Enjoy the Dame Emma Thompson experience at Jane Austen House
Jane Austen House has announced a new Christmas experience – to be enjoyed online and onsite – voiced by Academy Award winning actress Dame Emma Thompson. This special festive audio will be featured in an online Christmas experience, The Twelve Days of Christmas – A Jane Austen Special, which is now available on the Jane Austen House Museum website. The audio will also air in the House once it reopens to the public. bit.ly/33jwiO6
The return of British Ceramics Biennial in 2021
2021 will see the British Ceramics Biennial return to the six towns of Stoke-on-Trent – between September 11 and October 17. Back for a seventh time in its spiritual home, the Biennial will once again present work from the UK’s leading contemporary artists in a series of new exhibitions and special events across the city, embracing the heritage of Stoke-on-Trent as the world capital of ceramics.
Explore Lincoln Christmas Market virtually
One of the UK’s longest-running Christmas markets may have been cancelled this year, but virtual visitors can still experience Lincoln Christmas Market online, with festive recipes, shopping and more (1-31 December). ‘Visit’ more than 120 traders, plus enjoy Christmas videos featuring festive music and entertainment, and a dizzying view onboard the ‘Freak Out’ ride.
A fascinating insight on 17 years as curator at Hull Ferens Art Gallery
A meeting with David Hockney; an “adrenaline-fuelled trip to Rome” with a Canaletto and a bunch of armed Italian police escorts; and thousands of people painting themselves blue in the name of art for Spencer Tunick’s ‘Sea of Hull’ photographs during the city’s time as the 2017 UK City of Culture – Kirsten Simister looks back on an incredible 17 years as curator at Ferens Art Gallery in the City of Hull. loom.ly/clkhgxQ
World’s Oldest Christmas Pudding manufacturer
How did a humble farmer’s son become the world’s oldest Christmas pudding maker? By making a range of preserves and Christmas puddings from his mother’s special recipes back in the late 19th century… ‘The Original Matthew Walker’ is still producing what it claims to be the world’s oldest Christmas Puddings from its base in Heanor, close to the city of Derby.
The 2020 ‘Trials and Triumphs of Burton Constable Hall & Grounds’
Though circumstances this year scuppered a lot of the planned events, exhibitions and entertainment that were due to take place at Burton Constable Hall & Grounds, the East Yorkshire attraction has still managed to chalk-up many triumphs during 2020. And, as this piece shows, recovering from the lost revenue might take some time, but being able to attract visitors has reaffirmed the belief that a trip here is a great way to spend a day out…
Spot Santa in Hampshire this festive season
Looking for a Christmas day out to remember, Government restrictions permitting? Although this year will be a little different Father Christmas is still taking time out of his busy schedule and popping up across Hampshire to spread festive cheer. You’ll find Santa, his elves and even Mother Christmas on a steam train, canoeing down the Beaulieu River and dancing on a stage