The Month Ahead - January 2018

Welcome to January's The Month Ahead. The New Year brings with it a whole range of exciting things to do whether you're a lover of the outdoors or prefer to stay in the warm. Let's have a look at some of the traditional feasts and festivals, events and exhibitions that are happening around the UK this month.

1^st January - New Year's Day Parade, London. The annual procession is a spectacular mix of street performers, dancers, musicians, cheerleaders, bands, vehicles and inflatables. The free show starts at 12 noon at Green Park Tube station and goes through the streets until it finishes at Parliament Square at around 3.30pm.

1^st January – New Year's Day Classic Gathering, Brooklands Museum, Surrey. Vintage car fans will love the sight of over 1,000 classic cars on show. If you have a modern sports car or pre-1988 model you can join in too.

7^th January – Brass Monkey Swim, Cheltenham. Brace yourself for a cold water swim in the Sandford Parks Lido. Choose from a 100m, 500m or 1km swim or just wrap up warm and spectate.

13^th January - Stroud Wassailing, Gloucestershire. After dying out for many years the January tradition of wassailing is gaining popularity throughout the country. In Stroud watch out the Mummers preforming their plays before the big procession and evening revelling.

18^th-28^th January - Big Burns Supper, Dumfries. Take in 11 days of celebrations to honour Scotland's most famous poet. Robert Burns' died in Dumfries in 1796 but it is his birthday on 25^th January that is still widely celebrated throughout Scotland today.

20^th January - Star Gazing Evening, Guildford, Surrey. Eyes skyward for a night of astronomy. The family friendly event will have a pop-up observatory plus talks from experts.

27^th January – Grand Pier Whisky and Rum Festival, Weston-super-Mare. Keep out the winter chill with a selection of spirits. Learn more about rum and whisky through a range of masterclasses.

27^th-28^th January - Aviemore Sled Dog Rally. Marvel at the sight of the highly trained huskies and their mushers race around the Highland course.

27^th-29^th January - RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. You need to venture no further than your window to participate in the annual RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. If you fancy a trip out join in with one of the organised birdwatching events around the country.

27^th January - Nantwich Holly Holy Day. Relive the events of the Civil War when the town was finally released from its siege and the people placed holly sprigs in their hats in celebration.

30^th January - Up Helly Aa, Lerwick, Shetland. Head about as far north as you can in the UK to experience the fire and flame of the festival. Watch out for the Viking Guizer Jarl and his Squad matching through the town in their specially created outfits.

All events are subject to change. Please check with the organisers before travelling.

If you are interested about advertising your event on The Month Ahead please contact me at jibberjabberuk@gmail.com.