“Remember, remember…” We all know the nursery rhyme, but November isn’t just about bonfires and fireworks. There’s lots going on across East Sussex, and we’ve pulled a few of our favourite activities and outings together to give you some inspiration!
Autumn spectacular at Sheffield Park and Garden – all month
Famous for its autumn colour, this is the season the garden at Sheffield Park was planted for. Breathe deeply and feel alive as you immerse yourself in the joy and splendour of the garden’s autumn colour display. The autumn planting is recognised as being of international importance; so much so that the garden has received a Grade I listing. Advance car park booking is essential until 19 November.
Brill – After School Art Club, Hastings Contemporary – 1 – 25 November (five weekly sessions)
Weekly sessions are led by an experienced artist facilitator. Each week children at this after school art club will be introduced to fun themes from current exhibitions and guided through the process of creating artworks to take home.
Spun Glass Stories – 5 November
Join the Spun Glass Theatre company as they tell classic, children’s stories with an interactive twist. Engaging, cosy storytime at the Mini Playhouse in Hastings will spark little imaginations. Perfect for 18 months+
Horseracing at Plumpton Racecourse – 6 November
A winter jump season preview race day brings competitive action to the track with a brilliant seven-race card.
Stargazing Evenings at The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux – 11 and 17 November
Enjoy the fabulous atmosphere that surrounds the Observatory at night. Weather permitting, look through some of the largest telescopes in the country at some extraordinary night sky objects.
Festive Makers Market, Rye, 18 and 19 November
The popular Festive Makers Market returns to the Rye Harbour Discovery Centre again this year. 20 very talented local makers and artists will be offering handmade homewares, jewellery, gifts and food.
Tea and Tour – 18 November
Take a behind the scenes tour of Eastbourne’s wonderful theatres this autumn. Explore life beyond the auditorium, enjoy a guided visit around the venues, take to the stage, explore backstage and take a look at areas not usually open to the public, finishing with tea and cake!
Battle Christmas Lights Switch On – 25 November
Get into the Christmas spirit as Battle switch on their festive lights. Santa’s Amazing Parade will head down the High Street at 1.50 pm with Santa’s Sleigh, Second Line Youth Band and Santa’s reindeer and friends. The parade is followed by Santa’s Grotto in the Memorial Hall. Santa will turn on the lights at 5 pm from his sleigh on the Abbey Green.
And finally, fireworks!
Of course, November wouldn’t be November without a bonfire procession and fireworks display. In East Sussex, these celebrate not only Guy Fawkes’s plot to blow up parliament but also the burning of 17 Protestant martyrs in Lewes’s High Street from 1555 to 1557. To find a display near you or your local bonfire procession, read our article detailing some of this year’s firework displays.
Picture – Autumn colour at Sheffield Park and Garden | © National Trust Images/Garry Cosham
