Looking for things to do this February? We’ve rounded up events happening across East Sussex to fill your weekends, as well as keeping you and the family busy in half term week. There’s a festival of music, star parties and night walks, colourful charity dances, and lots of opportunities to explore the gems of East Sussex this month. Grab your wellies and scarves and enjoy!
Health Walks – various East Sussex locations and dates
How’s your healthy New Year’s resolution going? If you want to get out and about for some fresh air and to meet new people, how about joining one of more than 100 free health walks in the county? The walks are short, led by someone who knows the route, and only an hour long. They take place regularly at locations across the country so there will be one near you. They are designed to be gentle, easy walks. Plus you’ll get the chance to meet new people and explore new views, enjoy the fresh air and build your fitness. For more information and a full list of walks visit East Sussex Health Walks.
World Wetlands Day, Rye Harbour – 2 February 2020
There are two walks taking place at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve to celebrate World Wetlands Day. The first walk offers an ideal opportunity to come to Rye using public transport, because it starts and ends at Rye train station. The group will head out for a circular walk with one of the reserve’s wardens and will take in the birdwatching hide overlooking Castle Water. There will be the chance to see waders, egrets, ducks, and even the shy bittern. You can also take a look inside Henry VIII’s Camber Castle. The second walk starts at Rye Harbour village car park and will be a late afternoon stroll around the saltmarsh, looking at wetland birds as they feed and roost on the nature reserve. Find times and more information here: World Wetlands Day Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.
South Downs Dark Skies festival, various locations – 7 to 23 February 2020
Want to attend a star party? A great option for a half term activity, this family-friendly event celebrates the night sky of the National Park. The events will feature opportunities to star gaze, night time walks, science demonstrations and more. Some activities are free and most don’t require booking. Find out more about the Stargazing South Downs Roadshow and Dark Skies Festival.
Dancerciseathon, Eastbourne – 15 February 2020
If you love dancing and want to be part of a fun afternoon raising money for a charity supporting women in East Sussex, this dance fitness marathon event could be for you. Colourful or fancy dress is optional for the event which is being led by Julia Bayes of Bayes Active for Women. Funds raised will go to the Wayfinderwoman Charity, a volunteer-led registered charity which helps East Sussex women find better lives by building their self-confidence and skill sets. It provides women with advice and support through free or low-cost grant-funded workshops, training, coaching, seminars, conferences and online support. For more information visit Dancerciseathon.
Herstmonceux Science Centre – 18 to 20 February 2020
As well as all the other fascinating hands-on science activities and displays at the Science Centre, there will be a number of special workshops for children. Fun interactive activities are planned to get youngsters interested in chemistry and the Moon. Booking is essential. For more information visit Workshops for children.
Hasting’s Fat Tuesday – 21 to 25 February 2020
Hailed as the UK’s largest Mardi Gras celebration, this event showcases Hasting’s music scene over five days. With singer-songwriter Baxter Dury headlining, a free music ‘un-convention’, a colourful umbrella parade and more, this festival has something for everyone. Hasting’s Fat Tuesday.
Rye Bay Scallop Festival – 22 February to 1 March 2020
Do you like seafood? If so Rye could be the place to be later in February. The Rye Bay Scallop Week has grown in popularity since it was first held in 2003. As well as special scallop dishes, the event promises cookery schools, demonstrations, talks, quizzes, live music and more. There will also be menus and tastings at numerous pubs and restaurants across the town. It’s a fitting tribute to a small and succulent seafood which is of vital significance for the town’s fishing industry. It has also played its part in helping to put the town firmly on the culinary map. For more information visit Rye Scallop Week.
Reopening of Park Mill, Burwash – 29 February 2020
After several years of major conservation work, Park Mill at Bateman’s in Burwash will start milling flour once again this month. Visitors are being invited to join the celebration for the re-opening of the beautiful water mill part of the Bateman’s estate which was home to Rudyard Kipling for 34 years. The present mill dates from about 1750 and was last worked commercially in 1902.
Kipling, who bought Bateman’s and Park Mill in the same year, removed the waterwheel and installed a turbine which provided his home with electricity for 25 years. The mill features in a number of Kipling’s Sussex stories including ‘Puck of Pook’s Hill’ and ‘Below the Mill Dam’. At this celebratory event you’ll get the chance to see the mill back in action and buy a bag of flour to take home and bake your own ‘Bateman’s loaf’. There are more details on the National Trust website Park Mill, Bateman’s.
