March sees the start of spring and with it hopefully some sunshine and warmth to encourage the primroses and daffodils. As we leave winter behind, what better time to get out and about to see what’s happening near you and further afield across East Sussex this March?
The Gardening Year at Charleston: March, Firle, Tuesday, 4 March
Join Charleston’s Head Gardner Harry Hoblyn at this seasonal gardening workshop.
Harry will talk you through the key winter-flowering plants in the garden at Charleston and walk you through the borders in the Walled Garden, discussing plant spacing and layout. The workshop will also cover winter pruning and propagation, compost creation and natural plant supports.
Participants will also have an opportunity to weave their own creations using locally-harvested hazel. This workshop includes an exclusive tour of the modernist home and studio at Charleston, providing a glimpse into its rich artistic history.
Endurance Life – Sussex running trails event, Eastbourne, Saturday, 8 March
The Sussex 10K, half marathon, marathon and ultra routes shoulder two of our coastal towns, Eastbourne and Seaford, both of which lie to the eastern section of the South Downs National Park.
Starting from Eastbourne seafront at the conveniently located Helen Gardens, these events allow runners to explore the dramatic cliff-top coastline. Expect a few ups and downs as you negotiate the beautiful rolling downland, and please remember to keep away from cliff edges as the cliffs can be very unstable.
Pottery Taster workshop, The Clay Studio, Herons Ghyll, Saturday, 15 March
During this half-day workshop everyone will be able to make one item following a project set by the tutor and could include, for example, jugs, animals, vases, or houses.
Your unique and very special piece will be ready to collect, after two firings and glazing, a couple of weeks after the workshop.
Bookings welcome for adults and teenagers 13+. Younger children (7-12 years) are also very welcome if an adult attends the workshop too.
Ceramics Fair, Towner, Eastbourne, Saturday, 15 & Sunday, 16 March
Towner’s popular makers’ fairs are returning for 2025 with even more opportunities for visitors to snap up products from talented local craftspeople and small businesses.
The Ceramics Fair will showcase the very best ceramics practitioners, both locally and from further afield, with options to suit all tastes and budgets.
The choirs and musicians of Kings College School, St Thomas Church, Winchelsea, Sunday, 16 March
King’s College School has a rich tradition of high-quality music making. Recent highlights include an outstanding review from the National School Theatre Awards for their production of Billy Elliot and victory in the 2024 South East Schools Chamber Music Competition.
Mixed voice choir Coro and a cappella ensemble, King’s 9, will be joined by music scholars for this recital of songs from musicals, choral classics and instrumental solos, directed by Peter Hatch and George de Voil.
An Evening With Geoff Hurst, The White Rock Theatre, Hastings, Thursday, 20 March
Sir Geoff Hurst – England’s hat trick hero from the 1966 World Cup win – is sadly now the only living player remaining from England’s greatest victory.
Returning for a short tour in 2024/25, this will be your last chance to enjoy an evening with this iconic footballer. Geoff will once again be joined by his great friend and agent Terry Baker, who will interview the England legend.
Geoff, who at 83 isn’t anticipating going on the road again, is in great form and delivers an unmissable show for football fans all over the country.
Natural History Museum presents Dinosaurs Live!, The White Rock Theatre, Hastings, Saturday, 22 March
For the first time since 1881, the home of dinosaurs, London’s Natural History Museum, is going on tour!
Ever since they were first identified in the 1800s, dinosaurs have sparked the imagination of kids and adults alike and for the first time ever, the world-renowned Natural History Museum has teamed up with Mark Thompson Productions to take you on a dinosaur adventure like no other.
Travel on a pre-historic journey to the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods and watch life-like dinosaurs come alive right on stage. You’ll also find out more about fossils, timescales, and how our planet has changed over hundreds of millions of years.
Community Coffee Mornings at the Lamb House, Rye, Wednesday, 26 March (and every last Wednesday of the month)
Everyone is welcome to the garden at Lamb House on the last Wednesday of the month for these Community Coffee Mornings.
The National Trust team have joined the Chatty Cafe Scheme which means there is a designated Chatter & Natter table, hosted by friendly volunteers, where people of all ages can sit and talk to others.
Feel free to drop in to have a chat or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings. You can also grab a courtesy cup of tea or coffee in the Courtyard Room.
Image – The Clay Studio
