Places to Visit

PLACES to VISIT in & Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft, Ditchling, exhibitions of the works of Around BRIGHTON craftspeople and artists who were drawn to the village; children activity sheet inspired by the exhibition can be download (BYO pencil only), U16yrs free, 01273 844744 Easthill Park, Portslade, walks, café, walled garden, playground, football pitch, half basketball court, picnic areas, wild gym, 01273 292929 Globalls, Brighton Marina, Brighton’s very own 12-hole indoor ultraviolet crazy golf courses. Based on a Jurassic or Tropicana theme, players can enjoy putting amongst wonderful life size neon glowing sculptures and Swimming & Scuba (cont.) St Luke’s Swimming Pool, BN2 9ZE, lessons, lane swimming & fun sessions, 01273 602385 Swim UK, discounted swimming lessons (teachers in training, 01273 434400 Swim UK, swimming teacher training & coaching, 16yrs+, 01273 434400 Dyke Park Tennis Club, memberships, after school & holiday coaching, 5yrs+, 07561 213064 Grasshoppers Lawn Tennis Club, The Drive, Hove, junior & family memberships, 01273 771934 King Alfred Tennis Club, Kingsway, Hove, junior membership fees, admin@kingalfredtennishove.co.uk Kingsway Tennis Courts, to pay & play, contact, 01273 292704 Booth Museum of Natural History, Dyke Road, quirky celebration of natural history including magnificent display of stuffed birds, butterflies & fossils, closed until Jan 2021, 03000 290901 Breeze Buses no 77, weekends & bank holidays from the Palace Pier to Devil’s Dyke; once there take a walk to Poynings (2 miles), Upper Beeding (5 miles) and catch the 2A bus back, or Patcham (3 miles) and catch the 5A bus back, 01273 292480 Brighton Cycle Hire located underneath Brighton railway station, vivid wall art. Fully air-conditioned, perfect for any day of the year, Dinosaurs do Christmas at Globalls (Nov 20-Jan 21), 01273 911510 Hove Lagoon, located on the seafront, with enclosed playground, beach café and picnic tables, 01273 290290 Hove Museum and Art Gallery, New Church Road, toys, cinema, local history and fine art, children’s activities, admission free; closed until Jan 2021, 01273 290200 Hove Park, the Fingermaze (eastern edge of he park) is a giant fingerprint which incorporates a Cretan labyrinth The Little Swim School, Brighton, preschool swimming & water safety, 1-5yrs, 01273 207992 Pavilion & Avenue Tennis Club, Hove, coaching squads & camps, 3yrs+ all levels, 01273 506087 bikes with child seats and benches can be rented, map and bike locks provided, 01273 571555 within its whirling design; playground, football pitches, tennis/basketball court, climbing rock, table tennis Wadurs Swimming Pool, 5 lane 25m x 10m swimming pool, Shoreham, 01273 238000 Water Babies, swimming classes in & around Brighton & Mid Sussex 7 days a week, 0-4yrs, 01273 552454 WetWetWet Swim School, tuition for all abilities: Brighton, Hove & Patcham venues, 01273 388247 Table Tennis Preston Tennis Club, Preston Drove, Brighton, junior coaching & tournaments, 01273 505731 Saltdean Tennis Club, junior memberships, coaching & holiday courses, 01273 305684 Tennis Tigers, Preston Park, 4-16yrs, w/ends; holiday camps, school clubs, curriculum coaching, 07531 879404 Virgin Active Brighton Health & Brighton Fishing Museum, Kings Road Arches, 27′ traditional Sussex fishing boat, historic memorabilia, free, 07786 396179 Brighton Karting at QLeisure, Albourne, 800 metres of pure adrenaline, 01273 834403 Brighton Marina BN2 5WA; shops, restaurants, bars, cafés, bowling, cinema, fitness, mini-golf, boat trips, outdoor ping pong & chess tables, tables, trim trail & café. Hollywood Bowl Brighton, Brighton Marina, 26 state-of-the-art bowling lanes, four VIP Lanes for the ultimate bowling experience, fantastic food and drinks in the Hollywood Diner and super stylish bar and an awesome amusements area, 0844 477 0484 Kings Road Playground, west of the West Pier, lovely playground, castles & toys, plus sand, 01273 290290 Brighton Table Tennis Club Juniors, Racquet Club, Falmer, kids’ coaching 01273 693636 Middleton Common Farm, Ditchling, The Fitzherbert Centre, Kemptown, without membership, 01273 013030 Brighton Museum and Art Gallery free flying butterflies from all over 5yrs+, 01273 670145 Withdean Sports Complex, Tennis Royal Pavilion, history of Brighton, the world inside a 300 square foot Hollingbury Table Tennis Club, Bevendean Primary School, 8yrs+, juniors Mon, 07967 316766 Moulsecoomb Community Leisure Centre, casual bookings, 01273 622266 Academy, indoor & outdoor tennis courts, holiday courses, 2-15yrs, 01273 542100 Urban Sports Urban Arts Academy, Hove, Flips & Tricks, open gym, Parkour, pottery, fashion and style, 01273 290900 Brighton Palace Pier rides, amusement arcades, indoor Palace Play area with a height restriction of 0.9m – 1.8m plus toddler area for under 0.9m, food outlets and polytunnel, 07531 922318 Paradise Park, Newhaven, planet Earth museum, Dinosaur Safari, Paradise Gardens including mini Sussex models and gardens, Plant House and Local Maritime Museum, Play Zone including miniature train Portslade Sports Centre, casual breakdance, 07518 919020 souvenirs, 01273 609361 and crazy golf. Open daily 9am-6pm, bookings, 01273 411100 Yoga Brighton Toy and Model Museum, 01273 512123 Tennis Badgers Tennis Club, Church Place, Kemptown, junior coaching & holiday camps, 6yrs+, 07805 649342 Brighton & Hove Tennis, Sat am Funky Yoga, Hanover & Hove, girls 10-15yrs & family yoga, 07812 578181 Kids Yoga with Iona, story-based yoga sessions in Brighton, Hove, Lewes for under 5s, 07452 961321 Trafalgar Street, over 10,000 toys and models, including two working model railways, 01273 749494 British Airways i360, passenger viewing pod climbing to 138m, stunning views of the Sussex Peacehaven Big Park, skate park, playgrounds, natural play spaces, climbing wall, café, footpaths and links to the South Downs. Peter Pan Park, Madeira Drive, seafront adventure playground for 4-12yrs, Sports Direct Fitness Hove; LoveLightYoga, Port Hall Avenue coastline for up to 26 miles, younger children with slides, climbing holiday camps, 07971 101507 BN1 5PL, kids & family yoga, 03337 720 360 apparatus, an open-air café. David Ince Tennis, St Ann’s Well 2-5yrs, 07903 572518 Phileas Fogg's World of Adventures, Gardens, Hove, tots tennis(3yrs) to Unity Studio, 130 Lewes Rd BN2 Sussex House, Brighton BN1 8AF, adults session, 07900 410123 3LG, Yoga for all, 01273 778400 immersive theatre experience; with your actor guide, your team

ADVERTISING IN THE FAMILY GRAPEVINE has to beat the clock and win stars completing a number of challenges to

FREE package of online promotion with all paid print advertising: unlock the next zone; the experience is designed with a pantomime • PREMIUM listing on our website & homepage carousel tone & easier challenges for the • Hyperlink to your website from the online directory younger participants (adult support recommended for U7yrs); new VR • Your press releases / editorial /events on the Family Escape Room (12yrs+); A Christmas • Grapevine website Social media promotion on Facebook & Instagram Devil’s Dyke, Poynings, longest, deepest and widest ‘dry valley’ in the Carol & Elf Pantomime Experiences in December, 01273 007799 Preston Park Brighton, largest urban Contact: bettina@thefamilygrapevine.co.uk UK, see the remaining of the ramparts or walls of the Iron Age hill fort & park in the city with playground, sports pitches, basketball courts and cycle 01444 443068 Victorian funfair just a few minutes from the car park, 01273 857712 velodrome, large rockery, walled garden and two cafés, 01273 292929

20 www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/brighton-hove

Queens Park, Brighton, wildlife garden planted by a local herbalist, grade two listed clock tower built in 1915 from Redbrick and Portland stone, playground, tennis courts & café, 01273 292929 Royal Pavilion, Brighton, remarkable for its exotic palace built for King George IV; download and print a trail that children can follow and complete during their visit (BYO pencil, pens not permitted inside the palace), 03000 290900 South Downs National Park and South Downs Way, including Ditchling Beacon, which is the second highest point on the Downs, spectacular views across the Weald. Stoneham Park, Hove, play areas, sandpit, The Snug Café, football pitch and basketball court. 01273 292929 Stanmer Park, Falmer off the A270, landscaped park, walks and two football pitches. St Ann’s Well Gardens, close to Hove seafront, playground, tennis courts, orienteering and café, unique garden wide range of native and exotic trees, wildlife, scented garden for the visually impaired, 01273 290000 The Level, Central Brighton, playground with play opportunities for children of all ages and abilities, including those in wheelchairs, petanque terrain, skate park, table tennis tables, sensory gardens & café. Undercliff Walk just over 5km from Brighton Marina to Saltdean, used by cyclists and pedestrians. Occasionally very wet when the waves come over the seawall! Upside Down House, Kings Road Arches, museum of illusions including a variety of designed rooms in a luxurious beach house, seasonal decoration, 07761 802281 (see competition p.23) Yellowave Beach Sports, Madeira Drive, beach volleyball, beach soccer, tag rugby, clubhouse for hire and private parties, 6yrs+, 01273 672222 PLACES TO VISIT FURTHER AFIELD

1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield, Battle, English Heritage insight into the Battle of Hastings and 1066, abbey ruins & audio exhibition bringing the Norman Conquest to life, 01424 775705 or 01424 776787 Abbots Wood, on the A22 between Hailsham & Polegate, ancient woodland, lake with 2 circular walks & play area, 0300 0674880 Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre, Arundel, collection of listed buildings and monuments, many rescued from around Sussex, vintage vehicles, rural crafts & woodland walks, events throughout the year, 01798 831370

Arundel Castle and Gardens, Arundel, the seat of The Dukes of Norfolk, set in 40 acres of sweeping grounds and gardens, 01903 882173 Aldingbourne Trust Country Centre, Chichester, great value activities: woodland walks, open farm, mini tractors, crazy golf & café, 01243 542075 Ardingly Reservoir, n/r Haywards Heath, walks and limited cycling, pre-bookable watersports, 01444 892549 Arlington Resevoir & Osprey Trail, 2.5 miles walk & fishing. Ashdown Forest Centre, once a Norman deer hunting forest, now a largest free public access space and the ‘home’ of Winnie the Pooh, 01342 823583 Ashdown Forest, Pooh Sticks Bridge (Chuck Hatch car park) and Pooh Corner Shop, 01892 771155 Bateman’s National Trust House, Burwash, East Sussex, former home of Rudyard Kipling with gardens, walks, watermill & tea room, 01435 882302 Bedgebury Pinetum, Goudhurst. 2,000-acre forest for numerous walks, family cycling trails, mountain bike and dirt jump area, cycle hire, adventure play trail, café and Go Ape, 01580 879842 Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum, Halland, motor museum, adventure playground, visit the motor museum, woodland walk, winter opening most weekends & school holidays, 01825 840573 Blackberry Farm, Whitesmith n/r Lewes, family farm, soft play barn, playgrounds & café, 01825 872912 Black Cat Treasure Hunts, fun and affordable walking, cycling or driving treasure hunt routes around Sussex for families and groups, ready-to-use or personalised hunt. Bluebell Railway, steam-hauled trains between East Grinstead & Sheffield Park Station, SteamLights & Santa Specials, 01825 720800 Bodiam Castle National Trust, n/r Robertsbridge, East Sussex, story book castle; the exterior is virtually complete and the walls rise dramatically above the moat, explore and climb the spiral staircases, 01580 830196 Buchan Country Park, Crawley, great access for pushchairs and wheelchairs, picnic sites, wildlife, fishing, free parking. Cuckmere Valley, National Trust land, a haven for wildlife, High and Over hill, chalk horse and stunning views of the Seven Sisters & Cuckmere Valley, 01323 423197 Dunreyth Alpacas, n/r Chichester, book an Alpaca walking experience & visit the shop, 07766 252310 Drusillas Park, Alfriston Road just off the A27; zoo, interactive displays, adventure playgrounds, themed carousel rides, Christmas events, 01323 874100 Eastbourne Pier, Victorian pier, Eastbourne’s stunning seafront landmark is fully open for business with a new walkway, 01323 410466

WIN A FAMILY TICKET & A FARM ANIMAL KEEPER EXPERIENCE FOR 2 AT

During this wonderful session you will get close to the animals and even handle some of them! This is an enjoyable and unforgettable experience for families who want to spend some time with the Knockhatch animals and learn more about them. After your Farm Animal Keeper Experience you can all enjoy the rides and attractions at Knockhatch Adventure Park.

TO WIN this great prize, name one of the farm animals at Knockhatch. Enter your answer & details here: www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/ brighton-hove/competitions Closing date 27th December 2020 T & C apply, one entry per household

www.knockhatch.com

Fishbourne Roman Palace Fishbourne, Roman palace with the largest mosaics in situ in the UK, recreated formal gardens, 01243 785859 Fishers Farm Park, Wisborough n/r

Billingshurst, animals & adventure playgrounds, indoor soft play area for toddlers, 01403 700063

Friston Forest, Exceat, west of Eastbourne off the A259, walks, cycling, mountain biking, picnic tables, BBQs and children’s play area. Go Ape, Tilgate Park Crawley, the high ropes course features a tricky Tree Top Challenge and a gentler Tree Top Adventure, 01603 895500 Hampden Park Eastbourne, recreation facilities, children’s playground and BMX, skate facility, large lake and extensive area of seminatural woodland, path suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs & café, 01323 410000 Hastings Adventure Golf, Hastings Seafront, a complex of 3 x 18-hole miniature golf courses, providing facilities suitable for players of all ages; National Centre for Miniature Golf in the UK & home of the annual World Crazy Golf Championships. Open winter, weather permitting, 01424 437227 Herstmonceux Castle Gardens and Grounds, Hailsham, magnificent moated castle, beautiful parkland and superb Elizabethan gardens; can be combined with a visit to the Observatory Science Centre, 01323 833816 High Places The Triangle, Burgess Hill, 16 fun themed climbing walls towering over 20 feet high, 01444 876000 Horsham Park a haven of green spaces with ducks on the lake, colourful flowerbeds, a Sensory Garden and Human Nature Garden, large skate park & a great playground. Huxley’s Birds of Prey Centre at Hilliers Garden Centre, Horsham, bird of prey flying displays, gardens. Open on weekends in winter, 07761 695876 Knockhatch Adventure Park, Hailsham, animals, falconry, ‘Froggies’ indoor soft play, playbarn & outdoor playgrounds, keeper’s experience, 01323 442051 (see competition above) Michelham Priory Upper Dicker, near Hailsham, moated gardens, watermill and play area; seasonal events, 01323 844224 Middle Farm Firle n/r Lewes, open farm, playground & play hay barn, tea room & farm shop, 01323 811411 My Skateworld, Eastbourne, indoor roller-skating rink with daily discos, games, pool table, air hockey, café area, 01323 738288 National Cat Centre, Ashdown Forest, 2km nature trail, visitor centre with café & adoption centre, 01825 741330 Nymans House and Gardens (National Trust), Handcross,n/r Haywards Heath,natural play trail, lovely walks in the Millennium Wood, 01444 405250

& views of the Seven Sisters & Cuckmere Valley. Seven Sisters Country Park, Exceat, n/r Seaford: chalk cliffs, meandering, rock pooling, cycling to the beach and forest, canoeing, tea room & visitor centre, Sussex Wildlife Trust, 0345 6080193 Out of Bounds, Angmering, Clip ‘n’ Climb, bowling, soft play, footgolf, laser tag and adventure golf, 01903 788588 Petworth House and Park (National Trust) (for satnav use GU28 9LR), The Llama Park at Ashdown Forest, 30-acre park with llamas, alpacas, goats, reindeer and other animals and birds, plus café, playground and shop, 01825 712040 Tilgate Park, Crawley, outdoor play area, hedge maze, tea shop, woodland and lakeside walks, Go Ape, Golf Centre, Smith and Western restaurant & Nature Centre,

Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux, hands-on science and discovery with 100+ interactive exhibits both indoors and out, Wakehurst Gardens and Millennium Seed Bank, Ardingly, n/r Haywards Heath, ‘Kew in the Country’ botanic gardens, Kew’s Millennium Seed telescope tours, children’s & family Bank, walks, natural play spaces, workshops, 01323 832731 restaurant, café & gift shop. Glow Wild

Pulborough Brooks (RSPB), located Festival (Nov-Dec), 01444 894066 in the Arun Valley nature reserve, Weald and Downland Open Air includes plenty of nature-themed Museum, n/r Chichester, collection activities: bug hunting, den building, of historic buildings collected from bird watching, guided walks, café and around Sussex countryside; Tree shop, 01798 875851 Dressing 6th December, 10.30am,

Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare 01243 811348

Ringmer n/r Lewes, up to 1,000 Wilderness Wood Hadlow Down, animals, experiences include animal n/r Uckfield, working woodlands for carer for the day and sensory safari, walking, children’s activities, café and café & visitor centre, 01825 840252 shop, choose your own Christmas

Tulleys Farm n/r Crawley, small tree, open Wed–Sun, 01825 830509 collection of goats/rabbits & birds, tea Wings Museum, Bucklands Farm, room, Escape Rooms settings,special Balcombe, WW2 remembrance seasonal events, 01342 718472 museum with a fascinating insight

Washbrooks Family Farm, into life in WW2, variety of themed

Hurstpierpoint, family farm, tractor displays of original memorabilia, rides, indoor and outdoor play areas & 07769 688064 tea rooms, 01273 832201 Seaford Head Local Nature Reserve, Soft Play & cliffs, downland, grassland and a shingle beach & wildlife. Walks Role Play Centres

01293 521168 late 17th-century mansion, set in a 'Froggies' at Knockhatch Adventure beautiful deer park, landscaped by Park, off A22 at Hailsham, all ages

‘Capability’ Brown and immortalised in with U3yrs toddler area, Lost World

Turner’s paintings, family multimedia guide and trails; Father Christmas Afternoon Tea, Sat/Sun, 28 Nov-20 playbarn, 01323 442051 (see competition p.21)

Dec, 01798 342207 Funplex, Bevendean BN2 4JE, indoor

Sheffield Park and Garden (National Trust), informal landscape garden laid softplay adventure centre and laser tag parties, 01273 957898 out in the 18th century by ‘Capability’ JumpIn Inflatable Fun 5-7 Jubilee

Brown, walks and woodland play trail, Road, Burgess Hill, all ages welcome, 01825 790231 soft play and parties, special toddlers

South Downs Planetarium and sessions,01444 241595

Science Centre, Chichester, Palace Play, Palace Pier, up to 13yrs, experience the magic of the night toddlers area, 01273 609361 sky with expert live commentary by Monkey Bizness, Lewes BN8 6JL, a professional astronomer, full dome maze of play frames up to 12yrs, shows feature stunning immersive dedicated toddler area, 01273 311566 video and breathtaking images, 01243 774400 Out of Bounds, Angmering, Clip ‘n’ Climb, bowling, soft play, footgolf,

Southwater Country Park, south of Horsham, located next to the Downs Link off-road trail, stroll around to the laser tag and adventure golf, 01903 788588

Dinosaur Island playground or hire Play Time, Hope Hive, Worthing, bikes, 01403 734424 children’s role play centre offering fun

Tangmere Military Aviation Museum, n/r Chichester, home to an impressive display of historic aircraft, unique and stimulating role play for young children to grow their imagination and creativity, 07861 338324 collection of aviation memorabilia, Sharky’s Soft Play, Henfield interactive displays & several aircraft Leisure Centre, for children up to simulators, closed until 31 Jan 2021, 12yrs, sibling discount available, 01243 790090 01273 494984

2222 www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/brighton-hove You will find lots more Places to Visit & Events across Sussex on our website!

NOVEMBER

November - January TBC

Royal Pavilion Ice Ring*, stunning child friendly ice-skating. Not yet confirmed, please check online.

November - January TBC Dinosaurs do Christmas at

Globalls*, Brighton Marina, see Triceratops in charge of Santa's sleigh while playing a 12-hole with UV Gingerbread people, Snowman, Reindeer, Nutcracker and other wonderful models and artwork. Check social media or website for the latest update.

7-8 November Historic Life Weekend - Fire & Light*, Weald & Downland Living

Museum, learn how historic homes were heated and lit, light a fire with a flint and steel, learn about woodland management, and how to cook on an open fire, 11am-4pm

12 & 20 November Short Stories, Tall Tales: The Big

Top*, Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham; storytelling for babies, toddlers & parents. Actress and mum Hannah Summers brings classic and modern stories to life through live performance and interactive, creative play. Adventure into stories, explore through the senses and let your little ones’ imaginations run free. 0-4 years. Duration 45mins, 11.30am/1.30pm.

14 November - 5 January

Bluebell Railway SteamLights*, magical evening with the winter nights lit up with thousands of colourful lights through the countryside, Sheffield Park Station, 01825 720800

21-22 November

Winter Fair*, South of England Showground, join the festive entertainment, music, food & perfect opportunity to get the Christmas preparations sorted whilst enjoying a festive family day out, 11am-4pm.

21 November - 23 December

Christmas at Drusillas*, Alfriston, experience the winter magic first-hand this year! Visit Santa Claus' Grotto* in his cosy Christmas Cottage, meet our lovable husky dogs in the husky ice cave. Open daily 10am-5pm.

23 November - 3 January Winter Wonderland at Upside Down

House*, Brighton Seafront, immerge in an upside down house with a snowy festive setting, with colourful lights, you might even see Father Christmas. Open daily, 10am-8pm (9pm on Sat. & Bank Holidays). (see competition)

26 November - 30 December (selected days)

Glow Wild*, Wakehurst Place, Ardingly, a spellbinding winter lantern trail for all ages; glowing lanterns, mesmerising projections, immersive soundscapes, and glistening torches of fire. Entry time slots every 20 minutes between 4.30pm and 8.10pm, gardens close at 10pm.

27 November My first cinema presents ZOGG* at

Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham A keen but accident-prone little dragon called Zog goes to Dragon School to learn to become a grown-up dragon; U18mth free, 25min, 11am.

28 November - 24 December Bluebell Railway Special Santa

2020*, Sheffield Park Station, get in the mood for Christmas, visit Santa, collect a present from his workshop, browse through the Christmas market.

DECEMBER

December TBC

Knochhatch Adventure Park*, Hailsham, Father Christmas, check website nearer to the time. (see competition p.21) Christmas at Michelham Priory, nr Halsham, Christmas related events, check website nearer to the time.

Christmas festive trail at

Washbrook Farm*, Hurstpierpoint

1-21 December Burning the Clocks (BTC) Lantern

Trail, due to the current pandemic an alternative marking of the winter solstice will take place this year; a set of iconic lanterns will be displayed in 12 of Brighton’s independent shop windows, celebrating the 12 key aspects of the much loved Burning the Clocks event (fireworks/samba/ dancing) & forming a trail to follow through Brighton’s centre. Get a BTC lantern pack to make and hang in your window to mark the winter solstice on 21st December, all proceeds will go to support the future of BTC in these uncertain times.

5-20 December (weekends)

Christmas at Amberley Museum*, near Arundel, magical Christmas experience, with extra activities taking place around the museum, seasonal menu at the café, gifts shop from the museum shop and Christmas stalls. They are also working with Father Christmas to ensure he can visit the museum safely this year.

5-24 December Phileas Fogg's World of Adventures Christmas Special:

A Christmas Carol*, a journey to a Dickensian time - London 100 years ago; actors will adapt their individual performances for your groups requirements. Elf Pantomime*, meet Pantomime characters along the way & Father Christmas himself at the end.

5-25 December Dear Santa*, Chichester Festival

Youth Theatre, by the creator of Dear Zoo; Santa is determined to deliver the Christmas present to little hero, Sarah, but he doesn’t get it right straight away! With the help of his cheeky Elf, he finally settles on something ‘perfect’, just in time for Christmas Eve. A perfect introduction to theatre for ages 2 – 7.

6 December

Saltdean Beach Clean, hosted by The Deans Beach & Environment Volunteers, BYO bin bag, gloves & picker, 11am-1pm.

6 December Tree Dressing*, Weald & Downland

Living Museum, takes place during National Tree Week and is based on an ancient custom that celebrates the life-giving properties of trees, with its origins in the Green Man legends and other ancient customs; visitors can enjoy (join in with) traditional songs, dances and plays celebrating trees and the natural world. Hands on activities TBC.

8-24 December Christmas Season at the Brighton

Open Air Theatre (BOAT), wrap up warm, grab a hot drink, and enjoy this socially-distanced festive treat: The Snow Queen*, a funny, magic and full of surprises, this new modern adaptation of The Snow Queen is a perfect family Christmas adventure, 2yrs+, 5pm/2pm Sun. (see advert p.3 & competition p.15)

Hansel and Gretel (A Postmodern

Pantomime)*, Bill and Toni have just met and fallen head-over-heels for each other. Problem is, they’ve met on stage, and Bill’s been plucked from the audience to play Hansel…, 8yrs+, 7.30pm/4.30pm Sun. (see advert p.3)

11-20 December (Fri-Sun) Father Christmas' Grotto* at

Yellowave, Madeira Drive; meet Father Christmas, receive a present, craft a Christmas tree decoration and create a wildlife friendly reindeer food! Book online or 01273 672222

11-31 December Oh Yes It is...! A Family Christmas Adventure*, Ropetackle Arts

Centre, Shoreham; specially written for these extraordinary times, a social distanced pantomime, staring seasoned panto pros Joe Meloy & Oliver Byng, same team that has made the magic happen at Ropetackle for the last eight years! (approx. 90 mins, inc. interval) (see competition p.11)

12-31 December Pinocchio*, Chichester Festival

Youth Theatre, a brand new version of this classic tale about the wooden boy whose nose gets longer with every lie he tells, relaxed performance on 28 Dec. at 4pm. 7yrs+. 2021

30 January Burgess Hill Girls Live Virtual Open

Day*, whole School and Nursery, 2-3.30pm. (see advert p.12)

15 February Long Nose Puppets: The HUG*,

Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham, heart-warming and funny story starring a Hedgehog & a Tortoise, in search of a restorative hug.

24-25 April

Spring Live 2021*, South of England Showground, to celebrate the arrival of the new season, and providing the perfect opportunity to get outside, & enjoy a fantastic family day out, 11am-5pm. (see competition p.7)

1-3 May Brighton Foodies Festival 2021*,

Hove Lawns, biggest celebration yet of top chefs, tasty food, delicious drinks and live music & new extended Kids Zone with Kids Cookery theatre, kids U12 free, 11am-9pm/6pm Sun.

28-31 May Elderflower Fields 2021*, Pippingford Park,

n/r Forest Row; family festival, packed full of music, sports, nature & the arts, all set in the beautiful countryside.

For the latest update on 'What's on' Check our website www.thefamilygrapevine.co.uk/brighton-hove/events/