From medieval mayhem and country shows to classic vehicles and hip hop, there’s lots to enjoy this long weekend. F
or more ideas, see today’s packed Event guide and follow entertainment writer Wayne Savage on Twitter @WhatsonWayne
Medieval Mayhem, Framlingham Castle, 10.30am-5pm Sunday and Monday
Travel back to 1216 and help defend the castle from King John of England.
Eight hundred years have passed since the famous siege, which saw him demand the surrender of the 12th Century fortress. Built by Bigod, the second Earl of Norfolk, in about 1190 on the site of an earlier timber castle; it was once the refuge of Mary Tudor before she became Queen in 1553.
It will come under Norman attack once more from 10.30am-5pm Sunday and Monday.
Families can watch as the castle’s defenders prepare the garrison of men at arms, archers and even a mounted knight to defy the king and uphold its honour.
Witness the chivalry and drama first-hand as the siege unfolds throughout both days. Pick your side and watch as the onslaught begins. Cheer on both sides’ mighty armies in a demonstration of skill, agility and strength. There’s also medieval music, stories and jest. Youngsters can train to be a medieval knight during the children’s battle.
Other attractions include the From Powerhouse to Poorhouse exhibition, take a self-guided audio tour or explore the Mere and the wall-walk.
May Day Festival, Alexandra Park, Sunday - noon to 6pm
This free event boasts three main stages and attracts thousands of people each year.
It is an ideal family day out with a penalty shoot-out competition for eight to 16 years olds, rides, face painting, children’s stalls, a beer tent, food outlets, as well as trade union, political parties and charity stalls.
The festival will feature talks by political figures and social campaigners, including Phyllis Opoku-Gyimah, who is the co-founder, trustee and executive director of UK Black Pride.
There will be free parking at the University Campus Suffolk car park off Back Hamlet.
The Ipswich to Felixstowe Classic Vehicle Run, from 9am, Sunday
Returning for its 46th year, more than 500 vehicles including cars, lorries, motorcycles, buses and military vehicles will all gather in Christchurch Park, Ipswich, from 9am for you to see before hitting the road at 11.30am.
Fairy and Elf Walk opening weekend, Audley End, Miniature Railway, Essex, April 30-May 2
Venture through the magical enchanted fairy and elf walk to try to find all the tiny fairies, elves and animals in their hand-made tree houses.
Fagin’s Twist/Encore Dance, DanceEast, Jerwood DanceHouse, Ipswich, 7.30pm, April 29-30; second show 7.30pm, May 2.
Avant Garde Dance, known for pushing the boundaries of hip-hop and contemporary dance, return with the world premiere of Fagin’s Twist. The untold story of a notorious, complex and perhaps misunderstood villain; it imagines the story of Fagin’s youth, corrupted by greed and worn down by poverty.
The second show sees Encore Dance, the graduate dance company from Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, showcase the very best upcoming talent in a mixed programme of work. They have worked with a range of top chore-ographers, including Sir Kenneth Macmillan, of Carousel Pas de Deux, former English National Ballet soloist Jenna Lee, James Cousins, Nathan Gordon of Neo-Flo and previously Flawless, Dax O’Callaghan, Nicola Ellis, Antony Dowson and Lorraine Jones.
Mendlesham Community Council Street Fayre, Mendlesham, noon-4.45pm, May 2
Lots for the whole family to see and do. There will be a a procession, street entertainers, children’s performer the Tricky Twister, The Mad Hare Marching Band, Stowmarket Boys Brigade Band, East Suffolk Morris Men, Urban Allstars Majorettes, Harbour Lights and step dancers 6’ Foot 3’. Other attractions include birds of prey, children’s rides, a craft fayre, the church armoury and vintage farm machinery will be on display.
Weald Country and Craft Show, 10am-5pm, Sunday and Monday
Taking place at Weald Country Park, Brentwood, there’s plenty for the family to enjoy - from daredevil arena displays and mouth-watering cookery demonstrations to rural crafts and the Festival of Dogs.
Attractions include international bird trainer Mike Simmons, Stunt Monkeys motorbike duo, Gumboot and Zulu African dancers with the chance to learn some steps yourself, speed chainsaw carving, Now Strike Archery, living history tent, Arab cowboy Shady and K9 Security,
Chefs at the cookery area include Writtle College’s Claudio Bincoletto, Suffolk forager Julie Foster, Tastes of Africa and many others. You can even enter the classic British bake-off contest.
The children’s area boasts Punch and Judy Shows, magic shows, Gemma’s Petting Farm and Amazing Reptiles. There’s also music both days and the Jive Dancers.
The Festival of Dogs includes talks, demonstartions and more than 25 competition classes to enter.
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