What's on this November in Sussex
PUBLISHED: 15:39 31 October 2019
RBG Wakehurst Picture by Jim Holden Glow Wild 2018 All model released
Jim Holden www.jimholden.co.uk jim@jimholden.co.uk
We round up some of the best events and things to do across Sussex this month
Discover weekly events and photography in the links above
ART
Quentin Blake: Feet in Water - 1 November-5 January 2020
Hastings Contemporary
Sir Quentin Blake is an internationally celebrated artist and illustrator, and Hastings Contemporary's artist patron. Feet in Water is the latest in an ongoing series of artworks that Blake has created for the gallery, all featuring enchanting creations and characters in his distinctive style. For Feet in Water, Blake has taken inspiration from his love of paddling. Entry is free to gallery members and children under 16.
Jann Haworth: Close Up - 2 November-23 Feburary
Pallant House, Chichester
This is the first chance in the UK to see American pop artist Jann Haworth and Liberty Blake's mural: Work in Progress. The 28ft mural is the result of a collaborative community project and celebrates women who were catalysts for change in the arts, sciences and social activism. Featuring more than 100 women spanning over 3,000 years, it raises the question of how many of these different lives and endeavours have become unjustly marginalised or forgotten throughout history. Alongside the mural, discover Haworth's sculptural and wall-based works dating from the 1960s to the present day.
Ardingly International Antiques and Collectors Fair - 5-6 November
South of England Showground, Ardingly
Local, national and international dealers and buyers regularly attend the largest IACF event in the south of England. Up to 1,700 stalls housing thousands of goods - from fine antique furniture to delicate ceramics - are available here. It has a reputation as one of the UK antique fairs where quality European decorative items can be found.
Winter Exhibition - 15-17 November
The House at Hill Lane, Barnham
Return of the annual exhibition of Sussex-based artists and designers showing their work in an award-winning eco house. Exhibitors include textile artist Polly Meynell, ceramicist Fanny Peppercorn, furniture-maker Edward Johnson and more.
Made Brighton - 22-23 November
St Bartholomew's Church, Brighton
The ever-popular art and craft fair MADE Brighton is back for a fourth year in the stunning location of St Bartholomew's Church. This show is a little different - whilst still showing the best makers in the country, the St Bartholomew's fair will be a down to earth 'Village Hall', table-top selling event. The event should be returning to the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange in 2020 when extensive renovations to the building are completed. Open 10.30am to 5.30pm both days, tickets will be available on the door for £5 per person (children under 14 are free).
Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show - 30 November-1 December
Midhurst Rother College, North Street, Midhurst GU29 9DT
Come to see and purchase the very best of designer crafts in Sussex at the Sussex Guild Contemporary Craft Show between 10am and 5pm.
THEATRE & MUSIC
The Butterfly Lion by Michael Morpurgo - 5 October-15 November
Chichester Festival Theatre
Based on Michael Morpurgo's bestselling novel, which won the Smarties Prize and the Writers' Guild Award, this new stage adaptation is written by Chichester Festival Theatre's writer-in-residence Anna Ledwich and directed by Dale Rooks whose many Chichester productions include The Midnight Gang (2018) and Running Wild (2015). It tells the story of a young boy called Bertie who is sent away from his family in Africa and his beloved best friend a white lion he rescued as a cub, and struggles to adjust to his new life in grey England. Extra dates have been added due to the popular demand of this show.
The English Elvis Experience - 1-3 November
Copthorne Hotel Effingham Gatwick
A three-day celebration of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, is taking place this month featuring eight award-winning Elvis tribute artists from the UK and USA. Drinks, canapés, dinner and after-show parties are included in the ticket price. The night will also feature an award- winning Neil Diamond tribute act and a rock and roll show.
Gin and Jazz Evening - 1 & 15 November
Bolney Wine Estate
Start your weekend with a gin and tonic in hand, taking in the breathtaking views of the vineyard and enjoying live music from a very talented jazz trio featuring Josephine Warren. The café will also be offering a selection of delicious small plates to enjoy throughout the night. One single gin and tonic will be included in the ticket price. Small plates will be available to order at an additional cost. Tickets are non-refundable. Tickets £16 (over 18s only) avaliable online.
The Crab Prince - 3 November
Komedia, Brighton
Scuttle The Crab longs to be human. Can little Lucy help to make his dream come true? An original and beautifully crafted comedy show written and performed by Joanna Neary for ages four to eight. Tickets: £7-9. Art materials provided.
The Lady Vanishes - 4-9 November
Theatre Royal Brighton
BAFTA-nominated Gwen Taylor and 'Villain of the Year' Andrew Lancel are reunited for the first time since their two years together in Coronation Street in this devilishly fun stage adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock's The Lady Vanishes. Tickets from £13.
The Paul McKenna Band - 7 November
Ropetackle, Shoreham
Scotland's Paul McKenna has long been ranked among our finest younger singers and songwriters, armed with a powerful yet intensely emotive voice and passionate social conscience, often expressed through his songs, a combination that's brought frequent comparisons to the great Dick Gaughan. See him and his band perform at Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham-by-Sea. Tickets are £14.
Beloved Clara - A Tale of Love and Loss - 10 November
St Mary in the Castle, Hastings
The story of the intense relationships between Robert Schumann, his wife Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms is brought to life in music and readings. Music by all three is performed by the award-winning pianist Lucy Parham, interspersed with extracts from their letters and diaries read by celebrated actors Lesley Sharp and Sir Simon Russell Beale. Tickets are £25-80.
hastingsinternationalpiano.org
Alexander Armstrong: All Mouth and Some Trousers - 15 November
Pavilion Theatre, Worthing
In his revealing new one-man show, All Mouth and Some Trousers, Alexander Armstrong will be baring all. Expect candid stories, laughter, music and some relief that 'baring all' is just a figurative expression. A brand new and "deliciously irreverent" account of a career that has taken him from Armstrong & Miller to presenting, documentary-making, singing and - ultimately - taking his rightful place as the voice of Toilet Duck and Hey Duggee. Tickets from £29.50.
Bach: A Musical Offering - 3 November
St Paul's Church, West Street, Brighton
Part of Brighton Early Music Festival: a chance to hear Bach's famous piece A Musical Offering performed by the Bach Players. Tickets from £5.
OUT AND ABOUT
Cuckfield Park Charity Bonfire - 2 November
Cuckfield Park
Cuckfield Bonfire and Fireworks has developed into one of the village's major annual fundraising events. An enthusiastic committee plans the event with the aim of running a safe, spectacular and fun evening raising money for good local causes. Visitors can expect the usual huge bonfire decorated with many Guys made by the children of Holy Trinity Primary. The bonfire is lit by the newly elected Mayor of Cuckfield - followed by a professionally run firework display, choreographed to music. There will be a host of food and drink stands raising money for the stallholders' own good causes. The event is being held in the beautiful grounds of Cuckfield Park, courtesy of the Mayou family with gates opening 5.30pm, bonfire lit 6.45pm and fireworks to music at 7.30pm. Admission: £8 adults, £5 under-16s and under-fours free, on-site parking £2.
Robin Hood Bonfire Night - 3 November
Main Road, Icklesham
Formed in 1997, the Robin Hood Bonfire Society was created by the owners of the Robin Hood public house in Icklesham, to organise a fun night and to raise funds for the local community. Now in their 22nd year they are very proud of the family-friendly reputation they have developed. The procession will start at approximately 5.30pm with fireworks to follow at 6.30pm.
Petworth Literary Festival Week - 26 October-3 November
Various venues
The annual festival will see more than 30 events taking place across four venues with speakers including Hugh Bonneville, James Naughtie, Prue Leith OBE, Jenni Murray, George Alagiah and David Suchet. Politics will of course feature prominently with journalists Steve Richards and Charles Moore reflecting on recent residents of 10 Downing Street, whilst Labour MP Rachel Reeves and former parliamentarian Tristram Hunt will doubtless also be drawn on current affairs.
Lewes Bonfire Night Celebrations - 5 November
The famous carnival or festival is known as the Lewes Bonfire Night Celebrations, Lewes Bonfire Night or just simply the Fifth. It is the biggest and the only proper bonfire night celebration left of its kind in the UK. This is not one celebration as such, there are in fact six separate Lewes Bonfire Societies all celebrating the Fifth in various parts of the town, all with their own processions, traditions, costumes, fire sites and fireworks. Car parks and on-street parking fill up very very early and roads will be closed all night around the town starting from about 2pm so arrive early and wrap up warm, and bring plenty of change for the charity boxes. Tickets for each society's events can be found on their websites, or by visiting the Lewes Tourist Information Centre. All tickets must be purchased in advance.
www.lewesbonfirecelebrations.com
Deer Rut Guided Walk at Petworth - 7 November
Petworth House and Park
Discover more about the annual deer rut in the lands surrounding Petworth House on this two-hour guided walk. There will be an element of hiding and remaining silent, so this is not suitable for young children.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house-and-park
1950s Charity Ball - 9 November
Hilton Avisford Park, Walberton
Go back to the 1950s at a charity ball you won't forget, organised by and in aid of the DM Thomas Foundation for Young People. Arrive from 7pm dressed in your best black tie attire (1950s-themed if possible) for a delicious four-course meal plus half a bottle of wine per person then enjoy a night of entertainment, casino tables, band and DJ. Tickets: £55 per person or £500 for a table of ten
For further details or to buy tickets please call 01243 558306 or email philippa.redwood@hilton.com
Winter Craft and Gift Fair - 9-10 November
Michelham Priory, Hailsham
Festive fun and tasty treats with dozens of stalls, decorations and music in the beautiful setting. Get all your Christmas shopping done in one go and have a magical start to the festive season. Father Christmas will also be welcoming visitors to his grotto (additional charges apply) so make sure to be on your best behaviour. Admission: £7 adults, £6 students/seniors, £4 children over five, (under-fives go free).
The #homes4homeless Anniversary Gala - 17 November
Glyndebourne Opera House
This year Homelink is celebrating 20 years of helping people into housing and to mark this birthday and to show support for the charity's vital work in the community Glyndebourne Opera House has offered its world-class venue for a Homelink 20th Anniversary Gala Concert. The event will be a huge celebration of Sussex talent involving soloists, groups, choirs and dance from classical to contemporary. Acts will represent all ages and social backgrounds, from Glyndebourne greats to upcoming young performers. The gala will be also attended by a number of high-profile guest presenters who each have a personal connection with Sussex including Eddie Izzard, Steve Coogan, Zoe Lyons, Katie Derham, Toby Stephens, Sophie Okonedo and Simon Fanshawe. Tickets range from £30-70.
Glow Wild 2019 - 21 November-22 December
Wakehurst
Now in its sixth year the enchanting winter lantern trail for all ages takes place once again at Wakehurst gardens. Trees, ponds and landscapes
will be brought to life with hundreds of glowing lanterns, torches of fire and projections. Glimpse the tallest living Christmas tree in the UK decorated with 1,800 lights, and experience the evocative sounds of the nocturnal world and atmospheric soundscapes.
Pick up a hand-held lantern at the start of your journey and encounter magical installations along the way that have been created by a range of artists and inspired by the beautiful Wakehurst landscape.
Battle Christmas Lights Switch-On - 30 November
Father Christmas is coming to town on his sleigh and will form a procession down the High Street to Abbey Green at 1.45pm. He will then head to his magical grotto to meet the children. Later, the ceremonial switching on of the traditional Christmas lights will take place from 5pm.
Hastings Herring Fair - 23-24 November
The Stade, Hastings
Come and enjoy Hasting's own sea shanty-fuelled festival where you can discover more about the undervalued but versatile fish, the herring. Celebrating the Silver Darlings of the sea, Hastings Herring Fair will combine food stalls and cookery demonstrations with live music, and local beers, wines and ciders - all inside a marquee on the Stade (adjacent to the fishing beach and the Hastings Contemporary art gallery).
Call 1424 451111 for more information
