
Your guide to all the best local events happening near you this month
Hastings Fat Tuesday Music Festival
Friday 28th February to Tuesday 4th March
Five days of music, mayhem, and Mardi Gras magic across Hastings and St Leonards- on-Sea. With over 350 free gigs, a parade and parties alongside ticketed events, it’s a celebration like no other.
Highlights include: Le Grand Mardi Gras Ball (28 Feb), the grassroots UnConvention music conference, the ever-popular Unplugged Tour (1 Mar), Sonics DJs, Comedy, Cabaret & Drag Bingo, the vibrant Family Umbrella Parade, Slim Monday, and the epic Fat Tuesday Tour (4 Mar). Don’t miss it!
Tickets and event details: www.hastingsfattuesday.co.uk
Eco Week for Half Term Fun at Hever Castle
Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd February
Visitors to Hever Castle this half term can explore sustainability through fun, hands-on activities for all ages. Discover the Earth Photo Exhibition, created with the Royal Geographical Society (IBG), Forestry England, and Parker Harris, showcasing stunning images of nature, people, and climate change.
Engage in eco-friendly activities like Seed Planting, repurposing egg boxes into biodegradable pots, and promoting sustainable gardening.
Join Yuki Solle, founder of the Cultivate Life blog, for Creative Workshops turning everyday items into beautiful, practical creations. These enjoyable activities make it easy to learn simple ways to live more sustainably while appreciating the beauty of our planet.
Pesky Pests Trail at Bateman’s
Saturday 15th February to Sunday 23rd February, 10am to 4pm
This half-term, explore the intriguing world of pesky pests at Bateman’s. Take part in fun games and activities as you learn about these critters. Have you ever heard the mysterious tapping of the death-watch beetle? Or wondered what delicious fabrics moths love to eat? Along the trail, you’ll encounter a variety of pests, including woodlice, ladybirds, silverfish, and carpet beetles.
It’s a great opportunity to explore and learn about these little creatures. £3 with admission (includes a small prize).
Find out more at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/batemans
Festival of Speed Drone Masters at Goodwood
Saturday 15 February
Take flight this half term with an exciting Drone Masters STEM session. Inspired by Future Technology at the iconic Festival of Speed, Goodwood has partnered up with Innovative STEM education provider, Drone City, inviting families to soar into the future with an exhilarating Drone Masters: Code and Fly Experience.
Hosted at The Goodwood Hotel, this cutting-edge activity, provides a unique opportunity for children to learn coding, navigate drones through an obstacle course, learn about the technology behind the drones and step into the world of the Festival of Speed. £25 per child.
www.goodwood.com/drone-masters
MUDFEST at WWT Arundel This Half Term
Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd February
Families are invited to grab their wellies and head to WWT Arundel Wetland Centre this February half term for Mudfest 2025. New this year, Mudfest 2025 will see nine days of mud-themed activities, guaranteed to entertain the whole family.
The full line-up of messy and muddy activities include; exploring how different shaped beaks help wetland birds hunt for food in their muddy habitat, getting crafty using mud and foraged materials, and treating the senses to a good old-fashioned squelch through the mud. Fun-loving, competitive families can also roll up their sleeves and take part in mud-slinging competition.
All Mudfest 2025 activities are included in the WWT Arundel admission price or are free to WWT members.
Visit wwt.org.uk/arundel for more info
Dragon Scavenger Hunt at Bodiam Castle
Saturday 15th February to Sunday 23rd February, 10am to 4pm
From fiery depths to watery heights, eight dragons have made their home around the castle this half-term. As you explore the castle in search of these magical creatures, you can enjoy dragon- themed games and activities. Each activity will reveal letters that, when put together, spell a secret word.
Collect all the letters, unscramble the word, and claim your prize. £2 with admission (includes a small prize).
Find out more at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle
Half Term at Sheffield Park and Garden Wild Imagination Week
Saturday 15th to Sunday 23rd February
Get outdoors in nature this February half term with a week packed full of free, nature inspired activities for all the family. Including: construct a bug hotel, befriend a pinecone pal, adopt a log dog, explore natural
rubbings and fashion some nature jewellery - plus look out for kids foraging workshops and much more. Craft activities are free but normal garden admission applies.
To find out more visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffieldpark