SPRING DIARY
FEBRUARY
Mystery by Candlelight
The fate of Richard III’s nephews, the Princes in the Tower, is one of British history’s most enduring mysteries. In Southwark Cathedral nave, by candlelight, acclaimed historians Dr Nicola Tallis, Nathen Amin and Matthew Lewis will debate theories on what really happened to them.
1 Feb. Southwark Cathedral, London, SE1 9DA. 020 7367 6700; cathedral.southwark.anglican.org
Barnes Common Winter Wassail Enjoy storytelling, crafts and singing, with a Wassail Master to oversee proceedings, in this traditional community celebration of local produce – and raise a toast of encouragement to the coming year’s many crops.
3 Feb. Barnes Common, The Pavilion, Vine Road, London, SW13 0NE. 020 8891 1411; barnescommon.org.uk
Kew Orchid Festival
The annual display of vibrant orchids at Kew Gardens’ Princess of Wales Conservatory brightens up any dark winter’s day. This year’s theme is the stunning natural beauty and incredible biodiversity of Madagascar, where Kew scientists conduct vital research to protect the native plants and diverse wildlife.
3 Feb-3 Mar. Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE. 020 8332 5655; kew.org
Becoming Roman
More than 150 historically significant objects will be on display in Becoming Roman: Silchester, a Town of Change, an exhibition documenting the Hampshire town’s evolution from the Iron Age through the Roman Conquest.
10 Feb-28 Apr. Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery, Market Place, Basingstoke, RG21 7QD. 01256 465902; hampshireculture.org.uk
Shepton Snowdrops
James Allen, the first person to breed snowdrops from the wild, was born in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, and every year the town holds a snowdrop festival in his honour, with specialist plant sales, workshops, art, craft, poetry and photography competitions.
12-18 Feb. Marketplace, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5AZ. 07710 252155; sheptonsnowdrops.org.uk
MARCH
Crufts
The Kennel Club’s world-famous dog show needs no introduction. It attracts more than 8,000 competitors alongside hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, and is broadcast to an international television audience. Witness a dazzling display of talent, from agility to flyball categories.
7-10 Mar. The NEC Birmingham, Pendigo Way, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT. 0121 780 4141; crufts.org.uk
Grayson Perry Exhibition Sir Grayson Perry’s acclaimed Essex House Tapestries tell the story of Essex through the life of fictional heroine Julie Cope. Two complex and colourful works detail the fascinating social history of Essex and modern Britain.
15 Mar-12 June. The
Gallery at The Arc, Jewry St, Winchester, SO23 8SB. 0370 779 6833; arcwinchester.org.uk
Our Accidental Universe
Attend this talk from BBC Sky At Night presenter and Gresham Professor of Astronomy Chris
Lintott on accidental discoveries about the universe, detailing how occasional human oversight has by chance revealed some of the most pivotal celestial revelations.
21 Mar. The Royal Institution, 21 Albemarle Street,
London, W1S 4BS. 020 7670 2955; sciencelive.net/event/3135
Head of the River Race
Also taking place along the Thames Championship Course from Mortlake to Putney is the alternative boat race – Head of the River Race. Around 4,000 competitors participate every year, making it quite the spectacle to witness from the safety of shore.
23 Mar. River Thames, Putney, London. horr.co.uk/wordpress/
The Gemini Boat Race
The annual Cambridge-Oxford Boat Race is always a thrill. This year the universities go head to head in the 169th Men’s Boat Race and the 78th Women’s Boat Race. Don’t miss this historic occasion.
30 Mar. River Thames, Putney, London. theboatrace.org
APRIL
Dowty Organ Recital Commemorate Sir George Dowty, inventor, entrepreneur and founder of Dowty Aviation and Dowty Group of Companies, with speeches on his remarkable life and a recital from Simon Bell, distinguished organist at Dean Close School, Cheltenham and Director of Tewkesbury Abbey Cantorum.
6 Apr. Pershore Abbey, Church Walk, Pershore WR10 1BL. 01386 552071; dowtyheritage.org.uk
Spring Live!
Enjoy this festival of family fun with plenty of activities, including an alpaca show, flyball, Morris
Dancing, a dog show, archery and axe throwing. There’s also a food hall and a shopping fair with hundreds of stalls from local producers.
20-21 Apr. South of England Showground, Ardingly, West Sussex, RH17 6TL. 01444 892700; southofenglandeventcentre.co.uk
Feast of Saint George
Join in this annual celebration of our patron saint in the heart of the capital. This celebration includes the best of English heritage – from jousting to Morris Dancing and live traditional music with a variety of food and drink.
21 Apr. Trafalgar Square, Westminster London, WC2N
5DN. london.gov.uk
York Open Studios Discover some of York’s most talented artists and creators across two weekends of open studios. More than 150 jewellers, potters, ceramic workers, painters and photographers will open their doors to the public for a behind-the-scenes peek.
Go online to find an interactive map of creators taking part throughout the city and don’t miss the Taster Exhibition, featuring a piece from each artist to help you plan your visits.
13-14 and 20-21 Apr. Throughout York. yorkopenstudios.co.uk
MAY
Duncombe Park County Fair
The original country fair of North Yorkshire, established in 1982, takes place in the beautiful grounds of Duncombe Park. Enjoy trade stands, a craft fair, a farmers’ market, a gun dog display, static engines, vintage cars, and much more.
6 May. Duncombe Park, Helmsley, North Yorkshire, YO62 5EB. dpcountryfair.co.uk
Malvern Spring Festival
Gain gardening inspiration from the Royal Horticultural Society’s Spring Festival with show gardens, a floral marquee, workshops and talks from celebrity guests including gardener and broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh.
9-12 May. Three Counties Showground, Great Malvern, Worcestershire, WR13 6NW.
0344 338 5400; rhs.org.uk
Art Road Trip
London’s National Gallery is commemorating its
200 year anniversary [see p30] with a travelling art studio programme, Art Road Trip, visiting 18 locations for the duration of a year.
As part of this, 12 of the nation’s most wellloved paintings are being lent to 12 different venues across the UK. The artworks include impressive pieces such as Claude Monet’s The Water-Lily Pond and John Constable’s The Hay Wain.
10 May, 2024-10 May, 2025.
The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN.
020 7747 2885; nationalgallery. org.uk
Walking Festival
With 60 miles of dramatic heritage coastline and more than 500 miles of well-maintained and signposted footpaths, the Isle of Wight is a walker’s paradise. This year is the perfect time to explore the trails, with guided walks and talks on the local heritage to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Isle of Wight Walking Festival. 11-19 May. Tourist Information Centre, Harbour Office, The Quay, Yarmouth, Isle Of Wight, PO41 0NT. 01983 760321; isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk