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As one of the UK's biggest fundraising events, Red Nose Day is a UK-wide fundraising event organised by Comic Relief every two years, writes Joanne Hunter.
On Red Nose Day everyone from all walks of life, including celebrities, is encouraged to cast inhibitions aside and put on a Red Nose and do something funny for money.
High-street shops in the UK are awash with reminders that Mother's Day is around the corner, on 10 March, and it's time to think about how to make a deserving mum feel extra-special, writes Joanne Hunter.
If distance separates you, a hand-delivered bouquet is always a lovely surprise and there's ample time to place an order online for flowers or some other fragranced gift you know she'll love.
Not only will 2013 an exciting time in its own right, but this year we also mark the anniversary of many important historical events. Each month we'll be bringing you a selection of the most memorable, but if you feel we've missed any please let us know in the comments.
Not only will 2013 an exciting time in its own right, but this year we also mark the anniversary of many important historical events. Each month we'll be bringing you a selection of the most memorable, but if you feel we've missed any please let us know in the comments.
Families wanting to get outside and experience some yuletide delights should look no further than Ashford. This Saturday, the town will begin the countdown to Christmas when special guests Bob the Builder and Wendy switch on the Christmas lights in the town centre.
The pair will also be making personal appearances in the town centre at intervals throughout the day.
For families and individuals that can’t make it to Ashford on Saturday, there is still plenty more to try. Ashford town centre market will be a permanent fixture in the lower High Street every day from Saturday 17 November until Christmas Eve.
The countdown to Saturday’s switch-on will take place from 4pm, when the Mayor of Ashford, Cllr Bob Davidson, will be joined by Katrina Bryan (from CBeebies), Ben Roddy and Lloyd Hollett, who are in this year’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’ pantomime at the Marlowe Theatre.
If you keep your eyes peeled this month, you're sure to spot more moustaches than usual. That's because the UK is celebrating Movember - a light-hearted annual fundraiser that seeks to raise awareness of men's health issues.
The sites are located in 22 towns and cities up and down the country, including London, Swansea, Edinburgh and Belfast.
In Swindon, people will be able to watch performances from Swindon Dance or participate in a bungee run or Sumo wrestling, among other activities. Street entertainers, including stilt walkers and face painters, will entertain the crowds.
In Edinburgh, the celebrations will focus on Scottish and international music, with Ceilidh rock band Ceilidhdonia turning Festival Square into a giant dance floor with their powerful take on Scotland's national dance. A piper and drummer will add to the musical celebrations.
After this, the venue will take on a South American feel as a local samba band performs, and there will be a chance to see the Olympic torch up close as Edinburgh's torchbearers make a special appearance before the full broadcast of the ceremony.
The day will begin with bells across the UK ringing for three minutes, starting at 8.12 am, as part of the London 2012 Festival commission All the Bells, by Turner Prize-winning artist Martin Creed.
Anyone can take part by ringing any kind of bell for three minutes – from change ringing experts to children with handbells, bicycle bells or doorbells.
Friday 27 July marks the final day of the London 2012 Olympic torch relay. After being carried through the world's oldest hedge maze, at Hampton Court Palace, the flame will board the Queen’s Rowbarge Gloriana, and a ceremonial cauldron will be lit.
The UK is currently stepping up preparations for one of the major events of London 2012 - the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
The celebrations for the monarch's 60-year reign will centre around the extended weekend of 2-5 June. The Jubilee will be marked by a range of unique events, both official and informal.
The festivities will kick off in mid-May, when Windsor Castle will host three nights of entertainment. Dancers, musicians, military and equestrian displays from around the world will wow visitors to the royal palace, and will whet the appetite for the celebrations in June.
Find yourself a dragon mask and prepare for the fireworks: Chinese New Year is coming to London! The longest and most important festivity in the Chinese calendar takes place on Monday 23 January, and is sure to be celebrated with some verve in the capital.
