I am currently working on some improvements to the website and blog, which I am really excited about and hope to get ‘live’ soon.  I’m hoping one of the those improvements will be a dedicated events pages where you can find out, all in one place, the brilliant events, open days, fairs, and workshops that TNWC businesses are hosting around the country.

In the meantime, with so many coming up in the couple of months I thought I’d do a round-up so you can see if there’s any that take your fancy.

March 2013

Event in a Tent Open Weekend – Cheshire

Event in a Tent Open Weekend on Friday 22nd March 2013 from 3pm – 5pm, Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th March 2013 from 11am – 5pm at Delamere Forest.

“If you want your event to stand out from the crowd then our tipis are just the ticket!  Our tipis are known by a couple of names, Giant hats, Katas and stratus or cirrus tents.  Whatever the name, we know you will love them!  So, if you think the tipis are perfect for your event, get comfy, and have a look around – we’re sure you will love them just as much as we do!”

For full details visit www.event-in-a-tent.co.uk.

Grow Your Own Cut Flowers – Kent

Run by Blooming Green on Saturday 23rd March 2013 from 10am – 3pm at Loddington Farm.

“Learn the tricks of growing a regular supply of organic, long-lasting cut flowers, from sowing to picking to conditioning your stems. Refreshments and delicious lunch using local produce, plus flower goodies to take away.”

Cost: £100.  To book a place visit www.bloominggreenflowers.co.uk/events/grow-your-own-cut-flowers-3.

Funky Monkey Tents Open Day – Buckinghamshire

Funky Monkey Tents Open Day on Sunday 24th March 2013 from 12pm to 3pm at The White Hart, Whelpley Hill, Chesham.

“Funky Monkey Tents invites you to come and see our beautiful 40ft Grand Pavilion dressed for a wedding whilst enjoying tea and homemade cake.  We feel we are a unique supplier of alternative tents – come and see for yourself, we’d love to meet you!

For full details please contact Hannah at info@funkymonkeytents.co.uk or visit www.funkymonkeytents.co.uk/openday.html.

All About ME Marquees & Events Spring Open Day – Cheshire

All About ME Marquees & Events Spring Open Day on Sunday 24th March 2013 from 10.30am – 4pm at Reaseheath College, Nantwich.

“The tipi team would like to welcome you to our Spring Open Day on the 24th March 2013.  The team will be at Reaseheath College, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 6DF from 10.30am ’til 4pm, along with two of our tipis.  We look forward to meeting you and chatting through the details of your event.  Please feel free either to turn up and have a look around or book an appointment with us.”

To book an appointment please email james@marqueesandevents.com.

April 2013

World Inspired Tents Spring Open Weekend – Devon

World Inspired Tents Spring Open Weekend on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th April 2013 at Darts Farm, near Exeter.

“Throughout the weekend we’ll be exhibiting three of our Giant Hat tipis joined together with our smaller Cirrus 40 tipi.  The tipis will be kitted out with our pine wood tables and benches, round tables and chairs, chill out furnishings, open log fires and lots of other lovely things!  The weekend will give you the chance to see our tipis up, meet our team and enable you to imagine what a ‘World Inspired’ event or wedding could be like.”

For more details visit www.worldinspiredtents.co.uk.

Papakåta Spring Open Weekend – Yorkshire

Papakåta Spring Open Weekend on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th April 2013 from 10am – 4pm at Escrick Park Estate near York.

“We’re the folks who specialise in hiring out Kåta tents, the giant teepees that create utterly unique and truly magical party spaces.  We’d like to invite you to our Spring Open Weekend on 6th and 7th April 2013.  We’ll be there from 10am ’til 4pm.  We look forward to showing you our teepees in all their glory!”

To book a time to chat through your plans get in touch on 0800 612 9692 or email tellmemore@papakata.co.uk or feel free to drop in on the day.

How to Grow a Cutting Garden – Lincolnshire

Run by Catkin on Wednesday 10th April 2013 from 10am – 4pm at Doddington Hall.

“Everything you need to know about growing flowers for cutting, suitable for all abilities, whether you are a total beginner or a seasoned gardener.  Tea/coffee, lunch, notes and a tray of seeds to get you started are included.”

Cost: £59.  To book please contact Rachel Petheram at catkinflowers@tiscali.co.uk or ring 07758 730462.

Floral Design Workshop – Lancashire

Two workshops run by Petal and Twig on Saturday 13th April 2013 from 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm at Cedar Farm, Mawdesley.

“The morning workshop will cover hand tied posies and arrangements with spring flowers and seasonal plant material.  Suitable for beginners or those looking to improve their technique.”

“The afternoon workshop will cover creating structures with natural materials to use spring flowers in a more contemporary natural style. Suitable for those with some experience or any crafty types who want to learn how to play with plant material.”

Cost: £25 each or £45 for both.  Bring your own lunch or food available at the cafe or deli.  To book a place contact Angela Coulton on 01772 814345 or email acoulton@gmail.com.

Stunning Tents Open Days – Hampshire

Stunning Tents Open Days on Thursday 18th April 2013 from 4pm – 9pm, Friday 19th April 2013 from 12pm – 5pm, and Saturday 20th April 2013 from 9am – 4pm at Ash Park Business Centre, Tadley.

“We’re delighted to invite you to The Stunning Tents Company Open Days to see our beautiful Nordic Tipis first hand.  Situated in the middle of the Hampshire countryside between Reading and Basingstoke, we will have three Giant Hat tents and one Kungsörnen tent linked together and fully dressed with our range of furnishings, flooring and lighting options to help you imagine what’s possible for your special event.  There’ll be plenty of time to talk to one of our experts about all your ideas and wishes for your event, as well as taking a tour of our facilities.”

Please phone 01256 882114 or email enquiries@stunningtents.co.uk to make an appointment.

Beach Weddings Bournemouth Open Day – Dorset

Beach Weddings Bournemouth Open Day on Sunday 28th April 2013 from 10am – 4pm in Bournemouth.

“Come down to visit us to see our Wedding Hut and one of our stunning marquees set up for a wedding to get a feel of what it will look like for your big day.  Chat to the Beach Weddings Bournemouth crew about your wedding, taste some delicious canapes, and get some great styling ideas.”

For more details please email bookings@beachweddingsbournemouth.co.uk or phone 01202 788271.

May 2013

How to Make a Hand-Tied Bunch – Lincolnshire

Run by Catkin on Thursday 9th May 2013 from 10am – 2.30pm at Doddington Hall.

“Making a hand-tied bunch of flowers is a versatile skill to have, either for flower arranging at home or to give as gifts to friends.  Rachel will demonstrate the technique using seasonal garden flowers and you will then make a beautiful hand-tied bunch to take home.  She will also give you some tips on growing cut flowers at home.  This course is perfect for beginners.  Tea/coffee, lunch and your flowers are all included.”

Cost: £75.  To book please contact Rachel Petheram at catkinflowers@tiscali.co.uk or ring 07758 730462.

Arranging Your Wedding Flowers – Devon

Run by JW Blooms on Sunday 12th May 2013 from 10am – 4pm near Taunton.

“Jan will guide you through making a bridal bouquet and a buttonhole, plus demonstrate simple ideas for table decorations.  After a light lunch, we discuss ways of organising your time in the run-up to the wedding to help you keep things stress-free!  Finally, you team up to make a stunning hanging flower globe.  You leave with the bouquet and buttonhole you made and comprehensive how-to notes.  Price includes flowers, materials and light lunch.”

Cost: £90.  To book a place email: info@jwblooms.co.uk.

Spring Floral Workshop – Cornwall

Run by The Garden Gate Flower Company on Wednesday 22nd May 2013 from 10am – 12.30pm at Trezare Farm.

“The Spring Workshop will involve demonstrations on how to pick, condition and arrange flowers for your home followed by a practical workshop. The price includes all flowers, vase and light homemade refreshments.”

Cost: £60 plus get a TNWC discount of 10% by quoting ‘Floral Fun’.  To book a place email thegardengateflowercompany@gmail.com or phone 07427 686 558.

Arranging Your Wedding Flowers – Devon

Run by JW Blooms on Sunday 26th May 2013 from 2pm – 4.30pm near Taunton.

“This short course takes you through making hand-tied bouquets for brides and bridesmaids, including inspiration and tips on different ways to tie them.  After coffee and cake, we cover simple buttonholes, both traditional and posy-style.  You leave with the bouquet and buttonhole you made plus the confidence to tackle your own wedding arrangements come the big day!  Price includes flowers, materials and light refreshments.”

Cost: £40.  To book a place email: info@jwblooms.co.uk.