ART FUND MUSEUM OF THE YEAR

St Fagans National Museum of History

Step back to the Iron Age at the St Fagans National Museum of History, winner of this year’s Art Fund Museum of the Year. Set in the grounds of the Elizabethan St Fagans Castle, near Cardiff, discover original buildings s relocated from across Wales including an 18th century tollhouse, a pigsty and reconstructed Iron Age homes.

museum.wales/stfagans

FESTIVALS & SHOWS

Words Weekend

06-08 DECEMBER 2019

Gateshead’s Sage hosts this first spoken word weekend. Girl with a Pearl Earring’s Tracy Chevalier and chick lit queen, Marion Keyes are among the writers in conversation, whilst Ben Okri reads his poetic work. Artists, culinary experts, television stars also line up for talks, panel discussions and more.

wordsweekend.com

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay

30 DECEMBER 2019-01 JANUARY 2020 Edinburgh is the place to be at New Year’s

Eve. Celebrations last three days, starting with a torchlit procession from the Royal Mile to Holyrood Park. Mark Ronson’s pulsating beats kick off 2020 in Princes Street Gardens. Whilst Scottish bands keep the party going in Parliament Square.

Mayfair Antiques and Fine Art Fair

09-12 JANUARY 2020

Rummage through a treasure trove at this year’s Mayfair Antiques and Art Fair at the London Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square. Among the plethora of paintings, hunt for an iconic piece of art deco furniture, say, or a stylish piece of art nouveau glass.

vervepoetryfestival.com

Verve Poetry Festival

20-23 FEBRUARY 2020

The two year old poetry festival has grown up, moving to the Birmingham Hippodrome. The packed schedule includes poetry readings and performances. Whilst for budding talent, grab an open mic slot or a workshop place where poets advise on how to get published and more.

vervepoetryfestival.com