Easter’s Piazza Italia to return to Horsham for seventh year

JPCT 06-04-12 Piazza Italia, Horsham. HDC Chmn Claire Vickers raises flag to start the Ferrari procession S12150189a -photo by Steve Cobb

Organised by Horsham District Council with the help of local businesses, it is determined to top last year’s event, taking place on Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Monday.

The Italian-themed festival sees the town centre packed full of fast cars and bikes, Italian foods, and lively street entertainment.

Taking inspiration from the famous Italian card game ‘Scopa’, where the most valuable card in the game is the seven of hearts, known as Il Sette Bello – the beautiful seven in English, many elements of the weekend will take the number seven as their theme, including seven F40 Ferraris, seven classic Ferraris, seven Mini models, seven supercars, and seven entertainment acts.

Festival highlights include a rally of nearly 100 Ferraris and many Ducati-led Italian motorcycles on Friday March 29, the Vines BMW Italian Job MINI Run on Saturday March 30 and supercars, classic Alfas and Fiats on Easter Monday.

Other highlights include an authentic Italian market, an extravaganza of Italian-themed street theatre, entertainment for children, and Easter-themed competitions including a Bunny Hunt and a wine-tasting trail.

The event will be in aid of Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance (Good Friday), Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice (Easter Saturday), and The Children’s Trust (Easter Monday).