As we start to leave winter behind, what better time to head outside and see what’s happening across the county. Here are the details of some of the great events and activities taking place this February.
Botanical Porcelain Clay Workshop, Rye Creative Centre, Friday, 2 February
Sample the joy of casting into Parian clay with plants from your garden at this porcelain clay workshop. Participants will be guided through all the processes by ceramicist Joanna Terry, from preparing the clay, incising and hand building, to create a unique Parian porcelain tea light holder. Fee includes all materials, refreshments and firing.
Baloo’s Clues Trail, Bateman’s, Burwash, Saturday 3 – Sunday 18 February
Explore the house and garden at the famous National Trust property Bateman’s collecting clues to solve Baloo’s puzzles. Baloo, the sleepy brown bear, has hidden puzzles and games to play around Bateman’s. Can you discover the clues and solve the puzzles? Follow the trail at your own pace – suitable for families with primary school aged children.
Journaling for Wellbeing, Lewes Library, Wednesday 7 February
Join the East Sussex library team during Storytelling Week for a journaling workshop and use a range of writing techniques to set your intentions for the coming year. See how journaling helps you uncover and confirm what’s important for you in the year ahead. What’s the story you want to tell yourself this year?
Live screenings, Royal Opera House – Manon, Wednesday 7 and Sunday 11 February
Be transported to Covent Garden with live screenings of the Royal Ballet’s production of Manon at Depot, Lewes and Uckfield Picture House. Kenneth MacMillan’s passionate ballet tells the story of Manon, who is torn between her desire for a life of splendour and riches and her devotion to her true love Des Grieux.
Art store tour, Towner Eastbourne, Sunday 11 and 25 February
Go behind the scenes and enjoy a fascinating introduction to the impressive Towner Collection of over 5000 works in the gallery’s bespoke art store. Starting with the original Victorian bequest, the tour will then cover works by artists such as Eric Ravilious, Duncan Grant, Sandra Blow, Alfred Wallis, Alice Neel and Tacita Dean.
Keith Brymer-Jones Live: Life, Clay And Everything, De La War Pavilion, Sunday 25 February
Renowned British designer, bestselling author and the Great Pottery Throw Down judge, Keith Brymer-Jones returns to the stage as he shares stories of life in front of and behind the potter’s wheel.
Gardener Walks & Tours: Spooky Stories of Sheffield Park and Garden, Thursday 29 February
Join the Senior Gardener before the gardens open to explore the spooky side of Sheffield Park and Garden. There will be stories from the staff and volunteers who have witnessed strange and unexplained phenomena, and historical ghost stories from the house and grounds. Learn about the horror film that was filmed here in the ’60s and maybe you’ll even leave with your own ghost story…
And for inspiration about what to do and where to go during the upcoming half term holiday, look no further than our article February half term fun.
Photo credit – Towner Eastbourne, Rosie Powell
