Demonstrations of the traditional craft of spinning, dyeing and handweaving. The East Grinstead Spinners are a small group of enthusiasts who enjoy sharing ideas, learning new skills, spinning, weaving and dyeing. They'll be joining us at Standen the first Friday of every month from March until October.

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue. As the result of a national open call, presented by Sussex Contemporary in partnership with the National Trust, a panel of expert judges, chaired by Ruth Howard, Property Experiences Curator, selected contemporary works to be displayed throughout Standen House. UK-based & UK-connected makers were invited to create contemporary responses to the Arts & Crafts movement. Submissions were welcomed across a wide range of media, from textiles & ceramics to furniture, illustration, metalwork & more. Fresh new pieces will be displayed throughout Standen’s historic interiors, creating an exciting conversation between the house’s original Arts & Crafts design and the fresh perspectives of modern makers. A curated display anchors the exhibition, with additional pieces placed across the house to highlight the movement’s continuing influence. All works will be available for purchase throughout the three-month exhibition, giving the opportunity to take home exceptional contemporary craft.

A summer of play at Standen with circus school activities. Roll up, roll up! Summer of Play arrives at Standen with a Victorian circus twist. Try your hand at Circus School, then explore the gardens and wander up to the woodland den to practise a few circus skills of your own. Great for kids.

Join us on Sunday afternoons for live music on the house terrace. Bring picnic rugs and chairs and enjoy an afternoon of live music from local bands.

Heritage crafts and core making skills with Sussex Contemporary exhibitors; including demonstrations and talks. Booking not needed. This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue. Demos and talks are non-bookable, just turn up on the day. Sussex Contemporary exhibitors will be on Goose Green all day showcasing core making skills and heritage crafts.

Quantum Theatre are back with an enchanting new adaptation of two of Beatrix Potter’s best-loved Tales, The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny. This is an outdoor production, so please bring foldaway chairs, blankets and a picnic and come dressed for the weather! The show has a 10-minute (approx.) interval. Peter and his naughty cousin Benjamin know very well that they are not to go into Mr McGregor’s garden, but they cannot resist and soon they find themselves in all sorts of scrapes caught in a net, trapped by a snarling cat and face to face with Mr McGregor himself! How will they ever escape? Can Old Mr Bunny come to the rescue in time? And whatever will Mr McGregor make of all those footprints in the flower beds? Michael Whitmore’s charming adaptation will have you spellbound so why not grab the kids, a blanket and a picnic and join Peter and Benjamin on their hair-raising adventures - a magical afternoon of fun for all the family. The performance will go ahead whatever the weather.