Your Weekly Local Newsletter on everything going on in Horsham District
Thursday, 23rd April 2026
Hello everyone,
Welcome back, and excited to kick off our 2nd edition of this local community newsletter. Spring is well and truly here, and with the sun finally making more regular appearances, there really is no better time to get out and enjoy everything our wonderful district has to offer. Whether you're looking for a night out with live music, a gentle stroll through some glorious gardens to see some bluebells, or a browse around a local market, we've got something for everyone this week.
From free outdoor performances on the Carfax Bandstand to a vegan market in the town centre, and all the way out to the stunning grounds of Nymans in Handcross, it's shaping up to be a cracking week across the district. Scroll down for the full rundown of what's on between 23rd and 30th April, and as always, do share this newsletter with a friend or neighbour who might fancy joining you! 🌸
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📰Digest
🗳️ Don't Forget to Register to Vote – Elections are coming to Horsham District on Thursday 7th May, covering West Sussex County Council, Horsham Parish Council and a District by-election in the Itchingfield, Slinfold and Warnham ward. Make sure you're registered in time. Read more
Your New Food Waste Bin - Horsham District Council has rolled out its new food waste recycling service across the district. If you've spotted the orange-lidded grey boxes on collection day, that's your cue to get involved. Read more.
Time to Think About Garden Waste – Spring is in full swing, and the garden trimmings are piling up. If you don't already have a brown bin, now's a great time to sign one up. Read more.
Local Plan hearings underway — Horsham District's housing Local Plan examination reopened this week, with hearings running from Tuesday 21 through Friday 24 April. Stage One focuses on housing requirements for the district through to 2040. The outcomes will shape where and how the district grows. Read more.
🏡Local Business Spotlight
If you're looking for your kitchen to stand out, look no further than Sussex Stoneworks. Find them right on Hurstpierpoint's high street, where this family of specialists in granite, marble, and quartz installation have been helping local homeowners elevate their spaces since opening in 2021. Visit their showroom or head to sussexstoneworks.co.uk to find out more.
🗓️ What’s Happening
Events are subject to change. Please confirm details with the host.
🐻 Three Cheers for Pooh! Centenary Exhibition & Story Trail – Nymans 📅 Thursday 23 – Thursday 30 April | 📍 Nymans, Handcross, near Haywards Heath A charming Winnie-the-Pooh centenary trail pairing A.A. Milne's words with E.H. Shepard's iconic illustrations — perfect for little ones. 🔗 Read more.
🌱 Piries Place Vegan Market 📅 Saturday 25 April | ⏰ 9:30am–3:30pm | 📍 Piries Place, Horsham | 💷 Free entry Horsham's monthly vegan market returns to the town centre piazza with up to 16 plant-based stalls. 🔗 Read more.
⚽ Horsham FC vs Chippenham Town – National League South 📅 Saturday 25 April | ⏰ 12:30pm | 📍 The Fusion Aviation Community Stadium, Horsham It's the final day of the National League South season, with all fixtures kicking off simultaneously at 12:30pm. Come down and cheer the Hornets on in what could be a crucial end-of-season showdown. 🔗 Read more
♻️ Climate Café 📅 Saturday 25 April | 📍 Steyning A regular monthly gathering for anyone interested in climate, sustainability and community action. Come along for an informal and inspiring conversation. 🔗 Read more
🏡 Sneak Peek & Dream House Tours – Nymans 📅 Friday 24 April & Monday 27 April | 📍 Nymans, Handcross, near Haywards Heath Go behind the scenes of Nymans' historic house on these 30-minute guided tours, included in general admission. 🔗 Read more.
🌱 Seedling Exchange – Sussex Green Hub 📅 Saturday 25 April | ⏰ 10am–2:30pm | 📍 United Reformed Church, Springfield Road, Horsham | 💷 Free Swap seedlings or pick some up for a small donation. A lovely community event for gardeners of all levels — all welcome. 🔗 Read more
🚗 Car Boot Sale 📅 Sunday 26 April | ⏰ 9am–12pm | 📍 Six Bells Car Park, Billingshurst The Billingshurst Lions are hosting a car boot sale, a great chance to bag a bargain or clear out some clutter. 🔗 Read more
🛒 Henfield Weekly Market 📅 Monday 27 April | ⏰ 9am–1pm | 📍 Henfield Hall, Henfield A beloved village institution with great stalls, local food suppliers and a café serving tea, coffee and cake. 🔗 Read more
👶 Stay & Play – The Venue 📅 Tuesday 28 April | ⏰ 10am | 📍 The Venue, Broadbridge Heath A relaxed morning session for little ones and their parents or carers to play, socialise and explore. 🔗 Read more
🚶 Sociable Walks with the Ranger Team – Nymans 📅 Wednesday 29 April | 📍 Nymans, Handcross, near Haywards Heath A gentle 3-mile ranger-led walk through woodland, lakes and streams — a lovely way to meet new people. 🔗 Read more.
Bluebell Watch - where to find some beautiful bluebells!
Leechpool & Owlbeech Woods, Horsham — On the edge of town, with streams, mature trees and fern-lined gullies creating a dramatic backdrop as the woodland bursts into colour. The bluebells are particularly striking in the deeper parts of Leechpool Wood, where winding paths lead through quiet, secluded sections of forest. It's within walking distance of Horsham station. Free to enter, no booking needed. Read more.
The Alders, Woodmancote — In the Horsham District, just outside Woodmancote and known locally simply as "Bluebell Wood." Great for kids too, with woodland dens built up against the trees. Read more
Nuthurst Walk, Copsale — South of Horsham, a walk through woods, farms and fields where bluebells mix with other wildlife. Read more
Always check with venues directly before heading out, as details can change. Know of an event we've missed? Get in touch to have it included next week! Share it with us.
🎵 Live Music & Entertainment
Events are subject to change. Please confirm details with the host.
🎸 Black Heart Angel – The Brolly Fermentarium 📅 Friday 24 April | ⏰ 7pm | 📍 Redkiln Close, Horsham Live music at Brolly's newest fermentation venue. 🔗 Read more
🎸 David Hay Band – The Kings Arms 📅 Friday 24 April | ⏰ 8:30pm | 📍 Bishopric, Horsham Live music at one of Horsham's most historic pub venues. 🔗 Read more
🎸 Little Joe – The Stout House 📅 Friday 24 April | ⏰ 9pm | 📍 The Carfax, Horsham Late night live music at The Stout House. 🔗 Read more
🎸 Oddball Band – The Green Dragon 📅 Friday 24 April | ⏰ 9pm | 📍 Bishopric, Horsham Live music at The Green Dragon. 🔗 Read more
🎶 Ian Roland – Carfax Bandstand 📅 Saturday 25 April | ⏰ 1:30–2:30pm | 📍 The Carfax, Horsham | 💷 Free Original Roots Pop songwriter performing with his full band. 🔗 Read more
🎶 Loop Pedal Guitar Set – Carfax Bandstand 📅 Saturday 25 April | ⏰ 3–4pm | 📍 The Carfax, Horsham | 💷 Free Solo loop pedal guitarist covering everything from Hendrix to Chappell Roan. 🔗 Read more
🎸 Tim Newman – Firebird Brewing Co 📅 Saturday 25 April | ⏰ 5pm | 📍 Rudgwick Live music at Firebird's award-winning brewery bar. 🔗 Read more
🎺 West Chiltington Silver Band Concert 📅 Saturday 25 April | ⏰ 6pm | 📍 St Mary's Church, East Street, Billingshurst A live brass band concert at Billingshurst's historic St Mary's Church. Tickets available — see poster for details. 🔗 Read more
🎸 Ska Night – Roffey Club 📅 Saturday 25 April | ⏰ 7pm | 📍 Roffey, Horsham A ska-themed live music night at Roffey Club. 🔗 Read more
🎸 Live Music Sundays – The Wheatsheaf 📅 Sunday 26 April | ⏰ 1pm | 📍 Woodmancote, Henfield Regular Sunday live music sessions at The Wheatsheaf. 🔗 Read more
🎶 60s to Present Covers – West Street 📅 Sunday 26 April | ⏰ 1–1:45pm | 📍 West Street, Horsham | 💷 Free Classic covers from Fleetwood Mac, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen and more. 🔗 Read more
🎸 Zak Williams – The Kings Arms 📅 Sunday 26 April | ⏰ 5pm | 📍 Bishopric, Horsham Live music at The Kings Arms. 🔗 Read more
Got an event going down? Share it with us.
🏡House of the Week
Tucked into the foot of the South Downs in the village of Washington, Home Farm is a stunning period farmhouse built from local stone with a traditional clay-tiled roof. The standout feature is a spectacular vaulted kitchen breakfast room with sweeping westerly views across the Downs — perfect for family life and entertaining.
Spanning 5,553 sq ft across six bedrooms, five reception rooms and up to four bathrooms, the property sits within 5.65 acres of manicured lawns and paddocks. A path from the front door leads directly onto the South Downs Way, while a sun-drenched rear terrace is ideal for al fresco evenings. The outbuildings and annexe offer exciting conversion potential for a home office, gym or extra accommodation.
Listed by Knight Frank 🔗 View on Rightmove
🌤 Weather
This Week's Weather: Horsham District
Here's the up-to-date forecast for Horsham this week! 🌤️
It's looking like a lovely spring week, currently sunny at 13°C, and largely dry throughout:
Day | High | Rain chance |
|---|---|---|
Thursday | 17°C | 0% ☀️ |
Friday | 18°C | 0% ☀️ |
Saturday | 18°C | 10% 🌤️ |
Sunday | 17°C | 10% 🌤️ |
Monday | 17°C | 10% 🌤️ |
Temperatures are nudging 17–18°C rather than the 14–15°C previously forecast, and the earlier-week rain chances look to have cleared up entirely. Great news if you're heading to the craft show or any outdoor events this weekend! 🌿
Did you enjoy this week's newsletter?
As always, you can reply to this email or say hello at [email protected].
Have a great week exploring Horsham District!
