20 Things to Look Forward to in 2020
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5 years ago
Don't let January get you down. There's so much to look forward to...
It’s 2020 and whilst the wintry weather and post-Christmas blues have got us feeling a little less than merry, there is in fact plenty to look forward to. From the opening of the RHS’ brand-new Bridgewater Garden, to the Tate’s Andy Warhol retrospective and the highly anticipated return of London Fashion Week, we’ve got your essential guide to the year ahead covered…
The Coolest Food Festivals for 2020
1. Tom Aikens’ Latest Culinary Venture
Good news for fine-dining enthusiasts, Michelin star-winning head chef Tom Aikens is launching a new London restaurant this January, with a ‘nostalgia’-based menu inspired by the renowned chef’s personal life, memories and philosophies. A transformed Georgian townhouse nestled within Belgravia’s Groom Place, Muse will feature immersive open kitchens, a sophisticated cocktail lounge and sumptuous interiors, as well as six and ten-course tasting menus including the likes of ‘The love affair continues’, a delicious dish inspired by Tom’s French mentors Joël Robuchon and Pierre Koffmann. Opens 11 January. 38 Groom Place, Belgravia. musebytomaikens.co.uk
2. The Opening of RHS Bridgewater
Photo: Harris Bugg
Summer 2020 will see the opening of the RHS Garden Bridgewater, a brand-new 154-acre plot transformed into a spectacular series of gardens, including an orchard, wellbeing, kitchen, and paradise garden. Nestled within the Weston Walled Garden, Bridgewater will be the horticultural society’s first new garden in 17 years, and is also incredibly the largest gardening project in Europe; a must-visit once the seasons change. Phased opening from summer 2020. rhs.org.uk
3. Mushrooms: The Art, Design and Future of Fungi
Beatrix Potter, Hygrophorus puniceus, pencil and watercolour, 7.10.1894, collected at Smailholm Tower, Kelso, courtesy of the Armitt Trust
If you didn’t think there was ‘mush room’ for a fungi-focused exhibition within the 2020 art sphere, you thought wrong. Mushrooms: The Art, Design and Future of Fungi comes to Somerset House this January, exploring and celebrating all that the mighty mushroom has to offer, from art to architecture, illustrations and psychedelics. 31 Jan – 26 Apr 2020; somersethouse.org.uk
Champagne + Fromage
If your love of mushrooms extends that of the exhibition, head to Covent Garden’s Opera Quarter (spanning Catherine St, Wellington St and Tavistock St) to get your delicious fungi fix; think mushroom bao buns from On The Bab, mushroom arancini from Café Murano and an indulgent baked camembert with black truffle and port served with a doughy French baguette from Champagne + Fromage. Who said anything about a January detox?
The Best Art Exhibitions in London
4. The Global Return of Fashion Week
Getty Images
Gosh, they come around quickly don’t they? And we couldn’t be gladder. The international Fashion Week running kicks off in New York on 6 February, with London Fashion Week taking place on 14 February, opening its doors yet again to the wider public as well as the fashion and trade elite, (London was the first international fashion week to do so last year). Following Jennifer Lopez’s surprise walk for Versace in New York last year, we can’t wait to see what A/W20 has in store. londonfashionweek.co.uk
5. Four-Legged Fun at Dogfest
A festival for everyone; friends, family, and even the dog, DogFest offers owners and their four-legged friends an entire day out to enjoy great walks, dog diving, hay bale racing, treat-tasting and more. Owners can also learn how to ensure their pups are in the best health possible, with first aid training, nutrition and mental health advice, new for 2020. 2 – 3 May, Knebworth House, Hertfordshire | 13 – 14 June, Tatton Park, Cheshire | 20 – 21 June, Ashton Court, Bristol. dog-fest.co.uk
6. Tate Modern’s Andy Warhol Retrospective
Andy Warhol, Marilyn Diptych
An unmissable exhibition for art enthusiasts, the Andy Warhol retrospective at London’s Tate Modern is one of the most highly anticipated showcases of the year. Opening in March, the exhibition will be the Tate Modern’s first Warhol-dedicated exposition for nearly 20 years, featuring iconic pop works such as the 1967 Marilyn Monroe. 12 March – 6 September 2020, Tate Modern. Tickets £22. tate.org.uk
7. Fantastic Florals at the Chelsea Flower Show
It’s one of the biggest (and oldest) horticultural events of the year, and one which most definitely deserves a spot in every horticulturalists 2020 must-visit list. Even if you’re not a green-fingered fanatic, the Chelsea Flower Show promises an enthralling day out filled with delicious dining spots, expert exhibitors and show gardens galore. 9 – 23 May 2020. rhs.org.uk
The Best Flower Arranging Classes in London
8. The V&A’s Celebration of The Royal Academy of Dance’s 100 Year Anniversary
On Point: Royal Academy of Dance at 100
The ultimate showcase for ballet dancing fanatics, this year the V&A welcomes a brand-new exhibition, On Point: Royal Academy of Dance at 100, marking the 100 year anniversary of the Royal Academy of Dance. Discover spell-binding costumes worn by RAD founders and stars, sculptures, sketches, photographs and more. Opens 1 May 2020, royalacademyofdance.org
9. The English Riviera Airshow
RAF Red Arrows first display of the season at Torbay Airshow
A fantastic day out for all the family, The English Riviera Airshow returns to the Devonshire coast this June, having welcomed over 165,000 observers last year. Delight in awe-inspiring RAF displays, including aerobatic displays from the Red Arrows and a multitude of stalls and entertainment in the event village on Paignton Green. 6 – 7 June 2020, Devon, englishriviera.co.uk
10. Film Awards Season
Photo by Myke Simon on Unsplash
Whilst January can be an avidly depressing month, there is almost certainly one thing to look forward to; awards season. Whether you love it for the for the emotional speeches, the film critiques or the ‘who wore what’ on the red carpet conversations, it’s a key period in the diary for film fanatics worldwide. Plus, it gives us all an excuse to spend our weekends at the cinema cosied up with a large box of popcorn. Don’t miss the 92nd Academy Awards (the Oscars) on 9 February 2020.
16 Best Independent London Cinemas
11. The Return of Wimbledon (and Strawberries & Cream)
The tennis tournament that needs no introduction, Wimbledon returns this summer and we’re already looking forward to seeing Federer, Djokovic, and Serena in full swing. The public ballots may already be closed, but keep your eyes peeled for our summer guide as to watching the tournament in London. 29 June — 12 July 2020, wimbledon.com
12. Nyetimber’s Annual Dorset Seafood Festival
The UK’s best-loved seafood festival returns this summer for its 13th edition amongst the charming and multi-hued settings of Weymouth’s historic harbour. Peruse over 100 sea-inspired stalls offering chef demos, activities for the little ones (from crabbing to face painting), and of course, Nyetimber’s quintessentially English sparkling wine, a delicious accompaniment to the local seafood. What’s more, the festival raises funds for The Fisherman’s Mission, the UK’s only charity providing vital emergency support to fishermen and their families. dorsetseafood.co.uk
13. The arrival of the UK’s First Ever Vegan Festival
2020 sees the welcome of the UK’s first ever vegan festival, VFest; a three-day celebration of all that is vegan, comprising headline acts (such as vegan reggae artist, Macka B), fantastic plant-based food (and vegan alcohol!), plus cooking demos from a host of celebrity chefs, yoga classes, vegan activism talks and more. 26 June – 28 June 2020, Dinton Country Park, Davis St, Hurst, Wokingham, tickets from £40, child tickets £20. vfestuk.co.uk
London’s Best Vegan Restaurants
14. ‘Floral Memories’ at Leeds Festival of Flowers
One of the most beautiful events of the year, Leeds Festival of Flowers is most definitely one to look forward to. This year follows the theme of ‘floral memories’, in which the historic Leeds Castle will be spectacularly adorned with florals from an array of international award-winning designers. There will also be an array of floral talks, tours and demonstrations to bring out the green-fingered creative in all of us. leeds-castle.com
15. Camden’s New ‘Conscious Consumer’ Market
As if Camden couldn’t get any cooler, this year sees the arrival of Buck Street Market, the UK’s first ever ‘conscious consumer’ market, comprised entirely of recycled shipping containers. Set to host over 70 traders, from sustainable food vendors to trendy, ethical fashion brands, the market is sure to inspire plenty of sustainable-led shopping for 2020.
The Best Food Markets in London
16. The Return of Cinnamon Kitchen City’s House of Holi
What better way to celebrate Holi – the Indian festival of colours and love – than by paint-pelting with friends at Cinnamon Kitchen City’s renowned powder paint-pelting pop-up? Don your defensive white suit, shake off the day’s stresses and paint-pelt away, then indulge in a flavourful Holi-style feast and delicious cocktails on the terrace. For the ultimate Holi experience, join executive chef Vivek Singh for a Holi Masterclass where you’ll learn how to create traditional and colourful festival-inspired treats, or opt for the Holi Supper Club & Play (£225 per person), an exclusive chance to enjoy the ‘House of Holi pod’ before dining on ten traditional festival dishes in the restaurant’s intimate private dining room (£45 per person). 2 – 15 March, 9 Devonshire Square, London. Play Holi tickets are £12 per person, or the House of Holi pod can be privately booked for £250 per session, for up to 25 players. Tickets will be available to purchase via designmynight.com
17. Fitness ‘Inspo’ at Balance Festival
If your New Year’s resolution is to get fit, Balance Festival is a must-add to your 2020 agenda. Back for its fourth edition this year, the wellness extravaganza comprises three days of fitness inspiration from the likes of Barry’s Bootcamp, health food indulging from over 150 traders, and a chance to meet leaders of the wellness world, from best-selling author Alice Living to ex-rugby star Richie Norton. 17 – 19 April 2020, Old Truman Brewery, Shoreditch. balance-festival.com
The Best Wellness Festivals in 2020
18. Pretty Woman: The Musical’s Opening at Piccadilly Theatre
Photo: Morris Mac Matzen
Following an extremely successful run on Broadway, Pretty Woman: the Musical is finally coming to London. Head to the Piccadilly Theatre this February to see the iconic romantic comedy take to the stage in this ‘big new musical. Big. Huge.’ Opens February 2020. prettywomanthemusical.com
19. Bristol’s Craft Beer Festival
If Dry Jan has got you craving a pint, have something to look forward to by pencilling Bristol’s Craft Beer Festival into your calendar. The annual ‘boozer’ sees over 40 global breweries coming together for a weekend of great food, live music and of course, multiple flavours of beer. 12 – 13 June 2020, Harbourside, Bristol. bristolcraftbeerfestival.co.uk
20. Results Retreats with Lucy Mecklenburgh
Swap out a weekend of overindulging for a fantastic fitness retreat with TV personality-come-fitness guru Lucy Mecklenburgh and personal trainer Cecilia Harris. Taking place across three days in a range of beautiful British locations, guests can expect riveting workouts, delicious meals, mindset and motivation seminars, plus a chance to meet some new fitness pals and set some healthy 2020 goals. 10 – 12 January, 3 – 5 April, and 24 – 26 July at Lifehouse Spa, Essex, 7 – 9 February at Champneys, Leicestershire. From £499. resultswithlucy.com
MORE FOR 2020: Eat Clean: Health Food Trends 2020 | 365 Days of Culture: The Best Shows in 2020
