Woodland wonders at Windsor Illuminated

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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Image: Mike Will

Follow the all-new trail design at this year’s Windsor Illuminated for the perfect evening out with family and friends, making festive memories

Discover a forest trail full of music and light where woodland creatures come to life and a whole host of festive moments will get you in the seasonal spirit at this year’s Windsor Illuminated.

Windsor Great Park illuminated returns for the fourth year with another magical trail, bringing the woodland to life with dazzling lights, breath-taking projections and flood-lit fountain shows.

Image: Eric Aydin Barberini

Image: Giles Smith

With a generous sparkle of new installations and a sprinkling of favourites returning, this year’s illuminations promise to be more magical than ever.

Follow a path through woodland awash with colour as sparkles of fireflies, luminous beacons and dancing fairies blaze the way, the lake alive with flood-lit fountains and glimmering reflections.

At a cosy rest spot, enjoy mouth-watering good food, mulled wine and hot chocolate or toast marshmallows at one of the fire pits. Top your evening off with a traditional fairground ride, fun for kids of all ages in the Festive Village. Slide down the epic Helter Skelter, take a turn on the Super Carousel or younger guests will enjoy a spin on the Mini Carousel and how about going up and around on the Big Wheel. Enjoy each ride for one token per person, per ride. Book in advance to save.

Everyone is welcome, the trail is dog friendly and every effort has been made to make the trail as inclusive as possible. As the trail is presented in the natural landscape some of the terrain through natural woodland is not suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters or buggies. This terrain will be particularly challenging in wet weather. The Trail is 2.2km long and will take approximately 1½ – 2 hours to walk, accounting for stops and refreshments along the way. If you would like to shorten your walk, please speak to event staff in a Hi Vis jacket an they will advise the alternative route/s. Please note that if you take a shorter path, you will miss some of the light displays.

Windsor Great Park Illuminated runs from Friday, 15th November until Saturday, 4th January.

Book at windsorilluminated.com/tickets 

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Newbury’s LoLA (Lots of Lovely Art)

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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Inside a jolly yellow building on Newbury High Street, Alara & Selina are on a mission to spread the joy of creativity with LoLA including some Christmas workshops coming up

Alara and Selina (mums and sisters-in-law) feel passionate about the arts and art education.

They are on a mission to spread the word about process-based, artist-inspired experiences which help children to develop problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, self-confidence and to have fun!

Unfortunately two-thirds of primary schools in England receive less art education now than they did a decade ago. Over the past five years Alara and Selina have built up LoLA (Lots of Lovely Art) into a successful company that creates magical educational art boxes, sketchbooks and art-activity booklets to support children of all ages to be creative at home. LoLA boxes and sketchbooks are sold in retail spaces such as Harrods, Molly Meg, Conscious Craft, the Science Museum and online.

Wanting to create a space for hands-on art children’s classes, they have now developed the LoLA Creative Space and Café in Newbury. As well as a warm welcoming café, the space offers a wide variety of classes for everyone. All ages are welcome, from Little Ones (ages two to four) to after-school classes, home-education options, workshops for young adults and weekend sessions for the whole family.

Upcoming Christmas workshops include a This is Me Art Journal session (scrapbooking & expressing emotions), 10.30am-12pm on Saturday, 23rd November and a Make Your Own Advent Calendar, 1.30-2pm on 23rd & 10.30a-12pm on Sunday 24th. 10.30am–12pm on Saturday, 30th November you can make a recycled reindeer head decoration inspired by Picasso and 1.30-3pm, tree decorations inspired by folk art. 10.30am-12pm on Sunday, 1st December, there’s Christmas gift-making. The same time on Saturday, 7th December, you can make an arty wreath inspired by Andy Warhol and, 1.30-3pm, Christmas cards, gift tags and wrapping paper. On Sunday, 8th December, 10:30am-12pm you can make painted giant stockings. On Saturday, 14th December, 10.30am- 12pm make angel tree toppers and 1.30-3pm make mini Christmas trees inspired by Ai Weiwei. And, 10.30-12pm on Sunday, 15th December you can make snowflakes, stars and garlands. 

While teaching workshops are not being held, head along to the café for a coffee while your child gets freely creative! Open Studios are offered nearly every day at the studio where projects and materials are offered on the art table. One ticket includes a hot drink and one space for a child to create at the workshop table.

Pop in to LoLA in Newbury, near the clock tower, RG14 1DT, to say hi or, for more info please email [email protected]

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Christmas magic at Blenheim Palace

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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The much-loved Christmas experience returns to Blenheim Palace, November 15th – January 1st, with the ever-popular illuminated trail, a magical adventure in the palace and the new Great Skate ice rink

Blenheim Palace will sparkle brighter than ever this winter, with a series of dazzling new illuminated artworks set to enchant visitors in the garden and Neverland® in the Palace.

The illuminated outdoor Christmas Trail in the grounds is one of the highlights of the festive calendar. Wander the picture-perfect gardens filled with Christmas cheer to discover a place where new memories are made as a multitude of glowing lights and Christmassy sounds fill the air with the festive fun.

These stunning installations, inspired by the natural world and festive themes, have been created by internationally renowned artists and are guaranteed to add extra magic to the festive season.

Created by Culture Creative and produced in partnership with Sony Music, Christmas at Blenheim is a magical, after-dark trail for visitors of all ages featuring thousands of twinkling lights, seasonal scents, sparkling baubles, shimmering tunnels of light and vibrant woodland lakeside displays. 

The illuminated trail has everything you need for an unforgettable time with friends and family, including a magical glimpse of Father Christmas along the way. 

Inside the house, embark on a swashbuckling adventure in Neverland, a place bursting with magic and make believe. Follow Tinkerbell through the State rooms as she sprinkles fairy dust over baubles and Christmas trees, wander through a moonlit London skyline and onto the Mermaid Lagoon. The enchanting new experience based on JM Barrie’s Peter Pan is in association with the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity. 

Visit the Orangery Restaurant and delve into a world of delight with a Neverland themed afternoon tea. Tinkerbell Blackberry Ganache Tart anyone? 

Also new this Christmas is The Great Skate. Go along to skate with family and friends in the Palace’s stunning Great Court on a spectacular, covered ice rink. Surrounded by breathtaking beauty and festive decor, enjoy a luxurious hot chocolate or tasty treats at rink-side seats. Capture the perfect festive family photo in this unique setting. 

Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without the traditional wooden chalets showcasing a range of festive treats from designer-makers and artisan food and drink producers. Stock up on festive goodies, and if you’ve worked up an appetite indulge in the treats on offer at the street food stalls. This will run from Friday, 15th November to Sunday, 22nd December.   

For more details on all the Christmas magic at Blenheim Palace this year and to book tickets (essential), please visit Christmas at Blenheim | Festive Light Trail & Christmas Market

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Step Into Christmas at Wycombe Swan!

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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This Christmas feelgood show brings all the magic of the season to life with all your favourite songs, so book your tickets for 28th November now!

Step Into Christmas is a festive, feel-good show that brings all the magic of the season to life, with all your favourite Christmas songs including All I Want for Christmas Is You, Last Christmas, Jingle Bell Rock, Stay Another Day, Let it Snow, White Christmas, Do They Know it’s Christmas, A Winter’s Tale, Merry Xmas Everybody, and many, many more!

The show is produced by entertainers, one of the UK’s leading entertainment producers. Entertainers is run by father and son team, Michael and James Taylor who were recently listed in The Stage Top 100, a list of the most influential people in the theatre industry. They have over 30 other productions in their portfolio including The Magic of Motown, Cirque: The Greatest Show, The Rocket Man, Fastlove, and The Makings of a Murderer all of which are touring the UK throughout the year.

For more information visit entertainers.

Tickets can be purchased from Wycombe Swan Theatre

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The Crown at Bray’s game night

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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On Thursday 21st November, The Crown at Bray is hosting a fabulous, five-course dinner to celebrate game season which is well and truly underway in Berkshire and its surrounding area.

The highlight, curated by head chef Scott Smith, champions locally sourced game, including venison from Chiltern Venison [ Read more ] and pheasant which has been shot by The Crown’s very own tournant James.

Scott’s perfect, five-course tasting menu

The evening will start with a buttermilk-fried rabbit leg served with a moreish tarragon and bacon mayonnaise, followed by tender pigeon breast served with warm and nutty freekah; liver parfait and tart preserved plums.

Next, indulge in beautiful venison carpaccio served with mouth-watering pickled vegetables and beetroot; followed by deliciously rich pheasant breast; hearty choux farcie (stuffed cabbage); jus gras and bacon.

The evening will wrap up with a delectable custard tart served with velvety butter poached raisins.

£60 per person and you can book between 6.30pm and 8.30pm. Each course can be perfectly paired with a thoughtfully curated wine flight for an additional £40 per person and tickets are expected to sell quickly so book now before it’s too late.

The Crown at Bray, SL6 2AH. Call 01628 621936 or visit The Crown at Bray

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DnB star Seba set to dazzle

Liz Nicholls

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Drum & bass pioneer Seba reveals his sixth studio album Oni ahead of an album release party on 15th November at London’s XOYO

Drum & bass kind Seba (not just our title: he was crowned earlier this year by Resident Advisor) has led an impressive 23+ year career.

Starting out with the legendary LTJ Bukem, Seba is often credited by artists in furthering the scene and as inspiration, as featured recently in UKF and DJ Mag.

Packed with 12 meticulously crafted tracks, the album Oni sees Seba exploring both the liquid and jungle subgenres of drum & bass, while also venturing into deep house territory, continuing to solidify his status as one of the most respected and innovative figures in electronic music,

It packs a punch with some bangers like Smoke and Slam, but then offers soothing, blissful relief with tracks Air and Flow. It even an unexpected deep house/Jon Hopkins-esque track with Three.

“I’ve been doing one off releases for Spearhead since 2011,” says Seba, AKA Sebastian Ahrenberg. “Steve (BCee) and I talked a long time about doing an album for Spearhead, and after my 2022 album Ingaro on my own label Secret Operations, it was about time to put another album together.  

“Since my musical direction is quite diverse with releases ranging from Hospital records to Function records, I thought it would be good to do an album that reflects that diversity. This album has a bit of jungle, drum & bass, liquid, some darkness, some smoothness. All blended together with my signature sounds.”

You’re invited to book your tickets and step into a world of immersive sound to celebrate the release of Oni, 8pm-12am (last entry 10pm) on Friday, 15th November at XOYO London (18+)

To book your tickets, visit Tickets: Spearhead Presents… Seba – Oni : Album Launch Party | XOYO London Fri 15 November 2024

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UCA winter market on 11th November

Liz Nicholls

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Liz Nicholls

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An upcoming highlight at University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in Farnham invites you to shop for locally made gifts

Celebrate the handmade when you visit the Students’ Union winter market at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) in Falkner Road, Farnham, GU9 7DS.

Unearth affordable art and shop for colourful prints, handcrafted ceramics, and decorative jewellery, designed by UCA students, staff, and local craftspeople – the perfect place to pick up a Christmas gift. Entry is free.

The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) is a creative university defined by adaptability and innovation. We’re excited by change and difference, and the possibilities they open up.

Specialising in creative Arts, Business and Technology, we help students find opportunities that speak to them, and make the future their own.

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Unearthing history in Haslemere

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

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Shelley Jarret-Tomes invites us to the centennial celebration of Haslemere’s renowned geologist Sir Archibald Geikie at the museum this month

This year marks the centenary of the death of one of Haslemere’s most renowned residents, the Victorian geologist Sir Archibald Geikie. Haslemere Museum will be hosting a series of celebratory events until 12th November, including a major exhibition, a Scottish Ceilidh and a programme of talks and tours.

Geikie was a leading figure in the world of science and was Director General of the Geological Survey from 1882 to 1901. He received many academic honours and was awarded a knighthood on his retirement. He was president of the Geological Society in 1906, and President of the Royal Society from 1908 to 1913. He is known for his important geological research in Scotland and in America.

Sir Archibald retired to Haslemere around 1906 and was invited to become the first Chairman of Haslemere Museum’s Fundraising Committee in 1915, a post he held until his death at the age of 88 in 1924. He worked tirelessly to secure the Museum’s future, facilitating its move to its current location on the High Street.

Today, the Museum’s collection contains one of the largest collections of Geikie-related archival documents in Europe, if not the world. The collection consists of copy letter books, field notebooks, geological specimens, letter, manuscripts and photographs, as well as some of his personal awards, medals and hundreds of his own paintings and drawings.

The Centennial Celebration begins with an exhibition of objects from Haslemere Museum’s significant Geikie archive collection, as well as items from the Geikie family’s personal archive running till March next year.

A guided walk at 10am on Friday, 8th November will visit locations around Haslemere where Geikie lived and worked. Then at 2pm, artist Roger Dellar will perform a live demo, painting an original watercolour of Geikie to be donated to the Museum.

On the evening of 8th November, the Museum will hold a Scottish Ceilidh with a band and bar. Everyone is welcome to join in and try some Scottish dancing, and tickets are on sale now via the Museum’s website.

A programme of lectures is scheduled throughout 8th and 9th November, with speakers from the world of geoscience and the Geikie family.

Finally, on 12th November, a ‘tea & talk’ will explore the Geikie archive held behind the scenes at the Museum.

The full programme of events and ticket booking can be found on the What’s On page of Haslemere Museum’s website at Haslemere Museum

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FloLeB fusing art & design

Karen Neville

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Karen Neville

Florence Breeze has created a range of T-shirts and sweatshirts showcasing her art, combining style, comfort and quality with sustainability

How many times have you just ‘thrown on’ a T-shirt and thought nothing more about it but have you considered this: “A T-shirt becomes a canvas that brings art into everyday life.”

Florence Breeze is the founder of FloLeB, an innovative sustainable clothing brand in Farnham where art meets eco-friendly fashion. Her collection for men and women is crafted from sustainable, recycled fabrics, non-toxic dyes and features original artwork.

“Our brand is driven by the belief that fashion should be both an expression of individuality and a force for positive change,” says Florence. “By merging art with sustainability, we’re not just creating clothing; we’re creating a movement that empowers consumers to make mindful choices without sacrificing style.

“The person is not just buying a T-shirt but investing in a piece of creativity, making a statement and a choice to be seen for who they are. Not only because of the original photograph and design but by choosing to wear eco-friendly clothing too.”

Florence is a keen photographer, a passion developed when travelling, and the idea for her innovative business came when her husband asked to have his favourite photograph of hers printed on a T-shirt. She adds: “It looked really good and personal and combined all I wanted: promoting beauty, showcasing my art and advocating authenticity.”

Florence grew up in small villages in the South of France and is heavily influenced by her formative years there and by her father, an artist, who also restores houses, antiques and paintings.

She says: “I can see today that being surrounded by art, witnessing my father’s creative process, attention to detail, beautiful Mediterranean sunlight and being surrounded by splendid nature had a clear impact and nurtured my sense of style. Art was always more than a subject, it was a way of life, a different way of thinking and it still is.”

The FloLeB slogan ‘Be You Be Art’ echoes this, encouraging you as Florence explains “to be seen for who you are, to stand up for your values and inspire all to do the same with a love for yourself, people and our planet”.

She hopes FloLeB can become “an inspiration for everyone to be the best version of themselves” and hope to be able to donate a part of her profits to environmental causes or promoting art in social spaces. “There is so much to imagine in creating possibility around us!”

Find out more and shop at Home

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Chiltern Made gifts at The Elgiva

Liz Nicholls

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The fourth Chiltern Made artisan gift fair in Chesham on Saturday, 30th November is a great chance to shop for goodies crafted with love by Bucks creatives

One of the highlights of the year returns to The Elgiva for its fourth outing, running 10.30am to 4pm.

This vibrant fair brings together 35 hand-picked artisan makers and artists, showcasing some of the finest craftsmanship the Chilterns has to offer. Explore unique, high-quality gifts, including ceramics, jewellery, textiles, woodwork, handmade produce, glass art, hand weaving, blacksmithing – and much more. It’s the perfect chance to support local creatives and discover one-of-a-kind gifts and decorations for your loved ones (or yourself…) and celebrate local talent!

Chiltern Made organisers Liz Turner and Laura Collins, who are makers themselves, say: “As always, it was a challenge to choose from so many amazing applications, but we’re confident that visitors will love this year’s fair. Along with some fantastic new makers, we’re also welcoming back a few returning favourites. It’s going to be a wonderful event!”

These include Widmer End-based Create Your Happy, Marie Jones who specialises in felt and embroidery work and stocks DIY needle felting kits and Chesham jewellery maker Made to Scale. You can also enjoy contemporary, affordable fused glass pieces from JHS Glass designed and made by Jenny Hoole and wood-lathed pieces and bird boxes, bat roosts and more crafted by Chris at Holmsdale Wood.

Run by Anna, Wildflower Botanicals is an independent Chesham-based business offering natural products for wellbeing and Heidi H Studio makes and designs contemporary jewellery and wall art.

Entry is £2.50pp, and there’s a café on site and car park outside. For info visit Home – Elgiva Theatre Chesham

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