We have 33 stellar reasons to heave yourself out of hibernation … So dig out those stilettos from the piles of wellies and sashay your way into a month packed with fun.

Muddy Editor’s Top Picks

♥ ARTS: Bibury Literature Festival, St Mary’s Church, Bibury, Glos, Fri 27 March – Sun 29 March

It’s only the second year running for this underground, boutique festival and it’s going from strength to strength. Head to the prettiest village in The Cotswolds (I live here, but not biased at all!) for this three-day lit fest. It manages to pull really big names for a village festival, making for an intimate setting and great events.

From historian Diarmaid MacCulloch to the Rev Jonathan Aitken (yes him!) award-winning authors Jessica Fellowes and Anne De Courcy and Nicholas Coleridge, the former chairman of mag giant Conde Nast. This year’s theme is ‘Our Special Relationship with the US’ and covers the arts and crafts, music and literature. Brilliant talks, debates and canapes guaranteed. Event tickets start at just £7, or snap up a weekend ticket and see it all for £45. Click here for the full line up and to book tickets.

♥ Alpaca Husbandry for Young People, Tibbiwell Alpacas, Painswick, March and April

Get some furry alpaca action at this hands on alpaca husbandry course. Tibbiwell has been trialling these days and they’ve been really popular so get booking now. Running on Friday mornings throughout March (13, 20, 27) and 3rd April.

You’ll learn all about the fascinating origins of alpacas, their arrival in the UK, fleeces and how their yarn is spun. And of course there’s lots of hands on experience, handling, fitting halters and walking alpacas. Come away knowing everything you ever wanted to about how to care for an alpaca. Sessions last for two hours. The course is suitable for age 12+ and the cost is £50 per person. Contact Tibbiwell to book your places.

♥ JAZZ: Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Tues 05 May – Sun 10 May (Booking now LIVE)

emily sande singer

It’s nearly here and we’re very excited at Muddy. A whole bandwagon of global stars is rolling into Cheltenham in May – promising to make this year’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival the very best yet. We are talking global songstress Emily Sandé, Greg Porter, Beverley Knight, Robert Plant and many, many more. This fantastic event takes place from 05 to 10 May and the hottest tickets are sure to go quick so get booking. See wishlist singers or just go along and discover some amazing new talent for your Spotify playlist. Tickets are on sale right now. Click here to book your place.

♥ THEATRE: Ben Hur, The Barn Theatre, Cirencester, Glos, 4 March – 18 April

Fling on those racy togas, it’s Ben Hur at The Barn. Based on one of the timeless stories of one of the best selling books of the 19th century, this brilliant, condensed stage adaptation tells the epic tale with just four actors. It promises to be a feast of chariot races, sea battles and stage combat. Family tickets from just £35, snap ’em up.

♥ EXHIBITION: Colourways by Liz West, Cheltenham, Glos, Sat 21 March – Tues 2 June

It’s the closest thing to walking through a rainbow we can find and we love it. Colour-ways is an exhibition of light-installation artist Liz West’s work looking at how colour can impact how you feel. The exhibition, in The Wilson’s second floor gallery, features three key light installations, Our Spectral Vision, Tempo and Shifting Luminosity. Tickets priced £5 (£3 for concessions).

♥ FORAGE: Expert Foraging Session, Tudor Farmhouse, Clearwell, Forest of Dean, Glos, throughout March

They are Little Black Book listed and this month they’re running some fantastic foraging courses to get you in the mood for Spring. Chief foragers Ed Drewitt and Liz Knight take you off the beaten track and spend three hours searching for delicious ingredients. Set in the spectacular Forest of Dean which covers 27,000 acres of woodland, it’s the perfect location to be at one with nature (and breathe).

Will you find nettle, yarrow, wild garlic and edible berries? It’s a culinary mystery tour. All foodie finds are handed over to the hotel’s head chef who will use them to create a gourmet lunch at the end to enjoy. Tickets are £60 and group course dates are: 14, 21, 28 March. 4, 11, 18, 25 April and 2, 9 May 2020. For more info contact the Tudor Farmhouse.

♥ PLEASURE FLIGHTS: RotorPro Helicopter Experience, Gloucestershire Airport, throughout the year

Come fly with me, let’s fly, let’s fly away! … Muddy LOVES this new, personalised helicopter experience taking Glos and Worcs by storm. Now listed in our invite-only Little Black Book, RotorPro offers bespoke pleasure flights where you can choose your own package, including where you’d like to fly, and even a choice of chopper. Does it get any more rockstar than this?!

All flights are piloted by expert helicopter pilot (and all round great guy) Ian Lowe, and the experience is based at Gloucestershire Airport, so we’d say super handy for access to some of the most stunning sights in the Cotswolds, from the Malvern Hills and River Severn to the Cotswold Water Park and Forest of Dean.

Soar through the skies and get a birds-eye view of your favourite places on a 30, 45 or 60 minute flight in a Robinson R44 or Bell Jet Ranger. An experience that is perfect for a gift (Mother’s and Father’s Day totally sorted), a wedding, an anniversary, or just a treat for you. And watch this space for a special March deal of 10 minute taster flights (to be announced very soon).

So if you’re feeling all Anneka Rice (*immediately Googles 80s jumpsuits on Ebay*), want to fulfill a lifelong AirWolf meets Top Gun dream, or you just fancy turning up to that special event in style, then get in touch with RotorPro to find out more today.

♥ FILM: Stroud Film Festival, Stroud, Glos, until 21 March

Check out some of the best art house films around at the great Stroud Film Festival, now in its 6th year. Running at 12 indie venues across the town and beyond, catch whatever takes your fancy from classic movies to recent award-winning features such as Amazing Grace.

There’s an ‘immersive’ screening of Willy Wonka for younger ones, and you can listen to film soundtracks (and get all groovy) through silent disco headphones. Many events are free.

Also, back by popular demand, is the Aardman Model Workshop – on Sunday 15 March join actual experts from Aardman Animations for a brilliant, fast-paced model making session and make your very own character to take home. You can also have a go at animating it! Age 6+ and cost is £10. Call the Museum in the Park to book.

♥ RACES: Hot to Trot, Beauty Hall, John Lewis, Cheltenham, Glos, Tue 10 March – Fri 13 March

Right, time to get your Race Face on, and JL Chelt has just the beauty session for you. Open from 8am, head for your fave beauty brand to create the ultimate beauty look to go effortlessly from the course to cocktails. Full makeup sessions are available, eyes, lips, cheeks, and hair, and there’s a DJ on hand to get you in the party mood. There’ll be prosecco and pastries and the JL Beauty Concierge on hand to glam you up. Contact the Experience Desk to book in.

♥ COMEDY: David Baddiel – Trolls not Dolls, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, Sun 15 March

Following his five-star Olivier-nominated hit My Family: Not The Sitcom David Baddiel comes back to the stage with a brand new one-man show, Trolls: Not The Dolls. All about the shady souls who spend all day insulting strangers online Baddiel gives us his brilliant and acerbic take on the phenomenon. Expect stories of dark and hysterically absurd cyber-paths that interacting with trolls has led him down. You will come back safe, more able to deflect your own trolls, and only a little bit shell-shocked. Also find him at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre in Bucks on Fri 13 March, The Hexagon in Reading on Sat 21 March, Symphony Hall in Birmingham on Thu 19 March and Wyvern Theatre in Swindon on Sat 4 April.

♥ FOODIE: The Camp Kitchen, Pop Up Restaurant at Miserden, Stroud, Glos, Fri 13 – Sat 14 March

Michelin trained professional chef Rory Baxter will be impressing us with his excellent culinary skills. Having previously worked under Gordon Ramsey, Raymond Blanc, Fergus Henderson and Mark Broadbent, the Camp Kitchen Pop Up is always a hit so make sure to book early to avoid missing out. Booking in advance required – book your table at www.miserden.org/popup

♥ FITNESS Pilates and Barre Workouts, One Grove, throughout March

This brilliant workout hotspot features in Muddy’s invite-only Little Black Book and is a fantastic space to work out and find your motivational mojo. Try your first class totally FREE – choose from a Mat Pilates, Yoga or Barre class.

We love that drop ins are always welcome at this super-friendly gym, so even if you’re just a bit curious head along to see what they have to offer. The timetable runs Monday to Saturday and is chocca with great classes for all abilities.

♥ CRAFT: Contemporary Craft Fair, Elmslie House, Malvern, Worcs, Sat 14 – Sun 15 March

There’s free admission with the opportunity to browse items from some of the UK’s finest designer-makers over two floors at the Blue Magpie Contemporary Craft Fair. This fair has always taken place a week ahead of Mothering Sunday to enable you to find something lovely to give as a gift the following weekend – how handy! Expect ceramists, wood workers and four fantastic Maker Workshops for you to try your hand at.

♥ COMEDY: Everything is Awful, Golden Cross Inn, Cirencester, Glos, Fri 13 March

Between Coronavirus and the relentless storms pounding Britain you’d be forgiven for thinking everything is, well, awful at the moment. And in true quirky Cotswold style we’re laughing in the face of adversity! Musicians, songwriters, comedians and poets are putting on a special night of entertainment for an ‘anti-celebration’ of all that’s annoying, miserable and downright rubbish.

Following the success of ‘Everything is Awful’ back in 2018, the night is returning as an open-mic event where people can come together and commiserate – with a giant helping of caustic comedy, miserable music and plaintive poetry thrown in. Wallow in hours of self-pity to your heart’s content. The marvellous misery starts at 8pm in the Stable Bar and entry is free (but turn up early, word on the ground is it’s likely to be very popular).

♥ RACES: Cheltenham Races, Cheltenham Racecourse, Glos, 10 – 13 March

Feeling lucky? Then get yourself down to the Cheltenham Races. This prestigious, world-class event always has an extraordinary atmosphere, not to mention some darn fine outfits and hats. It’s the sporting bucket list event of the year, watch 28 races across four days. Tickets start from £43 and there’s so much to do here even without the clippity-clops.

Sashay around The VIP Orchard bar area for an extra premium and why not have lunch at the Panoramic Restaurant. And (breaking news Muddy gang) brand, spanking new for 2020 is The Park, which features entertainment and live music throughout the day, a range of new bars and a 90-minute DJ set.

♥ MUSIC: Biscuit Head and the Biscuit Badgers, The Prince Albert Pub, Stroud, Glos, Sat 14 March

Biscuithead and the Biscuit Badgers are nuts in the best way possible. Expect tubas, pianos, drums, ukuleles and a whole lotta crazy fun. Plus where better to have a great night out than at The award-winning Prince Albert pub, not only Muddy Stilettos winner for 2019 but also recently crowned Stroud CAMRA Pub of the Year 2020.

♥ PHOTOGRAPHY: The Wildlife Photographer of the Year, M Shed, Bristol Museum, until 04 May

Avoid looking like this Himalayan Marmot when you’ve realised you’ve missed out on one of the best exhibitions of the year. Instead head to the brilliant M Shed at Bristol Museum to see the amazing Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2019 exhibition.

Incredible moments caught on camera – it is the most prestigious wildlife photography competition in the world and comes from London’s Natural History Museum. Over 100 stunning images to see. Photo © Yongqing Bao, Wildlife Photographer of the Year Winner 2019.

♥ COMEDY: Rory Bremner’s Easter Bunny, Barn Theatre, Cirencester, Sun 15 March,

He’s still the king of the impressions, and he’s coming to Cirencester! Rory Bremner is starring at The Barn for one night only in a brilliantly funny Easter Bunny Special. You’ll have eaten your body weight in chocolate by Sunday evening so laugh off at least 20% of the calories at this evening of comedy, magic, music and song. With special guests Raymond and Mr Timpkins, magician Archie Manners and Brit singer – songwriter (and sex god apaz) Earl Okin. Get in quick.

♥ MUSIC: Chipping Norton Music Festival, Chipping Norton, 06 March – 21 March

violin music

Making beautiful music on the Glos, Warks, Worcs, Ox borders for 104 years now, we think this boutique music festival is always worth a visit. Tickets available online or from the Neale bookshop if you want to keep it local. There are classes, masterclasses, concerts and recitals galore. Check out the performances by Anthony Williams (piano) and Craig Ogden (guitar) on Sunday 15 March. The programme includes enchanting Scarlatti Sonatas, Dances by Granados and much more.

♥ GREATS: Thriller Live, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, Glos, Mon 9 March – Sat 14 March

Direct from London’s West End where it is now in its record breaking 11th year, Thriller Live is a woo-hoo of night out. Seen by over five million people in over 30 countries it continues to moonwalk around the world, taking you on a visual, audio and electrifying journey through an unparalleled catalogue of hits. Expect two hours of non-stop hits.

FURTHER AFIELD

→ → → BEAUTY NEWSFLASH ←←←

♥ Ooo, hold us back! Makeup and skincare sensation Beauty Pie is opening its first ever POP-UP SHOP at Harvey Nichols Beauty Hall. Launching on Thursday 12 March, we can’t wait to get down there and have a rummage. This members-only (and highly addictive) subscription service has only been online until now so we’re giddy with excitement.

In a global 12-week exclusive, catch this luxury beauty buyers paradise (how could you not with 80% off retail price on products). Prepare to flex your debit card like never before.

shop pink london

♥ ART: David Hockney: Drawing From Life, National Portrait Gallery, London, until Thurs 28 June

It is the first major exhibition dedicated to Hockney’s drawings in more than 20 years. Forget those overproduced acrylic paintings of Californian swimming pools. In this enthralling show more than 150 portraits spanning 50 years show Hockney at his most emotional and contemplative.

Feast your eyes on a range of works from pencil drawings to composite Polaroids. Book now to see it at the Wolfson Gallery at the National Portrait Gallery. Detail from Celia, Carennac, August 1971. Photo: Richard Schmidt/David Hockey/PA

♥ BALLET: Swan Lake, Royal Opera House, London, 5 Mar – 16 May

And pliett! … Celebrated as one of the most famous classics in the ballet canon, Swan Lake returns to the RO. The production has won two Benoit de la Danse awards last year for Principal twirler Vadim Mnutagirov and designer John Macfarlane. A spectacular and breathtaking show that has been reimagined for a new generation.

♥ EXHIBITION: Kimono – Kyoto to Catwalk, V&A Museum London, from 29 Feb

Tokyo fever is in the air with the impending Summer Olympics and the V&A is turning Japanese in homage. Paying tribute to the kimono, this show shines a light on the clothing as an icon of fashion, culture and status. Glimpse stunning examples from the 1660s up to the present day. Expect to see the kimono Alexander McQueen designed for Björk for the cover of ‘Homogenic’, the Star Wars costumes inspired by them and much more. Our Muddy tip is book ahead, it’s sure to be very popular.

THEATRE: The Whip, Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until Sat 21 March

This thought-provoking new play by award-winning playwright, journalist and University of Birmingham creative fellow, Juliet Gilkes Romero is the hottest ticket in town. Set at the beginning of the 19th Century in London as politicians of all parties come together to abolish the slave trade. The price of freedom turns out to be a multi-billion pound bailout for slave owners rather than those enslaved. Two women navigate their way to the true seat of political influence, challenging members of parliament who dare deny them their say.

THEATRE: King John, The Swan, Stratford-upon-Avon now until Fri 20 Mar

Catch one of Shakespeare’s rarely-performed works as director Eleanor Rhode makes an “engrossing” debut in the Swan Theatre. Stirring an uneasy semblance to the present day, King John tells of a nation in turmoil and a preening king, played by Rosie Sheehy, who will stop at nothing to keep the crown. The Guardian says the production “tingles with a tangible sense of spontaneity”.

♥ SHOW: Magic Goes Wrong, Penn & Teller, Vaudeville Theatre, London, throughout March

Co-created by magic rebels Penn & Teller, Mischief Theatre conjures up and evening of grand illusion to make your head spin. The show hinges on a hapless gang of magicians and (of course) things soon spiral out of control. From the same team who created Olivier award-winning Peter Pan Goes Wrong. 11+ age recommended. Now booking until August 2020.

♥ THEATRE: Pretty Woman The Musical, Piccadilly Theatre, London, until 2 Jan 2021

It may not be the most #MeToo show of the year – but hell, it’s an of-its-time classic, right? Hot on the heels of its hit Broadway premiere in 2018, Pretty Woman this month begins its West End residency. Let’s be honest it’s going to be a huge crowd puller, so book up fast. Plus, the production has some major names with choreography from two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde, Hairspray) and an original score from Grammy winner Bryan ‘Everything I do, I do for you’ Adams.

♥ MUSICAL: Mama Mia! The Part y, O2, London, throughout March

Mama Mia, how we love a bit of ABBA, and this spectacular night out at the O2 is a definite must-see. Created by the one and only beardy one Bjorn Ulvaeus, this immersive all-singing, all-dancing theatrical dining experience awaits you (booking until May 2020). Over the course of four hours (you’ll need a lot of Cosmo-fuelled endurance we reckon) you get a four course gourmet Mediterranean meal and a fabulous ABBA disco. Pure pop escapism, and we want to be there right now.

♥ EXHIBITION: Steve McQueen, Tate Modern, London, 13 Feb – 11 May

So cool, you’ll be name dropping this one all month. London is Steve McQueen’s home town and this is the first major exhibition of his work here since he won the Turner prize in 1999. Also the director of Oscar-winning 12 Years a Slave, Steve McQueen’s portfolio features 14 major works spanning his stellar career in film, photography and sculpture. The display will cover the last 25 years and include personal works such as his early film on Super 8 camera and this breathtaking aerial depiction of the Statue of Liberty (above). The show also coincides with McQueen’s latest artwork Year 3, on show at Tate Britain until 3 May.

♥ DANCE: Message in a Bottle, Sadlers Wells, London, until 21 March

They were some of the songs that defined the 80s and 90s – Roxanne, Every Breath You Take, Fields Of Gold and Shape of My Heart. Iconic hits of 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist Sting. So our cool culture alarm went off big style with Message In A Bottle – a spectacular new dance-theatre show from triple-Olivier Award nominee, Kate Prince, Featuring exhilarating dance dazzling footwork and breathtaking athleticism set to the music of Sting, this uplifting show is a story of humanity and hope.

♥ ART: Picasso and Paper, Royal Academy of Arts, until 12 April

Picasso didn’t just draw on paper – he tore it, burnt it, and made it three-dimensional. From studies for ‘Guernica’ to a 4.8-metre-wide collage, this simply brilliant exhibition brings together more than 300 works on paper spanning the artist’s 80-year career. Don’t forget to book ahead people, big crowds are expected at this one, give yourself enough gawp time (1 – 2 hours) and tickets start at £18.

♥ BOOK NOW Alicia Keys, Arena Birmingham (soon to be Utilita Arena Birmingham), 8 June

Following the announcement of Alicia – The World Tour, tickets have just gone on sale this week for the Grammy award-winner’s only West Midlands concert. Just a hop and a skip over the border! Her seventh studio album ALICIA is set to be released on March 20. Tickets via theticketfactory or by calling 0844 33 88 222 *Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge. 

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