Christmas at ZSL London (London Zoo)

Even though we’re nudging into December, some of us need a helping hand to get into the festive spirit. Don’t tell anyone but there still are a few ‘Bah Humbugs’ amongst us at The Amazing Blog. When we heard about Christmas at ZSL London we decided it would be a perfect chance to encourage some ‘festive cheer’!

At Christmas at London Zoo there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With spectacles such as the iconic penguin pool dance, the illuminated trail, a vintage carousel and a number of hidden surprises, getting into the festive spirit is almost a given. While the animals are tucked up in bed, you can also hop aboard their special train, where you’ll experience both fantasy and fairy-tale; soaking up mesmerizing voices of Singing trees and playful projections of Magic Mountains.

This is the first ever Christmas event at London Zoo, and is being launched in partnership with Raymond Gubbay Limited. The site has been designed by Culture Creative - so expect the unexpected, with sky high animal sculptures encircling the 36 acre zoo site! Cleverly they make sure you circumnavigate the animals so you don’t disturb the habitat of the nocturnal animals; although you might catch a fleeting glimpse on your train ride.

Of course the evening would be incomplete without indulging in a glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate. You will find these in the Zoo’s Christmas village, alongside a plethora of other festive treats such as toasted marshmallows and roasted chestnuts. You can also start your Christmas shopping at ZSL gift shop. For full details visit the gift shop website here.

Don’t miss this magical illuminated trail - it opens from Thursday 22nd of November until Monday, 1st of January 2019. Tickets are available here from £16.50.

Kew the Music at Kew Gardens

Summer is in full swing and with it a plethora of music concerts and festivals. Here at The Amazing Blog we can’t wait to head down to one of our favourites, Kew the Music at Kew Gardens, this weekend.

Kew the Music, a series of festival style concerts, returns for its sixth year with a truly fantastic line up of artists.

Tonight Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra hit the stage, promising another crowd pleasing show. Jools has been touring with his veritable musical army, the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra for more than 20 years and once again he will be joined by regular guest vocalists Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Mabel Ray.

Saturday UB40 featuring Ali, Astro & Mickey take to the stage. UB40 are undoubtedly Britain’s most popular reggae artists and have clocked up more than 70 million record sales worldwide with songs like Kingston Town, Red Red Wine, I Got You Babe (recorded with Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders), Rat In The Kitchen and Can’t Help Falling In Love. The bands initial line up lasted 30 years from the bands formation in 1978 until front-man Ali Campbell’s departure in 2008. Two other founding members of UB40 also left the band and have since formed UB40 featuring Ali, Astro and Mickey - back together at last.

Finally, legendary band The Specials close the 2015 Kew the Music festival on Sunday. Known for their unique up beat blend of two-tone and ska, they are guaranteed to have the Kew the Music audience on their feet and singing along to songs such as Too Much Too Young and Ghost Town.

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drink, or to sample from the line-up of artisan bars and food stalls on site. For the very first time these concerts are a collaboration between Kew Gardens, Kilimanjaro Live Ltd and Raymond Gubbay Ltd. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew have been presenting summer concerts for 33 years.

Tickets start from £41.50 and can be purchased from the 24 hour ticket hotline: 0844 871 8803 or online.