Popular Weekend Events in United Kingdom (August Updated)

As part of the Moomin 80 programme in Gloucester, we invite you and your family into a magical world inspired by Moomins this Spring and Summer. Settle down for an hour to explore a whole world of emotions with your family and immerse yourself in the adventures of Moominmamma, Sniff, Stinky, Little My, Hodgkins, Snufkin and Snorkmaiden!

Featuring more than 150 works in drawing, printmaking, painting, sculpture, installation and ceramics, this comprehensive exhibition offers audiences the opportunity to immerse themselves in Nara’s personal and creative worlds. Celebrated across the globe for his powerful portraits with eyes that gaze back at the viewer, and his drawings that engage with daily experiences, Nara is also known for his wood, fibreglass and ceramic sculptures as well as his installations of little houses. Nara’s work explores themes of resistance, rebellion, isolation, freedom and spirituality. This thematic exhibition reveals enduring influences on the artist’s work, particularly nature and its mythology, the peace movement, the significance of home, and his interest in punk and rock music and popular culture. Born in 1959 in Japan’s Aomori prefecture, Yoshitomo Nara completed the Master of Fine Arts programme at the Aichi University of the Arts in 1987. Nara subsequently moved to Germany in 1988 and began his enrolment at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf. After residing in Cologne, he returned to Japan in 2000. He has exhibited in numerous museums and galleries in Europe, the United States, Japan, and Asia since the late 1990s.This is an expanded version of the touring exhibition from the Guggenheim, Bilbao, and Museum Frieder Burda, Baden-Baden, featuring additional work, including early sculptures and new paintings.

The 2025 BBC Proms season brings together many of the world’s finest international artists and orchestras, featuring more than 40 outstanding ensembles from across the UK: a series of concerts that can only be experienced at the world’s greatest classical music festival. The BBC’s own orchestras and choirs form the backbone of the Proms, making nearly 50 appearances throughout the season. The BBC Singersperform at 11 Proms, including the First and Last Nights, showcasing their broad range of repertoire. Sakari Oramo conducts the First Night of the Proms, with tenor Caspar Singh, baritone Gerald Finley, violinist Lisa Batiashvili – including the world premiere of The Elements by Master of the King’s Music Errollyn Wallen, commissioned by the BBC. The Last Night of the Proms is conducted by Elim Chan and features trumpeter Alison Balsom and soprano Louise Alder, with two world premieres, by Camille Pépin and Rachel Portman: the latter being the first woman to win an Academy Award for Best Original Score. The BBC Proms makes its debut in both Bradford, as part of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, and Sunderland, bringing the festival to new audiences. The Proms also returns to Bristol and Gateshead for two three-day weekend residencies, and a special Prom in Belfast marks the centenary of Radio 4’s popular Shipping Forecast. The season features a compelling line-up of international orchestras, including the Vienna Philharmonic, the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Major soloists include pianists Yunchan Lim and Sir András Schiff, violinists Hilary Hahn and Janine Jansen and soprano Golda Schultz. Nineteen world, European or UK premieres will be performed, including 10 works commissioned by the BBC, showcasing an extraordinary range of contemporary composition. Sir Simon Rattle conducts the Chineke! Orchestra for the first time, in their tenth-anniversary year. Anna Lapwood co-curates the first overnight Prom since 1983, featuring pianist and YouTube sensation Hayato Sumino, cellist Anastasia Kobekina, the Chapel Choir of Pembroke College, Cambridge and the boundary-crossing Norwegian ensemble Barokksolistene. The Proms marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Shostakovich with eight of his works performed during the season, including Aurora Orchestra playing Symphony No. 5 entirely from memory. Other composer anniversaries include Luciano Berio, Pierre Boulez, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and Arvo Pärt. Legendary Studio Ghibli composer Joe Hisaishi makes his Proms debut, conducting the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in his symphony inspired by the tragic events of Hiroshima: The End of the World. Across the season there is a wealth of opera, including a collaboration between the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and the English National Opera for The Lady Macbeth of the Mtensk District by Shostakovich – only performed in its entirety once before at the Proms. Glyndebourne brings their new production of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro to the festival, and Puccini’s Suor Angelica is performed by the London Symphony Orchestra with Chief Conductor, Sir Antonio Pappano. Large-scale choral repertoire features throughout the season, from Ralph Vaughan Williams’s rarely performed oratorio Sancta Civitas on the First Night, to Striggio’s Mass in 40 Parts from Le Concert Spirituel. There is also a Proms debut from Peter Whelan and the Irish Baroque Orchestra and Chorus, with Handel’s Alexander’s Feast. The Proms continues its tradition of collaborating with other BBC brands. In addition to the 100 Years of the Shipping Forecast Prom in Belfast with the Ulster Orchestra and Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, Claudia Winkleman hosts The Traitors Prom at the Royal Albert Hall, exploring themes of treachery and betrayal in classical music. Concerts for children include a new CBeebies Prom: A Magical Bedtime Story as well as the CBeebies Prom: Wildlife Jamboree in Gateshead. The Proms continues to welcome non-classical artists, presenting their music in new orchestral settings – this year hosting the multi-Grammy winning musicians St. Vincent and Samara Joy. Trevor Nelson presents the Soul Revolution Prom and Anoushka Shankar makes a welcome return to the Proms with the world-premiere performance of her new album.

We are so excited to present the Anglesey Greenland Rolling & Tide Festival bringing together international Greenland rolling coaches James Manke, Eiichi Ito, How We Roll and Online Seakayaking coach James Stevenson. This event will take place at Anglesey Outdoors. Please note that the Eventbrite ticket does not include camping, so you will need to arrange campsite booking directly with Anglesey Outdoors (they are aware of our event). Join us for rolling classes and tidal environment paddles along the stunning coastline of Anglesey. This event is ideal for anyone looking to improve their roll and/or transfer their rolling skills to moving water. You can choose to focus solely on rolling throughout the weekend or combine rolling classes with tidal paddling. Each day will begin at 9:00 AM. Over the weekend, we will cover: An introduction to rolling principles that apply to any rollStretches and land exercisesWater-based rolling sessionsKayak handling and rolling in tidal flowOn Saturday evening, we’ll gather in the bar-yurt with the coaches and fellow paddlers for some relaxed activities, such as knot workshops, and discussions on kayak outfitting and kayaking/coaching skills. We will wrap up the event on Sunday at 16:00. Please bring your usual kayaking kit. Warm wetsuits, drysuits, tuiliks, neoprene hoods, nose clips, earplugs, or snorkeling masks will help keep you warm during the rolling sessions. Keep in mind that rolling classes are more intensive than a casual roll during a normal kayaking session, so please come prepared. We have a few spare Greenland paddles available, but please let us know in advance if you need one, so we can reserve it for you. Chris Reed from Reed Chillcheater will join us as a coach and will have his mobile shop on-site, offering the opportunity to purchase additional gear. We are further lucky to have Amberwave from Scotland joining us, with their amazing Greenland paddels on sale. Information Source: How We Roll | eventbrite

See a new special commemorative display of ceramic poppies installed at the heart of the Tower of London to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The display will see nearly 30,000 of the original poppies, made for the 2014 installation, ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’, return to the Tower, marking the sacrifices made by so many during the Second World War. The specially commissioned installation will resemble a ‘wound’ at the heart of the Tower, which was itself bombed during the Blitz. Poppies will pour across the lawn overlooked by the ancient White Tower, where the blood-red flowers will form a crater, with ripples flowing outwards.

Gagosian presents Roman Meal, an exhibition of two new sculptures by Kathleen Ryan at 17–19 Davies Street, London. In this, her solo debut at the gallery, Ryan mines ideas of utility and excess, luxury and repulsion, pondering culture’s inherent state of perpetual transformation while maintaining an appealing sense of the absurd.

Saatchi Yates presents a monumental summer exhibition, Once Upon a Time in London. The exhibition is a celebration of London, its artists and institutions, featuring commissioned works from contemporary artists as well as major loans drawing from the rich history, diversity and cultural scene of London. For decades, London has been a major artistic crossroad where artists have challenged conventions and redefined the artistic landscape.

The world premiere of Anne Boleyn the Musical will debut at Hever Castle, Anne Boleyn’s childhood home, from 2-30 August 2025, it has been announced. The musical will play in a specially constructed 1,800 seat outdoor auditorium in the grounds of the Kent castle. Directed by Roxana Silbert, with a book by Rebecca Night, lyrics by Rebecca Night & Sam Kenyon, and music composed by Sam Gevers, it will tell the captivating story of Anne Boleyn at the very place where her journey began. Anne says farewell to her family and embarks on a life-changing journey to the royal courts of Flanders and France. Though her goodbyes are difficult, Anne’s adventure will shape not only her future but the future of England itself… Anne Boleyn the Musical explores the transformation from a young girl leaving England, into a young woman who returns to Hever Castle, destined to attract a King. The rise and fall of their relationship forever altered the course of history. Celebrated as one of history’s most intriguing and influential women, Anne's true nature, her ambitions, and her generosity will finally be revealed—within the very walls where her mind was shaped and her legacy forged. Historalia Productions co-founder and director Eliane Astor-de Merode, who is also the future Lady Astor of Hever, said: “Hever Castle is more than just Anne Boleyn’s childhood home; it’s a living monument to her life and the historical events that shaped her destiny. The historic walls of the castle have witnessed the joys and sorrows of Anne’s life, and now, in August 2025, they will once again come alive with the story of this remarkable woman through our musical. This production will offer visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the world as Anne might have known it, within the very grounds where she grew up. “It is a privilege to play a part in bringing Anne Boleyn the Musical to life at this historic estate. Hever has always been intertwined with Anne Boleyn’s story, and through this production, I’m excited to continue that legacy. It is important to maintain the connection between our family and this place, which meant so much to my children's ancestors.” The show will feature set and costume design by Robert Innes-Hopkins, sound by the Ringham Brothers, and lighting by Michel Jacobs. Full casting and creative team will be announced in due course.

This exhibition marks the artist’s first project in London in over 20 years, following his iconic explosion event at Tate Modern in 2003, which dramatically unfolded across the Millennium Bridge and culminated in the gallery’s Turbine Hall.

The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail celebrates 30 years of commissioning contemporary artworks with two new permanent commissions by artists Henry Castle and Pomona Zipser, unveiled on 15th July 2016. In Coal Measure Giants, rising British star Henry Castle brings to the surface aspects of what lies hidden beneath the Forest’s surface. Exploring the geological, industrial and sociological aspects of the Forest’s history, visitors will be able to touch the fossilized remains of 300 million year old trees and see the form of the mine shaft sets that provided a livelihood for generations of local freeminers. Two sculptures placed 300 metres apart act as markers, measuring the depth of the coal seam that lies directly below the ground. The work invites the public to experience a physical expression of this vertical depth. Meanwhile, Yaşasin by established Romanian artist Pomona Zipser creates a space and a structure from which to contemplate and observe the ever-changing forest. Berlin-based Zipser’s sculpture has been handcrafted from sweet chestnut felled from the site of the Trail and Zipser has collaborated with local artists and craftsmen to make the sculpture. It makes a thought-provoking and visual connection to the surrounding environment, playing with density, dimensions and colour.

Liverpool Mountain is Swiss-artist Ugo Rondinone’s first public artwork in the UK and the first of its kind in Europe. Inspired by naturally occurring Hoodoos (spires or pyramids of rock) and the art of meditative rock balancing, this 10-metre high sculpture stands within Mermaid Courtyard, outside Tate Liverpool on the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool. It consists of coloured rocks, stacked vertically which seem to defy gravity. This outdoor sculpture marks the 10th anniversary of Liverpool European Capital of Culture, the 20th anniversary of Liverpool Biennial and the 30th anniversary of Tate Liverpool. Commissioned by Liverpool Biennial and Tate Liverpool as part of the Liverpool 2018 events programme with support from Royal Albert Dock Liverpool.

A Virtual Reality Art Exhibition that you can view in any location and on any device. Please see the above picture instructions for how you can view it on a tablet/mobile. You can view the exhibition with or without a virtual reality headset. Copy this link to view the Virtual Reality Art Exhibition on a computer/laptop: https://edu.cospaces.io/PMB-KAV The Virtual Private View of the Exhibition was held on Thursday 14th of May 2020 at 8:15pm on Zoom (Virtual drinks provided.)

The artwork is displayed on powder-coated steel gates, designed by Whittle and made at Glasgow Sculpture Studios. It was unveiled on 5 October 2023 at the Queen’s House in Greenwich. Feeling Blue has been developed in response to RMG’s large and varied collections, as well as the history and cultural significance of Greenwich. The 160 x 155 cm tapestry is filled with richly evocative textures, symbolic shapes, and tropical colours. It was woven by hand over a period of six months by Naomi Robertson and Elaine Wilson at Dovecot Studios. They used a variety of techniques, yarns, and over 150 colour mixes to add variety and depth to the surface of the tapestry. Dominating the tapestry is the phrase ‘feeling blue’ which stands out from a background of blues and greens, the combination of different shades resembling water in motion. Blue is immediately associated with oceans and seas but there are also more emotive connotations which Whittle chose to explore. The colour blue, and in particular the term ‘feeling blue’, is used to describe sadness or depression. While the exact origin of the term is uncertain it has been suggested that it comes from the tradition of ships flying blue flags and officers bearing a painted blue band when a captain or officer died. For others, blue symbolises tranquillity. In the Queen’s House the colour blue is used throughout for decoration, notably the balustrade of the Tulip Stairs. Drawing on her research of the British naval uniform, Whittle also reflects on the legacies of British colonialism. From the mid-eighteenth-century, the Royal Navy introduced a uniform for officers made from a deep blue fabric. The colour was achieved using a dye from the indigo plant that was native to India. Until the end of the eighteenth century the indigo plant was grown, harvested and processed by enslaved people on North American plantations. Indentured labourers in India and modern-day Bangladesh also produced indigo for the East India Company. Today, Navy blue endures as a colour of authority from police to military officers, though the history of the colour and connection to colonialism is little known. Whittle continues her exploration of maritime worlds by the inclusion of coloured ropes – reminiscent of those used on ships. For Whittle, rope is a symbol of both hope and oppression. Ropes are associated with bondage, imprisonment and even execution but are equally symbolic of lifelines for people in distress. Whittle’s ongoing engagement with the climate crisis is found in the decorative coral that frames the tapestry. The delicate pastel pinks and vibrant yellows evoke the beauty of tropical oceans and are a reminder of the importance of reefs. Decorative cultured freshwater pearl beads have also been stitched onto the tapestry. As well as representing an oceanic realm, Whittle connects Feeling Blue with two sixteenth-century paintings the Armada Portrait and Sir Francis Drake which will be displayed alongside the tapestry. In both portraits, pearls are used as a symbol of wealth, some of which was derived from colonial trade and exploitation. The tapestry is hung on a set of blue ‘gates’, which are an important component of Whittle’s work. Whittle sees the ‘gates’ as reminiscent of fencing, suggesting containment and control. Placed within the gallery space the gates no longer act as a barrier. Instead, Whittle uses the gates to expand rather than restrict as visitors are free to walk around them and view the tapestry from both sides. The decorative fretwork on the panels evokes the architecture of the Queen’s House, in particular the Tulip Stairs. Alberta Whittle, said: “The commission has been a wonderful opportunity to think deeply about maritime histories and consider the powers in place that decide how these histories are portrayed. This new tapestry is a chance to explore these ideas of power alongside the rhythms of the ocean and its vulnerability under climate colonialism. The commission has also provided me with the opportunity to continue to work with Naomi Robertson and Elaine Wilson at Dovecot Studios and the rest of the fantastic weaving team.” Celia Joicey, Director of Dovecot Studios, said: "This commission represents the contemporary significance of tapestry as a collective medium. Started in the midst of the 2021 lockdown, it is testimony to a group of people responding creatively and collaboratively to the Museum collections. Feeling Blue embodies the passion, focus and skill of Dovecot’s weavers, Alberta Whittle’s endlessly interesting ideas and the care and enterprise of the commissioning team." Katherine Gazzard, Curator of Art, Royal Museums Greenwich, said: “At Royal Museums Greenwich, we are committed to working with contemporary artists whose practice engages with our historic sites and collections, as well as with the present challenges facing our communities and our planet. The opportunity to commission a contemporary tapestry from Alberta Whittle and Dovecot Studios spoke powerfully to this ethos. The finished tapestry will go on public display in the Queen’s House, our flagship art gallery. When the Queen’s House was built in the early 17th century, it was at the cutting edge of art and design. Commissions like Feeling Blue help us to honour that legacy, ensuring that, four centuries after the building’s completion, the Queen’s House continues to showcase artistic innovations and new perspectives.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Feeling Blue Alberta Whittle Tapestry by Dovecot Studios 2023, cotton, linen, synthetic yarn, cultured freshwater pearl beads Tapestry woven for Dovecot by Naomi Robertson, Master Weaver, and Elaine Wilson Displayed on powder coated steel gates made by Glasgow Sculpture Studios Purchased with assistance from the Contemporary Art Society

The Cold War was a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union after the Second World War. Scotland’s unique landscape provided a useful base for Allied military preparations and research. The impact of the war still lingers in Scottish politics, culture and memory. Scots played an active role in the global conflict as soldiers within intelligence services and as part of voluntary civil defences. The exhibition will draw on Scotland’s rich history of Cold War-era protest and activism. Cold War Scotland is an output of Materialising the Cold War, a collaborative research project between National Museums Scotland and the University of Stirling. The project explores how the Cold War heritage is represented and how museums can adapt to tell this story in future. Materialising the Cold War is funded by a major grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

The latest Fourth Plinth commission 'Mil Veces un Instante (A Thousand Times in an Instant)’ by Mexican artist Teresa Margolles was unveiled on Wednesday 18.09.2024. The monolithic sculpture was made with plaster cast molds of the faces of 726 transgender people from Mexico and the UK. The molds were made by applying plaster directly onto each individual’s face. The resulting object is both a visual record of their respective features and, imbued with hair and skin cells, a material infusion of their physicality.

Serpentine unveils a new site-specific mural by artist Esther Mahlangu. On view in the garden at Serpentine North, the monumental painting celebrates concepts of community and unity. Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu, which translates directly from Ndebele as ‘I am because you are’, marks her first public artwork in the UK.

Through the expansive finding of fossils and development of new techniques and methods, the 19th century transformed our understanding of the history of Earth. Breaking Ground explores these themes through William Buckland, geologist and palaeontologist, and Mary Buckland (née Morland), a scientific illustrator, the couple at the heart of this exhibition. They both helped to establish new scientific methods and ideas, which led to fascinating discoveries in palaeontology, including the first ever dinosaur to be named to science.

Priscilla The Party! is an immersive reimagining of the iconic and award-winning musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Delivered in three acts with breaks between for fine dining in the Mezzanine or bar snacks on the Dance Floor. Featuring the dance-floor classics like I Will Survive, It's Raining Men and Finally, doors open one hour before show time where two cocktails cost just £15 and a pre-show entertains you before the main event. The performance ends with a dazzling finale show-casing the award-winning costumes and head-dresses which the show is famous for. The evening ends with a disco from our resident DJ. The audience can expect an extravagant display of eye-popping costumes, an exhilarating soundtrack that encourages everyone to sing along and a show which unfolds all around them. There will be immersive dance floor tickets as happens at Guys and Dolls at the Bridge Theatre, with DJ and pre-show entertainment similar to Here Lies Love at the National Theatre, a party sing-a-long atmosphere like ABBA Voyage at the ABBA Arena, cabaret tables with dining options similar to Cabaret at the Playhouse Theatre and dining options and post-show party as happens at Mamma Mia! The Party – in other words, something for everyone! From its dazzling debut in Sydney in 2006, the musical created by Allan Scott and Stephan Elliott has taken the world by storm. It initially graced the London stage in 2009, before conquering Broadway in 2011. The enduring message of acceptance and inclusivity that Priscilla carries remains as significant today as it was when the curtains first rose.

On the first Saturday of each month Abbas Zahedi hosts a support group for the collective processing of ecological grief. In collaboration with thinkers, artists and musicians, participants are invited to consider ‘How can we make sense of a world increasingly shaped by loss and disconnection?’. The discussions take place in a new commission entitled Begin Again. As part of the installation, instruments and playback devices have been plugged into Tate Modern’s utility pipes and deeper architecture. The sound composition shifts between moments of harmony and disintegration. Each sonic collapse prompts the piece to rebuild, emphasising the power of renewal and beginning again. The commission creates a space for collective listening where participants can reflect on how to protect and restore ecological connectivity.

As miffy turns 70, we look back at the well-loved character's rise to popularity through the charming books and simple illustrative style which made has made her famous across the world. The interactive exhibition will bring miffy to life through creative displays and activities which will offer an immersive and playful experience to enjoy. It will also explore aspects of Dick Bruna’s design philosophy and artwork through his 124 picture books, posters, book covers, logos and house styles for charities and worthy causes. The exhibition is curated in partnership with Mercis and will tour to Norfolks' Time and Tide museum after Leeds City Museum.

In a time when the world is changing forever, there is one place where everyone can be free. This is Berlin. Relax. Loosen up. Be yourself. One of the most successful musicals of all time, Cabaret features the songs Willkommen, Don’t Tell Mama, Mein Herr, Maybe This Time, Money and the title number. It has music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, book by Joe Masteroff, based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood. Before the show, guests are invited to enjoy the Kit Kat Club with drinks, dining and pre-show entertainment all on offer. When booking, guests will receive a ‘club entry time’ so they’re able to immerse themselves in the club. We encourage people to arrive early, leaving plenty of time to explore every nook and cranny of the Kit Kat Club before the show begins. Please note that once the main show begins, we cannot guarantee readmission to the auditorium. This is for both your safety and the safety of the cast. It may be up to a 30-minute wait before being allowed back to your seat. If you have any requirements which mean you are likely to need to leave the auditorium for whatever reason, please speak to a member of staff before the show begins.

A celebration of the boundary-pushing career of artist Leigh Bowery Leigh Bowery’s short but extraordinary life left a distinct, undeniable mark on the art world and beyond. An artist, performer, model, TV personality, club promoter, fashion designer and musician, Bowery took on many different roles, all the while refusing to be limited by convention. From his emergence in the nightlife of 1980s London through to his later daring and outrageous performances in galleries, theatres, and the street, Bowery fearlessly forged his own vibrant path. He reimagined clothing and makeup as forms of painting and sculpture, tested the limits of decorum, and celebrated the body as a shape-shifting tool with the power to challenge norms of aesthetics, sexuality and gender. Embracing performance, club culture and fashion design, Bowery created some of the most iconic images of the 1980s and 90s that continue to resonate, with his influence seen in the work of figures such as Alexander McQueen, Jeffrey Gibson, Anohni, and Lady Gaga. This eclectic and immersive exhibition is a rare chance to experience many of Bowery’s ‘Looks’ alongside his collaborations with artists including Michael Clark, Charles Atlas, Nick Knight, Fergus Greer, Stephen Willats, Nicola Rainbird, Mr Pearl, and Lucian Freud. It will provide a fresh insight into the creative scenes in London, New York and beyond featuring Sue Tilley, Princess Julia, Jeffrey Hinton, RuPaul, Les Child, Andrew Logan, Cerith Wyn Evans, Lady Bunny, Trojan, Rachel Auburn, Scarlett Cannon, Lanah P, MINTY and Boy George. Moving from the club to the stage, to the gallery and beyond, step inside Bowery’s dynamic creative world that blurred the lines between art and life.

Discover never-before-seen royal and court fashion treasures in Dress Codes, a new exhibition at Kensington Palace. Explore the codes and conventions of royal clothing, and the powerful impact fashion can make when boundaries are pushed and dress codes evolve. Among the highlights of this exciting new exhibition are pieces worn by a young Queen Elizabeth II, Diana, Princess of Wales, Dame Vivienne Westwood, Princess Margaret and Queen Victoria. Dress Codes will showcase both recognisable and rarely-seen treasures from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, a collection of 10,000 objects spanning 500 years, cared for by Historic Royal Palaces. Stunning items from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection on display in 2025 include an extremely rare Japanese court suit dating from the early 20th century, and a never-before-seen 1920s Reville court dress worn to Buckingham Palace. Alongside these spectacular examples of royal and court dress, discover how dress codes can be reset and re-made for today through designs by our Young Producers, aged 14-17. This new partnership with local youth groups paves the way for a new generation of young people to contribute to the arts and fashion industries.

Step into the world of regal elegance with Royal Style in the Making, a captivating new exhibition at Hillsborough Castle. Unveiling the intimate bond between royal clients and fashion designers, discover how the British fashion industry has crafted the iconic style of the British royal women. The exhibition showcases three stunning outfits on display, including the extraordinary toile used in the design of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s coronation gown, worn in 1937. Original design drawings feature some of Britain’s finest designers including Madame Handley Seymour, Norman Hartnell, Hardy Amies and Oliver Messel. Don’t miss sketches from David Sassoon, for Diana, Princess of Wales, including her handwritten comments. A thrill for fashion fans, don’t miss this unique journey into regal elegance and history, only until 04 January 2026.

Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur presents over 40 new works by Sir Grayson Perry (1960). In the largest contemporary exhibition ever held at the museum, visitors will encounter ceramics, tapestries and works on paper amongst others, displayed alongside masterpieces from the collection that helped shape Perry’s vision for this landmark show. Delusions of Grandeur will interrogate the very nature of craft-making and our drive for perfectionism. Intricate handcrafted objects will be shown alongside works made with digital technology – comparing an object that may have taken thousands of hours to create against one that was possible with the click of a button. Through these contrasting approaches, Perry will ask the viewer to contemplate questions concerning authenticity and the artist’s role in the future.

A major exhibition celebrating our enduring love of the water over the last 100 years. Explore the full spectrum of the design of swimming — from sports performance and fashion, to architecture.