Credit: Concord Records via Albumism
Nine years after the release of the much-loved single One Day Like This, the Manchester-born Elbow are back with their seventh studio album: Little Fictions. The new tracks were written around the time of lead singer-songwriter Guy Garvey’s marriage, perfectly echoing his emotional contentment – and we think it’s the ideal soundtrack for laid-back weekends. Give it a listen from 3rd February.
Credit: Kew Gardens
The Orchid Festival at Kew Gardens returns for its 22nd year, bringing a burst of colour and warmth to the botanical gardens from 4th February. This year’s celebration has an Indian theme, and includes elaborate floral creations and vibrant visual displays in the glasshouse, as well as behind-the-scene tours and hands-on workshops. Until 5th March.
Credit: Pan Macmillan | @the_hardihood via Instagram
Fully illustrated with one hundred recipes, Raw Cake by The Hardihood is a beautifully stylised guide to making delicious, raw desserts that appeal to everyone. From pistachio donuts and cookie dough ice cream, to toffee cocoa cheesecake and salted caramel crunch bars, each creation comprises solely of natural ingredients, and are completely free from refined sugar, gluten, wheat, dairy and soya. Sink your teeth in from 9th February.
Credit: 20th Century Fox via IMDB
Based on true events, Hidden Figures follows the astonishing story of three African-American female mathematicians who were the brains behind NASA’s space programs in the Jim Crow South in the early 1960s. Starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Janelle Monáe, the Oscar-nominated film takes an in-depth look at gender and racial inequality, as well as exploring the race to space. Catch it in cinemas from 17th February.
Lisa Nash, Circle of Life Credit: New Art West Midlands via Birmingham Museums Trust
Opening on 18th February, New Art West Midlands showcases some of the most exciting emerging artists in the region. Held in four locations, the exhibitions include paintings, installations, sculpture, photography, video, animation and digital artworks. See it at: Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, mac birmingham, Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum and Wolverhampton Art Gallery.
Credit: Moscow City Ballet
The internationally-renowned Moscow City Ballet perform their rendition of The Sleeping Beauty at The Playhouse in Edinburgh on 24th-25th February, set to Tchaikovsky’s sublime score. The spectacular production tells the enchanting story of Princess Aurora, cursed by the wicked witch Carabosse, and the Lilac Fairy and handsome prince who try to save her.
Credit: ITV via Digital Spy
The crime drama that kept the nation on the edge of their seats returns for a third and final series on ITV in February. This time, detectives Ellie Miller (Olivia Coleman) and Alec Hardy (David Tennant) take on a new case in the quiet, fictional Dorset town – with the crime perpetrator still at large.
