The clocks are going forward and the warmer weather has started to put in an appearance, but the real thing hotting up at this time of year is the English events calendar. April marks the beginning of events coach holidays season, kicking off a plethora of exciting events across the country. Starring a world-famous horse race (the Grand National), the largest annual fundraising event on the planet (the London Marathon) and a certain little wedding (where have you been?), April’s diary is packed to the rafters with fun stuff. Take a look at what’s going on that you could be a part of…
The Grand National – 7-9 April
The legendary Grand National at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool is an age-long tradition and celebrates three days of highest quality jump racing in the UK. Now’s the time to plan for the biggest social event in the social and sporting calendar, but if you’ve missed the chance to be there, get started by placing a bet on your favourite horse. Pick a name and see how you fare!
Dancing on Ice Live Tour – 9 April
The famous Torvill and Dean live tour will be returning for the fifth time, kicking off in Sheffield on April 9th. Watch the celebrities and their professional partners as they try to impress the audience and the judges, which this year include Karen Barber (minus Jason Gardiner) and Christopher Biggins. The tour has dates for Newcastle, London, Manchester, Nottingham and Birmingham as well – get your tickets now!
Betty Blue Eyes Opening Night – 13 April
A musical comedy based on the film ‘A private function’, Betty Blue Eyes is billed as no musical you will have ever seen – utterly stunning, wonderfully eccentric and deliciously witty with a marvellous cast. Catch it on a London theatre break.
Harrogate Spring Flower Show – 14-17 April
The limber up to Chelsea, this year’s Harrogate Spring Flower Show will host some exciting new show gardens, lots of live demonstrations, the stunning and marvellous flower hall, a cookery theatre, beautiful floral art, ‘Gardening with Nature’ and Garden Roadshow, so there’s plenty for everyone. The show is a good place to come and see how to make the most of your garden and enjoy being outside – just in time for the good weather.
The London Marathon – 17 April
Watch and cheer on thousands of runners as they run for charity and be a part of this truly moving spectacle. It’s great to support the runners, soak up the atmosphere, take in some of the landmarks and live entertainment along the route and perhaps partake in some refreshments too!
The Queen’s Birthday – 21 April
The Queen’s Birthday Gun Salutes in Hyde Park will mark the Queen’s actual birthday on 21st April. This loud, spectacular and smoky display consists of 41 rounds of cannon and gun shots being fired by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. Keep your fingers crossed for sunny weather for an enjoyable day in London. A great spectacle, and what’s more, it’s free! Ear plugs optional.
The Royal Wedding – 29 April
The Royal Wedding Day of Friday 29th April has been declared a Bank Holiday so it’s not just a happy day for the couple but for the nation as a whole, especially given that for 3 days holiday you can get 11 days off work. With a fair few Royal Wedding packages on offer, you can go to London, line the streets and catch a glimpse of the happy couple, who are getting married at Westminster Abbey. An ideal opportunity to get some of those kitsch, must-have Kate and William souvenirs, too! Wills and Kate tea towel anyone?
So, have we inspired you? Which April events will you be going to?