Next year in England

2015 WILL be an exceptional year for England, according to the country’s tourism agency, VisitEngland.

Here are some of its highlighted events:

1. Rugby World Cup 2015, countrywide (September 18 – October 31)

The world’s third largest sporting event enables visitors to discover the best of the ten host cities, including London, Brighton, Gloucester, Leeds, Leicester, Newcastle, Exeter, and Manchester.

2. 40th Anniversary of the inaugural Cricket World Cup (June 7)

It doesn’t get more English than a game of cricket unfolding on a village lawn. Invented in England in the 16th century, the game’s first World Cup was hosted in England in 1975. Today, get to the heart of the game on a tour of Lords cricket ground in North London where fans can visit the MCC Museum and have tea and sandwiches in the historic Long Room.

3. Women’s and Men’s Boat Races Combined, Henley-on-Thames and London (April 11)

In a revolutionary move that breaks with 183 years of history, the women’s boat race between Oxford and Cambridge will achieve equal billing with the more famous men’s event in 2015 as the two events are combined. 

4. Magna Carta 800th Anniversary, (Countrywide, year-round)

Next year marks the 800th anniversary of the sealing of the Magna Carta by King John and his barons. Although this iconic document has undergone a number of revisions over the centuries, it is famous for outlining the ideas of freedom, democracy, and rule of law. Both the US Bill of Rights and the European Convention of Human Rights echo the principles of charter. For the first time next year, the four original copies of the Magna Carta will be re-unified at the British Library and there will be activities across the country revealing an England rich in historical heritage and showcasing how so many destinations play a part in Magna Carta’s history.

5. 50th Anniversary of Sir Winston Churchill’s Death (Countrywide, year-round)

To recognize the 50th anniversary of Sir Winston Churchill’s death, a programme of events will be on offer across the country showcasing Churchill’s England. At the Churchill War Rooms in London, visitors can explore the Cabinet War Rooms, the bunker that sheltered Churchill and the government during the Blitz and played a key role in the Second World War.

6. Bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo, London and Kent

The bicentenary will be marked throughout the year, with English Heritage celebrations at Wellington Arch, Apsley House (the home of the Dukes of Wellington), and Walmer Castle.

 7. Bristol’s year as European Green Capital (year-round)

Bristol has long been one of the UK’s leading green cities, and now also has the international accolade of European Green Capital 2015. A programme of green-themed events makes Bristol stand apart as an environmentally-focused and sustainable city, including Bristol’s Big Green Week, Festival of Nature, Bristol’s Biggest Bike Ride, Bristol Green Doors, and Bristol Cycle Festival. 

Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk
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Picture Credit: "England world cup winners" by BombDog via Wikimedia Commons; 'Racing boats during the The Boat Race in spring 2013' by By Chmee2 (Own work) via Wikimedia Commons; "Winston Churchill statue in London" Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons; The 13th Light Dragoons at Waterloo 1815. Lord Hill - "Drive them back 13th" by Harry Payne - from en.wikipedia by Melesse via Wikimedia Commons