Unmissable events
Exhibition February 25–June 11 ‘Constable at Gainsborough’s House’ and ‘Julian Perry: The County of Elms’, Sudbury, Suffolk. Works of art, painting materials and family memorabilia associated with John Constable will be on show alongside a collection of paintings by landscapist Julian Perry that is described as a ‘contemporary response to Constable’s work’ (www.gainsborough.org; 01787 372958)
Talk March 2 Neisha Crosland in Conversation, Fashion and Textile Museum, Bermondsey Street, London SE1. The internationally acclaimed designer talks to Fiona Mccarthy about her distinctive use of geometric patterns. Includes a signing of Miss Crosland’s new book and entry to the ‘Josef Frank Patterns–furniture– Painting’ exhibition. Tickets £15, 6pm start (www.ftmlondon.org; 020– 7407 8664)
Beer festival February 23–25 Craft Beer Rising, The Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London E1. The best British beers and ciders, with street food and music. Tickets from £12.50 (http://craftbeerrising.co.uk)
Family day out Until February 24 Notorious Navvies (top) at the Royal Armouries Museum, Fort Nelson, Hampshire. Fun and educational events for children aged 3–12, including ‘navvy challenges’ based on the construction of Fort Nelson, Victorian crafts and insight into the work of Florence Nightingale. Visit the website for times and prices (01329 233734; www.royalarmouries.org)
Art fair February 24–26 Oxford International Art Fair, Oxford Town Hall, Oxfordshire. Contemporary art including paintings, sculptures, photography, illustrations, jewellery and crafts to admire and buy. Entry £10 for Friday’s Champagne preview, 6pm–9pm. Free entry Saturday and Sunday, 11am–6pm (www.oxford internationalartfair.com)
Point-to-point February 26 Countryside Alliance Club (Wessex) at Badbury Rings, Dorset. First race at 12pm. Other fixtures include Cottesmore at Garthorpe, Leicestershire (first race at 12pm), East Cornwall at Great Trethew (first race at 12pm), Tynedale at Corbridge, Northumberland (first race at 12.30pm) and West of Yore at Askham Bryan College, North Yorkshire (first race at 12.30pm). For weather reports and form guide, telephone 09068 446061 or visit www.pointtopoint.co.uk
Film festival February 24–March 12 Borderlines Film Festival, various venues in Herefordshire, Shropshire and the Marches. Now in its 15th year, the programme offers audiences the chance to see a range of fantastic films before they’re released to the general public. Visit the website for more information (01432 340555; www.borderlinesfilmfestival.co.uk)