EASTER PIAZZA ITALIA
This year's Horsham Piazza Italia takes place on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 April 2009 offering visitors and shoppers to Horsham a significant slice of Italian life (including the excitement of seeing some of Italy's fastest cars and superbikes in action).
The centre of this charming historic market town will be the focus of activities, bringing the town alive with a family Easter celebration full of live music, street theatre, fresh Italian produce, fast cars, and festival fun with an Italian flavour. Below is a taste of what you can look forward to:
Programme:
Horsham Good Friday Gathering - Horsham Churches Together
Carfax Bandstand 11am. Public Processions of Witness departs at 11am from:
- Park entrance opposite the Capitol, North Street.
- URC Church, Springfield Road
- St Marys Church, The Causeway
Italia in Piazza - Fresh Produce Market
Friday 10 April: 10am to 5pm
Saturday 11 April: 9am to 5pm.
Friday Ferrari and Ducati Parade
Sussex, Surrey and Kent Ferraris and GB Ducatis will be parading into Horsham from Dorking, Pulborough and West Chiltington to convene in Horsham town centre for a spectaular showcase of these exciting sports vehicles. The Ferraris will be on display from 12.30 - 3pm in East Street and the Ducatis will be based in the Forum.
Look out for the spectacular Bridgestone F1 Ferrari on display on Parkside and try your hand at the Scalextric Italian challenge in Horsham Town Hall (Friday and Saturday).
Saturday Italian Car Parade and Display - Saturday will see a selection of famous Italian cars parade into Horsham town centre from Rusper and Southwater, down North Street (best vantage point opposite The Capitol) to park in East Street, Market Square and the Forum from 12.30 - 3pm. Cars included Alfa Romeo, Fiat 500's, De Tomaso, Lamborghini and Maserati.
The 'Italian Job' - Celebrate the 40th anniversary of this classic car movie with BMW Mini, Piries Place.
Italian themed street entertainment on both Friday and Saturday including street comedy and live music.
Swan Walk
Italian Family Car Prize Draw, New Street Cars in aid of Chestnut Tree House (Springfield Court 4 - 11 April)
Italian Cheek Art for children at Hawkers Bazaar, Friday and Saturday.
Ice your own Easter Egg at Thorntons - Swan Walk, all Easter.
Roman Horsham Easter Egg Trail - Visitor to Horsham Museum on Friday and Saturday will be able to take a special Roman Easter Egg trail through the town.
The Splat World Record - Italian Trials, Carfax. 10am - 3pm. Practise your custard pie throwing in preparation for the Kidzstuff World Record attempt on 30th May in Horsham Park.
Hepworth and Co Festival Beer Station - award-winning brewery Hepworth and Co present their Piazza Italia festival beer and exclusive festival merchandise (bottles to take away).
Local restaurant food samples and offers as well as other Italian-related special shop offers.
Mercury FM's Thunder - will lead the car parades into Horsham on Friday before parking in the Carfax.
The Horsham Resident - look out for this free local paper which will be distributing free Piazza Italia programmes as part of their paper in the days preceding this event.
Chestnut Tree House - we are supporting Chestnut Tree House this year - the Sussex Children's Hospice. Look out for their bus in parade from Pulborough to the Carfax on Friday and pop in to give your support.
Horsham Dines Italian - Horsham’s Italian eateries came together for promotions, special menus and tastings.
At a Glance:
Friday 10 April:
| 10am-5pm | Italia In Piazza - Fresh Produce Market |
| 10am-5pm | Meridien Modena Scalextric Ferrari Challenge |
| 11am-11.45am | Horsham Churches Together - EasterParade and Service |
| From 12.15pm | Ferrari and Ducati parade into Horsham town centre from Hop Oast. |
| 12.30pm-3pm | Sussex, Kent and Surrey Ferraris on display in East Street and Ducatis on The Forum |
| 12pm-4pm | Street Comedy and Live Music |
Saturday 11 April:
| 9am-5pm | Italia in Piazza - Fresh Produce Market |
| 10am-5pm | Horsham Museum - 'Roman Horsham' Easter Egg Trail |
| 11am - 4pm | The Italian Chefs - Strolling Comedy |
| 11am - 4pm | Piazza Italia Comedy Rollerskaters |
| From 12.15pm | Alfa Romeos, Fiat 500's, De Tomaso, Lamborghini, Maserati and Zonda's parade into Horsham town centre |
| 12pm-4pm | Classic car and motorcycle displays in East Street and the Forum |
| 12pm-4pm | Street Theatre - look out for high-walking, fast-talking Italian comedy at its best! |
| 12-4pm | Live Music - Italian style! |
Visitors to the event may like to consider using the Park and Ride service on Easter Saturday for quick and easy travel into Horsham town centre.
Other Horsham Festivals
Details about other festivals and outdoor events in Horsham town centre are available online.