Craving some culture? Fancy a spot of yacht shopping? Wish to replenish your wine cellar? April is a fabulous month to be in the UK. Here are 10 events not to miss.
The Music is Black: A British Story
18 April, V&A East Museum, London
The long-awaited V&A East Museum throws open its doors for the first time, taking prize position within East Bank in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Debuting with a landmark exhibition exploring 125 years of Black music in Britain, take a multi-sensory tour through your favourite sounds. From reggae to grime – look at their impact on UK culture. Musos and culture vultures will be enthralled. www.vam.ac.uk
Cheltenham Jazz Festival
29 April – 4 May, venues across Cheltenham
As one of Europe’s most respected jazz festivals, Cheltenham Jazz Festival celebrates its 30 year anniversary. What to expect at this six-day event celebrating world-class jazz? A programme teaming with international names and emerging talent – musical icons like Van Morrison, Mica Paris and Courtney Pine will all perform. www.cheltenhamfestivals.org
The Cognac Show
17-18 April, Glaziers Hall, London
Cognac connoisseurs will want to pencil in a visit to this enticing two-day event. Guaranteed to whet your appetite, savour sips from producers from across the Chante region, including over 200 Cognacs, Armagnacs and Calvados. There’s also a series of masterclasses plus a dream pour token, which allows you to sample a Cognac worth over £250. The drinks’ cabinet looks forward to your visit. www.cognacshow.com
Curiosity by the Glass Events
Throughout April, venues across the UK
Keen to restock your wine cellar? Coravin invites wine lovers across the country to explore specially curated by-the-glass menus of unusual and hard-to-find wines. Using Coravin’s pioneering wine technology – which enables wine to be poured without removing the cork – enliven your palette with bottles from less-known regions and emerging producers. www.guide.coravin.com
State Rooms Tour
6-19 April, Wellbeck Abbey, Nottinghamshire
This astounding estate has been home to the Dukes of Portland and their families since 1607, and is the proud owner of one of the biggest privately owned art collections in the UK after the Royal Family. Fancy a nosey? For just two weeks, you can grab a chance to explore parts of the abbey never revealed before, including prised Portland Collection pieces by Sir Peter Lely, John Wootton and Sir Joshua Reynolds. www.wellbeck.co.uk
MasterChef Six Hands
18 April, Orion by Alex Webb, London
Mid-month, three of the UK’s most celebrated MasterChef the Professionals talents come together to present one menu, for one day only. Certainly one of the most eagerly anticipated culinary events of the year, the collaboration sees winner Alex Webb, and finalists Philli Armitage-Mattin and Bart Van Der Lee, join forces for an expertly crafted tasting menu. www.orionbyalexwebb.com
Grace Pervades
24 April-11 July, Theatre Royal Haymarket, London
Here’s an exciting chance to see legend of stage and screen, Ralph Fiennes, perform in the West End transfer of David Hare’s new play, Grace Pervades. Staring alongside Miranda Raison (Spooks), the story explores the extraordinary relationship between Sir Henry Irving – the first actor ever to be knighted – and Ellen Terry, the highest paid actress of Victorian stage. www.gracepervadestheplay.com
Salon Privé London
16-18 April, The Royal Hospital Chelsea, London
Showcasing the best in automotive craftsmanship with the elegance of an English garden party, Salon Privé returns to Chelsea. Soak up the excitement of Opening Day on the 16 April, go all out for Ladies Day on the 17 April – or rev your engine ready for Supercar Saturday on the last day. Visitors can relish global model unveilings, classic car displays, plus plenty of luxury retail and fine dining. www.salonprivelondon.com.
Want to win four tickets to the Saturday event? Click here.
English National Ballet Body & Soul
30 April-2 May, Theatre Royal, Plymouth
The English National Ballet returns to Plymouth for the first time in 36 years with a production inspired by the bold, diverse voices driving ballet today. It’s a show of two halves, the first by five-times-Olivier-winning choreographer, Crystal Pite. Then there’s the second choreographed by Kameron N. Saunders, an artist with a massive following dancing for some of the world’s biggest names in pop. Even the curtain-cautious will be converted. www.ballet.org
Oyster Yachts Private View
29 April-3 May, St Katherine Docks, London
And finally, this month also brings some fabulous events at St Katherine Docks including spring markets, flower installations and Easter activities for children. But perhaps the most tempting is a private view from British yacht builder, Oyster, who will present various blue water models to make your yachting dream a reality. www.skdocks.co.uk
