ART & ENTERTAINMENT

First on our Essex April things to do is Firstsite’s MET Opera Live: Le Nozze di Figaro 26 April showing. A play adaption with a revolutionary take on 18th-century society, it’s a marriage of Mozart’s music at the height of his genius.

That’s not all that’s on at Firstsite, either. Check out the Acorn Village: 50 years exhibit (26 April) and Life Drawing with Justine Moss (19 April). There’s also an Introduction to Collage all about – well we don’t really need to explain that (4 April).

The second in the series of the Wild Arts Roman River Spring Concerts is at Colchester’s The Old Library on 23 April. Nathaniel Mander (who trained at the Royal Academy of Music), is recognised as one of the leading keyboard artists of his generation. Those chills will be a-multiplying watching him perform J. S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations. Promise.

Over at Layer Marney Tower on 5 April is Anne Boleyn: Wolf at the Door a tale of Tudor love and tragedy. That Henry VIII wasn’t a nice fellow now, was he. Yes; you grammar police: that’s most certainly a full stop. As it’s not really a question – it’s fact.

Also on our list of Essex April things to do is book West End hit The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Over at Southend from 15-19 April, those Narnia, Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter memories’ll flood back. Ideal for ages 6+, there’s also an Easter hols family rate where three, four or five people go from £37pp.

Also in Southend is Abi Clarke, who posted online, went to bed then woke up to thousands of followers. Now – after a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe – her Role Model show’s at the Palace Theatre on 18 April.

Then there’s Joanne McNally: Pinotphile (22 April), who’s been keeping herself busy by ‘ruining men’s lives (and her own)’. Oh, and she’s ‘still unfertilised’. Her words.

And let’s not forget about the guys. Chelmsford Theatre’s got a great line up, with Ignacio Lopez (17 April), Kiell Smith-Bynoe (20 April) and also Viggo Venn (21 April) performing. Oh, and Richard Herring (24 April) and Andrew Lawrence (26 April).

COOL & QUIRKY

Rave. Bingo. Doesn’t sound like it works. But it does. Ultimate Rave Bingo (26 April) isn’t ‘your nana’s bingo night (unless your nana loves a cross-dressing gorilla on a mobility scooter)’. There’s bad dancers, huge confetti machine and prizes including inflatable boyfriends and a 24-inch megadong. We beg your pardon?

There isn’t many tickets for Primary School Assembly Bangers Braintree show on 4 April. Playing at The Institute, teacher turned Glasto sensation James’ set for you to singalong to tunes to take you back to Primary School days. Kumbaya My Lord stuck in your head? Us too.

Be part of the action watching Whole (9 April), with Emma looking for a way to fill the hole her identical twin’s death left behind. So, she thought she’d make a show for her – but doesn’t like doing things on her own. Step forward a volunteer from the audience to join Emma on stage to help. Are you brave enough?

Another of our Essex April things to do is head to Braintree Village from 16-21 April for the Big Kid Circus. Their 30-foot-tall King Kong and all-female ‘Globe of Death’ group should get you booking alone.

Southend’s Beecroft Gallery’s Art from the Heart exhibition (now until 1 June) showcases work supported by charity HARP, helping people find a way out of homelessness. It’s amazing stuff, with each piece reflecting unique perspectives, experiences and aspirations.

This one’s on 11, 18 and 28 May but sells out fast. Hedingham Castle: Owls by Candlelight does what it says on the tin, with the owls flying in the Banqueting Hall by, or course candlelight. You can also hold them (yes please). Ages 8+.

For some proper me-time Sheffield Library’s hosting Adult Colouring (23 April). Said to relieve stress, it’s great for chillaxing (yes we said chillaxing; no judging).

BACK TO NATURE

We love a wander around a garden when the sun’s out (be gone, you April showers). Step forward Dunmow’s The Gardens of Easton Lodge and their Sunday Open Day (13 April). Enjoy their formal gardens, areas where flowers grow wild and walled kitchen garden dating back to the 18th century.

There’s also Harlow’s The Gibberd Garden and its Open Days to explore nine acres. Starting on 2 April, they go all the way up to 28 May.

We also love Colchester’s Green Island Gardens (visit any day you fancy) – its Japanese plot is a thing of pure beauty alone.

Yoga Under Mars you say? Yup. At Colchester Castle on 17 April get on your mat for a one-of-a-kind yoga experience. Set beneath a giant artwork of Mars, you’ll move through gentle flows and deep stretches. Cosmic stuff indeed.

The Essex Wildlife Trust also has plenty of April Essex things to do. Stanford-le-Hope’s Thameside Forest Bathing (13 April) involves spending time walking slowly through woods. It’s said that the essential oils of the trees are absorbed by your body and have an extremely positive effect. Go on – you know you want to give it a go.

Also thanks to the Trust, help get rid of plastic pollution with a Walton on the Naze Beach Clean (20 April). You can also get creative thanks to Billericay’s Beginners’ Bakestry (23 April), or enjoy a Guided Nightingale Evening Walk (24 April) for a chance to hear their song. You’ve enough spare time to enjoy all, right?

FOOD & DRINK

At Down Hall on 20 April its Easter Sunday Feast involves unlimited seafood platters, lobster mac ‘n’ cheese, pates, chutneys, salads and puds. And an unlimited Sunday roast with all the trimmings. There’s also an Easter egg hunt for kids. £55pp, kids 2-12 years £27.50.

Our unlimited Essex April things to do is in Colchester now (well not actually now; 26 April). Three Wise Monkeys 90s Bottomless Brunch kicks off at 11am for two hours of – you guessed it – bottomless cocktails, Prosecco and beer. Plus one brunch dish and live DJ playing the best Nineties hits. £48pp; of course it’s 18+.

Tapas with a glass of the good stuff (wine, what else?) is a match made in heaven. Wivenhoe House Hotel’s Tapas on the Terrace (now until 25 April) offers just that. Served under fully heated pergolas chomp through a selection of Spanish-inspired small plates great for sharing. Vegan options also available.

There’s more wine to be had (hic) at Saffron Grange’s vineyard (selected dates in April). Learn why the land’s suited to grow grapes for its English sparkling wine for just £25pp. There’s also the option to include a cheese or charcuterie board for an extra fee.

Deersbrook Farm is another place to head to for its Dining Event on 24 April for proper posh nosh and sparkling wine. Celebrating British Beef Week; we reckon beef’ll be on the menu.

Or check out Anne’s Smart School of Cookery, packed with different choices to book through the month. We like the look of the Asian Masterclass, but there’s also pasta making, bread masterclasses and more.

SHOPPING

We also say add Hylands’ Open Day on 13 April on your Essex April things to do hit list. There’s an exhibition in the library, guided tours, street food and handmade gifts for sale.

Shop ’til you drop (well until your feet hurt) at the Essex Spring Shopping Fair (12-13 April) at Cressing Temple Barns. There’s tons of stuff to buy, with arts and crafts, food and drink, gifts and accessories only part of the line-up. 

You can also get your shopping fix (sorry debit cards) with the Big Up Southend event (26 April). Here the ground and/or first floor of the Victoria Centre’s transformed into a market for local indies businesses plus kids’ activities and live music.

In Ardleigh there’s a Skylark Spring Farmers & Makers Market (27 April) with the chance to browse and buy from an array of indie stalls.

Speaking of places to shop, we’re rounding up with the Maldon Food & Drink Festival (20-21 April) Also with street food, bars, kids’ entertainment and music; it’s one not to miss.