Muddy Stilettos


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-london-amp-the-south-east">LONDON &amp; THE SOUTH-EAST</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-london-cirque-du-soleil-s-corteo-royal-albert-hall-until-sun-2-mar">LONDON: <a href="https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2025/corteo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cirque du Soleil&#8217;s CORTEO</a>, Royal Albert Hall (until Sun 2 Mar)</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="960" height="640" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cirquedusoleil_corteo_chandelier_2.jpg" alt="Cirque du Soleil Corteo London" class="wp-image-103573" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cirquedusoleil_corteo_chandelier_2.jpg 960w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cirquedusoleil_corteo_chandelier_2-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /></figure>



<p>Celebrating 40 years of spellbinding theatrics and gymnastics, Cirque du Soleil returns to the <strong>Royal Albert Hall </strong>this weekend <strong>(from 9 Jan)</strong>, with one of its most popular shows ever: CORTEO. The story of a clown dreaming of a carnival parade has been enjoyed by more than 10 million people world-wide and if you want to be one of them, tickets for this weekend start from £61pp (runs until <strong>2 Mar</strong>). </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-london-rupaul-s-dragcon-uk-2025-excel-fri-10-sat-11-jan">LONDON: <a href="https://www.tixr.com/groups/dragconuk/events/rupaul-s-dragcon-uk-2025-91217" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RuPaul&#8217;s DragCon UK 2025</a>, ExCel (Fri 10 – Sat 11 Jan)</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Untitled-design-85.jpg" alt="RuPaul DragCon UK 2025" class="wp-image-103570" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Untitled-design-85.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Untitled-design-85-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Untitled-design-85-1000x667.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p class="has-medium-font-size">Sequins and feather boas at the ready, because RuPaul&#8217;s DragCon UK 2025 hits <strong>Excel</strong> this weekend (<strong>10 – 11 Jan</strong>). Slay then sashay away with friends on the legendary Pink Carpet, watch performances by the TV show&#8217;s favourite Drag Race queens on the Main Stage, shop fierce brands, meet Queens at their stalls and drool over the OTT accessories, make-up and wigs. Tickets from £60. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kent-free-family-highlight-tour-turner-contemporary-sat-4-sat-25-jan">KENT: <a href="https://turnercontemporary.org/whats-on/free-family-highlight-tour-anya-gallaccio-preserve/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Free Family Highlight Tour</a>, Turner Contemporary (Sat 4 – Sat 25 Jan)</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/turner-contemporary-kids-1024x683.jpg" alt="Children at Turner Contemporary" class="wp-image-7759" /></figure>



<p>Explore the world of art with your family at Turner Contemporary! Join the fun and interactive Family Highlight Tours, where you’ll discover the stories behind Anya Gallaccio’s stunning&nbsp;<em>preserve </em>exhibition. These tours are perfect for families, with exciting activities designed to engage children and adults alike in new ways. Starting in the Sunley Gallery, the free tours run every Saturday til 25 Jan, from 11.30am to 12pm. Ideal for families with children aged 12 and under, these 30 min tours are a great way to enjoy art together. Best of all? The tour is free – so bring the whole family!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sussex-wedding-showcase-buxted-park-hotel-uckfield-sun-12-and-sun-26-jan">SUSSEX: <a href="https://www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/buxted-park/weddings/showcase-events" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wedding showcase</a>, Buxted Park Hotel, Uckfield (Sun 12 and Sun 26 Jan)</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/buxtedwedding.jpg" alt="Buxted outdoor wedding venue" class="wp-image-7831" /></figure>



<p>Got engaged over Christmas? Then there’s no time like the present to start hunting out venues. And not many places are more gorgeous that this Georgian Palladian mansion. The hotel is hosting two showcases this month are you an check out the impressive state rooms fully dressed for a wedding. Then you can picture your big day there.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sussex-special-offer-escape-the-star-alfriston-2-jan-31-mar">SUSSEX: <a href="https://thepolizzicollection.com/the-star/offers/escape-to-the-star/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Special offer escape</a>, The Star, Alfriston, 2 Jan – 31 Mar</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/staralfriston.jpeg" alt="THE Star Alfriston room" class="wp-image-7832" /></figure>



<p>If you’ve always wanted to add this hotel to your retreat repertoire, you’ve now the perfect excuse. This month you can take advantage of 30% off your second night when you book a two-night stay Sun-Thurs. But best of all you will be served cream tea by the roaring fire. Sign us up!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bedfordshire-blind-tasting-dinner-paris-house-woburn-park-thu-16-jan">BEDFORDSHIRE: <a href="https://www.parishouse.co.uk/events/the-judgement-of-paris-house-16th-january-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blind-tasting dinner</a>, Paris House, Woburn Park (Thu 16 Jan)</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/010Paris-House-night-1500x1000-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="Paris House at night" class="wp-image-7858" /></figure>



<p>Paris House restaurant in Woburn Park, Beds&nbsp;is the impressive setting for a special&nbsp;blind-tasting dinner on 16 Jan recreating the late Steven Spurrier’s legendary 1976 Judgement of Paris. Sit down to a five-course tasting menu, with each course paired with one wine from Italy and one from France (with labels covered up). Just remember to&nbsp;vote for your favourite grape after each course. Tickets £225 pp. Includes bubbles on arrival (from both countries, of course!).</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surrey-nbsp-flower-fairies-the-magical-world-of-cicely-mary-barker-compton-nr-guildford-until-apr-2025">SURREY:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wattsgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/flower-fairies" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flower Fairies™</a>: The Magical World of Cicely Mary Barker, Compton, nr Guildford (until Apr 2025)</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/flowerfairies1-1024x682.jpeg" alt="Flower Fairies" class="wp-image-7841" /></figure>



<p>Step into the enchanting world of Cicely Mary Barker, the creator of the much-loved Flower Fairies, in this playful, family-friendly exhibition. It’s at Watts Gallery in the village of Compton, near Guildford until April 2025. Celebrating the life of an extraordinary artist, author and illustrator, the exhibition explores Cicely’s journey as an artist – from her childhood sketches to postcard designs and the illustrated books she created later in life. The exhibition is included in general admission.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-south-west">THE SOUTH-WEST</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gloucestershire-evening-with-the-swans-slimbridge-wetland-centre-dates-from-sat-11-jan-mon-17-feb">GLOUCESTERSHIRE: <a href="https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge/whats-on/events/evening-with-the-swans-2032" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Evening with the Swans</a>, Slimbridge Wetland Centre (dates from Sat 11 Jan – Mon 17 Feb)</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/swan.jpeg" alt="Swan in the sun" class="wp-image-7760" /></figure>



<p>Wildlife fans will love this popular and gorgeous event at Slimbridge Wetland Centre. See hundreds of beautiful Bewick’s swans and geese glide across on the floodlit lake on their winter migration from the Arctic Russian tundra. Tuck into canapés and bubbly in the Swan Café as you watch it all against a setting sun, and hear expert commentary from expert wardens in the Peng Observatory. Afterwards head to the Kingfisher Kitchen for a delicious two-course meal. Tickets cost £39.50pp.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wiltshire-sleeping-beauty-panto-at-salisbury-playhouse-salisbury-sun-30-nov-sun-12-jan">WILTSHIRE: <a href="https://www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/events/sleeping-beauty" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sleeping Beauty Panto</a> at Salisbury Playhouse, Salisbury (Sun 30 Nov – Sun 12 Jan)</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/11/Scotty-Armstrong-Ash-Mills-3.jpg" alt="Scotty Armstrong in Sleeping Beauty Wiltshire" class="wp-image-7019" /></figure>



<p>Panto season wraps up this Sunday at Salisbury Playhouse with the end of the run of their all-singing, all-dancing production of Sleeping Beauty. It’s written by the team behind last year’s panto, Dick Whittington, which well and truly earned the Muddy seal of approval. Here&#8217;s dame Scotty Armstrong in rehearsals &#8211; you can catch our interview&nbsp;<a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/home/muddy-meets-panto-dame-scotty-armstrong-salisbury-playhouse-sleeping-beauty-pantomime-near-me-theatre/">here</a>. Tickets from £18.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dorset-illuminate-the-blue-pool-nr-wareham-thurs-jan-9-sun-23-feb">DORSET: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/illuminate-at-the-blue-pool-2025-tickets-1030994110137?aff=aff0evvnt" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Illuminate</a>, The Blue Pool, nr Wareham, (Thurs Jan 9 – Sun 23 Feb)</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/bluepool.jpeg" alt="Dorset Illuminate" class="wp-image-7791" /></figure>



<p>Iconic beauty spot&nbsp; – a nature reserve with a lake that really is blue, as light reflects off miniscule clay particles suspended in the water&nbsp;– turns every colour under the moon. Wander through woodland illuminations to the sound of music,&nbsp;enjoy food and drink in the Art Deco tearooms, toast marshmallows over fire pits.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-devon-time-the-new-sound-amp-light-experience-nbsp-exeter-cathedral-nbsp-tue-7-sat-11-jan">DEVON: <em><a href="https://www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk/whats-on/events/time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Time: The New Sound &amp; Light Experience</a>,&nbsp;</em>Exeter Cathedral<em>&nbsp;</em>(Tue 7 – Sat 11 Jan)</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/LUXMURALIS2.jpeg" alt="Light experience Exeter Cathedral Luxmuralis" class="wp-image-7830" /></figure>



<p>Luxmuralis are becoming quite a regular at Exeter Cathedral and their sound and light extravaganzas never fail to raise the winter spirits. Their latest creation features dazzling light, dynamic soundscapes, and multiple projection installations portraying humans as seen through different eras, exploring the fascinating theories of relativity, and the text of H.G. Wells’&nbsp;<em>The Time Machine.&nbsp;</em>Muddy has our tickets booked already as the popular slots sell out fast.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-midlands-amp-the-north">THE MIDLANDS &amp; THE NORTH</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leicestershire-leicester-comedy-festival-2025-opening-gala-leicester-fri-10-jan">LEICESTERSHIRE: <a href="https://www.demontforthall.co.uk/event/lcf-gala-preview-show/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leicester Comedy Festival 2025 Opening Gala</a>, Leicester (Fri 10 Jan)</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/Maise-Adam.jpeg" alt="Maise Adam black and white checkered top Leicester Comedy Festival" class="wp-image-7788" /></figure>



<p>We all need a good laugh to fend of the January doldrums, so why not head to De Montfort Hall in Leicester on 10 Jan&nbsp;for the official launch event for&nbsp;Leicester Comedy Festival 2025.&nbsp;This annual comedy treat is the perfect opportunity to sample some of the acts who will be performing as part of the festival next month. Always a sell-out, the show has previously included Jimmy Carr, Sarah Millican and Rosie Jones and this year is hosted by the fantabulous Maisie Adam.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yorkshire-rise-bradford-fri-10-sat-11-jan">YORKSHIRE: <a href="https://bradford2025.co.uk/event/rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RISE</a>, Bradford (Fri 10 – Sat 11 Jan)</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/01/RISE-1024x683.jpeg" alt="Rise Bradford" class="wp-image-7839" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://yorkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/arts-culture/bradford-uk-city-of-culture-2025/">Bradford</a>&nbsp;will be shining in the spotlight as UK City of Culture 2025, so don’t miss the ambitious outdoor launch party&nbsp;RISE&nbsp;on 10 – 11 Jan&nbsp;starring the district’s very own daredevil illusionist Steven Frayne (formerly known as Dynamo). You just pray that he can cast a spell over the weather for the outdoor spectacle (especially as it’s mid-January oop north)!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-yorkshire-jorvik-viking-centre-winter-experience-york-until-23-feb">YORKSHIRE: <a href="https://www.jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk/events/winter-at-jorvik/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JORVIK Viking Centre Winter Experience</a>, York (until 23 Feb)</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/12/JVC-Winter-Landscape-scaled-e1730117273539.jpeg" alt="Winter viking" class="wp-image-7419" /></figure>



<p>For the first time in 40 years, York’s <a href="https://www.jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk/events/winter-at-jorvik/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JORVIK Viking Centre</a>&nbsp;is embracing the chill with an immersive winter makeover. How cool to ride a Time Sleigh into the icy world of the Vikings and experience AD 960 like they did – keeping themselves and their animals warm during the long, dark Yorkshire winters (not much has changed, then) and listening to skalds (or story tellers) around the fire. Prebooking is essential as there are no tickets on the door. Prices are £16.50 per adult; £13.25 for concessions; £11 for children and £46 for families of four, but the good news is that the tickets are valid for 12 months should you want to thaw out and return.</p>


Weekend wanders! What’s on around the Muddy counties

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