxley birds of prey. (Sorry no dogs except to assist) Tickets: Adults: £12 / Senior: £10 / Children: £4 (4yrs under free) / Family: £30 (2A + 4C) (15% discount for online ticket bookings) Stansted House free flow Tour: £5 In support of CancerWise - www.cancerwise.org.uk www.thegardenshows.com 01243 538456 - www.stanstedpark.co.uk

Fri 10 to Sun 12 June

Hilarious Outdoor Theatre with The Rudes

Don’t miss ‘Gods and Dogs’!

Set in 2084, the story follows Tina who enters ‘Marriage Maker’, a ‘telepavision’ game show. The idea of the game is, if you win, you get to marry the superglamorous footballer, Harry Various dates Best, on the Saturday, have a weekend of love, then divorce him on the Monday. ‘All the fun and no ties!’ Unfortunately, Tina falls in love when she wins and doesn’t want to divorce. Will she get her man? Will the Mind Police come? At various venues and dates, including a beautiful circus tent, across Sussex! www.therudemechanicaltheatre.co.uk 01323 501260

The Big Purple Psychic & Holistic Fair at Ardingly Showground

Sunday 24th July, 11am to 5pm For those with a spiritual/holistic vibe why not visit this fabulous event to indulge yourself. Held inside the Norfolk Suite you will find 50+ stalls of readers, therapists, and traders selling all things new age. From clairvoyance, tarot, Astrology to aura imaging you will find them all.

Free talks and workshops are included in the entry fee of £5 which includes a demonstration of mediumship by re-known Surrey clairvoyant Lesley Hoube. We look forward to seeing you. Children welcome to attend free of charge. The Norfolk Suite, South of England Showground, Selsfield Rd, Haywards Heath RH17 6TL Sun

24 July

Newick Food Fair

Sunday June 26, 11am to 4pm Newick Food Fair is a friendly family event showcasing some of Sussex finest growers and producers and this year

Sun 26 June

introducing Newick’s Great Bake Off. With over 20 stalls plus street food stalls, It’s a chance to ‘Shop, Meet & Eat’ so bring a picnic blanket and chill out with friends. The event is not for profit raising funds for St Peter & St James Hospice and other local projects. Free Parking and Free Entry. Up-to-date list of activities at: newickfoodfair.co.uk or email newickfoodfair@gmail.com Newick Green, Newick BN8 4LA

Sat 18 & Sun 19 June Cars at the Castle

Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th June Head to Hever Castle’s Car Event ‘Cars at the Castle’ on Father’s Day weekend and discover a wide variety of cars including Porsche, Jaguar, Mustang, Abarth, Lancia and Rolls Royce to name just a few and have a chance to ride on the pedal cars as part of a traditional fun fair ride.

Go home with a car related memento from Signature Stores who will be on site selling signed memorabilia.

Enjoy a range of tempting food options including pizza, barbecue and a hog roast. www.hevercastle.co.uk

Friday 1st July to Tuesday 5th July, Open daily 9am to 5pm The Festival features an exhibition of art, photography and textiles from Sackville School and other local art groups, special floral displays, and daily musical events. Lunchtime concerts by Ensemble Reza and harpist Margaret Watson, and a Jubilee concert by East Grinstead Choral Society are all FREE, as is entry to the exhibition. Experienced lecturer Dr Kathryn Ferry will also give a talk on the Arts and Crafts Movement and its impact on the town. Tickets for the talk are £10. Donations for other events will be very welcome. St Swithun’s Church, East Grinstead RH19 3BA 01342 325026 www.swithun.org.uk

Fri 1 to Tue 5 July

Horsham Museum & Art Gallery - Jubilee Weekend

Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June Horsham Museum is open across the Jubilee Weekend. Drop in to take part in the family activities and enjoy making coronation themed crafts to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. The new exhibition also opens this weekend, detailing the life of Percy Bysshe Shelley, who was born in Warnham near Horsham, and revealing his family links to the area. Entry to the museum and exhibition is free and activities are £1. No need to pre-book, for further information visit: www.horshammuseum.org 01403 254959

Thur 2 to Sun 5 June

Contemporary Art Gallery in the heart of the South Downs

Open Wednesdays to Saturdays: 10am to 5pm The Fittleworth Gallery aims to provide a unique hub for Art and Artists from the South Downs, away from the bustle of the busy high street, valuing both traditional and historical art, as well as the creativity and originality of more contemporary work. We offer an exciting mix of contemporary paintings, fine art, sculptures and prints in a bright, creative space. The Fittleworth Gallery, Lower Street, Fittleworth RH20 1EJ www.fittleworthgallery.co.uk info@fittleworthgallery.co.uk @thefittleworthgallery 01798 865437

Wed to Sat Special Rose Week

Friday 17th June up to and including Saturday 25th June, 10am - 5pm Come mid-June the roses are glorious at Pashley. Masses of gorgeous pinks can be found in the Rose Garden. In the Herbaceous Borders many red hued shrub roses in the beds are complemented by rich red climbing roses on the eighteenthcentury walls. Even the front of the house is covered in the creamy apricot flowers of Rosa Gloire de Dijon.

Rose talks/walks through the week; a great selection of potted roses on sale from 26 times Chelsea Gold winners Peter Beales Roses; rose themed gifts from the shop – even the café menu features rose inspired dishes! No need to book – tickets are sold on site on the day 01580 200888 www.pashleymanorgardens.com

Fri 17 to Sat 25 June

Every Weekend Jubilee Weekend at Seaford Museum

Open 11am to 4pm every weekend and Bank Holidays, and Wednesday: 2pm to 4pm Originally built to keep invaders OUT, Seaford Martello Tower now welcomes visitors IN to experience a unique insight into Seaford’s long history. From prehistoric artefacts, to the town’s role as a Cinque Port and in Parliamentary reform.

Visit an Edwardian shop, dressmaker’s parlour, wartime kitchen and see the contents of toy, chemist, ironmonger and photographer’s shops. There’s plenty to appeal to visitors of all ages. Special Jubilee Displays! Open all Jubilee weekend. Seaford Museum, Seaford Esplanade BN25 1JH www.seafordmuseum.co.uk FB: Seaford Museum & Heritage Society

temporary tattoo artist, Sheena’s Pride Cake stand and more… Tickets are now on sale and there will be a collection for LGBT+ Switchboard. Langham Brewery, Lodsworth, West Sussex @langhambrewery 01798 860861 www.langhambrewery.co.uk

Sat 9 July

Waterlily Festival at Sheffield Park & Garden National Trust

Saturday 18th June to Sunday 17th July, 10am-5pm Sheffield Park’s picturesque lakes burst into life in summer and to celebrate this natural spectacle, their annual Waterlily Festival returns with a

Sat 18 series of arts events and outdoor June to Sun installations. Wander the lakes 17 July and get up close to the blooms from the floating pontoon. Look out for exhibits by community-led artists, Same Sky and So Sussex. As part of the celebrations, a series of art workshops will be running throughout the festival. For full details and to book a workshop visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ sheffield-park-and-garden

Summertime Swing Welcome to Langham Brewery’s first LGBTQ+ Pride event!

Saturday 6th August, 2:00pm The UK’s No. 1 jive and swing band, The Jive Aces are excited to bring their charity event, Summertime Swing back after two years away! They have been running the event for over 15 years and have raised tens of thousands for dozens of charities with some incredible guest artists.

On Saturday 6th August they bring you the same great swing, jive, jazz and boogie woogie at the beautiful Saint Hill Manor with guest artists, food and bar, classic vehicles, and vintage stalls. Saturday 9th July, 12 noon until 9.30pm This promises to be a celebration of LGBTQ+ life in the heart of the South Downs with drag queen DixieNormous, plus much dancing, live music and ‘Camp Karaoke’. Delicious Turkish/Lebanese street food will be provided by the fabulous Cara Gorda Cantina, plus there will be an LGBT awareness stand and merchandise, a fabulous

Sat 6 Aug

Attendance limited this year so book fast! Tickets from: www.jiveaces.org/summertime-swing or call 07947 156 318

Wed 13 to Sat 30 July

Petworth Festival

Wednesday 13th to Saturday 30th July Reports from Petworth suggest that this year’s festival programme has lit a number of fires with ticket sales going ‘remarkably well’ according to Director Stewart Collins. “We love seeing the sold out signs going up, and happily they are beginning to spring up right across our two-plus weeks”. Are good tickets still available? “Absolutely” says Collins. “We have two huge international classical stars coming in the shape of violinist Dmitry Sitkovetsky and trombonist Christian Lindberg and I’d love to see those events full, but also our two Midhurst events with comedian Milton Jones and 80’s stars Beverley Craven and Judy Tzuke where we still have capacity. Those are two evenings you’d have to put on any wish list…” www.petworthfestival.org.uk

Sat 11 June Sussex Gin & Fizz Festival

Saturday 11th June, Daytime Session: 1pm to 5pm, Evening Event (over 18s only): 6pm to 10pm The much-loved Sussex Gin & Fizz Festival makes its long awaited return to Lewes this summer - refreshed, rebooted and more sparkling than ever!

Set in the beautiful walled gardens of Southover Grange, a celebration of exceptional gins and sparkling wines made in Sussex. Visitors can enjoy free samples, learn about the production process, and buy drinks direct from the makers. Local artisan food producers will also be serving up the best of Sussex street food, and a brilliant line up of live music is promised on the amazing Airstream Stage. Tickets must be booked in advance to ensure safe visitor numbers: www.onlineticketseller.com or Lewes & Seaford Tourist Information Centres

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