Cutty Sark 150 \u2013 Cutty Sark, Greenwich<\/h2>\n![\"Cutty](\"https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/cutty-sark-greenwich-300x196.jpg\")
<\/div>\n\nOne and a half centuries ago, the Curry Sark was one of the fastest vessels on the ocean and it had to be, as Britain\u2019s very existence as a leading commercial force was dependent on how quickly tea could be shipped in from India. The extensive system of sails and rigging gave the Cutty Sark and other \u201cTea Clippers\u201d a decisive edge as they raced round the Cape of Good Hope and into the Indian Ocean for their precious cargo.<\/p>\n
Now preserved as a national monument by the River Thames, this beautiful ship is well worth a visit, especially as it celebrates 150 years since the halcyon days of wind and sail. There will be numerous special events, dinners and concerts in and around the vessel which with its new venue under the ship\u2019s hull has become the ideal space for small and medium-sized parties.<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.rmg.co.uk\/cutty-sark<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nChristian Dior: Designer of Dreams \u2013 V&A Museum<\/h2>\n\n![\"Christian](\"https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/christian-dior-by-john-galliano-300x159.jpg\")
Christian Dior by John Galliano. Credit: Laziz Hamani<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nA byword for glamour and poise, the creations of Christian Dior ruled the world of fashion for a large part of the twentieth century. When Dior himself passed away in 1957, his prot\u00e9g\u00e9 Yves Saint Laurent continued to set standards and break new ground. This exhibition charts the way the brand evolved and excited all who came under its heady influence.<\/p>\n
There are plenty of Dior evening gowns to look at here. From the classic film star look, to the wild Galliano creations of the early twenty-first century, Dior dresses form the core of this experience. Those who wish to dig deeper can examine some of the preparatory sketches as the master put his ideas down for others to follow. There are also talks, films and children\u2019s design workshops involved in this extensive tribute.<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.vam.ac.uk\/exhibitions\/dior-designer-of-dreams<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nLondon’s Chinese New Year – Trafalgar Square<\/h2>\n![\"London's](\"https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/chinese-new-year.jpg\")
<\/div>\n\nThis annual spectacle of colour, music and cuisine springs from the much-changed environs of Chinatown in London\u2019s West End as the Chinese community prepare to welcome the Year of the Pig. Those born under this sign are considered to be industrious and dedicated which means that this year\u2019s event will be a fully committed experience.<\/p>\n
Dragon dancers provide the initial focal point of the procession which covers most of the streets south of Shaftesbury Avenue and west of Charing Cross Road. Once in Trafalgar Square, crowds can sample the many delicacies that make this area such a foodie mecca, while taking in the heart-stopping martial arts demonstrations.<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.visitlondon.com\/things-to-do\/whats-on\/chinese-new-year\/about<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nSadler’s Wells Sampled \u2013 Sadler\u2019s Wells Theatre<\/h2>\n![\"Sadler's](\"https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/sadlers-wells-sampled.jpg\")
<\/div>\n\nWhether you have a passing acquaintance with dance or are a complete novice, you will find plenty to like in this compendium of styles and influences. Ballet has come a long way from tutus and swans and these samples are aimed at broadening the horizons of the various audiences that frequent Sadler\u2019s Wells, yet never cross over.<\/p>\n
The programme covers contemporary styles and some works in progress as well as flamenco, African and street styles. All the acts have performed recently at Sadler\u2019s Wells, so now would be a good time to catch up if you missed them the first time round.<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.sadlerswells.com\/whats-on\/2019\/sadlers-wells-sampled\/<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nOrchids Festival – Kew Gardens<\/h2>\n\n![\"Orchids](\"https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/credit-kew.jpg\")
Credit: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\nAs a tropical plant, orchids tend to give floral sculptures an extra sense of pizazz and presence. Their vibrant colours are ideal for fashioning animal sculptures and following last year\u2019s Thailand success, Kew Gardens has, this year, looked to Columbia for inspiration. The results are spectacular with flying toucans, prowling jaguars and leaping monkeys all being brought to life in living floral colour.<\/p>\n
Apart from the exhibits, there are discussions by expert botanists and behind the scenes tours and activities for all the family which will include drumming, costume making and a mini-carnival. After hours events include a live salsa band and Columbia\u2019s coffee tasting.<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.kew.org\/kew-gardens\/whats-on\/orchids-celebrate-the-colour-of-colombia<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nValentine\u2019s at the Gherkin \u2013 30 St Mary Axe<\/h2>\n![\"Valentine\u2019s](\"https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/valentines-day.jpg\")
<\/div>\n\nWhen it comes to expressions of love in 2019, the message is \u201cGo High or Go Home\u201d and with more skyscrapers offering treats in the clouds, you can afford to be selective. Of course, there\u2019s The Shard which scores on height alone, but The Gherkin is a sexier proposal (pun intended).<\/p>\n
Here, you\u2019ll find a Searcy\u2019s menu that is light, luxurious and ideal for lovers. Crab terrine, beef wellington and wild sea bass are cooked to perfection and served with discrete efficiency. Partners, Aspinall will help present a glittering Valentines gift and, of course, there will be champagne on tap.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\nOne and a half centuries ago, the Curry Sark was one of the fastest vessels on the ocean and it had to be, as Britain\u2019s very existence as a leading commercial force was dependent on how quickly tea could be shipped in from India. The extensive system of sails and rigging gave the Cutty Sark and other \u201cTea Clippers\u201d a decisive edge as they raced round the Cape of Good Hope and into the Indian Ocean for their precious cargo.<\/p>\n
Now preserved as a national monument by the River Thames, this beautiful ship is well worth a visit, especially as it celebrates 150 years since the halcyon days of wind and sail. There will be numerous special events, dinners and concerts in and around the vessel which with its new venue under the ship\u2019s hull has become the ideal space for small and medium-sized parties.<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.rmg.co.uk\/cutty-sark<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n A byword for glamour and poise, the creations of Christian Dior ruled the world of fashion for a large part of the twentieth century. When Dior himself passed away in 1957, his prot\u00e9g\u00e9 Yves Saint Laurent continued to set standards and break new ground. This exhibition charts the way the brand evolved and excited all who came under its heady influence.<\/p>\n There are plenty of Dior evening gowns to look at here. From the classic film star look, to the wild Galliano creations of the early twenty-first century, Dior dresses form the core of this experience. Those who wish to dig deeper can examine some of the preparatory sketches as the master put his ideas down for others to follow. There are also talks, films and children\u2019s design workshops involved in this extensive tribute.<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.vam.ac.uk\/exhibitions\/dior-designer-of-dreams<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n This annual spectacle of colour, music and cuisine springs from the much-changed environs of Chinatown in London\u2019s West End as the Chinese community prepare to welcome the Year of the Pig. Those born under this sign are considered to be industrious and dedicated which means that this year\u2019s event will be a fully committed experience.<\/p>\n Dragon dancers provide the initial focal point of the procession which covers most of the streets south of Shaftesbury Avenue and west of Charing Cross Road. Once in Trafalgar Square, crowds can sample the many delicacies that make this area such a foodie mecca, while taking in the heart-stopping martial arts demonstrations.<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.visitlondon.com\/things-to-do\/whats-on\/chinese-new-year\/about<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Whether you have a passing acquaintance with dance or are a complete novice, you will find plenty to like in this compendium of styles and influences. Ballet has come a long way from tutus and swans and these samples are aimed at broadening the horizons of the various audiences that frequent Sadler\u2019s Wells, yet never cross over.<\/p>\n The programme covers contemporary styles and some works in progress as well as flamenco, African and street styles. All the acts have performed recently at Sadler\u2019s Wells, so now would be a good time to catch up if you missed them the first time round.<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.sadlerswells.com\/whats-on\/2019\/sadlers-wells-sampled\/<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n As a tropical plant, orchids tend to give floral sculptures an extra sense of pizazz and presence. Their vibrant colours are ideal for fashioning animal sculptures and following last year\u2019s Thailand success, Kew Gardens has, this year, looked to Columbia for inspiration. The results are spectacular with flying toucans, prowling jaguars and leaping monkeys all being brought to life in living floral colour.<\/p>\n Apart from the exhibits, there are discussions by expert botanists and behind the scenes tours and activities for all the family which will include drumming, costume making and a mini-carnival. After hours events include a live salsa band and Columbia\u2019s coffee tasting.<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.kew.org\/kew-gardens\/whats-on\/orchids-celebrate-the-colour-of-colombia<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n When it comes to expressions of love in 2019, the message is \u201cGo High or Go Home\u201d and with more skyscrapers offering treats in the clouds, you can afford to be selective. Of course, there\u2019s The Shard which scores on height alone, but The Gherkin is a sexier proposal (pun intended).<\/p>\n Here, you\u2019ll find a Searcy\u2019s menu that is light, luxurious and ideal for lovers. Crab terrine, beef wellington and wild sea bass are cooked to perfection and served with discrete efficiency. Partners, Aspinall will help present a glittering Valentines gift and, of course, there will be champagne on tap.<\/p>\nChristian Dior: Designer of Dreams \u2013 V&A Museum<\/h2>\n
London’s Chinese New Year – Trafalgar Square<\/h2>\n
<\/div>\nSadler’s Wells Sampled \u2013 Sadler\u2019s Wells Theatre<\/h2>\n
<\/div>\nOrchids Festival – Kew Gardens<\/h2>\n
Valentine\u2019s at the Gherkin \u2013 30 St Mary Axe<\/h2>\n
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![\"Is](\"https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/whtiechapel-gallery.jpg\")
<\/div>\n![\"Craft](\"https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/craft-beer-rising.jpg\")
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