Eastlife Spring 2020

LIFESTYLE
Pop ups, concerts, country shows, arts and more, the region’s
social calendar is bursting. Whatever you’re into there’s a
day out to put a smile on your face. Don’t miss out on these
spring events to ease you into festival season…
Frühlingsfest Ipswich 2020, 21 March
Think Octoberfest but with spring sunshine. Taking place
at Christchurch Park, celebrate the best of German beer
alongside live music and traditional street food.
The Old Leigh Real Ale, Craft Beer
and Cider Festival, 26-30 March
Blow away the cobwebs with a coastal walk finished with a
craft beer and cockles. The Peterboat in Leigh on Sea will be
hosting its annual drinks festival. The pub sprawls out along
the estuary offering indoor and heated outdoor dining year
round. Wrap up warm, grab a drink and pull up a seat at a
table overlooking the water. This pub is busy year round, so
expect to elbow your way to the bar for this event – it will be
worth it! www.the-peterboat.eastangliapubs.com
Hertford Arts Festival, 5 April – 5 May
The month long programme brings culture and community
together with pop up exhibitions and art displays, Hertford
Theatre Week and craft markets.
www.hertford.gov.uk/events/hertford-arts-festival-526
Spring Cambridge Literary Festival,
16-19 April
Stimulate your mind and creativity with a host of talks and
readings at multiple venues across the city. Join in thoughtprovoking
discussions led by international and local authors,
editors and philosophers on topics such as morality and
climate change.
www.cambridgeliteraryfestival.com
East Anglian Game and Country Fair,
25-26 April
Held annually at Euston Estate, the fair is loved by all. Wander
the grounds and discover adrenaline filled arena displays,
dog shows, forestry, equestrian workshops, cookery
demonstrations and live music. There’s the opportunity to
get involved with country pursuits and little ones are kept
entertained with animals and activities. Tickets start from £15
for adults, £6 for children.
www.ukgamefair.co.uk
Ely Eel Day, 8 May
A weekend of heritage celebrations begins in Ely with Eel
Day. The colourful parade departs at 10.30am, followed
by a day of eel inspired activities including the World Eel
Throwing Competition (don’t worry, it’s just stuffed toys),
live music, Morris dancing and more. Foodies should take
up the Eel Food Safari where restaurants, cafes and other
establishments will be serving up creative eel inspired dishes.
www.elyeelfestival.co.uk
Ely Food and Drink Festival, 9-10 May
A firm favourite among locals, the festival celebrates the
region’s produce bringing together over 75 artisan food
and drink traders on the Palace Green. Taste winning
combinations of street food, take home tasty treats and pick
up top tips from celebrity chefs.
www.elyeelfestival.co.uk/foodanddrink
Norwich & Norfolk Festival, 8-24 May
The county’s biggest annual event sees talented artists,
musicians and performers come together for 17 days of
dazzling events. There’s something for everyone; music,
acrobatics, theatre, comedy and more. New acts for 2020
include John Grant at the Great Yarmouth Hippodrome on
Friday 8 May, Kandace Springs will play St Andrew’s Hall on
Tuesday 12 May and Frozen Light will perform at The Garage
from Tuesday 12 to Saturday 16 May. Tickets are reasonably
priced from £7.50 to £24.
www.nnfestival.org.uk
Suffolk Walking Festival, 9-31 May
Visit Suffolk and enjoy one of Britain’s biggest and longest
running walking festivals. This three-week event continues to
grow with over 120 guided walks, family friendly and fringe
events at Suffolk’s iconic and spectacular locations. With
so much more to do than just walking, there is something
for everyone. Events include visits to the mysterious Orford
Ness, walks with a sheepdog, trips on a Thames barge down
the River Orwell, cruises along the River Stour, photography
and art workshops and a twilight safari. Discover the Romans
and Normans, military history walks from the Island of Secrets
on Orford Ness, Naval Heritage in Shotley, and the Cold War
Walk at Bentwaters! Plus there’s a brand new Challenge Walk
over five days from 16-20 May. Tickets available from
1 March via www.suffolkwalkingfestival.co.uk
Bury Festival, 15-24 May
The festival will bring world-class culture and entertainment
to the vibrant Suffolk town across 11 days. Featuring over 50
events across 13 venues, the festival will take in some great
music, song, dance, comedy, film and other art forms with
top performances by both international and local artists. The
programme also includes guided walks, exhibitions and an
array of family events.
www.buryfestival.co.uk
Duxford Air Festival, 23-24 May
A show loved by all. Watch as the skies come alive with
fast-flying and aerobatics. There’s fun in the air and on the
ground with entertainment for families, flying fans and first
time visitors.
www.iwm.org.uk/airshows/duxford-air-festival
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