What’s on in the UK this February? James McLachlan, UK Editor for Culture Trip, recommends festivals and events in York, Manchester, London and more.
JORVIK Viking Festival, York, North Yorkshire, 20-27 February
Over 40,000 Norse enthusiasts flock to this eight-day festival for live competitions, performances and ferocious battle re-enactments. This annual event is the biggest of its kind in Europe and mirrors how the Vikings marked the coming of spring when they ruled the region over 1,000 years ago.
Verve Poetry Festival, Birmingham, 14-17 February
A poetry slam workshop, an open-mic night with Andrew McMillan and Inua Ellams’ Rhythm and Poetry party are just some of the highlights at the Verve Poetry Festival 2019. Now into its third year, and taking place in the heart of Birmingham, Verve is an inclusive, relaxed and collaborative four-day festival, celebrating British and international poetry. Both single event tickets and weekend passes are available, so you’re free to join for just a performance or workshop, or the whole weekend.
Still Doin’ It!, Manchester, 22 February
Celebrate 20 years since the ground-breaking Channel 4 series Queer As Folk hit screens with a big party where it all began – Manchester.
Still Doin’ It! Live is a concert where iconic tracks from the best-selling soundtracks will be performed by a live orchestra and special guest stars, including Steps and Strictly Come Dancing star Faye Tozer. Expect to see some familiar faces from the show as well.
Coastival Arts Festival, Scarborough, 22-24 February
The Coastival Arts Festival has been going for a decade and returns to Scarborough this February under the theme “Time”.
The art event features live music from both local talents and artists from around the UK, as well as more unusual attractions – like an immersive theatre installation by Animated Objects Theatre Company, comic performance art and a new contemporary dance project. Coastival is family-friendly and the events, some ticketed and some free, take place in different locations all over the resort town.
Mestizo’s Tamale Festival, London, 1-2 February
Shake up dull February with the vibrancy and flavours of Mexico at Mestizo’s annual tamale tasting festival. The central London restaurant will be serving up 12 varieties of the Mesoamerican steamed bundles, typically made from masa, a tasty corn dough treated with lime, sweet or savoury filling and wrapped in corn husks.
The dish is hard to find in the UK, so take advantage of the variety on offer, including pork, chicken and courgette flower recipes.
Massive Attack, London, 22 February
Legendary trip hop band Massive Attack are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their album Mezzanine with a show at London’s O2 Arena.
The classic LP will be reimagined for the gig with Robert Del Naja describing it as “a one off piece of work; our own personalised nostalgia nightmare head trip”. He will be joined by bandmate Daddy G and Cocteau Twins singer Elizabeth Fraser, who made a guest appearance on ‘Teardrop’.
Chinese New Year, Multiple Locations, 7-10 February
The world’s largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside of Asia take place in London on 10 February, but communities across the country will be hosting their own festivities to mark the Lunar New Year. Celebrate the Year of the Pig in Manchester with a giant straw piglet statue and samplings of Chinese street food in St Ann’s Square from 7-10 February.
Birmingham ‘s revelry will take place from 8-10 February with musical performances and Chinese tea at Birmingham Cathedral. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s celebrations –also from 8 February – boast a Chinese market where visitors can shop for new year’s gifts and concludes with a fireworks show on 10 February.
Ocean Liners: Speed and Style, Dundee, until 24 February
Head to Scotland’s first design museum – an architectural masterpiece by Kengo Kuma – to view its inaugural exhibition before it closes.
The V&A Dundee navigates visitors through fascinating design tales of the world’s greatest ocean liners from the Titanic to the Queen Mary and reveals how these impressive vessels shaped the modern age. From the Duke of Windsor’s luggage to show-stopping 1930s swimsuits, there are plenty of treasures from Britain’s golden era.
