Spring is in the air! Be inspired to explore the region with our pick of 20 things to do this April
Hertford Arts Festival, 5 April – 5 May
Hertford Town Centre
The festival includes the Hertford Arts Trail, Hertford Castle Craft Market and a variety of cultural events including Courtyard Arts Open Exhibition, Hertford Theatre Week and The Arts Society Exhibition. There’s something for everyone to enjoy! www.hertford.gov.uk/events/hertford-arts-festival-526
Calling all #Hinchers, 6 April
Intu Lakeside, Essex
intu Lakeside will be welcoming Mrs Hinch, Instagram’s cleaning guru, on Saturday 6th April from 2.30pm as she debuts her book signing with WHSmiths.Mrs Hinch, also known as Sophie Hinchliffe, will be signing copies of her book, ‘Hinch Yourself Happy’, which offers all the best cleaning tips to ‘shine your sink and cleanse your soul.’
Field to Fork Tractor Trailer Tour, 6-22 April
Holkham Hall, Norfolk
Enjoy farm life without having to put your wellies on! Families can hop aboard a fascinating tractor trailer tour, then enjoy a visit to The Field to Fork Experience to see exactly where food comes from. www.holkham.co.uk/events/whats-on
Easter Trail at Cambridge Botanic Gardens, 6-22 April
1 Brookside, Cambridge, CB2 1JE
Animals from all over the world are dropping in to the Garden this spring to help out their friend, the Easter Bunny. Pick up a free trail from the ticket office and go on a springtime adventure to find the animals, seesome amazing plants and collect an Easter prize at the end. Normal garden admission applies for accompanying adults. www.botanic.cam.ac.uk
Easter Eggstravaganza, 6-22 April
Pensthorpe Natural Park, Fakenham, NR21 0LN
Follow an egg-citing Easter egg treasure hunt around the reserve and get stuck into the Easter-themed craft activities.www.pensthorpe.com
American & Classic Car Display, 7 & 21 April
Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth, NR30 2EN
Visitors to the show can expect to see classic Hot Rod’s, Harley Davidson bikes and trikes along with many other all American classics as well as British classics and some custom vehicles.
Hotel Paradiso, 9 April
New Wolsey Theatre, Suffolk
A fun, spectacular circus show for all the family from Lost in Translation Circus. The staff of a rundown hotel try to save it from repossession by the dastardly banker and his sidekick with hilarious results. Tickets priced £10-£24. www.wolseytheatre.co.uk
Maldon Beer & Cider Festival, 10-13 April
Upper Plume School, Fambridge Road, Maldon
There will be more than 60 beers and 16 ciders, with over 40 beers from Yorkshire for you to try at the Maldon Beer Festival. Prior to the event, if you visit over 20 local pubs in the Ale Trail, you will win prizes at the festival.
Norfolk Spring Fling, 11 April
Norfolk Showground, Norfolk
An exciting and educational day out for children aged 4 – 11 years. Pop along to learn more about food, farming and the countryside in fun and creative ways. www.springfling.rnaa.org.uk
The Gin & Rum Festival, 12-13 April
Chelmsford Cathedral, Essex
Learn more about your favourite tipple. There’s over 60 different gins and 60 different rums, themed bars and masterclasses. www.ginandrumfestival.com
Cressing Chocolate Festival, 19 April
Cressing Temple Barns, Witham Road, Cressing, CM77 8PD
There’s something for all chocolate lovers with a great range of stalls. For the serious chocolate enthusiasts there will be artisan stalls, workshops and talks on the history of chocolate. Meanwhile children will have the chance to sign-up for workshops as well as complete a chocolate trail. www.visitparks.co.uk/events/cressing-chocolate-festival
Peterborough Festival of Antiques, 19-20 April
East of England Showground, Peterborough
One of the biggest antique fairs in the country, the festival will celebrate its 20th anniversary, with an impressive 9600 square metres, full of treasures. www.festivalofantiques.co.uk
Sandringham Craft and Wood Festival, 20-22 April
Sandringham Estate, near King’s Lynn, PE35 6EN
Fifteen of the best chainsaw carvers from 12 different countries will be competing in the debut Sandringham Cup this Easter. Going head to head in three days of creative talent, these carvers will be carving huge and very impressive sculptures using a chainsaw as their main or only tool. There’s also demonstrations, food and more. www.sandringhamcraftandwoodfestival.co.uk
Clare Antiques Fair, 20-21 April
Clare Town Hall, Market Hill, Clare, CO10 8NN
Browse a collection of over 30 antique and vintage dealers from all over the region. Offering glass, clocks, Moorcroft pottery, 18thand 19th century porcelain, books, 20th century collectables, vintage fashion, gold, silver and lots more. Open: 9am – 4pm. Admission is just £1!
Easter Joust! – Knights of Middle England, 21-22 April
Hedingham Castle, Essex
An awesome display of saddle falls, drags and rearing horses awaits, surrounded by a bustling arena full of craft stalls, a range of food and a host of themed entertainment. www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk
Bedford StrEAT Feast, 26 April & 31 May
Merchant Square, Bedford
StrEAT Feast is a fantastic new monthly street food market offering an array of international flavours from established street food traders and local caterers coming together to celebrate good food and great company.
‘Skulduggery in Stowmarket’ Crime Writers Festival, 27-30 April
Stowmarket Library, Suffolk
Over four days there will be talks from top crime writers including Elly Griffiths and Alison Bruce, crime-themed quiz, a murder mystery, a self-publishing workshop and activities for younger readers. www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/news/skulduggery-in-stowmarket
East Anglian Game and Country Fair, 27-28 April
Euston Hall, Euston, Thetford
Discover the very best of the region’s agriculture at this show packed with an entertaining programme. A family friendly event, it features country pursuits, food and drink, crafts, demos, dog show and more. www.ukgamefair.co.uk
Alde Valley Spring Festival, 27-29 April
White House Farm, Great Glemham
Put a spring in your step with a celebration of food, culture, landscape and farming. www.aldevalleyspringfestival.co.uk
The Bodyguard Musical, 30 April – 11 May
Norwich Theatre Royal, Norfolk
Proving she still has the X-Factor, songstress Alexandra Burke has returned to play Rachel Marron in the new UK Tour of ‘The Bodyguard The Musical’, which arrives in Norwich from April 30 for two weeks. Tickets £10-£53.50 www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk
