MUSIC

Norden Farm’s 70s and 80s extravaganza disco

Grab your flairs and slick that lippy on for Norden Farm’s 70s and 80s extravaganza (20 Jan). It’s a feel good all out disco for grown-ups that will be a fabulous blast from the past complete with all your favourite soul, funk and disco tunes. Can’t remember all the steps to the Funky Chicken? Don’t worry – dancer Lady Boo will be on hand to show you all the moves to everything from Car Wash and I Wanna Dance with Somebody. Prizes for the best retro outfits and free sweets and ice pops too.

The best Dolly in the business (and only impersonator to ever be invited to sing with Dolly Parton’s band in Nashville, Tennessee) will take the stage at Corn Exchange, Newbury on 25 Jan to perform all the hits. It’s not easy to replicate Dolly’s wit and dreamy voice, but Kelly somehow manages it on The Dolly Show.

For one night only, get totally Lost in the Music. Live on stage at The Hexagon Reading (26 Jan), you’ll hear iconic 70s tunes from Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sister Sledge and Chic, just to name a few. A feel good show, sure to stave off the winter blues. Selling fast so buy quick!

Arriba! For a stunninggg flamenco production sure to take your breath away, look no further than Andalucia – Flamenco, on at The Concert Hall in Reading on 27 Jan. A chamber orchestra accompanies, representing 8 regions that make up the autonomous community of Andalucia. Spellbinding stuff.

Every culture vulture’s dream. A thrilling evening of music for cello and piano awaits from two of the Royal Academy of Music’s most distinguished graduates, Hugh Mackay and Junyan Chen. They’ll be playing sonatas by Debussy, Fazil Say and Rachmaninov and will be nothing short of magic. On 26 Jan.

FOOD & DRINK

A dazzlingly scrumptious meal that seems too friendly on the purse strings to be true? That’s The Woodspeen in Newbury’s January set menu for you. From 2 Jan to 9 Feb get three mouth-watering courses with oh la la flair by the plate load for just £35, or two courses for £30. Some of the tempting seasonal dishes on offer include ballotine of duck leg, roasted cod in clam and white wine sauce cassoulet, and beef rump, beef fat parsnips, kale, bone marrow and parsley red wine sauce. Fresh, seasonal ingredients, exceptional cooking, and good value? It’s the least you deserve. BRB, just making a reservation.

It’s fine and it’s dining. Join Five Bells Wickham for a five-course tasting menu extravaganza on Mon 29 Jan, all perfectly paired with Lismore wines. Begin with venison tartare, before tucking into grilled mackerel, fire-roasted pheasant, Himalayan salt-aged beef rib-eye, and finishing with Malva Pudding. Yum. All for £90. Email to book.

Dry Jan? Starting to drag isn’t it. Spice up your booze-free life with a dry Jan cocktail making masterclass with Seedlip Spirits. It’s happening over at The Narrowboat Reading on 26 Jan and during the interactive workshop you’ll learn nifty tips and tricks for making three delicious alcohol-free cocktails, paired with some delicious light nibbles from the kitchen. All for £25.

Nothing like wine to start the year off right. Laithwaite’s Wine Reading are hosting Old World Vs. New World Wine Tasting (25 Jan) where you’ll go globetrotting from Germany to the Australian Adelaide Hills. Yum.

Muddy faves Goat on the Roof join in the grapey fun on 18 Jan, exploring roads less travelled for their wine tasting. Put aside Burgundy & Bordeaux for a mo and discover some true hidden gems. Wine buffs and novices welcome. £30pp.

Join The Shurlock Inn near Reading as they kick off the first of their Live Music Fridays – beginning with Tom Martin on 19 Jan. Good food, drinks, and tunes. What more do you need?

Burns Night

Sooo much Burns Night drama in Berks this month. Kick start festivities at The Shurlock Inn near Reading. On 25 Jan they’ll be having their annual Scottish knees up complete with an exceptional menu, traditional Burns Night piper and poetry readings. Pre-booking essential.

Ritzy The Vineyard in Newbury are doing Whisky Tasting with Highland Park on Fri 26 Jan which includes three lip-smacking whiskies accompanied with sharing boards. £59pp.

Beeline it to The Beehive in White Waltham. They will be ‘addressing the haggis’ and cooking up a delicious four-course menu including haggis (of course), and a wee dram to top it off. It’s £55pp and there will be canapés too (25 Jan). They will also be hosting an 8 course tasting menu night on 31 Jan where its up to you to decide whether to pick your nosh or let the chefs do it for you. Are you brave enough? £90pp.

Burn baby burn. More fun over at The Retreat at Elcot for their Burns Night Supper (25 Jan) with complimentary whisky pairings, a bagpiper and more. Scottish smoked haddock croquettes, royal Balmoral haggis, and cranachan all on the menu. Traditional dress optional.

Celebrate Scottish poet Robert Burns in style at The Crown Burchetts Green. They will also be having a Burns Night feast on 25 Jan with haggis, whisky, and all the trimmings. £55pp. Earlier in the month (17 Jan) join them for their special Flavours of Thailand night with Chef Ladaa Cisnaj. Authentic dishes and Northern Thailand flavours in spades. £60pp.

Slip your tartan on for a Burns special whisky tasting night at The Inn at Home in Newbury (19 Jan). They’ll provide the hard stuff and give you the lowdown for each dram too. £30pp.

The Pheasant Inn in Hungerford are hosting a 5-course Burns Night meal on 25 Jan with all your traditional Scottish traditions thrown in the mix. There will be optional wine pairing to toast to the Haggis as it is paraded through the Restaurant too.

WELLBEING

It’s wellbeing month here at Muddy. And if you want to do it in luxury, look no further than gorgeous Wasing. Saturday Swim, Sauna & Lakeside Lunch takes place 20 Jan. Venture through the secluded woodland to pure serenity in the form of an authentic Scandinavian sauna and invigorating wild swim lake. Yin Yoga and Crystal Sound Bowl Healing is on 26 Jan – guaranteed to leave you feeling grounded, calm and relaxed. Cold water immersion in the form of a Wim Hof Method Workshop takes place 20 Jan.

Heal your weary post-Christmas self with Sound Healing at Treetops in Newbury (28 Jan). To the tune of sound waves created by quartz crystal bowls and koshi bells you’ll knock stress, trauma, and negative thinking away to help with overall wellbeing, relaxation and sleep.

Take a much needed pause at the Good Life Hub in Hampstead Norreys. On 27 Jan there will be a One Day Retreat to help you busy bees find a moment of quiet. Expect reflective exercises, guided meditation, sound healing, vision boarding and coaching, plus lunch and refreshments. Stress? We don’t know her.

Are you ready to make 2024 the year that you reveal your life purpose? Then join wellbeing guru Nikita on 26 Jan for the Discover your Dharma workshop. Across three hours you’ll learn how to connect with your higher self and be sensitively led on an introspective journey of self-discovery through guided meditations and journaling. £75pp including refreshments.

A nurturing riverside space that would make even the most hardened workaholics take a breather. Join The Swan at Streatley for a New Year Yoga & Intention Setting Half Day Retreat (28 Jan) where you’ll connect with your inner self, set 2024 goals, and set meaningful intentions. Expect guided meditation, yoga, and journalling, plus a scrummy Coppa brunch.

You’ve set your new year resolutions, you’ve followed them to a tee, but then January week 3 hits, and you’re done for. Yep, been there, done that. This is where Sarah Bromham can help. During her wellbeing workshop (21 Jan) you’ll be taken back to basics to understand what you can change, and importantly why you lose motivation. Leave with a clear plan of action to keep you positive in your wellbeing and lifestyle altering goals. All happening at Soul Barns in Mortimer.

Lots to get you feeling good at the Loading Bay Café Windsor who’s kick starting the month with Feel Good Fortnight (now – 21 Jan). There will be studio and online classes including Vegan Taster Workshops, Mindful Meditation, Yin Yoga, Sound Baths, New Year Renewal Workshops, Sunrise Yoga, and 90’s Glow Yoga and Mocktails Workshop to name a few.

Wellbeing isn’t just for adults. Get the kids involved with Family Tai Chi sessions over at The Corn Exchange in Newbury (28 Jan) where Mark Jones will introduce balance, full body connection and mindfulness to you and your youngsters. Recommended for 6+.

For a whole month of wellbeing wonders, The Old Court in Windsor plays host to a four-week long Mindfulness for Busy Minds course (now – 26 Jan). Kate Hughes of Kate Hughes Meditation will be sharing how you can get started on your goals, bust some common myths and get you practising mindfulness with tools that you can take home and use on the go. Just bring your mat! £14 per session or £48 for the course.

WORKSHOPS

Weave your way into mindfulness. Local artist Emily Chilvers is running Cane Basket Weaving Classes at The Environment Centre in Windsor Great Park on Sat 21 Jan. She’ll guide you through the process of the traditional stake and strand method using hand-dyed cane. All materials and light refreshments are included.

More opportunities to get your creative juices flowing at The Base Greenham, this time learning the skills and techniques involved in linoprinting. It’s on 25 Jan and you’ll make a range of your own prints as well as receive a small frame for your prized artwork. Mantelpiece material of course.

Introduction to Gouache Berkshire painting

If watercolours and acrylics got their jiggy on, it would look something like gouache. It’s an incredibly versatile paint with a beautifully vibrant matt finish, and plus it’s just dreamy to work with. Learn how to use it like a pro at the Introduction to Gouache class at The Corn Exchange Newbury (20 Jan) where you’ll use various techniques such as wet-on-wet, dry brush and opaque layering before creating your own still life.

Also at The Base Greenham are a number of art courses starting this month. There’s a clay class (8 Jan – 18 Mar), start with art (8 Jan – 18 Mar), experimental landscapes (9 Jan – 19 Mar), watercolours and pastels (9 Jan – 19 Mar), life drawing (10 Jan – 20 Mar), beginners oil painting (10 Jan – 20 Mar), plus experimental drawing (10 Jan – 20 Mar).

New year, new skill, and it’s in the form of cheesy glory. Yes, Lord. Nettlebed Creamery, a hop, skip, and a jump over in Henley-on-Thames, are running a Cheese Making Course on 26 Jan where you’ll learn how to make the good stuff with the producers of award-winning organic cheese. £155pp.

Join this Sausage Making Workshop (24 Jan) at Cobbs Farm Shop in Hungerford and you’ll be well on your way to opening up your own deli. It’s a hands on crash course with their expert butchers on call to help you master the art of making your own porky links. All free-range pork and you’ll get to take home 2kg of sausages too. Toad in the hole anyone? £45pp.

Learn something new at Honesty Cookery School and by the end of the year you may even earn a Michelin star (what? Nothing like dreaming big!). The Latin American Tapas Feast is on 23 Jan, meanwhile Knife Skills with a Southeast Asian Theme is on 25 Jan. Both £100.

More foodie fun over at swanky The Woodspeen with a range of cookery courses for every occasion. There’s Curry Night, A Taste of Italy, Seasonal Dinner Party cooking, Desserts of Italy, Burgers and Bubbles, Sunday Roasts Classics, Beef Wellington, and Introduction to Bread and Enriched Doughs, all happening throughout the month.

KIDS

Boom, boom! Nothing like Basil Brush to get a roomful of kids in stitches. He’s popping up with his chaotic antics on 27 Jan with two epic shows – the family friendly alternative is at 2.30pm and will see a show filled with magic, laughter, story telling, sing-a-longs and jokes (of course). See a saucy side to Basil come night time for Basil Brush Unleashed – foxy fun just for adults. An Edinburgh Fringe sellout for the last three years too.

Swing over to South Hill Park for a jaw-dropping dance and aerial spectacular. Tarzan (26 – 27 Jan) is a fun, family-friendly production based on the music of Phil Collins and will be an undoubtable visual feast. Tickets from £17.50.

Desperately trying to brainstorm after-school ideas on these cold, dark, and dreary nights? City Arts Newbury is running an Art Course for Kids every Monday throughout the month from 8 Jan – 5 Feb where they’ll try a variety of painting, drawing and other techniques using various mediums including pencil, charcoal, pastels watercolours and mixed media. Suitable for 8+.

STAGE AND SCREEN

Keeeeep dancing! Strictly saucepot Giovanni Pernice is ready to delight (and that he will) audiences with his latest show, Let Me Entertain You (20 Jan) at The Hexagon Reading, packed to the rafters with show stopping dance action. Why not grab a meet and greet ticket to get up close and personal? I mean, why wouldn’t you?

We’re in love with the shape of this! Catch Ed Sheeran by Candlelight over at St Nicolas Church in Newbury on 20 Jan where Ed, aka, an incredible string trio will pay homage to the national treasure and his hit tunes. Expect all the classics with a percentage of the profits donated to charity.

Do you hear the people sing? Cause you can bet your bottom dollar they will be. Experience two glorious hours of the best of Broadway and the West End as the UK’s longest running Musical Theatre Concert Tour, Beyond the Barricade, celebrates its 25th year in the biz at Theatre Royal Windsor (18 Jan). Enjoy numbers from The Phantom of the Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, West Side Story, The Lion King, Hamilton and many others, with a jaw-dropping finale from none other than Les Misérables.

Women in Rock show Corn Exchange Newbury

They’ve been trailblazing their way across the globe with their sell out show, and now you can rock out to five decades worth of the world’s greatest female rock legends at The Corn Exchange Newbury (27 Jan). Women in Rock pays homage to artists such as Suzi Quatro, Janis Joplin, Cher, Tina Turner, Pink, Blondie, Heart, Pat Benatar, Belinda Carlisle and Joan Jett to name a few.

Wildcats everywhere, stop what you’re doing! High School Musical, the, well, musical is on at The Corn Exchange Newbury 18 – 20 Jan from the UK’s largest amateur musical theatre youth group. Expect big vocal numbers, killer dance moves, and all the Troy and Gabriella content we need.

Dirty Dancing? Bleh, forget it. Dirty Dusting is where it’s at. Also on at The Corn Exchange on 26 Jan, Crissy Rock (Benidorm), Leah Bell, Vanessa Karon and Paul Dunn join forces for the show’s 10th Anniversary national tour. It’s a side splitting, saucy saga about three ‘vintage style’ cleaning ladies who, threatened with redundancy, chance on an ‘unconventional’ way of earning some extra cash.

Joseph Fiennes swaps dystopian baby creepiness (hello Handmaid’s Tale) for well, Gareth Southgate. Dear England is a gripping examination of nation and game that asks all the big questions like, why can’t England ever just win? Football fan or not, it’s a cracker, filmed live on stage at the National Theatre and now playing at The Hexagon in Reading for one night only (25 Jan).

Rabble Theatre returns for its twelfth year at South Street on 19 Jan with Off The Block #12 – a thrilling night of theatre, where four new short plays are performed by 16 actors, with original music created and performed live by four composers of very different styles. It’s all created in 24hrs and it’s absolutely brilliant.

Rugby refereeing legend Nigel Owens will be at The Corn Exchange Newbury on 23 Jan sharing stories from his life and career with his trademark wit and humour. A Q+A is at the end for all your burning questions too.

COMEDY

She’s a 2023 Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Show nominee and a certified hoot! In one of the most critically-acclaimed stand-up shows of last year, Janine Harouni explores her Arab roots, pregnancy and what happens when your mail order DNA test does not go to plan. On at South Street Reading 20 Jan.

It’s Reading’s coolest independent cinema and venue – Biscuit Factory presents Stand and Deliver Comedy on 25 Jan. It’s headlined by BAFTA winning Michael Odewale and fellow BAFTA winning Sarah Mills – an up and coming talent on the comic scene.

The highly popular The Comedy Cellar is back at South Hill Park for their weekly Friday night shenanigans, on 12 – 26 Jan. Four acts will grace the stage each week with previous big names including Al Murray, Eddie Izzard, Greg Davies, Sarah Millican, Katherine Ryan, Jack Whitehall and Russell Howard to name a few (wowza). The Comedy Cellar is the longest running Comedy Club in the UK outside of London and is in its 35th year of side-splitting fun. It’s no surprise it’s often a sell-out. Book early people.

Bringing with him a brand new show for 2024, Chris McCausland: Yonks! comes to South Hill Park on 28 Jan, hitting the road again with another masterclass in stand-up comedy that has apparently been yonks in the making. The last tour was a sell-out so grab your tickets pronto.

OUTDOORS

Trot over to Newbury Racecourse for not one, but two afternoon race days this month. There’s one on Wed 17 Jan, and the other is Tue 23 Jan and promises an exhilarating day of top jumping action.

More fun with jockeys and their trusty steads over at Ascot for the Clarence House Chase Raceday (Sat 20 Jan). At Ascot’s first race of the year you can expect all the excitement, plus warming winter dishes and cocktails to stave away the New Year blues.

carpet of snowdrops in woodland at Welford Park Newbury

Prepare to be dazzled. Welford Park arguably has the finest natural display of snowdrops in the UK, and it’s rolling out the white carpet from 31 Jan to Sun 3 Mar. There’s hundreds of species here which thrive amongst the 5-acre beech wood, enchanting riverbanks of the River Lambourn and the glorious gardens of the home to the Great British Bake Off. Luckily for you, they’re swinging open the doors to their private estate so you can have a good old gander. Don’t miss it.

EXHIBITIONS

In the Company of Monsters Reading Museum

Creepy, gruesome, and disturbing may be the first words that spring to mind when looking at Reading’s latest exhibition, In the Company of Monsters (on now – 24 Feb). For the first time, the strikingly contemporary works by artists Eleanor Crook, Paul Reid, and Michael Ayrton have been brought together, exploring the enduring dreams, or nightmares, of bodily ‘otherness’ with the creatures portrayed asking vital questions about humanity’s place in nature and the biological and artistic meaning of diversity and difference. Spine-shivering stuff. Parents be advised – this one may not be for littlens.

Sew what? From 24 Jan to Sep 1 don’t miss The Museum of English Rural Life’s latest exhibition all about sustainable fashion. It’s a hot topic, and one that’s explored throughout, asking the questions of where do our clothes come from? How environmentally sustainable are they? Should we be making more and buying less? See it in Reading.

Generate: Student Art Exhibition The Base Greenham

Marvel at the next generation of artists over at The Base Greenham in Newbury at the Generate: Student Art Exhibition (12 – 28 Jan). A number of artworks created by students from local schools, sixth forms and colleges will be on display, celebrating the imagination and creativity of young minds. Free entry, donations welcome.

Over at the Stanley Spencer Gallery, don’t miss the Everywhere is Heaven exhibition which will be the Gallery’s first collaboration with a living artist. Roger Wagner has been deeply inspired by Stanley Spencer’s paintings, and both artists have been described as ‘visionary geniuses’. A number of works by Roger will be hung. It’s going to be a corker. On now – 24 March.

OOPS…TOO LATE!

It may have been 58 years since Buddy’s final concert, but we still can’t get enough. Bringing back the 50s magic, Mill at Sonning are throwing a Winter Dance Party (7 Jan) featuring Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper, Dion And The Belmonts and, of course, Buddy Holly himself. It’s real music, played on real instruments, and a guaranteed real good time.

Dry Jan? We’ve got you covered. Thames Valley Wine School are doing a low-and-no drinks tasting night including everything from non-alcoholic beers, spirits, and wines. It’s on 10 Jan and is £35pp over at The Corn Stores Reading.

Yep, bet you didn’t think exercise could be this cute. Neither! Yoga with an extra fluffy twist – spend your day doing the downward dog, with well, dogs. Barking Puppy Yoga Sessions will take place at Tithe Barn, Hurley Sat 6 & Sun 7 Jan with a bouncy bunch of Sprockerpoos to keep you company. Sessions last an hour, with 45 minutes of yoga with the pups running around, and 15 minutes of pure puppy time. Heaven.

Sipping wine while simultaneously creating a masterpiece even Picasso would envy? The dream. It will come true over at Hope & Anchor in Wokingham on 11 Jan for their ArtVine Sip & Paint night. Art teaching, paint, canvas, easel, brushes and apron all provided. £25 a ticket.

Want to a refine a hobby in 2024? Give Ballroom and Latin America a whirl. Mayo Dance Studios are running a 10 week course starting 8 Jan for people who already have a little previous experience in the dance. Whether solo, in a couple or with friends, everyone’s welcome.

FINAL FESTIVITIES

Not ready to wave goodbye to Christmas yet? Neither. Ease yourself out your festive party jumper with good old Mister Tumble, aka Justin Fletcher! A demigod on the panto circuit, Mr T is back at The Hexagon in Reading for a brand-spanking new production of Sleeping Beauty (now – 7 Jan) and to provide some much-needed festive relief. Multi-award-winning panto dame, Paul Morse, will also be in tow. Expect hilarious gags for all the family that just never ever get old.

Reading’s Winter Wonderland (now – 7 Jan) will be popping up in Hills Meadow Car Park. Expect more festive fun than a Mariah Carey video. There’s an ice rink, fun fair, Aprés Bar, Santa’s grotto, German sausage and lots and lots of mulled wine. It’s free to enter, but you can buy tickets now for Santa’s Grotto, Ice Skating and an unlimited ride pass.

You glow girl! The Lexicon in Bracknell is quite simply going for it this year with their Christmas blowout. On until 2 Jan, don’t miss Glow Room – a 20,000 LED strong winter wonderland. The unique sensory journey combines light projection, soundscapes, and your fave festive tunes as you make your way through an interactive snowy forest. Magical. There will also be a Light Pool (aka a funky ball pit with 20,000 twinkling orbs), a sparkle selfie station, a Twinkle Trail, character visits (Bluey!), plus live music and a Christmas market adorning the high street.

Ditch the digital nanny, break out the house, and take them into the fresh air. Basildon Park’s Christmas festivities end 5 January with their An Adventure with Mr Toad Children’s Trail. Race around the gardens at breakneck speed to help Mr Toad stay out of trouble. Activity sheets are £2 and include a prize. Normal admission applies.

Also at Basildon, don’t miss the enchanting A Wind in the Willows Christmas (now – 5 Jan) which pays tribute to the beloved and timeless classic. Immerse yourself in a wonderland of beautifully adorned trees, garlands, and twinkling fairy lights, all inspired by the captivating story. It even extends to the gardens where you’ll encounter charming woodland creatures and whimsical decorations. Christmas magic.

Expect festive fun by the sleigh load at LEGOLAND Windsor (now – 7 Jan) this year. There’s festive scenes to discover as well as activities, live entertainment, and plenty of characters to meet (Santaaaaaaa!). Christmas spirit guaranteed. From £34pp.

Hold onto your Santa hats because Windsor Great Park Illuminated (now – 2 Jan) is back for another year – set to be even more dazzling than before with brand new installation and a sprinkling of returning favourites. A woodland awash with colour, dancing fairies and a flood lit fountain – in a word: Magical. Mulled wine and toasted marshmallows around a roaring fire is the cherry on top. Tickets from: adults £19.80, kids £12.10, family £56.10.

With the permission of the King (or orf with your head) the world’s most recognised castle provides the backdrop for Windsor’s daily spectacular of illuminations. Standing over 50ft high, Garter Tower is projected with images of the stained glass architecture and motifs from St George’s Chapel dating back to the 15th century and images provided by local schools in Windsor. On now – 5 Jan.

Staying in Windsor, don’t miss Windsor on Ice (now – 7 Jan). I mean is it really Christmas if you haven’t stacked it in front of a group of laughing teens at the rink? There will be other fairground faves including the Dodgems and Santa’s Sleigh roller coaster (rumour has it he’ll be popping up too), and food outlets will be serving up all the festive delights.

For something a little different, and just SO cute we could just die, skip a smidge over the border to Roves Farm near Swindon and join them for their lambing season (9 – 13 Jan). There’s two flocks on the farm and you’ll be front row amid the action, perhaps even getting to see a lamb or two take its first breath. There will be the chance to bottle field the babies, plus a whole host of other activities like indoor and outdoor play, Rugrats and Rascals sessions, meet and feed the animals, and lots more.

Fill up your Friday with gut bustlingly good comedy. Comedy in Progress is on at Progress Theatre in Reading on 12 Jan. It features some of the best comedy acts on the UK scene, with this month’s funnies coming from the incomparable Ada Campe.

Kick-ass comedy at its finest. Crack a smile with Guz Khan Live! who will be bringing his big-screen persona and BAFTA-nominated hilarity to the stand-up stage at The Hexagon Reading (13 Jan). 16+.

Two fabulously fun arty exhibitions happening at South Hill Park this month. Fishnets and Feathers by Joel Bondoux showcases works which are predominantly digital, and explores the intricacies of AI manipulation on the creative process. Meanwhile Heather Upton’s Eclectic Energetic Forms presents her mysterious abstracted landscapes captured in a varied collection of original prints, drawings and paintings. Both on now – 7 Jan.

Joy to January! What’s going on this month

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