English Diary
© Illustration by Quentin Blake from The Folio Society edition of The Hunting of the Snark. An Agony, in Eight Fits by Lewis Carroll, 1976. NOVEMBER
Exhibition: “The Artful Book: 70 Years of The Folio Society”, Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, Knightsbridge, London SW7 2RL. The Folio Society has been producing beautifully illustrated editions of the world’s greatest books since 1947. They believe that the literary content of a book should be matched by its physical form and this exhibition celebrates the Society’s rich legacy. To 28th January 2018. www.vam.ac.uk Exhibition: “Monochrome: Painting in Black and White”, National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN. The first major exhibition of the art of “grisaille” — painting using predominantly black and white pigments. Case studies reveal where and when this style was used from early religious works to paintings emulating sculpture or other media such as photography and film. The exhibition includes paintings on glass, vellum, silk and wood by such famous artists as Rembrandt and Picasso. To 18th February 2018. www.nationalgallery.org.uk
Christmas Fair, Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP18 0JH. More than 60 exhibitors offering a selection of festive food and unusual gifts. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am–6pm. To 10th December. Tel: 01296 820414. Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London W2 2UH. Skate on the largest outdoor ice rink in the UK or visit a world full of magical ice sculptures. Have a drink in an Ancient Greek temple made entirely of ice or take a ride on the Great Observation Wheel. These are just a few of the many attractions on offer. To 1st January 2018. Further details visit hydeparkwinterwonderland.com Christmas at Kew, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London TW9 3AE. A mile-long trail through the famous botanic garden lit with more than 60,000 lights. Highlights include a choir of Christmas trees, a sparkling tunnel of light, giant baubles, Santa and a spectacular light, music and water display in front of the Palm House. To 1st January 2018. Tel: 0208 332 5655; www.kew.org Lancashire Day. County-wide celebrations from the River Duddon in the north to the River Mersey in the south. For details of events see www.forl.co.uk
Newburgh Priory Christmas Fair, Newburgh, Coxwold, North Yorkshire YO61 4AS. A charity event in support of juvenile arthritis, this fair offers a wide range of gifts, art, Christmas trees and decorations. Tel: 01347 868372. DECEMBER
Living Advent Calendar, various venues, York. Twentyfive locations in the city reveal a different window display each day. Vote for your favourite and the winning business gets £1,000 to give to a charity of their choosing. To 25th. www.visityork.org
Christmas Tree Festival, St. Mary’s Church, 8 Burton Street, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 1AE. Now in its 15th year, this is the largest festival of decorated trees in the country. There will be hundreds of originally themed trees designed by schools, businesses and organisations. To 5th. Tel: 01664 565798.
Lincolnshire Food and Gift
Fair, Lincolnshire Showground, Grange-de-lings, Lincoln LN2 2NA. One of the largest Christmas fairs in the country with more than 150 exciting and varied stands — all indoors! With locally produced food and gifts this is the perfect chance to stock up on festive gifts and food. Other attractions include hands-on crafts, children’s activities in Santa’s workshop, cookery demonstrations, and entertainment from choirs. Open 9am–4pm. To 3rd. Further details and tickets visit https:// lincolnshireshowground.co.uk
Grassington Dickensian Festival, Grassington, Yorkshire. This lovely village in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales turns back the clock to the Victorian era with shopkeepers and villagers donning period costumes. There will be a torchlit Nativity procession, street entertainment, Christmas market — and of course Santa will be there too. 11am–5pm. To 10th. www. grassingtondickensian.co.uk Santa Specials, Swanage Railway, Station House, Station Approach, Swanage, Dorset BH19 1HB. A ride on a steam train with a present for every child and the chance to meet Santa make this a special festive treat. Running at weekends and some weekdays to 24th. Further details from www.swanagerailway.co.uk Christmas Tree Festival, St. Andrew’s Parish Church, Upper Church Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7PW. More than 100 decorated trees, musical entertainment and refreshments. Open 10am–5pm (Sunday 12–5pm). To 10th. www.standrewsfarnham.org
London International Horse
Show, Olympia, Hammersmith, London W14 8UX. World-class equestrian competition and outstanding displays. Attractions include dog agility, Shetland Pony Grand National and demonstrations of harmony between horse and rider by the Chilean Huasos. To 18th. Tel: 0871 230 5580.