Spotlight Events: May 2025

Sussex Art Fair at Goodwood Racecourse

Friday 9th May: 5pm-8pm, 

Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th May: 11am-5pm 

Returning for a 6th year, come and meet 100 exhibitors with over 3,000 artworks available to purchase, from as little as £50 for smaller works to over £3,000 for outstanding masterpieces. Why not also reserve a table in The Double Trigger restaurant and enjoy a delicious lunch at the largest art fair in Sussex.

Our charity partner, Sussex Wildlife Trust will show works kindly donated by our exhibitors over the weekend with all proceeds going to the charity. 

For free weekend entry, use Promo Code: LIVING25. For more information visit: www.sussexartfair.co.uk 

Hever Castle’s Art Week 

Saturday 24th May to Sunday 1st June

Hever Castle’s Art Week returns offering a vibrant celebration of creativity during the May half-term. Set within the historic castle and its stunning gardens, this family-friendly event invites visitors to explore their artistic talents through a variety of engaging activities. From hands-on workshops to inspiring exhibitions, there’s something to captivate art enthusiasts of all ages. Discover a world of imagination and expression in a setting steeped in history – perfect for a springtime adventure. Unleash your inner artist this half-term at one of the South-East’s most picturesque destinations. 

For more information head to hevercastle.co.uk

Heber Opera presents King for a Day 

Dates in May 

Heber Opera performs King for a Day in venues across Sussex this May. This is a rare opportunity to see Verdi’s early comic opera, sung in English and performed in the round. 

This is a tale of frustrated romance, political ambition and amorous intrigue! Will the King be able to reunite two pairs of thwarted lovers? But is he really a King? All ends happily and no-one dies! 

King Edward Hall, Lindfield (17 May); Civic Centre, Uckfield (18 May); Steyning Centre (24 May) and Hurstpierpoint Village Centre (25 May).

Tickets £20 from: www.ticketsource.co.uk /heberoperaor call 07867 975967 between 9am-5pm 

Bluebell Railway 

Dates throughout May 

Step into a world of nostalgia and wonder this May with the Bluebell Railway, where a series of unforgettable adventures await! Embark on a journey through time aboard the charming steam trains and create magical moments with your family. Kids can travel for just £1.00 with any full-paying adult ticket. 

Come along for Stormtroopers invading Sheffield Park Station from 

the 3 to 5 May. The fun continues the 17 and 18 May with the chance to meet adorable Baby Dinos during your train ride. Unlock a world of enchantment and let the magic unfold with the World of Wizardryat the Bluebell railway from 28 to31 May. Don’t miss out on these unmissable, extraordinary events! 

www.bluebell-railway.com Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park Station, TN22 3QL enquiries@bluebell-railway.com 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Trail at Sheffield Park and Garden 

Saturday 3rd May to Sunday 22nd June 

Come along for one of nature’s greatest transformations as you become the world’s most famous caterpillar from Eric Carle’s best- selling book The Very Hungry CaterpillarTM. 

This is a wonderful trail for the whole family to enjoy, taking you on a journey through a butterfly’s life. You will find a great variety of fun activities around the stunning garden including fruit sculptures, nostalgic illustrations, and insect themed activities. 

To find out more visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffieldpark 

Emily Gravett’s Tidy trail at Bateman’s 

Saturday 14th June to Sunday 31st August, 10am to 4.30pm

Join Pete the Badger and his friends for a fun-filled summer adventure. 

Whether you’re a super organiser or a little on the messy side, this family trail is perfect for everyone. Based on the popular picture book Tidy by Emily Gravett, you’ll step right into Pete’s story as he cleans and tidies up the forest — maybe a bit too much! Play games and activity to help Pete and his woodland friends bring the beauty of nature back to life. £3 with admission. 

Find out more at nationaltrust.org.uk/ batemans 

How to Train Your Dragon trail at Bodiam Castle 

Saturday 24th May to Sunday 7th September, 10am to 4pm

Step into the enchanting world of How to Train Your Dragon at the historic Bodiam Castle. Join Hiccup, his trusty dragon Toothless, and lots of other familiar friends on a brand-new family trail. Do you have what it takes to be a dragon trainer? Channel your inner Viking and set off on an epic journey to master the art of dragon training. The 

trail is packed with exciting games and activities that will teach you the secrets for success. Discover different dragon species, learn the forgotten languageof Dragonese, find out gruesome facts about Vikings – and so much more! £3 with admission.

Find out more at nationaltrust.org.uk/ bodiam-castl

St Mary’s House and Gardens in Bramber

Various Dates 

This historic Pilgrim Inn, c1470, is a Sussex Grade I listed building which is of national importance, included in Sir Simon Jenkins’ book ‘England’s Thousand Best Houses’. The current owners restored it over 40 years ago and still live there. It has rare and fascinating interiors, including fine panelling, wall-leather, and an elegant Music Room. 

The 5 acres of garden are beautifully maintained. Designed and grown by the owners, with the wonderful help of dedicated volunteers. Visitors can explore a series of different ‘garden rooms’, a Topiary Garden, Jubilee Rose Garden, circular Poetry Garden, and Water Garden with small lake. There is also a delightful tearoom to enjoy refreshments. 

www.stmarysbramber.co.uk info@stmarysbramber.co.uk 

Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Bug Hunt at WWT Arundel 

Throughout May 

Families can enjoy a brand-new Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Bug Hunt at WWT Arundel this May, as WWT partners with animation studio, Aardman and the Royal Entomological Society. Dive into the wonderful world of wetland insects with Lloyd and his new friend Dart the dragonfly. Follow the trail to find Lloyd’s friends and family and help to make their way to the bug hotel. Use the Lloyd of the Flies AR Bug Hunt trail App produced by Aardman to shrink down to fly size and see the world through insects’ eyes. 

Other activities during May Half Term, the Bank holidays and weekends include pond-dipping, minibeast hunting, and other insect-focused activities. Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Bug Hunt activities are includedin admission ticket price or free to WWT members. The Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Activity Pack costs £4 from the visitor centre. 

For more information: www.wwt.org.uk/ arundel or search WWT Arundel 

The Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show at Ardingly College 

Saturday 31st May & Sunday 1st June, 10am to 5pm

Visit the Sussex Guild Show at Ardingly College, a 19th century Gothic style red brick building steeped in history and set in 250 acres of beautiful West Sussex countryside. Meet contemporary craft makers from whom you may buy directly, or commission bespoke items. 

High-quality handmade ceramics, textiles, jewellery, leatherwork, stone carving, pewter, wood, glass, furniture and printmaking. Tickets cover both days, so you’ll have plenty of time to look at exquisite hand- made work and talk to Guild makers. 

Admission £4 at the door (card payments accepted), students and children free. Café, free parking.

Ardingly College, College Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex,RH17 6SQ.

www.thesussexguild.co.uk01273 479565 

Summertime Swing with The Jive Aces 

Sunday 20th July 

Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists and the UK’s top jive & swing band, The Jive Aces present Summertime Swing on Sunday 20th July. Come along for a day packed with real- entertainment and real music! 

Special guests include British rock ’n’ roll legend Marty Wilde, the Swedish Queen of hot jazz Gunhild Carling, jazz and blues singer Kai Hoffman, western swing fiddler and singer May Lee and sultry songstress Noelle Vaughn. Come and enjoy Summertime Swing with DJs, dance floor, vintage stalls, classic car displays, food trucks and all proceeds going to charity!

Tickets and info from: www.jiveaces.com/summertimeswing 

Exclusive Evening at High Beeches Woodland and Water Garden for St Catherine’s Hospice 

Tuesday 13th May from 6pm 

With 27 acres of woodland, water gardens, and a collection of rare, exotic and award-winning plants, High Beeches Garden is one of Sussex’s finest gardens. Come and explore this hidden gem in the High Weald of West Sussex with this exclusive evening hosted by the New Horizons Appeal Committee. 

Bring your own picnic, enjoy the gardens, and help raise vital funds for St Catherine’s Hospice. Entry is just £15, which includes a glass of fizz.

Book your place today at: www.stch.org.uk/ high-beeches-sign-up/ 

Clayton Flower Festival at St John the Baptist Church 

Saturday 21st June, 10am to 4pm

Sunday 22nd June, 12noon to 4pm 

This year at Clayton Flower Festival there will be a musical performance from local song writer and musician Liza Lo at 7:30pm on Saturday night in the lovely Saxon church. And following the huge success of last year’s plant sale, local horticultural experts will be on hand to help you select just the right plants for your garden.

There will be refreshments and homemade cakes served in Clayton Village Hall and all money raised will go towards the upkeep of theancient church which is listed in The Domesday Book. There will also beSung Evensong at 5pm on Sunday evening.

St John the Baptist Church & ClaytonVillage Hall, Clayton, Hassocks BN6 9PJ