5 great things for Brighton families to do over Easter weekend

An article by Claire Jones-Hughes    1 Comment

1. Head out to the farm

Spring Barn Farm on Kingston Road in Lewes is flinging its gates open throughout the Easter weekend between the hours of 9 and 5:30. What better place is there for the kids to take part in an Easter Egg Hunt than on a real farm? When the chase is over be sure to ask to see the farm’s new-born lambs; lambing season should be in full-swing come Easter. Find out more information about booking family tickets at http://www.springbarnfarm.com/

2. Make some marmite popcorn

Brighton and Hove Food & Drink Festival begins on 6^th April and continues on 7^th April. Get up early, it starts at 10:15 a.m., and take advantage of the free entry – there is so much there for kids and adults to do.

For adults, there’s a dedicated Sussex Beer Bar on New Road showcasing lovely local ales and ciders, a Sussex Wine Bar on Jubilee Street and a Bloody Mary Mix-Off.

Children can enjoy live food demos on Saturday at the Corn Exchange when Katie Elfer from Cook-a-Doodle-Doo will be conducting a popcorn-making master-class. This is the time for budding young chefs to find out all about the dark arts of making marmite-and-cheese popcorn; you’ll either love it or hate it!

Find out more information at: http://www.brightonfoodfestival.com/

3. Star in a play in a swimming pool theatre

The Prince Regent will host theatre with a difference on Easter Saturday – budding young actors, instead of treading the boards of a stage, will tread water as they take on the roles of characters in a very special show. Expect to see a giant ‘Grandmother Turtle’ become a vital stage prop set amid some synchronised swimmers with magnificent costumes. Children under eight will have to be accompanied by an adult swimmer.

More information can be found here.

4. Hunt Easter Eggs at Preston Park

This is one event where the organisers (the Friends of Preston Park) will be hoping for cool weather. Last year’s inaugural egg hunt took place under very warm and sunny skies – not the ideal conditions for preventing chocolate from melting.

This year’s egg hunt takes place on Sunday 8^th April from 11am to 3pm – roll up at the marquee next to the children’s playground to await starter’s orders. Young participants will be asked to look for Easter eggs while completing a question sheet about the park’s wildlife, trees and plants – an educational way of earning treats.

5. Easter Bonnet Parade

This event proved to be very popular in 2011 when the Mayor judged which parade people were sporting the best bonnets. It normally takes place in the early afternoon in Western Street (not to be confused with West Street!) on Easter Sunday.

No details of this year’s event have been released yet but I think it’s safe to start making your bonnets now – this is such a popular parade that it is bound to be held again this year. You can blame me if it isn’t!

The Grovesnor Bar help organise the event, so keep an eye on their website for details.

James Christie writes for kids crafts company Baker Ross.

Take a look at Baker Ross’s range of Easter Craft Ideas for further inspiration