There’s plenty going on across the region this month. We’ve pulled together our top 10 events taking place this April.
Woodbridge Tide Mill Living Museum rolls into action again in 2018
Woodbridge’s iconic Tide Mill will throw open its doors to the public between 11am and 5pm every day from Good Friday, 30 March, until the beginning of October this year. The Mill has a jam-packed schedule of wheel-turning and milling times offering visitors more opportunities to watch the historic water wheel in action and see the millers making flour.
The 2018 season sees a number of new initiatives with 40,000 leaflets being distributed throughout the region and promotions such as a 2 for 1 offer with Greater Anglia. The Mill will also be participating in events such as the Beowulf Festival and Maritime Woodbridge.
Humphry Repton exhibition at Woburn Abbey & Gardens, 23 March and 28 October 2018
Woburn Abbey & Gardens
Last month Alan Titchmarsh opened a new exhibition at Woburn Abbey & Gardens, which celebrates the bicenternary of Britain’s first landscape gardener, Humphry Repton. Open to the public between 23 March and 28 October 2018, the exhibition explores the fascinating relationship between Repton and Woburn. On public display for visitors to see for the first time will be his most elaborate and comprehensive ‘Red Book’, his famous presentation document of proposed designs. His Red Book for Woburn was commissioned in 1804 and illustrates his innovative plans for the Pleasure Grounds and Park, many of which were subsequently realised by the 6th Duke of Bedford.
In addition, the exhibition will give guests the opportunity to discover Repton’s other works for the family including at the picturesque Devon estate of Endsleigh, Oakley House and Russell Square in London. Never before seen unexecuted designs will feature alongside works of art and archival treasures, which bring to life the creative legacy of Repton. There will also be Repton-related family trails, activities and events throughout the year. To find out more, visit www.woburnabbey.co.uk/Repton
Great shows at Broadway Theatre, Peterborough
46 Broadway, Peterborough PE1 1RS
The Broadway Theatre in Peterborough has something for everyone this month. Families can follow the yellow brick road in The Wizard of Oz Pantomime on 10 April (3pm – 7pm, tickets start from £16).
Things get comical when sassy and smart, Ruby Wax brings her new one-woman show to the stage on 17 April. Based on her number one best seller, “A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled,” she’s been honoured with the title of poster girl for mental illness; once crazy now less so, she gives a tour of the mind – how to use it, not lose it.
Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences from 23-28 April (tickets start from £20).
Book at www.ticketsource.co.uk/thebroadway or call 01733 306071
Norfolk Spring Fling, 10 April
Norfolk Showground, Dereham Rd, Norwich NR5 0TT
The Norfolk Spring Fling is set to return to the Norfolk Showground with a new look and feel for its 19th year. Held on Tuesday 10 April, it attracts thousands of visitors each year and is regularly a sell-out success. The family day out is aimed at children aged between 4-11 years and is an opportunity to learn about the countryside, agriculture, food and farming especially the link between the countryside and what appears on our plates. As well as over 70 interactive stands and Spring Fling favourites such as The Sheep Show 2018 will see the introduction of two new areas at The Showground; The Emergency Services Zone and Mr Mawkin’s Machinery.
Tickets cost £9.50 and include a hog roast lunch (or vegetarian option) and apple juice drink. Tickets can be bought online from www.springfling.rnaa.org.uk
Cambridge Literary Festival, 13-15 April
Various venues around Cambridge | Tel: 01223 791791
From poetry to politics, fiction to finance, history to hip-hop and comedy to current affairs, Cambridge Literary Festival brings an eclectic mix of today’s best writers, thinkers and speakers to Cambridge all year round.
East Anglian Beer and Cider Festival, 18-21 April
The Apex, Bury St Edmunds
Now in its 27th year, the East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival commences on Wednesday 18 April and runs through to the Saturday at The Apex. There will be around 80 beers and 20 ciders and perries including a selection of East Anglian beers plus award winners from around the UK! A great excuse to meet friends and catch up. There will also be free soft drinks available for drivers – nice touch! There is a small admission charge of £3 (CAMRA members get in free). Don’t leave without your souvenir glass! The festival is run in support of local charities and raised over £7,000 in 2017. Open 12pm-11pm.
Witness England’s most legendary battle at epic St George’s Day Festival, 21-22 April
Wrest Park, Silsoe, Bedfordshire MK45 4HR
Pomp, pageantry and plenty of patriotic flag waving will be the order of the day as English Heritage’s famous St George’s Festival returns to Wrest Park on Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 April, 10.30am-6pm.
Food & Garden Festival, 21-22 April
The Birds of Prey Centre, Bedfordshire
The Birds of Prey centre in Bedfordshire will be hosting their Food & Garden festival on 21-22 April to celebrate the best of seasonal spring produce. As well as plenty for the avid gardener and ferocious foodie, this year sees the arrival of a craft fair for the first time, showcasing plenty of gifts and treats. Why not pop into the Birds of Prey centre and activity farm at the same time? Find out more at www.birdsofpreycentre.co.uk
The East Anglian Game & Country Fair, 28-29 April
The East Anglian Game & Country Fair will take place on 28-29 April at the prestigious Euston Estate, near Thetford, home of The Duke & Duchess of Grafton. Expect world class events and attractions including the world famous JCB Dancing Diggers, The British Scurry and many more. There’s animals galore with ponies, Gun Dog Displays and the Sheep Dog & Duck Show, plus a range of country activities, crafts, shopping and food. Tickets priced £15 for adults, £6 for children. Visit www.ukgamefair.co.uk for more information.
2018 Ampthill Literary Festival, 28 April
Parkside Hall, Ampthill
The 2018 Ampthill Literary Festival, under the auspices of The Ampthill Festival will take place on Saturday 28 April in Parkside Hall, Ampthill. It will open with two children’s events for middle school children and ages 3-8 years. Afternoon sessions will be opened by Classic FM DJs John Suchet and Tim Lohoreau. This expert panel will be discussing their musically inspired books, chaired by local musician and musicologist, Rob Baker. The afternoon will see an interview with Rowan Coleman and a celebration of Bedfordshire authors. The timing of the events and ticket prices for Ampthill LitFest are available on ampthillfestival.co.uk.
