FRIDAY FEATURE: JUNE'S HOTTEST EVENTS

June's hottest events, so that you don't miss out....

Chesterton's Polo in the Park

Friday 5th - 7th June 2015

The weekend event at Hurlingham Park is to host the largest Polo event in Europe. Discerning visitors will enjoy at least three matches a day including an International England match on the Friday as well as plenty of bars, gardens and music. The Little Hooves Kid's Club will be holding events across the weekend also making sure that the little ones are entertained so mum and dad can enjoy a Pimm's or two.

Sunset Safari, ZSL London Zoo

Fridays from 5th June - 17th July 2015, 6pm until 10pm 

A safari in the city, the Sunset Safari begins at London Zoo's usual closing time and offers insight into the animals' daily routine as they begin to settle down for the night. The tour, action packed with animal feeds, talks and entertainment showcase the zoo's 750 different species from around the world. Visitors can opt for self-guided or premium guide tours led by a safari expert.

Trooping the Colour

Saturday 13th June 2015, 10am

Although the Queen's birthday is in April, the official celebration of the sovereign's birthday has always taken place on a weekend in June. A glorious event full of colour and pageantry, Trooping the Colour is an impressive display of regimental skill by the Queen's personal troops as they salute her on her birthday. Over 1400 officers and men are on parade as well as 200 horses and 400 musicians, visible from The Mall and some areas of St. James' Park, which is followed by a fly-over by the Royal Air Force.

Open Garden Squares Weekend

Saturday 13th-14th June 2015

An action packed weekend for those with a green fingered inclination, the weekend will see over 200 enchanting gardens with restricted access open to the public across 27 of London's Boroughs. From historic and traditional gardens to those with a more contemporary feel, the Open Garden Squares Weekend is a charming and relaxing event - especially if the weather holds out!

Royal Ascot

Tuesday 16th - 20th June 2015

The world's finest racehorses compete for prizes of up to £5.5 million in Britain's most valuable race meet. Over 18 group races take place, eight of which are in Group one, take place over four days of high fashion broadcast all over the world. The Royal Procession which heralds the start of each race day is quintessential Britain at its best.

Shoes: Pleasure and Pain

Saturday 13th June - 31st January 2016

Once again the Victoria and Albert impresses its visitors with an exhibition charting the cultural significance and the changing fashions of our favourite shoes throughout time. From Ancient Egyptian sandals to Marilyn Monroe heels, the V&A takes visitors on a fashionable journey through time.

Wimbledon

Monday 29th June - 12th July 2015

The yearly tournament returns once again for two weeks of all things tennis, orderly queues and a little British rain. One of the most highly regarded titles in tennis will see players battle it out in singles and doubles to win up to £1.8 million.

Hampton Court Flower Show

Tuesday 30th June - 5th July 2015

The beauty of the Chelsea Flower Show is continued with the world's largest flower show also hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society. Taking place over six days, this year will see the show celebrating their 25th Silver Anniversary in style with special arrangements, historical gardens and a special rose marquee showcasing the Festival of Roses.


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FRIDAY FEATURE: THIS YEAR'S WEST END WONDERS

Wondering how best to spend your stay in London? Then why not sit back and enjoy one of its fantastic plays or musicals (or both!). Visitors from all over the world come to London's West End throughout the year for a chance to see its phenomenal plays and musicals. We've put together a list of 2015's must see theatre productions in London's West End to make sure you don't miss out on the action.

The Twits

Royal Court Theatre, Tuesday 7th April - Saturday 30th March 2015

We're incredibly excited to see one of our favourite Roald Dahl creations take to the stage. One for all the family, coinciding perfectly with Easter half term, it's a brilliant excuse to get out and about with the kids!

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Bugsy Malone

Lyric Hammersmith, Saturday 11th April- Saturday 1st August 2015

Alan Parker's kid gangster flick hasn't been adapted for the stage for over a decade in the UK and The Lyric has set expectations high for this film adaptation. Running it for four months - as opposed to its usual three week production schedule, producers are gearing up expectant audiences for unmissable fun.

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Hamlet

Barbican Theatre, Wednesday 5th August - Saturday 31st October 2015

The age old Shakespearian play about the Danish Prince has had tongues wagging for months. Starring Britain's latest acting heartthrob, Benedict Cumberbatch, his faithful followers have caused tickets to sell like hotcakes! Luckily one hundred £10 tickets have been held back for each performance - crisis averted (we hope).

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A View from the Bridge

Wyndham's Theatre, Closes Saturday 11th April 2015

Arthur Miller's domestic tragedy comes to life once more with Ivo Van Hove at its helm. This play has been lauded by critics everywhere, consequently tickets are extremely limited, ending on April 11th - catch it while you can!

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Beautiful - The Carole King Musical

Aldwych Theatre, Until Wednesday 13th February 2016

Beautiful tells the previously untold story of Carole King's rise to fame, with Katie Brayben cast as lead role. Nominated for eight Olivier Awards, the show is already rocking the West End and will be running until February next year so you've got plenty of time to catch it.

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Memphis

Shaftesbury Theatre, Saturday 28th March 2015

Winning four Tony Awards in 2010 and nine Olivier nominations this year, it's no wonder Memphis has set tongues wagging. With Killian Donnelly and Beverly Knight as leads 'boasting some of the most thrilling vocal work you'll find on stage', this musical has brought audiences to their feet with its not stop raucous fun. 

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FRIDAY FEATURE: EXCITEMENT BLOOMS FOR THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW 2015

With the first day of Spring upon us, what better way to spend a beautiful day than rubbing shoulders with the Royals whilst admiring the beautiful designs at The Chelsea Flower show. Every year the show attracts thousands of worldwide visitors to England's capital for an unforgettable week of sights and scents. Widely considered as the world's most prestigious flower show, we are extremely excited to see this year's fantastic floral displays.

The competition at the show has always been intense with designers battling against each other to be the most innovative, relevant and above all take home the coveted gold medal. Previous years have seen designers really push boundaries to impress the public and judges alike, 2011 saw Diarmuid Gavin with  Fáilte Ireland/Cork City Council garden unveil a hanging garden suspended 60ft above ground, winning him his first gold medal.

Year on year we are taken aback with the talent and calibre of the show's exhibits and it seems this year will not disappoint. In the pipeline for this year's show is a garden design by Matt Keightly, the force behind last year's fantastic 'Hope on the Horizon' for the Help the Heroes charity. He will be returning with Prince Harry's charity Sentebale, who are dedicated to helping impoverished children in Lesotho, Africa.

This year will be a first for Harrod's, who will be presenting their own garden with a perfume themed design. The department store's 'Fragrance Garden' will highlight the art of using flowers to create beautiful scents. Sheena Sheeks who is to design the garden has said she wants to reflect the growing industry in scent selection.

Another new exhibitor we are certain will astound this year comes from Al Barari Firm Management. Designed by Kamelia Bin Zaal and entitled 'Beauty of Islam', it will feature jasmine, rosemary and papyrus with an Islamic art influence. Not one to be missed!


The Chelsea Flower Show, 19-23 May 2015 at The Royal Hospital in Chelsea.
Full Day Tickets £59, please call 0844 338 7502.

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