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Spotlight - The Sussex Events Guide: April 2026

Stone castle with ivy, flag, and benches in a vibrant garden of red and yellow tulips under a blue sky. Lush greenery surrounds the scene.

Image credit: Hever Castle & Gardens


Step into Colour: Hever Castle Welcomes Spring


Monday 20th April to Friday 1st May


Historic Hever Castle welcomes visitors to its beautiful Celebration of Spring, when the gardens truly come into their own. Wander through vibrant displays of tulips, cherry and apple blossom, magnolias and carpets of bluebells, all bursting into colour after the winter months. Visitors can explore the grounds at their own pace, join special garden tours with Hever’s expert gardening team and even enjoy floral demonstrations and creative workshops. It’s a joyful way to embrace the season – a chance to slow down, breathe in the fresh spring air and experience one of Kent’s most picturesque gardens in full bloom.


Event is included with admission - see details at: www.hevercastle.co.uk


Bowl with painted sailboat holds three red apples; one apple on table. Background is a greenish-blue and yellow abstract painting.

Image credit: Storybowl by Anne Barrell


The Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show in Henfield


Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April 2026, 10 am-5 pm


The Sussex Guild Show season starts at Henfield Hall. Meet contemporary craft makers, buy handmade applied arts or commission a bespoke piece directly from the designer. Excellent handmade ceramics, textiles, jewellery, leatherwork, pewter, wood, glass, furniture and printmaking will be shown in the heart of this interesting village, with historic buildings, cafés and pubs nearby. Café with home-cooked refreshments, free parking.


Admission: £4 at the door (card payments accepted), students and children free. www.thesussexguild.co.uk 01273 479565

The Henfield Hall, Coopers Way, Henfield, BN5 9DB.


People in an art gallery admire black-and-white pencil drawings. A man in a blue shirt holds a glass. Text reads "Pencil Drawings."

Sussex Art Fair at Goodwood Racecourse


Friday 8th May: 5.30pm-8.30pm, Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th May: 10 am-5 pm


Returning for a 7th year, come and meet 95 exhibitors with over 3,000 artworks available to purchase, from as little as £50 for smaller works to over £3,000 for outstanding masterpieces.


Being the largest art fair within the Sussex Counties, Sussex Art Fair is the perfect place to begin your art collection or add to it if you are already a seasoned art enthusiast. Our charity partner, Sussex Wildlife Trust, will also show works kindly donated by our exhibitors over the weekend, with all proceeds going to the charity.


For 50% discounted weekend entry, use Promo Code: LIVING26


For more information, visit: www.sussexartfair.co.uk


Cozy library with wooden shelves full of books, a ladder, and warm lighting. Sign reads "Lewes Speakers Festival, May 2026."

Lewes Speakers Festival


Friday 8th to Sunday 10th May


The Lewes Speakers Festival returns for a weekend of ideas, debate and culture featuring leading thinkers, journalists and historians. Highlights include former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt discussing Britain’s role in a dangerous world, and award-winning author John Kampfner exploring how countries around the world are tackling major social and economic challenges, as well as an outside walk and arts/ crafts/cookery workshops.


The programme also covers artificial intelligence, global politics, economics, science and history, alongside new creative workshops and a brand-new children’s festival. Come to Lewes for one of Sussex’s most stimulating cultural weekends.



picture of a deer looking straight on the camera, in a field of green grass.

Photo credit: Roe deer photographed on Henfield development site

Henfield Day of Action


Saturday 18 April


Is your village under threat from unplanned development? Henfield faces planning applications totalling over 1,400 new homes – far beyond what the Neighbourhood Plan envisaged, and more than the roads, drainage and local services can absorb.

On 18 April, come and join the UK-wide Day of Action for Nature, Parks and Green Spaces. The Henfield campaign is keen to hear from other Sussex villages fighting the same battles. Come and share your experiences and strategies, so the voices of Sussex villages can come together and be heard.



Child in blue sweater, wearing bunny ears, throws a beanbag at a colorful outdoor Easter-themed game board with ducks and flowers.

©National Trust Images/Laurence Perry


Easter Adventures at Sheffield Park and Garden


Saturday 21st March to Sunday 12th April


Take part in a fun-filled Easter adventure at Sheffield Park and Garden on their duck-themed Easter trail! From having a go on the balance beams to testing your aim on the duck hoopla, there is a fantastic range of family-friendly games and activities around the garden to enjoy.


The Easter adventure trail is £3.50 per person, with normal admission, and includes bunny ears, a trail map and a chocolate egg.


To find out more visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffieldpark or contact sheffieldpark @nationaltrust.org.uk, 01825 790231



A colorful flag at a craft fair displays the text "Putting the WOW back into Craft Fairs" and "craftinfocus.com" in a grassy park setting.

Craft in Focus Spring Fair


Thursday 30th April to Monday 4th May


The Craft in Focus Spring Contemporary Craft Fair returns to RHS Garden Wisley. The event combines high- quality craft shopping with the experience of Wisley’s renowned gardens

full of colour at this time of year. Held in a floored marquee, the event showcases contemporary work from leading UK designer-makers and artists. Visitors can view and buy original pieces across disciplines, including ceramics, jewellery, textiles, furniture, glass, and metalwork. The fair also features demonstrating artists, specialist food exhibitors and live music, making a great day out.


Admission to the craft fair is included with normal garden entry, with free access for RHS members. Book online in advance and save.


01622 747 325


A choir of people singing, wearing black outfits with bright blue scarves, holding music sheets. The setting suggests a formal performance.

Burgess Hill Choral Society’s Spring Concert


Saturday, 25th April, 7:30 pm


Burgess Hill Choral Society’s Spring Concert will comprise of Beethoven’s magnificent Ninth Symphony(The Choral) and Handel’s stirring Coronation Anthems. They will

be joined by Brighton Chamber Choir and accompanied by Sussex Classical Players.


St Andrew’s Church, Burgess Hill, RH15 0LG.

Tickets are £16 in advance, £18 on the door, £5 for students and under-18s, available from Burgess Hill Help Point, from choir members, on the door, or by phone or online.


Phone for Tickets: 07522 493966 Online Tickets at: www.ticket-source.co.uk/burgesshillchoral


Runners in green and blue jerseys smile and give thumbs up during a race on a road. Visible bib numbers 162 and 653, with greenery nearby.

Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend


Saturday 2nd to Monday 4th May


Be part of the action at the Mid Sussex Marathon Weekend – three towns, three races, three unforgettable days. This exciting mixed-terrain festival welcomes runners of all abilities to experience the best of Mid Sussex.


Start in picturesque East Grinstead (10 Mile), stride through the countryside of Haywards Heath (10 Mile), and finish in charming Burgess Hill (10K). Take on the full 26.2 miles across three days or choose a single race, fun run, mile, or virtual option. Stunning scenery and vibrant community spirit await. Secure your place and run it your way!


For more information, visit: www.midsussexmarathon.co.uk

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