FOOD & DRINK

It’s always a good time to go to Retreat East in Suffolk, but this March is particularly magical with two fabulous foodie events in the calendar. First up is a Spring Floral workshop and Sunday lunch on Sunday 23 March at 11am where you can created your own bespoke bouquet, followed by a delicious roast dinner.

Spring flower workshop at Retreat East, Suffolk

If afternoon tea is more your thing, then on 29 March, from 12.30pm, you can treat your mum to a spectacular Mamma Mia-themed tea with Mediterranean treats, pots of English tea and live ABBA songs by Yazmin Wood to sing along to.

Mamma Mia Themed Greek Afternoon Tea at Retreat East

Over at the Westleton Crown on Sunday 30 March, you can book in for a delicious Mother’s Day Sunday lunch. Whether you’re celebrating, remembering or carving out some time with your loved ones, this is somewhere special to mark the occasion.

Talking of inspirational women, The University Arms in Cambridge, is hosting a special International Women’s Day brunch on Saturday 8 March. Expect delicious food from executive head chef Lee Clarke, as well as inspiring talks, creative workshops and connecting with like-minded women.

International Women's Day Brunch at University Arms, Cambridge

The legendary Nose to Tail feast is back at Parker’s Tavern on Wednesday 5 March, and this time, it’s all about beef. Chef Lee is rolling up his sleeves to break down an entire cow (yes, the whole thing) and craft a knockout sustainable menu that makes the most of every last morsel — no sad, forgotten cuts here. Expect a masterclass in butchery, bold flavours, and a celebration of proper nose-to-tail dining. Carnivores, you need to be at this table.

Local chef extraordinaire Ben Sulston is hosting a one-off supper club at Waresley Park Estate on 8 March and tickets are selling fast. As well as cooking up a a flavour-filled seasonal four-course feast with wine pairing, Ben will spend the evening talking to all guests about the dishes, suppliers and techniques he uses. See the menu and book here.

WORKSHOPS

Spring is nature’s way of showing off, so why not follow suit? Gainsborough House in Sudbury is hosting a Spring Wreath Making Workshop on 29 March (2pm – 4pm), where you can craft your very own floral masterpiece. Held in the elegant Hills Room, this workshop includes all materials, plus a complimentary hot drink to sip as you weave and wind your way to wreath perfection. Whether you’re treating mum for Mother’s Day or just looking for an excuse to get creative, this one’s for you.

From flowers to forests, take a deeper dive into nature with Rooted in Wellness: A Creative Journey to Discover Your Tree of Life on 1 March in Cambridge. Led by health coach Andreea Unwin and visual artist Suzanne Morris, this workshop is a fascinating fusion of art and self-reflection. Expect to explore your passions, goals, and personal growth through the metaphor of the mighty Tree of Life – all while giving your inner child (and inner philosopher) a moment to play.

Colour workshop at Folk Cafe in Bury St Edmunds

Folk Café has not one but two workshops worth making room in your diary for. Ever wondered why some rooms feel calm while others scream run for the hills? Interior designer Annie Plumb is here to help you decode the secrets of colour psychology. With over a decade in the biz and training from KLC School of Design, Annie will guide you through the dos and don’ts of colour in your home – from mood-boosting palettes to common decor disasters.

Forget fad diets – on 7 March, naturopathic nutritionist Amanda Prior is on hand to walk you through the ins and outs of gut health. This fascinating session explores how each organ plays its part in digestion and how to keep everything running smoothly. There’s even a gut-friendly breakfast and a hot drink included – because learning about the microbiome is always better with a good cup of coffee.

WELLBEING

Get ready to cheer on your fellow Cantabrigians at the beginning of the month when the Cambridge half marathon takes place on 9 March. Many of the city’s roads will be closed for this sporting spectacle and it’s great fun to get involved in.

Spring is finally here and we can’t think of a nicer day to celebrate its arrival than the Spring Day Retreat at Waresley Park Estate on 20 March. The day includes wild swimming, a lakeside sauna session, a restorative sound bath and warming hot chocolate around a crackling fire pit.

The Studio Bartlow has a brilliant workshop for aspiring writers this month or anyone who just finds it a therapeutic exercise. Writing for Wellbeing – New Beginnings will take place on 22 March and includes readings, discussions of poetry and various writing activities with writing coach Sam.

THEATRE & DANCE

Good news: failure is officially in fashion. Join the brilliant Elizabeth Day on 23 March — bestselling author, podcast queen, and all-round wise woman — for an evening that’s uplifting, hilarious, and refreshingly real. With a very special guest in tow, she’ll be tackling perfectionism, celebrating vulnerability, and proving that even our biggest flops can lead to something fabulous. Whether you’re a How to Fail superfan or just fancy feeling a little better about life, this is the night for you.

Wilde at heart? Don’t miss this dazzling NT Live screening of The Importance of Being Earnest on 6 March, where Oscar Wilde’s sharp wit meets a seriously starry cast. Three-time Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke teams up with the ever-brilliant Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who, Sex Education) in a fresh, joyful take on this classic comedy of manners. Expect sharp suits, sharper one-liners, and enough drama to make even Lady Bracknell raise an eyebrow.

Calling all little bookworms! Tom Fletcher’s much-loved Who’s in Your Book? series is bursting off the page and onto the stage on 22-23 March in a brand-new, all-singing, all-dancing adventure. There’s a Monster in Your Show is an interactive treat for tiny theatre-goers, packed with mischief, music, and magical moments.

MUSIC

Fancy being part of something truly special? Music in Action is launching a brand-new concert series in Cambridge, bringing world-class orchestras and internationally renowned soloists to the city. Think Sir Willard White, Lucy Crowe, Harriet Mackenzie, and the legendary English Chamber Orchestra — all performing in breathtaking venues. To kick things off in style, the first concert on Saturday 28 March will see the English Chamber Orchestra take on Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in the stunning Trinity College Chapel — pure goosebump material.

Sticking with the classical vibes: The Ultraviolet Orchestra is a feast for the senses — think UV lights, lasers, jaw-dropping special effects, and a live orchestra blasting through the biggest electronic pop hits in history. From Kylie to Kate Bush, expect anthems, synth-fuelled nostalgia, and a seriously slick sound, all wrapped up in a carefully crafted, high-energy show.

Musician, broadcaster, impresario — Leo Green is a man with stories to tell. From transforming London’s BluesFest into a multi-million-pound spectacle to shaking up the world-famous Ronnie Scott’s, he’s made waves in the music industry (and ruffled a few feathers along the way). Now’s your chance to hear it all straight from the source on 11 March at The Anchor in Nayland, Suffolk. Expect an exclusive, unfiltered evening of music, insider tales, and the kind of backstage gossip only a true industry polymath can provide.

On 2 March, The Ipswich Symphony Orchestra is bringing an afternoon of musical magic for the whole family, packed with film scores, famous tunes, and feel-good favourites. Whether you’re a mini maestro-in-the-making or just love a live orchestra in full swing, this is a show that hits all the right notes. Expect toe-tapping, tune-humming, and plenty of fun – because classical music should never be boring!

Country fans, this one’s for you! The UK’s biggest country music export, The Shires, are stripping things back for an intimate acoustic tour and coming to The Apex in Bury St Edmunds on 21 March. The Two of Us tour will see Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes take their stunning harmonies and heartfelt hits on the road. Expect all the classics, spine-tingling vocals, and a night of pure country magic.

COMEDY

March might be the month of new beginnings, but let’s be honest – it’s also still cold, a bit grey, and far too early to think about bikini season. So, what better way to lift your spirits than an evening of top-tier comedy?

They call him an overnight success – despite the fact he’s been grafting on the comedy circuit for decades. If you’ve caught Chris McCausland on Strictly, Would I Lie to You, QI, The Last Leg (or, frankly, any TV panel show), you’ll know his sharp observational humour and no-nonsense delivery are worth every penny. Now, he’s back with a brand-new live show at Regent Theatre, Ipswich on the 18 March. Expect hilarious storytelling, dry wit, and no doubt a few surprise twists along the way.

One night later, the Regent Theatre keeps the laughter rolling with the inimitable Paul Chowdhry. Back with his brand-new Englandia tour for 2025, the multi-award-winning comedian, actor, and writer will be serving up his signature no-holds-barred comedy, tackling everything from culture to politics.

Fresh off the back of phenomenal demand (we’re talking tickets selling faster than you can say “refresh the page”), Mo Gilligan is returning with his highly anticipated world tour, In The Moment. If you haven’t seen Mo live yet, grab one of the last remaining seats. If you have, well, you’re probably already on the booking page.

Russell Kane at the Cambridge Corn Exchange

Over in Cambridge: if you like your comedy high-energy and your jokes coming at you like a caffeine-fuelled tornado, Russell Kane is your man. His latest tour comes with a serious warning: wear strong underwear, because pants will be spoiled. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to have your life shouted back at you at breakneck speed, but somehow funnier, Russell’s your guy.

FESTIVALS

cambridge festival — Photo Credit: Sir Cam at Cambridge University

The University’s Cambridge Festival will take place this year between 19 March – 4 April. From cutting-edge science to thought-provoking debates, this festival is your chance to peek behind the curtain of world-leading research at Cambridge. With a mix of online, on-demand, and in-person events, you’ll hear from the experts shaping our future — whether it’s groundbreaking discoveries, mind-blowing tech, or ideas that challenge the way we see the world. Curious minds, this one’s for you.

You know spring is on the way when the signs for Thriplow Daffodil Weekend and Country Fair start to sprout along the A505! This year’s event will take place on 22 and 23 March and you can expect the usual magical mix of over 500,000 varieties of daffs plus amazing food stalls, live music, flowers and arts and crafts stalls, pony rides, Morris dancers and live demos. It attracts around 10,000 visitors each year so get your tickets booked now.

It’s still snowdrop season and many of the estates in Suffolk and Cambs hold special snowdrop days and events throughout March to celebrate the arrival of this pretty flower. Click here to find out where to head to get your fill of the pre-spring beauty.

ART & CULTURE

Whether you’re into poetry, prose, or painting with a pinot in hand, March is serving up a cultural feast.

The nation’s favourite poet with a twinkle in her eye (and a way with words that can make even a tax return sound charming) is back! Pam Ayres returns to The Apex on 10-11 March to share stories and poems from her latest book, Doggedly Onward – A Life In Poems, 1970 to 2020s. Expect laughter, nostalgia, and perhaps a few tears as she reflects on a career that has delighted audiences across generations. A poetry reading that feels like a warm hug – what’s not to love?

Best-selling author Kate Mosse is bringing her epic Labyrinth to life – quite literally. In this one-woman show at the Apex on 30 March, she’ll take audiences on a gripping journey through history, mystery, and the stunning landscapes of Languedoc, all while weaving in music, film, and theatrical magic. Whether you’re a die-hard Labyrinth fan or just love a good adventure, this promises to be an unforgettable evening.

If poetry had a punk rock frontman, it would be John Cooper Clarke. The ‘Godfather of Punk Poetry’ is hitting the stage in celebration of World Poetry Day, bringing his razor-sharp wit, iconic delivery, and no-nonsense Northern charm to Bury St Edmunds. From working men’s clubs to the world stage, JCC’s influence on music, fashion, and literature is the stuff of legend. If you’ve never seen him live, consider this your official nudge.

Always fancied yourself a bit of a Van Gogh? Or at least partial to a glass of wine while holding a paintbrush? Either way, Sip and Paint: Starry Night Over Cambridge on 29 March is the perfect excuse for a creative night out. Inspired by Jenna Asker’s Van Gogh-esque take on the city skyline, this guided painting session lets you bring Cambridge to life with bold brushstrokes – and possibly a bit of liquid inspiration. No experience required, just enthusiasm (and maybe a steady hand).

FAMILY DAYS OUT

Lambing Days at Kentwell Hall are the ultimate countryside escape — think fluffy newborn lambs, expectant ewes, and (if you’re lucky) the magic of seeing a lamb being born, all set in the historic Tudor Stables.

For little explorers, there’s plenty more to discover — mazes, the Yew Castle, I-Spy challenges, and a few surprise delights hidden around the grounds. It’s fresh air, fun, and full of springtime joy — just don’t forget your wellies!

Mad for March! Local things to do this month

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