Unmissable things to book in 2025

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Fabulous Theatre

This year there are a great variety of incredible shows coming your way. Book now for magical performances by the renowned Varna International Ballet at new Wimbledon Theatre, from Swan Lake on the 13 and 14 February to The Nutcracker on the 15 February. From 25 – 29 March don’t miss the blockbuster smash-hit musical Dear Evan Hansen as it dances its way into New Wimbledon Theatre. Over at Richmond Theatre, the cult-classic Rocky Horror Show (28 April – 3 May) is set to wow audiences with its timeless classics. Plus, keep your eye on Rose Theatre, where a seminal performance of George Orwell’s Animal Farm (4-8 February) will be brought vividly to life on stage.

There are, of course, many big shows hitting the West End this year – in particular a performance of Shakespeare’s Richard II (10 February – 10 May) at the Bridge Theatre starring Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey, and the return of the massively successful family show My Neighbour Totoro at the Gillian Lynne Theatre (8 March – 2 November).

Arts & Festivals

Chelsea Flower Show returns in 2025 from 20-24 May, the year’s greatest celebration of beautiful garden designs and floral displays. Wandsworth Arts Fringe (6-22 June) will feature a cutting-edge line-up of theatre, comedy, music and local artists. FUSE International (28 June – 6 July) is set to bring a monumental and impressive line-up of talented young artists to Kingston to showcase their inventive work.

Prepare for a book festival extravaganza in the autumn, with the return of Barnes, Wimbledon, Clapham and Guildford book festivals which are guaranteed to bring an exciting selection of authors and speakers to celebrate all things literary in south west London and Surrey.

Image credit: Tangle Photography

Magical Music

The Grange Park Opera season from the 5 June to the 13 July, will bring highlights such as Madame Butterfly and Mazeppa. Save the dates for Hampton Court Palace Festival in June, with a fabulous line-up ranging from the legendary Rag’n’Bone Man to Chaka Khan and Elbow. Trot on down to the stunning grounds of Painshill for Painshill Live Music Lates from 18 June until 10 July where you can listen to live bands in the beautiful surroundings of the Great Lawn. Kew the Music returns from the 9 to 13 July – and the first artists have been announced, including The Human League and Alison Moyet.

Head to Sandown on 7 August for racing followed by a great evening of music from the band Texas. Plus, Wimbledon International Music Festival will roll around in November, with previous highlights including the Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and the Julliard Quartet.

Sports

Prepare for the 2025 season of the Six Nations Rugby Tournament – England will battle it out against France in Twickenham on the 8 February, before facing off against Scotland on the 22 February, and Italy on the 9 March. When it’s over, sports fans can pivot their attention to the annual Oxford vs Cambridge boat race in Putney which is set to take place on 13 April. June is for the horse lovers, with the return of Epsom Derby on the 6 and 7 June. Of course, the sport doesn’t stop there, because then it’s time to whip out the strawberries and cream at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, which return from 30 June to 13 July.

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