As spring blossoms, read our guide to the best events, concerts, exhibitions and things to do throughout March 2019 in the East of England…
Snowdrop Walks, every weekend until 31 March
Kentwell Hall, Long Melford, Sudbury, Suffolk
The carpets of snowdrops cover the paths and woodland walks and the early spring bulbs give a real sense of spring. The wonderful displays of daffodils cover the moat banks and the gardens around the estate. Enjoy the Story Book Trails and meet the many interesting characters and sculptures on your journey. www.kentwell.co.uk/events
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Joanna Stone: Portraits, 2-9 March, Mon-Sat, 10 –5.30pm.
Eagle Gallery, 101 Castle Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire
This exhibition features works in oils, pastels, ink and watercolours that have all been made with the person there, in front of the artist. Some are portraits that show direct connection with the sitter and include significant objects that are meaningful to them, giving vital clues to their personality. Others are characters re-imagined from fairy tales, folklore and Shakespeare. Also included are nude figure studies from life. www.eaglegalleryartists.co.uk
Olney Pancake Race, Tuesday 5 March
Town Centre, Olney, Buckinghamshire
It’s time to practice your pancake flipping with the return of the famous Olney Pancake Race. There’s a host of events in the lead up to the big race itself. In the evening the international winner of the pancake race is announced via a web link with Liberal in the Church Hall. Bringing together the community, supported by local business, this historic event is one not to be missed! More details at www.olneypancakerace.org
World Book Day at The Ivy Norwich Brasserie, 7 March, 3.30pm-5.30pm
30 London St, Norwich, Norfolk
In celebration of World Book Day, The Ivy Norwich Brasserie will be hosting a reading from award-winning children’s author, David Long, followed by a delicious afternoon tea. David will be reading from his ‘Heroes’ book, a companion to ‘Survivors’, which was awarded the Blue Peter Book of the Year. World Book Day attire and fancy dress is of course fully encouraged! Tickets are priced at £18 and include children’s afternoon tea, a David Long book and the reading. All proceeds will be donated to the World Book Day charity. Tickets can be purchased here.
BedPop Science Labs, 9 March, 10am – 4pm
Multiple venues in Bedford, Bedfordshire
As part of British Science Week, BedPop Science Lab returns. Visit the Planetarium at Bedford Library, watch jaw-dropping science demos at the Higgins and take part in the paper aeroplane challenge at the John Bunyan Museum. All events are free but some will need booking. More info visit bedpop.co.uk
Mind, Body & Spirit Fair, 9 March, 9am-5pm
The Forum, Millennium Plain, Norwich, Norfolk
Find the best of the regions readers, therapists, healers and practitioners. There will also be crystals, free spiritual healing, free shiatsu treatments, clairvoyants and mediums and magical gifts and books for sale. Free entry.
The Cambridge Science Festival, 11-24 March
Multiple venues across Cambridge
This year’s events are dominated by the topic of climate change, including a presentation on tree-ring research that highlights brand new findings and the discovery of the oldest tree-ring sample dated at 14,000 years ago (making it the oldest in the world). Other events include an evening with James Lovelock, widely regarded as the father of our climate concerns; a discussion concerning the policy challenges with a leading panel of experts; and examples of what farming could look like in the future. Click here for our highlights. More info at www.sciencefestival.cam.ac.uk
Jemima Foxtrot: Kiss Me, Help! I Hate You, 13 March, 8pm
Norwich Arts Centre, Norwich, Norfolk
An evening of love, laughter, community and boozing! Three women at different stages of their lives. They’re in the same pub on the same night. What are they thinking? This funny and raucous show, written and performed by Jemima Foxtrot, tells three women’s stories using audience interaction, poetry, story-telling and song. Pay What You Can Afford. Book at https://norwichartscentre.co.uk/events/kiss-help-i-hate/
Essex Spring Food Home & Craft Fair, 16-17 March
Cressing Temple Barns, Nr Withal, Essex
From food to flowers, discover the latest trends and techniques for improving your homemaking skills. Cookery and other demonstrations will take place throughout the weekend with a few famous faces on hand to provide their expert tips. Book tickets at www.oakleighfairs.co.uk/essex-spring-food-home-craft-2019
Thriplow Daffodil Weekend, 23-24 March
Thriplow, Cambs, SG8 7RD
Over two days, visitors can stroll around the car-free village to look at the daffodil displays, browse stalls, and visit the dog show, vintage car displays, live music and beer and food tents. www.thriplowdaffodils.org.uk
Dogs & Daffs Charity Walk, 24 March
Hatfield House, Great North Rd, Hatfield, Hertfordshire
Banish those winter blues and put your best foot forward in aid of Riding for Disabled – Digswell Place Group. Stop by the Stable Yard at Hatfield House with your pooch to register and stroll the grounds of Hatfield Park following a selection of Park Walks. There’s a Fun Dog Show at 12pm-3pm, with join-in activities and displays. www.hatfield-house.co.uk
World Dumpling Championships, 30 March
The Sanctuary on Grove Walk, Norwich, Norfolk
Did you know that Norfolk was famous for its dumplings? The word is even supposed to have entered the English language through the dialect of the region. There’s a wealth of stories, history and know-how attached to the Norfolk dumpling. So, it seems only fitting that the first World Dumpling Championships should be held in Norwich.The event will be a chance for Norfolk dumpling enthusiasts to come forward and show their skills as they pit their culinary wits against the many dumpling makers who have now joined the region from all corners of the globe. The competition will be divided into two sections. The amateur event will run in the morning, and the professional cooking will take place in the afternoon. Both cooking sessions are open to the public, and there will be dumpling related activities and storytelling for children which will run at intervals throughout the day. If you’d like to take part visit www.spinoffthetre.co.uk. The event is free to attend and booking is not necessary.
The Cambridge Home + Garden Show, 30-31 March
The Guildhall, Market Hill, Cambridge
If you love your home and garden this one is for you! The weekend will host exhibitors, talks and workshops with free expert advice. www.camhomeshow.com
Luke Wright, Poet Laureate, 30 March, 8pm
Norwich Playhouse 42 – 58 St. George’s Street, Norwich, Norfolk
2019 marks the 20th anniversary of Luke Wright’s first gigs. To celebrate, he will be performing a very special show at Norwich Playhouse. Titled ‘Luke Wright, Poet Laureate’, Luke delves into the murky world of poets laureate past: the heroes, the villains, and ones who didn’t even write poetry – just who are these previously laureled rogues! The centrepiece of the show, as always, will be Luke’s own blistering verse and impassioned delivery. The show is part of an extensive national tour that also includes an April run at Soho Theatre in the West End, plus a stop at Haverhill Arts Centre on 14 March and Framlingham FAYAP Youth and Arts Centre on 16 March.
www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk
Spring Steam Up, 31 March
Long Shop Museum, 15 Main St, Leiston, Suffolk
The annual event launches the 2019 opening of the museum and this year will focus on Suffolk’s heritage attractions. Expect to see an impressive fleet of steam engines, and the unveiling of the museum’s latest exhibition; a 1937 Buick Motor Car. There’s also food and drink, plus a plethora of activities to occupy the most curious of minds, young and old! www.longshopmuseum.co.uk
