Unmissable events
Exhibition
Until December 1 ‘The Taplins 2017’ (right), Messum’s, Cork Street, London W1. The second in a series of the family’s exhibitions will showcase Guy Taplin’s driftwood bird sculpture, Robina Jack’s charming ceramics and their daughter Nancy’s distinctive paintings using old ledgers and account books (http:// messums.com; 020–7437 5545)
November 17–January 18, 2018 New works by Emily Young, Bowman Sculpture, Duke Street, London SW1. A new series of stone heads, discs and torsos and rarely seen bronze works by one of Britain’s greatest contemporary stone sculptors (020–7930 0277; www.bowmansculpture.com)
Christmas event November 18–December 24 Laplanduk, Whitmoor Forest, Ascot, Berkshire. Four-hour immersive experience during which families can visit the toy factory, write letters at the post office and ice skate as well as meeting elves, huskies, reindeer and, of course, Father Christmas. Invitations from £65pp (www.laplanduk.co.uk)
Gardens November 17–January 6, 2018 See how our garden glows, RHS Garden Rosemoor, Great Torrington, Devon. The illuminated garden trail is back for a second year and is some five times longer, taking in the Formal Gardens, the Stream Field, the Long Borders, the Hot Garden and the Winter Garden, too. Hot drinks and snacks will be available. Normal garden admission applies, with a discount after 3pm (01805 626810; www.rhs.org.uk)
Opera November 23 Opera Prelude: Love and War, Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Street, London SW1. Arias from the Baroque to the early Romantic period, with seductive and heartbreaking works by Monteverdi, Purcell, Rameau, Handel, Mozart, Donizetti, Bellini and Rossini. 7pm– 9pm, tickets £30 (020–7183 7323; www.operaprelude.com)
Fair November 19 London International Antique Doll, Teddy Bear and Toy Fair (below), Kensington Town Hall, London W8. Back for its second year, the fair will host dealers showcasing antique and vintage dolls, doll’s houses, toys, trains and teddy bears, plus expert seminars. 10am–4pm, tickets from £5 (07875 874854; www.200yearsofchildhood.com)
Book now November 22–December 17 Christmas shopping at Highgrove, Tetbury, Gloucestershire. Skip the hustle and bustle and shop for presents with a glass of Champagne in hand. Ticket options include morning shopping (£5.95), afternoon shopping, which includes a cream tea (£7.95), or the lunch package with a two-course meal (£29.95) (0333 222 4555; www.highgrovegardens.com)
November 30 Kids for Kids Candlelit Christmas Concert, St Peter’s, Eaton Square, London SW1. Patron Julie Etchingham will host the charity concert, with celebrity readers including Joanna Lumley, Lord Cope, Timothy West and Miriam Margolyes, plus Christmas carols with Thames Fanfare Brass and the choirs of Queen’s Gate School. From 7pm, minimum donations for children £15 and adults £30 (07957 206440; www. kidsforkids.org.uk)