Your guide to all the best local events happening in November...
The Bubbles and Botanicals Fair at Handcross Park
Saturday 2nd November from 1pm
15 stellar Sussex sparkling wine and craft spirit producers will be showcasing their wares at the Bubbles and Botanicals Fair. Meet the producers and learn more about their story, stock up for Christmas and of course, try before you buy with lots of tasting. Escape the cold, visit a beautiful venue and learn more from our talented producers. There will be the ever-popular prize raffle which raises money for the local Samaritans.
Handcross Park, London Rd, Handcross RH17 6HF
You can find out more or book at: www.bubblesandbotanicals.net
Lindfield Bonfire Night
Tuesday 5th November, 7pm
This year Lindfield Bonfire Society will be celebrating the 130th anniversary of their traditional Sussex Bonfire Night. The torchlight procession will begin at 7.30pm outside the Stand Up Inn, and progress down the High St to the Black Hill Junction, along Hickmans Lane, down the High Street before entering Lewes Road and ending on the Common. The Bonfire Prayer will be read at 8.15pm followed by the lighting of the bonfire and the grand firework display at approximately 8.30pm.
Roads will be closed to traffic between 6.30pm and 9.30pm. Programmes are available at the Stand Up Inn, Sarah Lacey Dry Cleaning and other shops on Lindfield High Street.
Donations may be made to Lindfield Bonfire Society via the website: www.lindfieldbonfiresociety.co.uk
iacf Ardingly Antiques Fair
Tuesday 5th & Wednesday 6th November
Spend a delightful day at the iacf Ardingly Antiques Fair this November, held at the South of England Showground. Discover an incredible selection of antique and vintage treasures for both home and garden. Whether you’re new to collecting or a seasoned enthusiast, explore hundreds of stalls, engage with expert dealers, and uncover one- of-a-kind finds. It’s a charming, eco- friendly way to discover distinctive furniture, fashion, jewellery and maybe some unique Christmas gifts. Mark your calendar and don’t miss this unforgettable experience!
Get your tickets online today: www.iacf.co.uk
Evening Roost at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre
Wednesday 6th & Saturday 9th November
The wildlife hides stay open an extra hour to allow visitors to watch birds come in for the evening roost. Pied wagtails usually come in first, dropping down into the reedbed in small bunches. Then look out for the majestic marsh harriers over the reedbed from the Scrape hide and the Long path. Snipe, lapwing and egrets can be seen from the Lapwing and Ramsar hides.
Regular centre admissions prices apply. WWT members are admitted free. Last admission to the site is 4.30 pm, the grounds and visitor centre closes at 5.30 pm.
wwt.org.uk/arundel
WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, BN18 9PB
(image: Mike Jerome)
Sussex Mineral & Fossil Show
Saturday 16th November, 10am to 4.30pm
Over 40 dealers with minerals, gems, crystals, fossils, meteorites, flints, books and accessories for sale. Displays and illustrated talks including one on volcanoes for children in the morning and afternoon. Children’s workshop, gold panning, fossil and gems hunt; fluorescent minerals room; mineral and fossil tombola. Refreshments available.
Free raffle for all paying visitors, first prize is Malachite from Zaire (see image). A great family day out!
Admission £3 adults, £1 children, Rockwatch members free.
Haywards Heath College, Harlands Road, RH16 1LT (Close to the station,
free parking). www.smls.online
Christmas Gift Market at the Rare Breeds Centre
Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th November , 10am to 4pm
This festive season, get ready for an unforgettable adventure at the Rare Breeds Centre! Searching for the perfect gift? Don’t miss the Christmas Gift Market featuring locally crafted items and enjoy exploring the selection of stalls in the festively decorated Benson Barn.
But that’s not all! This December, little ones will love to visit the enchanting grotto to meet Santa and his cheeky elves in a magical, interactive experience. Plus, there are exciting festive activities to experience across the farm! Book online now to avoid disappointment and enjoy a season full of joy and excitement!
New Sussex Opera presents Bethlehem by Rutland Boughton
Friday 1 November, St Mary’s Kemp Town, Brighton - 7.30pm / Sunday 3 November, St Saviour’s, Eastbourne - 4pm / Saturday 9 November, St Paul’s,Chichester - 7pm / Saturday 23 November, St Mary de Haura, Shoreham - 7pm
New Sussex Opera follows its ‘Jaw- droppingly stupendous’ production of Lampe’s The Dragon of Wantley with a Chorus production of this magnificent work for soloists and chorus. First performed in 1915, Bethlehem is a gorgeous ‘choral drama’ based on a Coventry mystery play. Rutland Boughton’s music features beautiful choral writing, and wonderful arrangements of Christmas carols as you’ve never heard them before. Conductor Hilary Selby, director Cate Couch. Soloists include Mehreen Shah as Mary, James Beddoe as Herod, Mae Heydorn as Gabriel and Thomas Stevenson as Joseph.
More information: www.newsussexopera.org
Booking: www.ticketsource.co.uk/nso
01233 861493