UK events in January
Anywhere in the UK (throughout the year)
Running!
It may be cold outside but there’s one sure fire way to get warm and that’s to run. Start off the New Year in a healthy way and break into a sweat, make friends and get fitter at a free running event held in cities across the UK. You can keep doing this throughout the year as well.
If you’re new to running, try parkrun where you can run, jog or walk as fast or slow as you like! These happen every Saturday at 9am in parks across the UK and you can print a barcode to keep track of your time. Visit their website for more information.
You can also try Good Gym, where you join a group, run to a volunteering location, help out (think raking leaves or clearing weeds) and then run back to the start. You can find out more about this on their website.
If you’re still cold, run faster!
South West
Slapstick Festival (23rd-24th January, Bristol)
Catch some slapstick classics from Laurel and Hardy to Tom and Jerry at this annual festival in Bristol. To find out how to laugh yourself silly, visit their website to see what is on.
Central
Cambridge Vegan Market (26th January, Cambridge)
Want to stop eating and using animal products this year and need some inspiration? The Cambridge Vegan Market could be just the place for you. As well as food and drink, you’ll find cosmetics and clothing to help show you how to make a switch.
South East & London
Southampton Chinese New Year (25th January, Southampton)
This year’s Chinese New Year celebrations in Southampton promise to be bigger and better than ever before. You can watch a parade, take part in workshops and tuck in to lots of delicious Chinese food.
You’ll also find other Chinese New Year celebrations in cities across the UK – just do an internet search.
Winter Lights (16th-25th January, London)
Get some illuminated Instagram shots at the Winter Lights event in Canary Wharf this January. Top tips – go earlier on during a working day to avoid the crowds and get a photo without too many people in the background.
North West
Manchester Beer and Cider Festival (23rd-25th January, Manchester)
Want to taste some British beer and cider as well as choose from a selection of traditional British foods (think pies and roast beef)? Then head to the Manchester Beer and Cider festival where you can choose from over 500 beers, ciders and perries.
North East
Ice Skating at the Life Centre (until 5th January, Newcastle)
One great thing about the winter is outdoor ice rinks. You have a few days to catch this in Newcastle before it closes for the season. Just be careful – it’s slippery out there!
Scotland
Night Walk for Edinburgh (Until 31st January, Edinburgh)
With your smartphone as a guide, take a tour around Edinburgh’s Old Town, learning more about city in a tale that describes itself as ‘part game-playing, part surrealistic poetry, perhaps even a murder mystery – layered with history, invention and memories.’
Burns Night Ceilidh (24th January, Edinburgh)
Missed out on a ticket for Chevening’s Burns night Ceilidh? Don’t worry, you can still get your fix of bagpipes, a band and traditional dancing at this celebration.