UK events: November 2017
November in the UK begins with an abundance of Bonfire Night fireworks to warm us all up (Sunday, November 5 2017).
Wrap up warm, head to one of the many firework displays, and enjoy a show of spectacular colours.
Christmas Markets will begin to open up in most cities throughout the UK (November to December) Check your local council website, get festive, and enjoy.
Whatever you’re doing, don’t forget to let us know what you’re doing by tagging your Instagram and Twitter posts with #IAmChevening!
South East and London
The Victorian Festival of Christmas
25 to 27 November
Portsmouth
The Victorian Festival of Christmas returns once more to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, where the snow-covered roads come alive with carol singers, chimney sweeps, and a whole lot more.
The Dockyard will host a huge number of market stalls, selling quality local produce and quirky gifts. There will also be authentic Victorian entertainment from street performers, both on stage and marauding through the crowds.
Skate at Somerset House
Somerset House, London
November 15 to January 14
A glorious backdrop and special events help make a trip to this outdoor rink one of the capital’s most festive outings. Get your skates on.
Somerset House’s grand 18th-century courtyard is the stunning setting for an ice rink again this winter. No matter how unimpressive your skating skills, a trip to this 900-square-metre outdoor rink will be the very definition of festive fun.
Docks After Dark
31 October 2017 to 23 January 2018
Museum of London Docklands
Are you brave enough to enter this 200-year-old warehouse for our after dark tour of the Museum of London Docklands? Hear chilling accounts of the men, women, and children who worked in the docks, and stop off at the most haunted spots of the building.
The Snowman
23 November to 31 December
Peacock Theatre, London
Twinkling with festive spirit this stage show is now celebrating 20 consecutive years at the Peacock. Based on the book by Raymond Briggs which has transported a generation of children and their families into the wintery world of a boy and his magical snowman.
The Snowman is a magical mix of exquisite dancing, storytelling, splendid sets, and music performed by a live orchestra.
South West
Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2017
21 Oct 2017 to 8 April 2018
Bristol
The renowned wildlife photography competition from the Natural History Museum is back with 100 spectacular images.
From frozen wastelands and peculiar species, to tropical paradises and fascinating animal behaviour; this year’s selection is a call to action – a plea to band together and protect our fragile planet.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year provides a global platform that showcases the natural world’s most astonishing and challenging sights. Now in its 53rd year, the competition receives almost 50,000 entries from 92 countries.
The Midlands
Leicester’s Literary Festival
15 to 18 November
Leicester
November welcomes Leicester’s annual Literary Festival organised by the School of English at the University of Leicester. The Leicester Literary Festival celebrates the written word, so lovers of literature and the English language are in for a treat.
From celebrating links with Richard III and Shakespeare through literary, linguistic and theatrical perspectives, to Saturday afternoon events suitable for children aged over five, there’s something to entertain children and adult readers alike. Between events there is an opportunity to meet the writers, have a book signed, enjoy a tour of the David Wilson Library, grab a bite in the library café or browse the shelves of the independent university bookshop.
Warwick Chocolate Festival
6 November
Market Place, Warwick
Warwick Rocks Chocolate Festival – even more chocolate than last year, spread across the whole town. One not to be missed and its free!
Think artisan chocolate, dipping chocolate, chocolate cake, and perhaps even chocolate beer! Lots of chocolate available, including cake, truffles, beer, wine, and even gin. What’s not to love?
North West
Dinosaurs in the Wild Season
7 October 2017 to 2 January 2018
Manchester
Dinosaurs in the Wild is a unique and exhilarating blend of live-action theatre, theme park fun and the very latest palaeontological knowledge which will transport you back an astonishing 67 million years by time machine to encounter living dinosaurs as they’ve never been seen before.
Cutting-edge audio-visual effects and dramatic storytelling will immerse you in unforgettable experiences that, for the very first time, will make you feel as though you’re actually there – amongst dinosaurs, the most awe-inspiring animals ever to have roamed the Earth, in their world, at their time.
#Crime Live
University of Manchester
3 November
Become a crime scene investigator for the night…
For all real-life crime fans and forensic science enthusiasts comes an exclusive event which reveals the wonders of forensic science in crime scene detection.
Join eminent forensic scientists Tracy Alexander and Jo Millington as they investigate a blood-spattered re-creation of a crime scene and endeavour to solve a violent murder. Clad in their white SOCO suits, Tracy and Jo will guide you through a forensic investigation as they find fingerprints, scrutinise spatter, and distinguish DNA.
Brought to you by Inside Justice, a UK charity dedicated to investigating alleged miscarriages of justice, the event draws on the experience of their extensive network of experts who play an essential role in reviewing crucial case evidence.
North East
Newcastle Puppetry Festival presents: Shakespeare vs. Moliere
Thursday, 2 November
Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle
If Shakespeare and Moliѐre were our contemporaries what would they write about migrants today?
A wave of migrants has landed on French and English shores, all hoping for a better life. Grandeur and decadence, social upheaval and love affairs are brought to life by a puppeteer from each country, each in the role of a border guard. This is a highly visual bilingual production, applying classic texts to very modern migration using table–top puppetry, acting, objects, live cued music and projection.
Scotland
The Edinburgh Vegan Festival
Edinburgh
19 November
The festival will have a wide variety of stalls, including cakes and chocolate, hot takeaway food, make up, clothing, pet treats and cheese. The producers will be on hand to chat and tell you more about their great products.
As well as the stalls you’ll also be able to see speakers chatting about living a plant-based lifestyle, sharing their experiences and top tips.