Muddy Stilettos


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-art-amp-culture">ART &amp; CULTURE</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-london-taylor-swift-songbook-trail-v-amp-a-museum-27-july">LONDON: Taylor Swift Songbook Trail, V&amp;A Museum, 27 July</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/07/Image-still-from-willow-music-video-2020.-Courtesy-of-TAS-Rights-Management-LLC.jpg" alt="Taylor Swift image from Willow music video " class="wp-image-3197"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image still from willow music video, 2020. TAS Rights Management, LLC</figcaption></figure>



<p>It’s me, hi! Taylor Swift mania swept through the capital in June when she brought her Eras tour at Wembley, and now you can get another Swiftie fix courtesy of the <strong>V&amp;A Museum</strong> in South Ken which is launching a free trail dedicated to the pop star this weekend <strong>(27 July)</strong>. <a href="https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/taylor-swift-songbook-trail" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taylor Swift, Songbook Trail</a> will have 13 stops showcasing her iconic looks, from customised cowboys boots when she was a country singer through to a jet-black ruffled shoulder dress worn in her recent music video <em>Fortnight</em>. Warning: this will be popular.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-suffolk-nbsp-primadonna-festival-stowmarket-fri-26-sun28-jul">SUFFOLK:&nbsp;<a href="https://primadonnafestival.com/">Primadonna Festival</a>, Stowmarket, Fri 26-Sun28 Jul</h3>



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<p>Not really a glow sticks and hot pants kind of festival goer? How about a nice festival of books, ideas and inspiration instead?&nbsp;<a href="https://primadonnafestival.com/">Primadonna Festival</a>&nbsp;in Stowmarket it is then! Though it’s no Hay Festival, as even if you don’t like books you’ll love the talks, interviews and discussions on a range of subjects including film, music and comedy. There’s also lots of delicious food and drink to be enjoyed alongside sets from DJs and wellness therapies.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-london-paradox-museum-knightsbridge-from-july">LONDON: <a href="https://paradoxmuseumlondon.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paradox Museum</a>, Knightsbridge, from July</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1-1.jpg" alt="Paradox Museum London" class="wp-image-96457" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1-1-600x600.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1-1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Paradox Museum in Knightsbridge has just launched (from July; tickets £18.50), so if you want to immerse yourself in optical illusions this weekend, you know where to head. A hit overseas, this is the first time it&#8217;s come to London and you can expect more than 50 installations during your 90 minutes, including upside down rooms and camouflaged furniture. Insta opps a plenty.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-devon-nbsp-susie-dent-in-conversation-barnstaple-sun-28-jul">DEVON:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.queenstheatre-barnstaple.com/event/susie-dent-presents-the-secret-life-of-words/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Susie Dent in Conversation</a>, Barnstaple, Sun 28 Jul</h3>



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<p>Susie Dent, lexicographer extraordinaire, much loved for her countless appearances on C4’s&nbsp;<em>Countdown</em>&nbsp;over an astonishing 25 years, brings humour and a razor-sharp intellect to an evening’s discussion of her life in books and on TV while presenting her new book&nbsp;<em><a href="https://www.queenstheatre-barnstaple.com/event/susie-dent-presents-the-secret-life-of-words/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Secret Life of Words</a></em>.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxfordshire-nbsp-oxford-shakespeare-festival-oxford-1-27-jul">OXFORDSHIRE:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk/events/event/wild-goose-theatre-twelfth-night/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oxford Shakespeare Festival</a>, Oxford, 1 – 27 Jul</h3>



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<p>Over in Oxford, the&nbsp;Oxford Shakespeare Festival&nbsp;is back for its 14th year at&nbsp;Oxford Castle and Prison, starting with Wild Goose Theatre’s&nbsp;<em>Twelfth Night</em>&nbsp;(<strong>now&nbsp;–&nbsp;Sat 27 Jul</strong>) – all taking place in the yard with the castle as a backdrop. Hamlet plays&nbsp;<strong>Mon 29 Jul – Sat 10 Aug</strong>. Fingers crossed for no rain. Buy tickets (from £17) now.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-day-at-the-fair">A DAY AT THE FAIR</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oxfordshire-nbsp-the-game-fair-blenheim-palace-fri-26-sun-28-jul">OXFORDSHIRE:&nbsp;<a href="https://thegamefair.org/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_term=game%20fair%20blenheim%20palace&amp;utm_campaign=UK%20%7C%20EN%20%7C%20GO%20%7C%20BRD%20%7C%20E%20%7C%20Game%20Fair%202024%20%7C%20Brand%20Variations&amp;mkwid=sXg71uN5w_dc%3Bpcrid%3D701015495459%3Bpkw%3Dgame%20fair%20blenheim%20palace%3Bpmt%3De%3Bplid%3D&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADgyk_8w8oIEbjWrJuBYwlPKzS2uU&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIvdjAzKq_hwMVi4pQBh0xDDUrEAAYASAAEgKC5_D_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Game Fair</a>, Blenheim Palace, Fri 26 – Sun 28 Jul</h3>



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<p>Green wellies at the ready!&nbsp;<strong>The Game Fair</strong>, is pitching up at&nbsp;<strong>Blenheim Palace</strong>&nbsp;for three days with plenty of family fun and shopping galore. Whether you want to try archery, watch a horsey display or eat like a lord, there’s something for everyone. Dog-lovers can enter their prize pooch in fun competitions and celeb chef James Martin will be cooking up a storm as host of the VIP Enclosure, joined by&nbsp;<em>Escape To The Chateau</em>&nbsp;duo Dick and Angel Strawbridge on the Sunday.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-festivals-amp-music">FESTIVALS &amp; MUSIC</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-suffolk-nbsp-latitude-festival-nbsp-henham-park-thu-25-sun-28-jul">SUFFOLK:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.latitudefestival.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Latitude Festival,</a>&nbsp;Henham Park, Thu 25 – Sun 28 Jul</h3>



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<p>Snag tickets ASAP for the most revered of East Anglian festivals,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.latitudefestival.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Latitude</a>, returning to Suffolk this summer for another fun-filled, family-friendly experience. There’ll be music (Duran Duran, Kasabian, Keane, London Grammar, Nile Rodgers &amp; Chic, Rag N Bone Man and Rick Astley), as well as dance,&nbsp;comedy (with headliner Sara Pascoe),&nbsp;poetry,&nbsp;theatre,&nbsp;literature,&nbsp;family activities&nbsp;and&nbsp;wellness.&nbsp;Phew.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dorset-nbsp-camp-bes-ti-val-lulworth-castle-thu-25-sun-28-jul">DORSET:&nbsp;<a href="https://dorset.campbestival.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Camp Bes</a><strong><a href="https://dorset.campbestival.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ti</a></strong><a href="https://dorset.campbestival.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">val</a>, Lulworth Castle, Thu 25 -Sun 28 Jul</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/07/camp-bestival-451494339_889517043214051_8598596363696763846_n.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3243"/></figure>



<p>The super child-friendly&nbsp;<a href="https://dorset.campbestival.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Camp Bes</a><strong><a href="https://dorset.campbestival.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ti</a></strong><a href="https://dorset.campbestival.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">val</a>&nbsp;has loads to keep little people happy while you empty that box of wine. This year’s line up includes Pete Tong (Ibiza classics), Paloma Faith, McFly, Orbital, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Gok Wan, and Mr Tumble (obvs).&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surrey-nbsp-pete-tong-s-ibiza-classics-sandown-park-esher-fri-26-jul">SURREY:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/sandown/events-tickets/pete-tong-ibiza-classics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics</a>, Sandown Park, Esher, Fri 26 Jul</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/07/thumbnail_Sandown-Park-crowds.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3244"/></figure>



<p>Love a day of racing&nbsp;<em>and</em>&nbsp;live music under the stars? You can have both at Sandown Park in Esher this Friday. Following a day of racing your favourite club tracks will be reimagined by the 65-piece Essential Orchestra conducted by Jules Buckley.&nbsp;This new expertly combines the worlds of classical and club with stunningly reimagined versions of house tracks including ‘Rhythm Is A Dancer’ ‘Horny, and “Feel The Love” alongside forever fan favourites ‘Insomnia’ and ‘Cafe Del Mar’ and many more.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cornwall-nbsp-rock-oyster-festival-rock-fri-25-sun-28-jul-nbsp">CORNWALL:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rockoysterfestival.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rock Oyster Festival</a><strong>, Rock, Fri 25 – Sun 28 Jul&nbsp;</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/07/Image.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-3282"/></figure>



<p>Celebrating the best of music and food at&nbsp;Dinham House near Wadebridge in Cornwall, this is a north coast favourite for everyone.&nbsp;Expect live music – including from headliners Sugar Babes, and Bombay Bicycle Club and The Human League, circus acts, yoga&nbsp;and a chance to&nbsp;try some of the best oysters, mussels, and&nbsp;artisan produce around. This family-friendly event also&nbsp;offers lots of fun for kids and includes loads of wellbeing activities like SUP, surfing, yoga and hot-tubs taking in the gorgeous view of the Camel Estuary, plus the legendary Sharp’s Silent Bistro.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-berkshire-nbsp-king-george-vi-weekend-ascot-sat-27-jul">BERKSHIRE:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ascot.com/horse-races-and-events/king-george-vi-weekend/saturday" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King George VI Weekend</a>, Ascot, Sat 27 Jul</h3>



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<p>It’s summer which means the racing action across Berkshire’s fabulous racecourses is hotting up. At Ascot, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ascot.com/horse-races-and-events/king-george-vi-weekend/saturday" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King George VI Weekend</a>&nbsp;takes place&nbsp;<strong>Sat</strong>&nbsp;<strong>27 Jul</strong>. After a top racing card during the day, off the track it’s going to be a riot of colour, laughter, and summer vibes as partygoers will enjoy the Don’t Cha Disco afterparty – an electrifying new show from Pussycat Dolls icon Kimberley Wyatt.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-with-the-kids">WITH THE KIDS</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-norfolk-nbsp-old-buckenham-airshow-old-buckenham-nbsp-sat-27-sun-28-jul">NORFOLK:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oldbuckenhamairshow.com/"></a><a href="https://www.oldbuckenhamairshow.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Old Buckenham Airshow</a>, Old Buckenham,&nbsp;<strong>Sat 27 – Sun 28 Jul</strong></h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/07/Old-Buckenham-Airshow-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3250"/></figure>



<p>Eyes to the sky at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.oldbuckenhamairshow.com/"></a><a href="https://www.oldbuckenhamairshow.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Old Buckenham Airshow</a>! The jam-packed weekend features jaw-dropping aerobatics from The Red Arrows and jet-powered parachutes. On the ground is pretty cool too with classic cars, military displays and live music as well as a funfair, family centre and food village. Camp out or pop along for the day.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-berkshire-nbsp-summer-knights-windsor-castle-sat-27-jul-sun-1-sep">BERKSHIRE:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rct.uk/event/summer-knights-07-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Summer Knights</a>, Windsor Castle, Sat 27 Jul – Sun 1 Sep</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/07/Windsor-castle-free-image.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3240"/></figure>



<p>Berkshire’s crowning jewel, Windsor Castle have got a load of free activities for children during the summer holidays.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rct.uk/event/summer-knights-07-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Summer Knights</a>&nbsp;takes place&nbsp;<strong>Sat 27 Jul – Sun 1 Sep</strong>&nbsp;where the little ones can learn all about knights, design a Coat of Arms, colour Garter Knights, and make their own ‘Knight of Horseback’ to take away. There’s armour handling workshops on weekdays, plus a free trail around the castle to learn how knights defended the castle in medieval times. Standard castle entry fees apply.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kent-nbsp-summer-value-tickets-howletts-wild-animal-park-now-sun-8-sep">KENT:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aspinallfoundation.org/howletts/book-your-tickets/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Summer Value Tickets</a>, Howletts Wild Animal Park, now – Sun 8 Sep</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/how.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-68749"/></figure>



<p>Howletts, Kent’s original wildlife park, houses some of the world’s most endangered and rare animals. With over 390 animals, including Kent’s only giant anteaters, the largest herd of African elephants in the UK and more gorillas than any other zoo in the country. But that’s not all! This summer they have a theme for each week running til Sun 1 Sep where you can enjoy wild animal face painting, expert animal talks &amp; feeds and themed activity trails. Let the children run wild in the play areas, bring a picnic to enjoy or try out some of the on-site catering options. You can also save a whoppin’ 35% on your tickets. One five-person family bundle is now £80, instead of £125 – a massive saving of £45!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-berkshire-nbsp-ninjas-unite-legoland-windsor-until-mon-2-sep">BERKSHIRE:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legoland.co.uk/explore/special-events/ninjas-unite/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ninjas Unite</a>, LEGOLAND Windsor, until Mon 2 Sep</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/06/legoland-copy.jpg" alt="things to do in Berkshire July LEGOLAND windsor summer" class="wp-image-67487"/></figure>



<p>Over at LEGOLAND Windsor, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legoland.co.uk/explore/special-events/ninjas-unite/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ninjas Unite</a>&nbsp;event kicks off on&nbsp;<strong>20 Jul until 2 Sep</strong>&nbsp;with the chance to build, train and enhance your Ninja skills. Enjoy brick build&nbsp;activities, live shows, meet and greets, and performances.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-amp-drink">FOOD &amp; DRINK</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-worcestershire-nbsp-food-amp-drink-festival-three-counties-showground-malvern-sat-27-sun-28-jul">WORCESTERSHIRE:&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.threecountiesfoodfestival.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Food &amp; Drink Festival</a>, Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Sat 27 – Sun 28 Jul</strong></h3>



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<p>Phil Vickery, Matty Edgell and the Beefy Boys are just some of the show-stopping chefs cooking up a storm at this foodie heaven festival this month. Taste the very best street food with delicious dishes from around the world and sample and buy a fantastic range of artisan foodie goodies from 160 of the region’s producers. Watch and learn from special guest TV chefs in the live cookery theatre and treat yourself to the gifts and get stuck into &nbsp;cocktail masterclasses, wine tasting and brilliant family-friendly activities at the Children’s Cookery School.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surrey-nbsp-aroma-experience-silent-pool-distillery-albury-27-july">SURREY:&nbsp;<a href="https://silentpooldistillers.com/aroma-experience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aroma Experience</a>, Silent Pool Distillery, Albury, 27 July</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/Silent-Pool-Gin-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-68736"/></figure>



<p>A&nbsp;90-minute masterclass where you will learn to create your own custom blended liquid garnish to take your G&amp;T to the next level of sensory delight. You’ll be guided by Silent Pool’s aroma experts who will provide the botanical oils and bottles in their own mini aroma laboratory.</p>


Hey day trippers! 17 fab reasons to break for the borders this weekend

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