WHAT’S ON...

A brief snapshot of art and culture in Sussex and Surrey

CHILDREN’S EVENT BODIAM’S MEDIEVAL FAIR

Bodiam

Throughout the summer holidays visit Bodiam Castle’s Medieval Fair for family fun. Follow the Castle and the King Built trail to discover masons, minstrels and kings. Join in with medieval games and activities over the summer holidays. Weave your way around a mini jousting challenge, create your own mini-castle in the sandpit or see if you can hit the target in soft play archery.

Bodiam Castle, near Robertsbridge

All summer www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/ bodiam-castle

Bates Green Garden

Arlington

An RHS Partner Garden, being a naturalist garden in a rural setting provides a peaceful space to relax and appreciate the selection of unusual plants including mature trees and shrubs. The garden is divided into three areas offering a sensory experience with plants providing colour, scent and texture in all seasons.

Bates Green Garden, Arlington nr Hailsham

Every Wednesday www.batesgreengarden.co.uk

Rock Follies

Chichester

Before the Spice Girls, Sugababes and The Saturdays…

It’s the 1970s and feminism is on the rise. Fed up with the male-dominated entertainment industry, Anna, Dee and Q take the future into their own hands and form a rock band. Can principles and ambition co-exist? And can their friendship survive in the dog-eat-dog world of rock?

Chichester Festival Theatre, Chichester

July 24th - August 16th www.cft.org.uk/events/rock-follies

JO WHILEY’S 90s ANTHEMS

Bexhill

After selling out the De La Warr in 2022, Jo Whiley returns with some special guests to bring you more of the best tracks from the greatest decade for music. Think Blur vs Oasis, Fatboy Slim, Primal Scream, The Verve, The Chemical Brothers, Faithless, The Prodigy – and a whole lot more.

De La Warr Pavilion

July 15th www.dlwp.com/event/jo-whiley

Open Air Opera La Boh Me

Borde Hill

Opera Brava presents La Bohème by Puccini, performed with a chamber ensemble against the magical backdrop of the Elizabethan Mansion House. Set in Paris in the 1830s among a group of impoverished Bohemians, the opera centres around the tragic love affair between the seamstress Mimi and Rodolfo, a poet. The international cast are sensational and bring out the heart of Puccini’s magnificent score.

Borde Hill Gardens, nr Haywards Heath

July 21st https://bordehill.co.uk/events/la-boheme

The Madness Of George Iii

Brighton

Alan Bennett’s play is both touching and superbly funny. Bring your picnic and marvel at the machinations of politicians, the pretensions of The Prince Regent, the ridiculous prescriptions of the doctors, and the remarkable intervention of the formidable Dr Willis. And raise a glass to the devoted love of Mr and Mrs King!

Brighton Open Air Theatre

July 12th-15th www.brightonopenairtheatre.co.uk/ event/the-madness-of-george-iii

Petworth Summer Festival

Petworth

Immerse yourself in culture at the prestigious Petworth Festival which hosts first-class artists from around the world every July.

Performers include Tenebrae, Jess Gillam, Clive Anderson, The Manfreds, Shakatak, The Jive Aces and Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangash with Jennifer Pike plus family theatre, live talks and much more.

Market Square House, Petworth

July 11th-29th www.petworthfestival.org.uk

Dynamic’s Motoring Editor, FIONA SHAFER, MD of MDHUB interviews long-term MDHUB member Barney Dines, CEO of Heritage Parts Centre in Shoreham-by-Sea