Whether you fancy a jaunt around an English country garden, a rummage through a book fair, pond dipping, or den building, there’s so much for you to see and do around Suffolk over the next few months.
Petite Circus
Martlesham, Felixstowe, Ipswich
March 14 to April 22
Family fun is in store at this Ipswich-based circus, which is going on tour over Easter.
The big top will be at Dan’s Meadow in Martlesham from March 14-18, before moving on to other venues. It is also visiting north Essex.
For full details, see our report and to book visit the circus website.
Children’s Crafts
Ickworth House, Horringer
March 24 to April 12
Join staff at Ickworth for nature-inspired activities such as crafting rabbit headbands, sheep and wildlife crowns.
You can then head into the woods for a bit of den building or follow the special spring trail.
Booking is not needed. For more details, visit the website.
Car Boot Sale
Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspal
March 24
This is the second boot sale of the year at this leisure complex and it’s going to be a big one.
Open from 8am to 2pm, there is no need to book - just show up on the day when pitches will be available from £5.
Pay a visit to the many shops, owl sanctuary, golf course and restaurant on site too. For more details, see the website.
Wild Things at Easter
RSPB Lakenheath Fen Nature Reserve
March 30 to April 15
Follow a family Wild Things adventure trail around this scenic spot.
There will be four activities to participate in and you’ll be able to make something to take home too.
In addition children will love to take part in bug hunting and pond dipping. To find out more, see the website.
Easter Tudor Re-creation
Kentwell Hall
March 30 to April 2
More than 100 ‘Tudors’ will be in residence for this special event, going about their daily life.
In the bake house, watch hot cross buns being prepared and see kitchen staff preparing the big Easter feast.
Visit the rare breed animals, follow the story book trail and try the ‘impossible’ Easter quiz. To find out more and book, see the website.
Open Studio and Garden
Vincent’s Cottage, Clare Road, Hundon
March 30 to April 2
Wildlife and woodland artist Sue Eaton will open up her courtyard garden and wildlife meadow (postcode CO10 8DH), raising money for EACH.
Watch the artist at work, buy some of her paintings, and visit Tony of Jurassic Rock in his studio too.
Entry is free from 11am to 4pm, with voluntary donations for the charity. See the website.
Easter Activities
Snape Maltings
March 30 to April 2
The maltings complex will host various art activities and egg hunts for children over the Easter weekend.
Saturday is also the day of the Easter Farmers’ Market. This mini food festival will offer tasty treats to buy such as honey caramels and truffles.
There will also be grass-fed beef, game pies, and locally-made charcuterie and cheese. For more details, see the website.
Giant Easter Fair
Best Western Ipswich Hotel, Copdock
April 1
More than 65 producers of locally-made crafts and gifts will take part in the fair at the hotel from 10am to 4pm.
Entry is just £1, with proceeds being given to Lighthouse, a local charity supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse.
Refreshments and lunches will be available. For more details, see the website.
All About Dogs Show
Suffolk Showground, Trinity Park, Ipswich
April 1-2
Power up those pooches, because it’s time once again for this brilliant festival, dedicated to our canine pals.
Bring along your (well-behaved) dog for two days of fun. Expect interactive activities, advice, displays, dog shows – and plenty of shopping.
Parking is free and gates open at 9.30am. For details, visit the website.
Spring Nature Trail
National Trust, Flatford
April 3-15
The volunteers at Flatford have arranged a great little trail, ideal for youngsters, during the Easter holidays.
Head to Bridge Cottage from 11am each day for information on how to get started.
There’s a chocolate prize for all participants. For more information, visit the website.
The Wizard of Oz
Spa Pavilion, Felixstowe
April 6
Oh you will like to be beside the seaside for this Easter show from Talegate Theatre Company.
Packed with laughs, songs, magic and puppets, it’s something for the entire family to enjoy together.
There are two showings, at 2pm and 6pm. For more details, see the Spa website.
95th Rifles’ Battle of Waterloo
Ickworth House, Horringer
April 7-8
The 95th Rifles return to Ickworth alongside other regiments, bringing history to vivid life.
Walk around the authentic living history camps, seeing the soldiers train, battle and go about daily life.
There will be workshops for children, demonstrations and much more to see. For details, see the website.
Spring Foraging and Wild Cooking
Arger Fen and Tiger Fen, Bures
April 8 and 22 and May 6 and 20
Head out with chef Carl Shillingford and plantsman Matthew Rooney on a journey into the undergrowth of Suffolk’s woodlands.
Expert Matthew will show you all the extraordinary vegetables of the wild, from wild garlic and alexanders, to cleavers and broom.
After the two-hour guided session, Carl will cook up the day’s pickings for you to sample. The event includes a goodie bag filled with recipes, a foraging calendar and wild food to take home. Book via Suffolk Market Events website.
Family Sun Observation Day
Dunwich Heath Coastal Centre and Beach
April 11
We all know we should never look directly at the sun. But this day out for families will give you a much better look at its surface.
DASH Astronomical Society are bringing to Dunwich their specialist solar observing equipment.
Booking is not needed but be aware that this event is dependent on clear weather. For details, see the website.
Woodbridge Mind, Body, Spirit Festival
Woodbridge Community Hall
April 21-22
If you’re into the spiritual, healing and esoteric, this is the event for you.
More than 40 stalls dedicated to wellbeing will be out in force, with a number of demonstration and talks planned. You’ll be able to try out various therapies and guided meditation too. For more details, see the website.
Sesaw Spring Fair
The Old School, Long Melford
April 22
Come along and support this animal charity today from 10am to 3pm. Entry is 50p for adults and free for children.
There will be stalls selling anything and everything, from collectables and toys, to books, crafts and homemade cake.
Homemade food and refreshments will be available, and there will be a big raffle and tombola. For more details of the charity, see their website.
Drive It Day
Kersey Mill
April 22
Help raise funds for the restoration of this fine watermill near Hadleigh by attending this growing family event.
Owners of classic and vintage cars will be showing up to show off their motors. Tour the mill to see the latest works and a working scale model.
Enjoy a slice or two of cake and more. Entry is £5 per car, or free for pedestrians and those showing their vehicle. Call Steve on 01473 829317 if you’d like to show your car on the day or for more details visit the website.
East Anglian Game and Country Fair
Euston Estate, near Thetford
April 28-29
This two-day extravaganza is a real celebration of all aspects of country living. There will be equestrian events, a falconry village, woodland area, activities for children, a cookery theatre, shopping and more.
But a highlight has to be the main arena attraction of the Dancing Diggers – a group of JCBs ‘dancing’ to music! For details, visit the website.
Long Melford Book Fair
Memorial Hall, Long Melford
April 28
Bookworms should put this popular village event in their diaries. Up to 20 exhibitors will be there, selling out-of-print, collectable and secondhand fiction and non-fiction tomes.
Homemade refreshments will be available on the day, which runs from 10am to 4pm. Entry is £1 for adults and free for under 15s.
To find out more, visit the website.
Drinkstone Annual Sale Trail
Drinkstone village
May 5
Wander around the lovely village of Drinkstone, where lots of households will be opening their garages and gardens from 9.30am to 2.30pm in a giant tabletop sale.
Homemade cakes and refreshments will be available on the day from the village hall.
Admission is free but there is a small charge for trail maps. For details, see the website.
Beccles Antiques Street Market
Beccles Town Centre
May 6
Around 100 stallholders, selling all manner of things, from silver and china, to retro and vintage will be in the town from 8am to 4pm.
Street food will be available on the day, including a hog roast, or try out one of the many cafes, pubs or restaurants.
To find out more, see the website.
Mendlesham Street Fayre
Mendlesham
May 7
The community comes together to organise this traditional event full of good old-fashioned fun.
Expect stalls, a tombola, Morris dancers, a marching band, birds of prey displays, a craft show, food and much more. The fayre opens at 10.30am and finishes at 5pm with free parking available in the village. Entry is £3 for adults and free for under 16s. See the website for details.
Summer Craft Market
Clare Town Hall
May 12
This is the only craft market Suffolk Market Events organises each year, with high-quality sellers attending.
More than 20 stalls will be at the market on the day,each of them hosted by the person who made what’s for sale, from jewellery to candles and papercraft. There’ll be a pop-up café during the event. To find out more, visit the website.
Foxburrow Farm May Fair
Saddlemakers Lane, Melton
May 13
Get creative and explore the natural world at this fantastic day out, where you can have a go at pond dipping, take part in creative workshops or games, and stretch your legs on a guided walk.
There will be live music, crafts and plants for sale, and lots of refreshments available. Entry (11am to 4pm) is £4 for adults or £2 for children. For more details, see the website.
Hadleigh Show
Holbecks Park, Hadleigh
May 19
One of the oldest traditional countryside shows in the UK, Hadleigh Show returns for its 179th outing in May. Organisers are excited to welcome to the main ring the Broke FMX motocross display show.
Elsewhere around the grounds there’s an art show, craft tent, huge food tent, lots of animals to meet, demonstrations, a funfair and plenty more to occupy the family for a whole day. To find out more, see the website.
Weird and Wonderful Wood
Haughley Park Barn
May 19-20
A highly-anticipated and well-attended event that hones in on the craftsmanship and timelessness of all things wood.
Watch demonstrations of instrument making, chainsaw carving and more, and have a go at one of the interactive attractions,from spoon whittling to puppet making and den building.
Local food and drink will be available to buy. See the website for more.
Yard Sale
Hadleigh
May 20
Boot sale junkies from around the region love this event, in which around 40 householders across the town set out stalls on their front gardens. Get a bit of exercise and find bargains you never knew you needed along the way.
The trail map will be online closer to the day. For more details, see the website.
Framlingham Gala Fest
Castle Meadow
May 26-28
A three-day family festival featuring live music, entertainment, great food and more.
Entry is free on bank holiday Monday when there’ll, be a parade, games, magic, races, a funfair, car boot sale and lots more.
For details of attractions and timings, visit the website.
Suffolk Show
Trinity Park, Ipswich
May 30 and 31
We’re counting down the days to this, Suffolk’s biggest two-day event. There is so much we could say about this fabulous show.
Keep an eye out in your EADT and Ipswich Star for all the latest Suffolk Show information! You can also visit the show website.
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