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Sunday TIME: US | UK WEATHER: US | UK THE AMERICAN MAGAZINE ONLINE Back Issues WHAT'S ON Diary Dates SPORTS Features & Blogs FEATURES Politics blog THE NEIGHBORHOOD "Life in the UK" American Groups Essential Contacts Money Education Driving Property |
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN THE UK 2010 for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, unless otherwise noted.
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WHAT'S ON DIARY DATES Britain has an incredible number of interesting and diverse things to do. Here are some of the best, selected for you by The American. War Horse: Fact and Fiction National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London SW3 4HT New exhibition exploring the true history behind Michael Morpurgo's hugely popular War Horse novel, whicha also inspired the amazing stage production and Steven Spielberg's film. Includes hands–on interactive displays, children–friendly activities like dressing–up, games, and stories and exclusive material from Morpurgo, the National Theatre and Spielberg. It examines the vital role of the horse in war and the millions of these 'patient heroes' which supported the British Army, across the centuries. www.nam.ac.uk 020 7730 0717 to February 18, 2012 The Adventures of Able Seaman Wally Tobin IWM North, The Quays, Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester M17 1TZ What have a parrot, a coconut and a motorbike got in common? Exploring the Holocaust Memorial Day theme of 'Speak Up: Speak Out' this event includes a special storytelling session revealing the adventures of Able Seaman Wally Tobin and looks at how people from different cultures and countries work together in times of hardship and war. www.iwm.org.uk/north January 01, 2012 to January 28, 2012 London International Boat Show ExCeL exhibition centre, London A boating extravaganza for everyone interesting in boating, from landlubbers to old sea dogs www.londonboatshow.com 0871 230 7140 January 06, 2012 to January 15, 2012 The Kreutzer Sonata The Gate Theatre (above the Prince Albert Pub), 11 Pembridge Road, London, W11 3HQ Natalie Abrahami's critically acclaimed production of Tolstoy's The Kreutzer Sonata returns to the Gate Theatre for a strictly limited run ahead of its run in New York. A man boards a train and in the confined space of the carriage potent memories are triggered. Soon he is confessing to a terrible crime, one for which he holds Beethoven's Kreutzer Sonata responsible. published in 1889 and became a cause célèbre when it was banned by the Russian Authorities for its explicit argument on the corrupting power of sexual obsession and jealousy. The Kreutzer Sonata will transfer to La MaMa E.T.C. in New York as part of La MaMa's 50th Anniversary season from 8 to 25 March 2012. www.gatetheatre.co.uk 020 7229 0706 January 06, 2012 to February 18, 2012 London International Mime Festival various, London The best in contemporary visual theatre, featuring cutting edge circus–theatre, adult puppetry and animation, physical and object theatre. Performed by artists from around the world on stages in London including the Royal Opera House and the Southbank Centre. www.mimefest.co.uk January 10, 2012 to January 29, 2012 Thomas Cole and the Birth of Landscape Painting in America Musée du Louvre, 75058 Paris – France The Louvre begins a collaboration with the High Museum of Art, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Terra Foundation for American Art which will see the premiere of a new display of Landscape Paintings by artists including Thomas Cole, Asher B. Durand and Pierre–Antoine Patel the Younger. The installation begins at The Louvre in January, before moving on to Crystal Bridges Museum, Bentonville, AR in May, and the High Museum, Atlanta, GA in September 2012. http://www.louvre.fr/ January 14, 2012 to April 16, 2012 NoFit State Circus Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, London SE1 8XX Get ready for a spectacle of contemporary circus as the NoFit State Circus comes to London. Bringing their critically acclaimed act Mundo Paralelo to London, and following their acclaimed Tabu show at the Roundhouse in 2009, the NoFit State circus promises a frenetic, thrilling show of acrobatic skills starring an ensemble cast from around the world. The NoFit State Circus features creative solo appearances, daring aerial sequences, acrobatic performances and clowning routines, described as edgy, contemporary circus at its best. www.southbankcentre.co.uk January 20, 2012 to January 22, 2012 Re–Inaugurate Obama Fundraiser Proud Galleries, Chelsea, 161 King's Road, London, SW3 5XP The Young Professionals Network is hosting a sparkling, engaging and elegant evening of entertainment in support of the Democratic Party Committee Abroad in its efforts to get out the vote in 2012. The event, hosted at the Proud Galleries on King's Road, will be a great opportunity to get a bit dressed up, come mingle with fellow Democrats and support the campaign! 7:00 – 10:00pm. www.democratsabroad.org January 20, 2012 Chinese New Year Across the UK This year will be the Year of the Dragon. The major celebrations in Central London are the largest outside Asia. There will also be events in Liverpool at the Chinese arch on Nelson Street, the largest Chinese arch outside China; Manchester's Chinatown; and Bath at the Museum of East Asian Art among others. January 23, 2012 The Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair, Winter Edition Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ With more than 140 exhibitors the Fair offers interior designers and private buyers an inspirational opportunity to purchase antiques, 20th century design, works of art and pictures, decorative accessories and collectors' items from the 17th century to the present day. Fine Georgian English and quality Continental furniture, painted pieces, country chic, lighting and mirrors; textiles and upholstered chairs, sofas and seating , original vintage glass and ceramics and designer furniture of the 20th century. www.decorativefair.com January 24, 2012 to January 29, 2012 Burns Night everywhere Burns' Supper celebrations take place across the globe. The life and work of Scotland's greatest poet, Robert Burns, is traditionally celebrated each year on the 25 January and involves coming together to eat haggis, drink whisky, recite his work and don tartan for a ceilidh. www.scotland.org/culture/festivals/burns-night/ January 25, 2012 Barb Jungr sings Bob Dylan Pizza Express Jazz Club, Soho, London The internationally acclaimed performer and recording artist, Barb Jungr, will present two very special nights of music at Soho's Pizza Express Jazz Club at the end of January when she performs her stunning interpretations of Bob Dylan songs. Barb has been wowing the NYC critics and audiences alike with her insightful, intelligent interpretations of well–loved songs. Don't miss Barb back on her home turf. Sunday Showtime– 8pm, Monday Showtime – 8:30pm. www.pizzaexpresslive.com 020 7734 3220 January 29, 2012 to January 30, 2012 Migrations Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG This exhibition will explore British art through the theme of migration from 1500 to the present day. From the sixteenth and seventeenth century Flemish and Dutch landscape and still–life painters who came to Britain in search of new patrons, through moments of political and religious unrest, to Britain's current position within the global landscape, the exhibition will reveal how British art has been fundamentally shaped by successive waves of migration. Cutting a swathe through 500 years of history, this exhibition will include works by artists from Lely, Kneller, Kauffman to Sargent, Epstein, Mondrian, Bomberg, Bowling and the Black Audio Film Collective as well as recent work by contemporary artists. http://www.tate.org.uk/britain/ January 31, 2012 to August 12, 2012 American Anthems: The Spectacular Rock Musical various, UK Produced in association with Harley–Davidson, American Anthems is the Spectacular Rock Musical based around the search for a legendary rock star who disappeared in the early 90's at the height of his fame. The show encapsulates the most Iconic American music featuring artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Eagles, Elvis, Bryan Adams, Michael Bolton, and including such songs as Walking in Memphis, We Built This City, Bat out of Hell, Born to Run, America, St Elmo's Fire, Sweet Child of Mine, Proud Mary, and many more. www.americananthems.co.uk February 01, 2012 to February 29, 2012 Kew's Tropical Extravaganza 2012 Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB Depressed by the thought of those long winter months looming ahead? Then put Saturday 4 February 2012 into your diary, which marks the opening of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew's month long Tropical Extravaganza festival, where the Princess of Wales Conservatory is transformed into a sea of exotic orchids . It's a celebration of all things bright, beautiful, and, of course, tropical. The theme for this year's festival is 'Forces of Nature' – visitors will be immersed in an environment where natural foliage and planting schemes will be interspersed with representational displays that dynamically explore and raise awareness of the four classical elements : air, fire, water and earth. Ornamental displays of tropical flowers will represent the elements by colour themes, such as hanging baskets of aquatic hues for water, and arches decorated with blazoned reds, yellows and oranges for fire. The festival will be a feast for the senses. www.kew.org February 04, 2012 to March 04, 2012 Close up with Charles Hazlewood & The Philharmonia Orchestra Southbank Centre, London SE1 8XX Conductor, TV presenter and classical music advocate Charles Hazlewood will be the mastermind of two special hour–long young people's concerts as part of Southbank Centre's annual children's festival Imagine. Joined by Southbank Centre Resident Orchestra Philharmonia Orchestra, Hazlewood will work with over 300 young instrumentalists and vocalists from the London Borough of Southwark to experience and reveal the expressive power of classical music. www.southbankcentre.co.uk February 11, 2012 to February 18, 2012 Jorvik Viking Festival Jorvik Viking Centre, Coppergate, York YO1 9WT Relive the events of the early 11th century when Vikings ruled much of England. You may have descended from one of these stalwart people but even if not York is a lovely city to visit and there is lots more to do as well. Events include a Viking musical, a Viking Wedding in York Minster, Banquet, a Festival of Fire and Jorvik Japes for the kids. www.jorvik-viking-centre.co.uk jorvik@yorkat.co.uk 01904 615 505 February 11, 2012 to February 19, 2012 The Snowdrop Trail & Half Term at Hever Castle Hever Castle, Gardens, Hever, Nr Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG Follow the snowdrop trail through the grounds of Hever Castle and enjoy the early blossoms of camellia and quince. The lady of the Wildwoods returns with stories of spring and a workshop to delight young visitors. www.hevercastle.co.uk February 11, 2012 to February 19, 2012 The 1940s Experience at The Tank Museum The Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset BH20 6JG The Tank Museum is transporting visitors back in time this Half Term, with the "1940's Experience" giving a taste of wartime Britain. Visitors will learn about life on the Home Front during World War Two in a series of fun family activities, finding out about evacuation, rationing, and the menacing threat of air raids. Tour our Home Front House & meet the Home Guard, meet a 1940's housewife with interactive demonstrations of wartime home–craft and cookery, enjoy a Special Wartime Menu in the restaurant and experience the thrill of riding in a tracked vehicle. Children in 1940s evacuee fancy dress go free! www.tankmuseum.org 01929 462359 February 11, 2012 to February 19, 2012 Traditional Games & Snowdrop Trails Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire Join in traditional family games including draughts, Nine Men's Morris, dominoes, snakes and ladders and ludo in the magnificent 16th century great hall at Rufford. If the weather is fine Giant Chess, skittles and skipping will be on offer. Snowdrop walks begin at 1pm each day. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01704 821254 February 13, 2012 to February 15, 2012 February Half Term at Stowe Stowe, Buckinghamshire Youngsters can enjoy teddy bear fun at Stowe this half term. Activities include teddy hide and seek (indoors and out), colouring sheets and create your own teddy bears' picnic. 10am–4pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01280 822850. February 13, 2012 to February 17, 2012 Pirate Week at Studland Studland Beach and Nature Reserve, Dorset Visit Studland for Pirate Week. Over the week there'll be lots on; including a trail, sand sculpture fun, talk like a pirate lessons, den building, design your own pirate flag, make your own edible 'pieces of eight' and Studland stories. 10.30am–3.30pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01929 450259 February 13, 2012 to February 17, 2012 Bugs in the Rugs! Scotney Castle, Kent Become a bug hunter in the Scotney mansion for half term. Old country houses are full of weird and wonderful bugs and beasties. Join in the fun and see if you can hunt down some of our creepy critters! www.nationaltrust.org.uk 01892 893 860 February 15, 2012 to February 19, 2012 New York Philharmonic and Alan Gilbert, International Associate Residency at the Barbican Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS The New York Philharmonic and Music Director Alan Gilbert's residency starts on 16 February with Mahler's Symphony No. 9. The programme includes the UK premiere of Thomas Adès' Polaris, Stravinsky's Symphony in Three Movements, Ravel's Daphnis and Chloe Suite (No. 2), and Berlioz' Les nuits d'été, featuring mezzo–soprano Joyce DiDonato. On 18 February, the Philharmonic presents the sights and sounds of New York through the eyes of its former Music Director and pioneering music educator Leonard Bernstein, featuring his Overture to West Side Story, Masque from Symphony No 2 'Age of Anxiety' , Three Dance Episodes from On the Town, and Aaron Copland's Skyline from Music for a Great City. The residency ends with another stellar soloist performing, Lang Lang joins Alan Gilbert and the Orchestra for Bartók's Piano Concerto No 2. www.barbican.org.uk 0845 120 7550 February 16, 2012 to February 18, 2012 Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day various across the UK Shrove Tuesday, aka pancake day, is the day when historically people use up their luxury produce before the fasting of Lent. It's mainly celebrated at home, but extra–luxury versions can be found: check your local restaurants. February 21, 2012 Olney Anglo–American Pancake Race Olney, North Buckinghamshire The unique Olney Pancake Race stops traffic as local ladies in traditional housewife attire (including apron and scarf), run through the streets. Pancakes are tossed at the start of the race and the winner is required to toss her pancake again at the finish. Runners and townsfolk then go into the Parish Church for the great Shriving Service. The race has been run since around 1445 and since 1950 the contest has been an international event between Olney and the town of Liberal, Kansas in America. The winner is declared after times are compared through a transatlantic telephone call from Liberal to Olney. www.pancakeday.net is the Liberal site. www.olneyonline.com February 21, 2012 Sparks Annual Golf Dinner Chancery Court Hotel, London, 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN Golfers, help raise funds for Sparks, the charity that funds research into serious conditions affecting the health of babies, children and mums to be. The black tie evening includes a champagne reception, dinner, celebrity guests, awards, entertainment and a silent auction with exclusive prizes. www.sparks.org.uk golf@sparks.org.uk 0207 091 7755 February 23, 2012 Race Retro Stoneleigh Park, Coventry Europe's Premier Show focusing on Historic Motorsport, Historic Racing, Historic Rallying. A three day event with cars and motorcycles. www.raceretro.com info@livepromotions.co.uk 01775 768661 February 24, 2012 to February 26, 2012 Bath Literature Festival Various, Bath One of the UK's best known festivals for stimulating debate, lively conversation and fascinating authors' insights. The Festival seeks to make you think whilst it entertains, with unique events pairing like–minded authors, dynamic debates on topical issues, and specially commissioned work by leading contemporary writers. www.bathlitfest.org.uk 01225 463362 March 02, 2012 to March 11, 2012 Crufts National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham B40 1NT 28,000 dogs from the UK and overseas are set to enter the greatest dog show in the world. As well as the Best in Show competition, visitors to the event will have the opportunity to meet and greet over 200 breeds of dogs as well as watching many other canine competitions including agility, flyball and obedience. With many dog charities in attendance and over 500 trade stands selling everything and anything for the dog it is the ultimate family day out for any dog lover. www.crufts.org.uk March 08, 2012 to March 11, 2012 American Museum in Britain Claverton Manor, Bath BA2 7BD The Museum is closed at present and will reopen on Saturday 10 March 2012. Two new exhibitions for 2012 will beThe Compassionate eye: Birds and Beasts from the American Museum's Print Collection (10 March – 1 July) and By Way of These Eyes: The Hyland Collection of American Photography (14 July – 28 October). www.americanmuseum.org info@americanmuseum.org 01225 460503 March 10, 2012 to December 18, 2012 Bath in Fashion Bath, UK The third Bath in Fashion is gearing up for an action packed week in March, with plenty of events, fashion shows, talks and workshops that will appeal to fashionistas young and old. Two of the most exciting events include Manolo Blahnik in conversation with Iain R Webb – both leading fashion experts and commentators – and a fascinating talk by Matteo Alessi, the great grandson of Giovanni Alessi who established his business in 1921. http://www.bathinfashion.co.uk/ March 25, 2012 to March 31, 2012 Spring Car Show IWM Duxford, Cambridgeshire CB22 4QR The Spring Car Show is the place to be for all car enthusiasts as IWM Duxford plays host to hundreds of stunning contemporary and classic cars. Car owners travel from across the UK to attend the Spring Car Show and will be delighted to talk to you about their four–wheeled pride and joy. With a wide range of spectacular cars on display, the Spring Car Show is a fantastic day out for all the family. www.iwm.org.uk/north May 06, 2012 The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy various, UK Douglas Adams's immortal creation explodes back into life, re–born in a ground–breaking new stage production touring the UK next summer – a radio show like you never saw before – in surround sound, packed with laughter, robots, really wild sound effects and drinks with extremely silly names. Members of the legendary Radio and TV casts are re–united for these live performances, led by Simon Jones as Arthur Dent. June 08, 2012 to July 21, 2012 Edinburgh Military Tattoo Castle Esplanade, Edinburgh A must if you're in Scotland – or a good reason to visit there. In the year of Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee and the year of Creative Scotland, this annual event will be more spectacular than ever. Set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle with military bands and artists from around the world, massed Highland Dancers, drill teams and the haunting sound of the Lone Piper. www.edinburgh-tattoo.co.uk 0131 225 1188 August 03, 2012 to August 25, 2012 St Andrew's Day various On November 30th the world celebrates St Andrew's Day, Scotlands national day. There will be parties galore in Scotland, events around the world, and you could even host your own party. Join the celebration! www.scotland.org November 30, 2012 Republicans Abroad UK Pub Nights The Red Lion Pub, 48 Parliament Street, Whitehall, Westminster, London SW1A 2NH RAUK's monthly pub nights continue. www.republicansabroad-uk.org 1st Wednesday of every month Worn to be Wild The River & Rowing Museum, Henley–on–Thames A new exhibition by costumier, dress designer and textile artist Kate Plumtree captures the beauty of Britain's beasts through a fantastical collection of animal inspired evening gowns, dresses, and suits which also reference different periods of dress. Combing couture and countryside the pieces include a deer–inspired medieval gown and contemporary gold 'hedgehog' coat. Using a range of authentic materials and techniques reminiscent of each period, all garments on display have been hand dyed, printed, painted and quilted. to January 15, 2012 To be or Knot to be? Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Stratford–upon–Avon Where did Shakespeare tie the Knot? For the first time all the evidence of the Bard's marriage is being collected in one place for a new exhibition exploring the myths and legends surrounding William's wedding location. Shakespeare's own complicated love life sounds like something out of his own plays: an 18 year–old marrying a woman 8 years his senior who was already pregnant before they got hitched. This new exhibition provides the opportunity to explore the evidence for and against the five locations in the frame and the folk stories around where he (or didn't) tie the knot. (UK tour after Stratford) to January 29, 2012 Dame Joan Sutherland: A Tribute Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DD The first Royal Opera House exhibition of the 2011/12 Season pays tribute to legendary soprano Dame Joan Sutherland, who began her professional career at the ROH in 1952. It looks at her incredible career, from early days and her landmark performance in Lucia di Lammermoor in 1959, through to her farewell appearance on the ROH stage and features costumes, headdresses and jewelry from productions and a rare glimpse into the world behind the Main Stage. Dame Joan was born in Sydney and came to London in 1951. Sir John Tooley, the ROH's General Director, 1970–88, commented, "The most glorious, the most beautiful voice to be heard anywhere round the world during the second half of the last century belonged to an unassuming and down to earth Australian: Joan Sutherland". www.roh.org.uk to February 11, 2012 Memory Remains: 9/11 Artefacts at Hangar 17 Imperial War Museum London, Lambeth Road, London, SE1 6HZ Following the attack on the World Trade Center the 16 acre site was cleared. Hangar 17 at JFK Airport was filled with debris and material from Ground Zero, transforming it into a storehouse of memories. Spanish–American artist Francesc Torres, commissioned by the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, was granted access and produced a series of photographs reflecting on the emotional power of what remained after 9/11. Now they are in London. london.iwm.org.uk to February 26, 2012 In Our Own Words: Soldiers' thoughts from Afghanistan Imperial War Museum North, The Quays, Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester M17 1TZ "Your mind clicks into a gear that you never knew you had, and you bark orders like your life depends on it... and GUESS WHAT: IT DOES!" "My abiding memory of Afghanistan? ... It will be a humble local farmer who one day took me by surprise by asking after my family. "You are far from home. You must miss your family very much. We are very grateful." Marking the tenth anniversary of the start of the war in Afghanistan, IWM North presents the thoughts of British soldiers from the front line. The intimate, powerful display, never before seen by the public, provides unique insight into individual experiences on the front line of a contemporary conflict. From the remarkable to the mundane, the extraordinary to the everyday, soldiers from 16 Air Assault Brigade recorded their honest and personal thoughts while on tour in Afghanistan this year. The free display has been created by Derek Eland, a paratrooper turned artist who visited Afghanistan, created a diary room for troops and went on patrol with them. Free entry (donations welcome) www.iwm.org.uk/north to June 24, 2012 Square dance courses various Missing square dancing while you're in the UK? Square dance courses to Mainstream level are being offered by a number of clubs around the country starting in September. For details, visit the website and look for teaching clubs (marked with a T). Some clubs also offer round dancing. www.uksquaredancing.com Edinburgh Festivals various, Edinburgh Edinburgh is the world's Festival City. It's where people come together from across the globe to share their passion for arts, culture and ideas. This welcoming, inspiring and open–minded atmosphere is heightened by the approachable beauty of this breathtaking historial city. With 12 Festivals throughout the year, there's an endless array of events, performances and spectacles to enjoy. www.edinburghfestivals.co.uk/festivals |
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