After all the festive fun, parties and presents in December, January can start to feel like a very long month indeed! But there’s no need to feel blue as we head into 2012. There are plenty of great events taking place around the UK –many of them free to attend. From community events in your local area to bigger events on the national stage, here are some well worth checking out.
National Trust Winter Garden Walks, Trelissick Garden, Cornwall
2nd – 31st January, open to all
There’s nothing like a bracing winter walk to blow the cobwebs away at the start of the year. And with the National Trust’s Winter Garden Walks, you’re spoilt for choice. There are walks taking place at National Trust properties and gardens across the country – find out what’s happening near you at www……. But one we think is well worth taking advantage of is a stroll round beautiful Trelissick Garden in Cornwall to see the plants that are surviving the weather and the flowers which spring into life once a year – ideal for kids and adults.
Discover more about Trelissick Winter Garden Walk >
Roath Real Food Market, Cardiff, Wales
7th January, free and open to all
Since 1998, the Riverside market at Roath in Cardiff has been bringing the best possible local food from small scale local producers together in one place. From high quality meats and breads to the freshest fruit, veg and eggs, it’s all direct from sustainable farms and producers in the surrounding area. So pop along in January, show your support and enjoy some tasty treats.
Discover more about the Roath Real Food Market >
Parkrun, Belfast, Northern Ireland
7th, 14th, 21st and 28th January, free and open to all
Want to get yourself in shape after over-indulging at Christmas? Park runs are a great way to do it. These weekly organised runs against the clock are open to all and hosted at parks across the UK. Belfast has two runs – Belfast Victoria and Belfast Waterworks. They’re both free (although you must register in advance) and anyone can join in – no matter what pace you prefer to go at! Plus there’s a chance to grab a coffee with fellow runners afterwards.
Alnwick Gardens 10th Anniversary Celebration, Alnwick, Northumberland
10th January onwards, open to all
It’s ten years since the amazing Alnwick Gardens at opened to the public. Since then millions have flocked to see it and enjoy the many attractions on offer – as well as the fantastic plants, flowers, trees and shrubs. From green-fingered enthusiasts to families and kids simply looking for a great day out, Alnwick Garden has it all. So why not join in the 10th anniversary celebrations in January? Buy tickets in advance online and you’ll save 15%.
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Burning of the Clavie Fire Festival, Burghhead, Morayshire, Scotland
11th January, free and open to all
For Scotland, Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) has always held great significance – more than Christmas some argue! But it’s not just the night itself that sees celebrations. On January 11th, in Burghead on the Moray coast, ancient traditions are observed to mark the passing of one year and the beginning of the next in the form of a fire festival. This truly incredible nocturnal spectacle involves celebrations across the whole town and is well worth a visit.
Discover more about The Burning of the Clavie >
Vanishing of the Bees Film Screening, Louth, Lincolnshire
20th January, The Co-operative Membership event, free and open to all
At The Co-operative we take the plight of the planet’s honeybees seriously. Their numbers have been in free-fall for some years now - it’s why we launched our Plan Bee project. As part of that, a film has been made to highlight the shocking truth behind the declining bee population. There will be a special screening of the film at the Trinity Centre in Louth in January with refreshments afterwards. It’s first come, first served so make sure you register for a place online in advance.
Discover more about Plan Bee and The Vanishing of the Bees.
David Hockney at the Royal Academy, London
Until 21st January, open to all, admission price TBC
David Hockney RA: A Bigger Picture is the first major exhibition showcasing the new landscape works by one of the UK’s most celebrated and most talented artists. Featuring stunning works inspired by his native East Yorkshire, it promises to be one of the exhibitions of the year. So to avoid disappointment booking in advance is strongly recommended.
Discover more about the David Hockney exhibition >
Chinese New Year in London (biggest outside Asia)
23rd and 29th January
Chinese New Year is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays – this January will be the Year of the Dragon. But these days it sees major celebrations in cities around the world that play host to significant Chinese communities. Here in the UK, London is where it’s all happening with a week of celebrations starting on the day itself (23rd) and culminating in a big celebration at Trafalgar Square with traditional food, costumes and dance. Why not celebrate at home too by trying out a Chinese recipe and some of the great deals on Chinese food and ingredients from The Co-operative?
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Burns Night Celebrations/Supper, across Scotland and the rest of the UK!
25th January
Rabbie Burns is one of Scotland’s literary heroes. The 18th century ploughman turned poet created works that captured life’s big themes in the most memorable way. But it’s on January 25 that Scots worldwide take time to pay homage with readings of his works at the traditional Burns Supper – that’s haggis, neeps and tatties accompanied by a wee dram or two. These days, you can usually find details of a supper near you online. Alternatively, why not host your own?
Discover more about Burns Night >
Alice in Wonderland at The Tate Liverpool
Until 29th January, open to all, admission price TBC
We’re all familiar with Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. The famous story and its characters have now entered the consciousness and language of us all – from the Cheshire Cat to the Mad Hatter! Now in this fascinating exhibition at Tate Liverpool, you can discover how the story has inspired artists, musicians and writers ever since. There’s lots on offer for the kids too, plus the original manuscript by Carroll is on show. Well worth a visit.
Discover more about Alice in Wonderland at Tate Liverpool >
Up Helly Aa Viking Festival, Lerwick, Shetland Isles
31st January, free and open to all
Every year on the last Tuesday in January something spectacular happens in Britain’s northernmost outpost – the Up Helly Aa Viking fire festival in Shetland. For a whole day, the Isles’ capital Lerwick is devoted to celebrating the unique culture of Shetland – with drinking, feasting, fancy dress, a torchlit procession and dancing into the small hours. At the heart of it all is the burning of the traditional Viking ship. There’s nothing quite like it!
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