WITH a host of brand new attractions, anniversary celebrations, hot hotel openings and cultural events taking place, 2018 is gearing up to be a super year for a staycation. Here VICKY LISSAMAN gives a run-down of the places to be seen next year in England, Scotland and Wales. ENGLAND Liverpool: A big year for Liverpool with the city marking 10 years since it was European Capital of Culture.
“Eighteen for 18” will be a series of exhibitions, seasons and performances by some of the world’s best artists, musicians and cultural organisations.
In February, China’s world-famous Terracotta Warriors will arrive at the city’s World Museum – their new home until October.
In a nod to events of 2008, a fleet of tall ships will return to the city (May 25-28). See visitliverpool.com Bristol: State-of-the-art museum Being Brunel will open as part of a major redevelopment of the city’s Floating Harbour area.
Bristol Old Vic is undergoing a revamp, world-class music venue St George’s Bristol is getting a facelift and cameras will be at the ready for the 40th anniversary of the Bristol Balloon Fiesta in the summer. See visitbristol.co.uk The mighty north: Science and industry meet art and design for the Great Exhibition of The North, a one-off celebration of everything that’s great about the north of England.
Taking place from June 22 to September 9, visitors can begin their journey at one of two iconic hubs – Gateshead Quays (at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and Sage Gateshead) or Great North Museum – which are connected by three trails exploring the North’s culture, design and innovation. The exhibition will feature Stephenson’s Rocket which is returning to the city in which it was built. See getnorth2018.com Hot hotel: Former Man Utd stars Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs are transforming Manchester’s Stock Exchange building in Norfolk Street into a boutique hotel due to open in spring. Maritime commemorations: Cook 250, a programme of events to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Captain Cook’s first voyage to the Pacific, will take place nationwide. Venues include Plymouth, where the expedition began, Whitby, where the Endeavour was built (and will return in 2018) and Greenwich’s National Maritime Museum. Women’s rights celebrations: To mark the 100th anniversary of votes for women, Parliament will launch Vote 100, a year-long celebration of women’s voices in Parliament.
Manchester will mark the centenary with exhibitions, festivals and events. Manchester’s Wonder Women festival in March will showcase the nation’s “suffragette city”. RAF100: Key events to celebrate the centenary of the Royal Air Force include a parade of military personnel along The Mall to Buckingham Palace. The annual Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford (July 13-15) also promises to be extra special.