Spring is in the air so get out and enjoy the best of Suffolk. From festivals to open gardens, country shows and exhibitions, find out what’s on in Suffolk this month.
‘By Night: Perspectives of Poaching’ at Moyse’s Hall Museum, until 1 May
An exhibition exploring the illicit world of the poacher, ‘By Night: Perspectives of Poaching’, will present rural objects, art and literature from the darker side of West Suffolk Heritage Service’s collection to illustrate the perils and conflicts of the practice. It will also include items on loan from the Museum of East Anglian Life; Bungay Museum and the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, which will provide invaluable additions to the narrative. Entry price: adults £5, concessions £4.50, child £3 (5-16 years). Tickets can be booked online.
Lambs & Spring Bulbs at Kentwell Hall, 26 March – 10 April, 11am-3pm
You will see new-born lambs and young lambs at the lambing yard in the Tudor Stables, as well as older lambs out in the paddocks. You might even see a lamb being born. With drifts of massed daffodils, lambing and lambs, this is the time for mums and their children. An active, outdoor day out for explorers of all ages – a breath of fresh air for everyone! Find out more.
Daffodils and spring flowers at Ickworth House, until May
Discover the classical Rotunda at the heart of the estate and wander through the heritage daffodils popping up throughout the pleasure grounds in front of the Italianate palace. Plan your trip.
Bluebell walks at Haughley Park, April & May
Between mid-April and early May, the woodland floor blooms with bluebells. On the last Sunday of April and first Sunday of May, this private estate opens its gates to the public to share the beauty.
Bury Fringe Festival, 1-30 April
The festival is back after a short break following the pandemic. A popular Suffolk event, the festival will provide a programme of arts, music and entertainment throughout April. Find out more.
Spring days out at Framlingham Castle
Everyone knows about the castle on the hill, thanks to local lad and superstar Ed Sheeran, and quite right too, this is a Suffolk gem. Once upon a time it was a fearsome fortress, head behind the castle’s towering walls and discover its fascinating history with its exhibition, take in stunning views and finish with Tudor treats at the café. Keep an eye out for upcoming Easter and spring events including Easter Quest from 2-24 April. Plan your visit.
Easter Egg Hunts at Lavenham Guildhall, 9-24 April, 10.30am-2pm
Treat your little ones to a world of adventures at Lavenham Guildhall on the Easter adventures in nature trails. Make your way around the village and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. The price of the trail is £3 per child and includes a trail map, pencil and a chocolate egg at the end.
Easter Holiday Prize Trail at Brandon Country Park, 9-24 April
Visit Copper Beech Café at Brandon Country Park, pick up a puzzle sheet from the café and follow the trail, finding words along the way. Each completed puzzle will receive a prize when returned to the visitor centre. At just £1, this a cheap and fun Easter activity for all ages.
Art from the Attic at Aldeburgh Yacht Club, 15 and 18 April
Over the Easter bank holiday weekend, Aldeburgh Yacht Club is hosting a sale of donated paintings and artworks that are surplus to their current owner’s requirements. So here is a chance to declutter or to refresh the art in your home in aid of a good cause. For the sale Aldeburgh Yacht Club will be open to the public on 15-18 April from 10am to 4pm. Pictures will be available to buy and take away on a first come basis, and as pictures are purchased the display will be replenished with more donated works. Art is a subjective matter and what one person likes, another will not give a second glance to. With proceeds going towards maintaining and rebuilding the river walls along the Alde and Ore, Art from Attics is an original way to raise funds. Free admission.
Country Music Festival at Stonham Barns, 15-17 April
The much-loved Stonham Barns Park Country Music Festival (CMF) is promising to be bigger and better than ever this year. Easter Fest CMF 2022 will feature country music bands and artists over a three-day period. The Country Music Festival is a part of the new ‘Stonham Sounds’ calendar of events introduced by the owners of Stonham Barns Park to showcase more musical talent in mid-Suffolk. It will bring a diverse range of live music and entertainment to the leisure, retail and holiday venue during 2022. One day tickets priced £15, two-days £25. Buy your ticket here.
Life Arts Wellbeing & Mind Body Spirt Festival, 16-17 April
Taking place at the Woodbridge Community Hall, the Life Arts Festival provides a weekend packed with complementary therapies, spiritual guidance, health advice, meditation space, workshops and healing music. Book tickets.
Easter Market at Snape Maltings, 16 April
Snape Maltings for their wonderful outdoor Farmers’ Market. Set adjacent to their stunning Concert Hall, it celebrates the finest produce from across Suffolk.
Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Easter Steam Up, 17-18 April
The first major weekend opening of 2022 will be the Easter Steam Up. All the Middy attractions, Museum, Restoration Shed, Tea Room and The Kitchener Arms real ale bar will be open and ready for a great weekend’s entertainment. Two locos will be on duty, the Cockerill Steam Tram and the Shredded Wheat Heritage Railway Association’s award-winning Fowler diesel, topping and tailing the trains of Victorian 4-wheel coaches.
Easter Country Show at Henham Park, 17-18 April
An event with something for everybody from fabulous crafts people along with a wide selection of artisan
food and drink providers where you can stock up on delicious cheeses and mouth-watering homemade sweet and savoury bakes. As well as great shopping, the Show hosts an amazing main ring with six smaller rings and a mix of enjoyable activities, entertainment and music for all the family. Don’t forget about the fabulous street food and drinks whilst soaking up your amazing day, surroundings and atmosphere – the perfect day out! Four-legged family members are welcome too and can enjoy the Easter We Love Dogs show. Book tickets here.
East Anglian Game & Country Fair, 23-24 April
A two-day event taking place at the Euston Estate, Thetford for all the family to enjoy including your dog! Free parking and under 5s go for free. Arena events, dog events, equestrian events, forestry area, displays & attractions, game fair country kitchen, fishing village, live music and lots more. See the full programme here.
INK Festival, 21-24 April
The town of Halesworth plays tribute to the arts with the return of INK Festival. A producer of short plays, the festival showcases poetry, art, workshops and industry talks to support and inspire at multiple venues. Click here for the full line up of events.
Festival of Suffolk, May – October
The Festival of Suffolk will seek to unite the whole county in a celebration of community where everyone is invited. The festival, organized by the Suffolk Lieutenancy, will also spotlight aspects of Suffolk life and feature a celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee of 2022.
Vintage Cars and Hot Rods at Stonham Barns, 1 May
Stonham Barns Park is launching its first car show of the season with the Spring Break Show in association with the Knuckle Busters Car Club. The bright, brash and zany event is dedicated to all aspects of vintage hot rods, custom cars and bikes from as early as the 1950s. There is a Show ‘n’ Shine competition, with trophies for the winners of all the different classes. The event will feature a DJ and live band to entertain the visitors throughout the day with tunes from the era. Tickets priced £10 per person. Buy tickets.
Suffolk Walking Festival, 14-29 May
Put your best foot forward and uncover the delights of Suffolk with a mix of events and unforgettable walks. The festival spans the whole county with something for everyone. There are over 70 walks to enjoy including long walks, short strolls, nature trails, coastal paths and more. Be quick to book your space on the ‘Walk n’ Water’ short walks which include a boat trip along the River Stour in Sudbury, and a free hot drink – it’s always a sell-out! This festival is a celebration of the great outdoors and nature, and a chance to appreciate the beauty of the region. Additional activities include a twilight bat safari, baking on a campfire and wild crafts for the whole family. See the full list of events here.
Weird & Wonderful Festival, 14-15 May
The festival, held at Haughley Park, is dedicated to the beauty and craftsmanship of wood. Artists and crafts people come from all over the country to show their skills in demonstrations such as carving and sculpture, fine furniture making, musical instrument making, displays by traditional fletchers and bowyers, chain saw carving and more. Workshops, for both adults and children are free, and include activities such as archery, den building and tree climbing in nets. Find out more.
Stonham Barns Steam & Vintage Show, 21-22 May, 10am-4pm
A gathering of historic traction engines, steam rollers and other historic exhibits such as tractors, stationary engines, agricultural and construction vehicles, vintage motorcycles and bicycles, working horses, wood and metal craft and the like. There will be demonstrations in the show ring, a vintage market selling gifts and unique items, along with Morris Dancers, archery, the Vander wheel of death, kiddies’ corner, dog displays, live music, trade stalls, food outlets and a licensed bar. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads. Book tickets.
Beccles Food and Drink Festival, 28 May, 10am-4pm
A free festival featuring over 50 food and drink stalls, many of them local artisan producers, as well as those from further afield in East Anglia. Based in the centre of the vibrant market town, the Festival will include cookery demonstrations and talks, world street food and children’s entertainment. A free Park & Ride shuttle service will run throughout the day from Beccles Quay. Find out more.
