January in the UK: A cultural celebration worth coming home for
January feels like a quiet pause after the holiday rush—a chance to seek out moments of inspiration.
And here in the UK, inspiration is everywhere, from the haunting echoes of Shakespeare to the intimate warmth of folk music.
This month, the arts will take you on a journey. I’ve walked to the National Theatre on a frosty evening, thoughts of Macbeth already swirling.
I’ve watched musicians tune their instruments under the vast dome of the Royal Albert Hall, the air thick with anticipation.
This January, these experiences await you too.
Shadows and Light: Macbeth at the National Theatre
Date: 6–20 January 2025
Venue: National Theatre, London
Tickets: From £25, available at the National Theatre website
Director Amelia Clarke describes ambition as a powerful force that runs through the heart of Macbeth.
Her vision for the play is a collision of human weakness and dark desires. During rehearsals, I noticed how the shadows on stage became part of the drama, amplifying the inner conflict of the characters.
A stroll along the Southbank before the show is always a good idea. The view of St Paul’s Cathedral glowing softly against the evening sky never fails to calm me. Feeling peckish?
Brasserie Blanc serves coq au vin that feels as comforting as a fireside chat.
A Cathedral of Sound: The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall
Date: 8 January 2025
Venue: Royal Albert Hall, London
Tickets: From £40, available at the Royal Albert Hall website
Conductor Sir David Maxwell, with a long history of performances at the Royal Albert Hall, often highlights the venue’s unique acoustics and energy.
Every melody seems to take on new meaning in this iconic space.
His programme this January includes Vaughan Williams’s Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis, a piece that feels steeped in Britain’s history.
Dinner? Head to Da Mario, where pasta and nostalgia go hand in hand. Their tagliatelle al ragu is a must-try.
Laughter in the Cold: The UK Comedy Gala at the Apollo
Date: 10 January 2025
Venue: Eventim Apollo, London
Tickets: From £30, available at the Eventim Apollo website
For Romesh Ranganathan, comedy is a way of connecting people through the shared absurdities of daily life. His performances always fill the room with laughter and a sense of warmth.
Paired with Katherine Ryan’s razor-sharp wit, this gala promises to banish any January blues. For a pre-show meal, try The Gate.
Their inventive vegetarian dishes, like the beetroot wellington, are so satisfying you’ll forget there’s no meat.
Roots and Rhythms: The Cambridge Folk Festival Winter Sessions
Date: 13 January 2025
Venue: Cambridge Corn Exchange, Cambridge
Tickets: From £25, available at the Corn Exchange website
Sam Lee believes folk music isn’t just about storytelling, it’s about creating a space for connection, where sound becomes a bridge between people.
Hearing his performance in Cambridge is like returning to the roots of music, but with a contemporary spark.
Take some time to explore Cambridge’s historic streets before heading to The Eagle, a centuries-old pub famed for its hearty pies and links to the discovery of DNA.
Mains start at just £12, making it an affordable and atmospheric dining choice.
A Symphony of Innovation: BBC Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican
Date: 18 January 2025
Venue: Barbican Centre, London
Tickets: From £30, available at the Barbican website Principal conductor Sakari Oramo is known for his ability to unite musical eras.
His programme at the Barbican creates a sense of journeying through time.
Anna Meredith’s newly commissioned piece speaks of the future, while Britten’s work reminds us of classical roots.
Complete your evening with dinner at Chisou, a Japanese restaurant offering fresh sushi and hearty ramen.
Prices start at £20, making it a perfect prelude to a night of musical discovery.
Manchester’s Legacy: New Order Live at the AO Arena
Date: 22 January 2025
Venue: AO Arena, Manchester
Tickets: From £50, available at the AO Arena website
Few bands embody the spirit of a city like New Order does Manchester.
Their iconic synth-driven sound has shaped generations, and this January, they return to their hometown for a night of music that promises to be electric. From Blue Monday to their latest tracks, their setlist is a tribute to innovation and legacy.
“Every time I hear Blue Monday, it feels like stepping into a time machine,” one fan shared after a recent show.
Seeing them perform live is like becoming part of musical history. For a casual pre-show bite, stop by Bundobust, where craft beer meets Indian street food. With meals starting at £10, it’s the perfect place to fuel up before an energetic evening.
A January to Remember
From the shadows of Macbeth to the joyous rhythms of New Order, this January offers something to make you pause, reflect, and feel.
It’s not just about watching—it’s about being present, letting the arts move you in ways only they can.
