Spotlight Events: What's On in August 2024

There's something for everyone in our Spotlight guide to all this month's most exciting days out...

The Jive Aces present Summertime Swing

Saturday 3rd August, 2pm to 7pm

The UK’s No.1 jive and swing band, The Jive Aces, renowned for touring in over 40 countries with their bright yellow suits and energetic live show present Summertime Swing, now in its 20th year! A day of real music and entertainment from cool swing to rockin’ rhythm and blues, with special guests including young Irish rising star, Alan Power, TV actress and singer Rebecca Grant and more. Plus, vintage stalls, classic cars, food and bar all day. All proceeds to charities.

Saint Hill Manor, East Grinstead RH19 4JY
Tickets: www.jiveaces.com/summertimeswing

Free, Family-Friendly Festival-Live At Langhams

Saturday 17th August, 1pm to 10pm

Enjoy this much-loved annual music and beer festival ‘Live At Langhams’ (part of the Madhurst Festival) at Langham Brewery. Expect the brewery’s usual relaxed style; wonderful live music - pop, rock, soul, jazz and sea shanties, a well-stocked, award-winning bar, a fabulous atmosphere and delicious fresh food, courtesy of local producers, The Hungry Hog.

This is a free event, but please do give generously to the collection for Friends Of The South Downs and South Downs National Park‘s Projects which safeguard our wonderful landscape.

www.langhambrewery.co.uk

Experience a Month of Excitement & History at Hever Castle

Dates throughout August

Kick off the month with Supercar Weekend on August 3rd and 4th, where an array of stunning supercars with fascinating stories will be showcased in the beautiful gardens, set against the backdrop of the historic castle.

Step back in time during the August bank holiday weekend at Hever in
History from August 24th to 26th. Immerse yourself in various historical periods with encampments and re-enactments from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, complete with thrilling jousting tournaments.

Throughout the month, children can embark on Adventures in Time Travel, engaging in daily activities and challenges. On selected days, be captivated by falconry displays from the Birds of Prey Willow Centre in Sevenoaks, with two shows each day, or witness the exhilarating jousting tournaments on August 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 23rd to 26th, and 31st.

Explore the recently launched Boleyn Apartment to learn more about Anne Boleyn, and entertain younger visitors with a free family audio guide, included with castle admission.

A visit to Hever Castle is a perfect day out for all ages, featuring a fun Water Maze (can you get out without getting wet?) and three play areas, including the Tudor Towers adventure playground.

Full details can be found at: www.hevercastle.co.uk

(image: Ollie Dixon)

Garden Tea Party at Orchid House

Saturday 10th August, 2pm to 7pm

Experience an exclusive afternoon at Orchid House in Worthing with this decadent Garden Tea Party! Delight in delectable food, English sparkling wine, or a refreshing Pimm’s Cocktail, accompanied by live piano and surprise performances.

This elegant affair supports Cancer Research UK, don’t miss the chance to bid on exclusive pieces of fine art and sculpture, adding a touch of excitement to your day.

Dress code: Summer Elegance (hats for the Ladies, blazers for the Gentlemen) Tickets: £100pp

Strictly limited event – book now at: www.orchidhouse.uk
or call 01903 240 197

Knight School at Bodiam Castle

Sunday 18th August to Monday 26th August, 10.00am to 4.15pm

Visit Bodiam Castle this summer and discover what it takes to be a real knight at Knight School. This engaging, family-friendly event is led by talented performers from Histrionics theatre company. Witness action-packed tournament duels, listen to adventure tales of knights, learn about knight’s armour, practice fight poses, and try your hand at swordplay. Free event, normal admission applies, just drop-in throughout the day.

Find out more at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle

(image: NT / Jennifer Coe)

Great Original Theatre in a Beautiful Circus Tent by the Sea!

Wednesday 7^th to Sunday 11^th August

Enjoy The Rudes at Helen Gardens in Eastbourne this August. Hilarious comedy set in Tunbridge Wells in 1795, but equally poetic and tender. Through a process of ‘magic realism’ the action changes to the 1960s and Maybelline’s clothes, which had been her prison, now set her free. Chairs are provided but bring a cushion. Come along early and have a picnic in Helen Gardens and enjoy superb jazz in the afternoons! This is the climax of The Rude Mechanical Theatre’s national tour.

Buy tickets at: www.therudes.co.uk – 01323-501260

The Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show at Pashley Manor Gardens

Saturday 24th to Bank Holiday Monday 26th August

The Sussex Guild is exhibiting at Pashley Manor Gardens. Guild designers will be showing their work in a large marquee in front of the Grade I listed oak framed Tudor house. Chat to the makers of beautifully handmade ceramics, furniture, textiles, jewellery, woodwork, metalwork and more.

Work can be purchased or specially commissioned. Imaginative blends of planting abound, and the “hot” borders are at their peak in high summer. Wander through  colour-themed garden “rooms” and discover vistas, fountains and ponds. Produce from the Kitchen Garden can be sampled at the Garden Room Café and terrace. Enjoy a delightful day out with a special entry price £13.00.

Full details www.thesussexguild.co.uk 01273 479565

www.pashleymanorgardens.com

(image: Jon Barrett-Danes)

Summer Holidays at The Beachy Head Story

Open Daily

From make your own archaeology workshops every Wednesday, kids craft drop-in sessions on Tuesdays to a new FREE reading corner every Monday and Thursday, there’s so much to do this summer!

For wildlife lovers, join us every Wednesday from 31 July to 28 August for a free Sea Watch at Beachy Head. Watchers can bring their own binoculars to join in on this summer-long ocean survey, looking out for seals, porpoises and dolphins swimming near the lighthouse.

The Beachy Head Story is open daily 10am – 5pm with a gift shop and two free exhibitions.

www.beachyheadstory.com
or call 01323 729926 for more information

Family Fun at Haslemere Museum

Dates in August

Haslemere Museum has lots going on to keep the kids amused during the school holidays. The Museum’s gardens are open daily (except Sundays and Mondays) and they’ll be hosting a string of outdoor family events. On 8th August, Mill Cottage Farm is bringing some friendly animals to the Museum for children to meet. On 15th, there’s a teddy bears’ picnic, and on 20th there’s an outdoor theatre performance of Jemima Puddleduck.

The Museum also has a child-friendly exhibition about dinosaurs throughout August, alongside related activity sessions, including dinosaur-themed arts and crafts and dinosaur-themed LEGO building.

Find out more on the What’s On page at: www.haslemeremuseum.co.uk

The Floral Fringe Fair at Loxwood Meadow

Saturday 31st August & Sunday 1st September

The first weekend after the bank holiday at Loxwood Meadow. Come along to a fun and quirky fusion of a fair and mini festival with a vintage twist in a magical meadow and woodland setting. Over one hundred stalls of vintage, plants, makers, and deliciously good food. Enjoy singing, dancing and music. Classic cars. Dogs on leads. Display by The Retro Caravan Club. Dress in vintage/Steampunk or just a colourful outfit - all very welcome!

Tickets online at £10 or on the gate at £12
www.floralfringefair.co.uk
Loxwood Meadow, near Petworth, RH14 0AL

Newtimber Church Holiday Programme

School Holidays

Newtimber church holiday programme is for children aged 4 to 10. With lots of exciting and imaginative activities for children to do in the wooded churchyard overlooking the South Downs. Hunt for bird boxes, identify trees, do leaf rubbings, make a woodland mobile or a journey stick and lots more!

Everything is in the church porch throughout the summer; the glue, scissors, pencils, string, and wax crayons – just bring the children and a picnic if it’s sunny! The church is always open, so push open that big old door and come in! There is a WC and kitchen.

nigsdigby@aol.com

07595255427

Exotic Spots Family Trail at Sheffield Park and Garden

Saturday 20th July to Sunday 1st September

Eight colourful animals are hanging out in Sheffield Park and Garden this summer with their favourite exotic trees and plants. Explore the wonderful garden and see if you can  spot them all! Free trail but normal garden admission applies.

Find out more at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffieldpark

Bignor Roman Villa Sunflower Maze & Picking Patch

Thursday 1st to Wednesday 28th August, 10am to 3:30pm

The Bignor Sunflower Maze will be returning this year and there will also be a dedicated picking patch for visitors who wish to take home a little bit of sunshine from their day.

There will be a wristband system operating, charged at £5 per person with under 5’s free and sunflower stems will be charged at £1 per stem. Visitors will be able to sign a disclaimer for use of our secateurs in the picking patch or if they prefer there will be pre-cut stems available.

The maze is due to open on the first week of August, but as the great British weather is unpredictable, this may be subject to change. Camping also available at Bignor Farms Camping.
Tickets available on arrival, no need to prebook. Free Car Parking www.bignorromanvilla.co.uk

Heavy Horses at High Beeches

Monday 26th August, 11am to 5pm

Heavy Horses will be working on the Wild Flower Meadow. The Horses will be harrowing the meadow as part of the management of this beautiful meadow. Harrowing helps to remove the thatch and scatter the wild flower seeds.

Enjoy a walk in this beautiful woodland garden and see the blue willow Gentians in flower throughout the glades, the only place in the country where these plants have naturalised. Takeaway tea, coffee, cake and ice cream available, bring a picnic to enjoy in the picnic area.

www.highbeeches.com