From the return of Spring Live! to a unique look at nature at Pallant House Gallery, here are 9 events to not to miss across Sussex in April
Birds and Beasts
Until 23 April
Pallant House Gallery
Birds and Beasts will present works from the Gallery’s collection inspired by an array of magnificent creatures, from the humble beetle to imperious falcons, by artists like Pablo Picasso, Elisabeth Frink and Graham Sutherland. The Gallery hopes the exhibition will raise awareness of biodiversity and invites visitors to join them in celebrating the amazing nature on our doorstep.
Superworm
Until 23 April
Kew, Wakehurst
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s renowned tale Superworm arrives at Wakehurst for Easter 2023, bringing families together through new interactive activities in a stunning spring landscape. This brand-new trail follows the inspiring feats of the incredible invertebrate Superworm, whilst exploring different botanical blooms and their superpowers. The springtime adventure will also include a microbe-hunting mission, pre-bookable wormery workshops and daily storytelling in the gardens.
EVENT
Easter Festival
9-10 April / 23 April
Plumpton Racecourse
Plumpton Racecourse was established in 1878 and it’s one of the oldest and most loved horse racing venues in the country. It’s known for its tight turns and undulating track, which provide a challenging course for both horses and jockeys alike. The Easter Festival on 9/10 April features two days of racing and lots of entertainment for all ages. The Sussex Raceday on Sunday 23 April showcases all that’s great about the county, and Sunday 14 May is Ladies Day where they have Best Dressed competitions for Ladies, Gents and Children for a stylish season finale! Each of these fixtures promises to be an exciting day of racing, with a range of other activities to suit all interests. Whether you’re a seasoned racing fan or a first-time visitor, Plumpton Racecourse offers a unique and enjoyable experience for all the family – advance tickets start at just £14 and Under 18s race for free.
THEATRE
The Little Mermaid
12-16 April
Devonshire Park Theatre
The Little Mermaid promises to bring plenty of fun for the school holidays. Packed with music, songs and laughter this is the perfect way to introduce younger theatregoers to the joy of live theatre. Re-telling the classic Hans Christian Anderson tale of the Little Mermaid who longs to be joined with her true love, with just one thing stopping her. To join her beloved on land she must make a choice – will true love find the way, and can the mermaid stand on her own two feet?
MUSIC
Lipstick On Your Collar
14 April
The Hawth, Crawley
Step back in time to the golden era of music where the jukebox roared and feet didn’t touch the floor. Get your dancing shoes at the ready, grab yourself a milkshake and relax – you are in for an evening of back to back hits from the 1950s and 60s. From the birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll through to the Beat Group sounds of the British invasion and beyond, the show is packed with over 40 hits from the likes of Connie Francis, Brenda Lee, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, The Beatles, The Ronettes, Cliff Richard, Cilla Black and many more.
THEATRE
Cinderella
15 April
The Hawth, Crawley
Let’s All Dance Ballet Company brings this glittering new production to young audiences around the UK in 2023. The company’s biggest show to date combines its customary stunning dancing, crystal-clear storytelling, gorgeous music and beautiful costumes to enchant and dazzle young and old. This magical new ballet follows the traditional tale with fresh touches, and is the ultimate fairytale treat for the whole family.
EVENT
Spring Live!
22-23 April
South of England Showground
The South of England Agricultural Society is excited to announce Spring Live! 2023, a two-day event to be held on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd April at the South of England Showground in Ardingly, West Sussex. The event will offer visitors a unique opportunity to get outside and experience live and interactive entertainment, hundreds of shopping stalls, a food hall, and artisan treats from independent producers.
EVENT
Plant Fair
23 April
Arundel Castle
Organised by a collective of specialist nurseries, the Plant Fairs Roadshow provides a unique opportunity for gardening enthusiasts to discover a wide range of locally grown, garden-worthy, and often unusual plants. Visitors can purchase plants directly from expert growers and receive free advice from the growers and the event’s resident Plant Doctor. Many of the exhibitors will also be at RHS Chelsea Flower show this year.
THEATRE
The Vortex
28 April-20 May
Chichester Festival Theatre
The roaring twenties. A world in flux. The magnetic Florence Lancaster draws people to her like moths to a flame. But when her son Nicky arrives home from Paris with an unexpected fiancée and a secret, it sets off a chain of events which threatens to pull them all into a maelstrom. Noël Coward’s brilliantly witty and stinging portrait of the darkness beneath the glittering surface of the Jazz Age is as vivid today as when it premiered, causing a sensation and catapulting its young writer to his first great success.
