If you haven’t already checked it out, Rest Less Events is our virtual community and events platform. All lectures, workshops, groups, and clubs are run through Zoom, and cover a huge range of topics.
With around 100 events running monthly – from fitness classes to history talks – there’s surely something to interest you.
Below, we’ve pulled together some of the most exciting events coming up in February.
1. Aerobic Fitness
When? Thursdays at 10:00am
Aerobics is an upbeat and dynamic way to stay fit and have fun – and with this event from qualified personal trainer Trinity Hadley, you can reap all the benefits from the comfort of your home.
With a mix of cardio, strength-based exercises, and traditional aerobics movements, this weekly session is designed to get your blood pumping. It’s a great way to start your Thursday!
2. Exploring British History – The Stuarts
When? Thursdays 1st and 8th at 11:30am
Last month, Chris Green (also known as ‘The History Chap’) kicked off his six-part series of talks on one of Britain’s most legendary dynasties: the Stuarts.
From execution and abdication to civil war, the Great Fire of London, and the last great bubonic plague, the Stuarts witnessed some of the UK’s most significant events.
Tune into Chris’ last two talks to find out more, or take a look at our article; 12 facts about the Stuart period.
3. Hey Diddle Diddle – History & Meaning of Nursery Rhymes
When? Thursday 1st February at 4:00pm
Ever wondered why the cow jumped over the moon or what that cat was doing with that fiddle? In this talk, Sandy Leong introduces us to the surprising stories and deeper meanings behind nursery rhymes. Expect tales of clever political commentary and wordplay, royal scandals, illicit love affairs, and more.
Hey Diddle Diddle is an unusual and fascinating look into the past – perfect for history and literature lovers.
4. Dru Yoga
When? Sundays at 6:00pm
Dru Yoga is a style of yoga that focuses on movements that flow gently from one to the other. It’s a calming practice that can help boost mental and physical health – ideal for unwinding after a long week.
So why not join Pippa Hazeldine for her calming Sunday session for beginners?
5. DISCOaerobics
When? Mondays at 12:00pm
If you’re looking for a new way to keep moving and love the funky, new-wave sounds of the 70s and 80s, this weekly DISCOaerobics event might be for you!
As well as combining fist-pumping tunes with a retro aerobics routine, instructor Carly makes adjustments for all levels – so almost anyone can follow along.
6. Drawing Children in Art: 4-Week Course
When? Mondays at 6:00pm
If you’re an artist, you’ll know that people are one of the trickiest things to draw. With this in mind, Caitlin Heslop is delivering a four-week course dedicated to drawing children.
As well as looking at famous examples of how masters have depicted the human figure, Cailtin will also lead you through some practical exercises. It’s ideal for any artists looking to up their game.
7. Laurel & Hardy
When? Tuesday 6th at 4:00pm
Every month, Steve Short takes us on a deep dive into the lives of our most beloved comedians and magicians. This February, he tackles the most famous double act of all time: Laurel and Hardy.
After joining forces in 1927, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy became Hollywood icons for their side-splitting slapstick comedy. Frequently dressed in bowler hats and ties, they’re best remembered for films like Sons of the Desert and Way Out West.
In this talk, Steve will entertain you with little-known facts about Laurel and Hardy – and a magic routine initially performed by the pair.
8. Breathwork: an introduction, exploration, and experience
When? Wednesday 7th at 10:00am
If you’re interested in finding ways to reduce stress and become more present, why not tune into this session on breathwork?
As host Solomon tells us, breathwork is simply “the process of becoming aware of your breathing and taking conscious control of the way you breathe.” In this 45-minute event, he’ll take you through some guided techniques that you can incorporate into daily life.
For more advice on using breathwork in your day-to-day life, check out our article; 3 breathing exercises for anxiety and stress relief.
9. Lunch Club
When? Wednesdays at 1:00pm
Lunch club is our weekly space for having engaging conversations and making meaningful connections. Here, you can discuss whatever’s on your mind with a diverse range of people.
So, if you’re looking for some company, why not join host Mahalia for this supportive community club every Wednesday lunchtime?
10. Art History Group
When? Wednesday 7th at 4:00pm
If you’d like to learn about art in an interactive and laid-back way, check out our monthly Art History Group.
During these one-hour sessions, participants will choose a piece of artwork that they think fits the monthly topic to discuss with one another. It’s a fun way to discover new art and artists – and meet like-minded people.
11. Germany – Cruising the Rhine
When? Thursday 8th at 4:00pm
This month, seasoned traveller Sue Ablett brings us tales from her most recent adventure: a cruise down Germany’s Rhine River.
Hopping onboard at Cologne, Sue’s cruise took her to scenic spots like Koblenz and one of Rhineland’s most famous wine villages: Rudesheim. However, the sweeping scenes from the boat’s deck were just as picturesque as the stops along the way.
A perfect event for those interested in world travel or considering a river cruise themselves.
You can learn more about Sue’s travels in our article here or explore river cruise deals below.
12. Romanticism in Britain
When? Tuesdays 13th and 27th at 11:30am
Whether you love art or literature, you might have come across the word ‘Romanticism’ and wondered what it meant. What makes an artist or piece of art Romantic?
In this two-part series, Antonia Gatward Cevizli introduces Rest Less Events subscribers to the concept of Romanticism and looks at two of the movement’s most famous painters: J.M.W. Turner and John Constable.
13. Making love during the menopause
When? Tuesday 13th at 7:30pm
Despite half of us experiencing it at some point in our lives, unfortunately, the menopause is still a taboo subject – especially when it comes to sex. However, the women who put this event together believe that “the best way to smash a taboo is to talk about it” – and so do we!
In this webinar, you’ll hear from doctors and experts in the menopause space about the common gynaecological symptoms and how to manage them. From sex toys to mental health, this panel of women have plenty of knowledge to share.
For some more advice on this subject, take a look at our article; 15 tips for a healthy and satisfying sex life over 50.
14. Maximise Device Storage
When? Wednesdays 14th and 21st at 10:00am
Between things like work documents and photos of our family, it’s surprising how quickly the storage on our smartphones and tablets can fill up.
In these sessions, the Three Discovery Team will show you how to manage data on your smartphone and tablet so you always have room for what matters. The first session is for Apple users, while the second focuses on Android devices.
For more tips on managing your devices, why not check out our 10 tips for a digital declutter?
15. Special Valentine's Day recital: Forbidden love: Robert and Clara Schumann
When? Wednesday 14th at 4:00pm
Part lecture, part performance, in this event, mezzo-soprano singer Serenna Wagner introduces us to one of classical music’s greatest love stories: the Schumanns.
As well as telling us the heart-wrenching tale of Robert and Clara (both composers and pianists), Serenna also performs a few of their songs. This is an excellent event for those who enjoy hearing about the hidden meanings behind music.
16. The Golden Age of Spain
When? Thursdays 15th, 22nd, and 29th at 11:30am
In this four-part series, historian Dr Lillian Cespedes Gonzalez takes us through Spanish history from the late Middle Ages to 1700 – a period known as the country’s ‘Golden Age’. During this time, the arts flourished, while Spain became a formidable world power.
Through the sessions, Lillian will cover different aspects of the Golden Age, including what came before it, the monarchs that ruled throughout, and the arts and literature that came out of it.
The first three events of this series take place in February, while the fourth follows in March.
17. The Forbidden City
When? Thursday 15th at 4:00pm
In the bustling centre of Beijing lies a city within a city. Shrouded in mystery, the Forbidden City was home to China’s emperor, his family, and his court – but only the emperor himself could enter any section of the 9,999-roomed complex at will.
Join everyone’s favourite Tai Chi host, J.T. Turner, for a virtual visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
18. What the Parlour Maid Knew
When? Tuesday 20th at 11:30am
Britain’s high streets are one of our most treasured institutions, but have you ever wondered what they looked like during Victorian times? This event explores some of our favourite brands and their Victorian origins while also looking at what people from the 1800s had in their pantries.
In this hour-long session, poet, broadcaster, and performer Judy Karbritz answers some of the questions you never knew you had, like: how did Imperial Leather and Bristol Cream get their names? And what do Dorothy Perkins, Sara Lee, and Ted Baker all have in common?
19. The Beatles Ashram, Rishikesh
When? Tuesday 20th at 4:00pm
Did you know that in 1968, The Beatles visited an Ashram in the foothills of the Himalayas? An Ashram is a spiritual site, and this one was used as a training centre for yoga students. Here, they composed some of their most famous songs for their legendary ‘White Album’.
Join host Roopak for this peek around the curtain into what’s now known as The Beatles Ashram. He’ll take you through the cavernous rooms and discuss the place’s significance. Attendees will also be treated to some Beatles music – an unmissable experience for music fans.
20. Writing Group
When? Wednesday 21st at 4:00pm
Writing can be a solitary pursuit – but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re an aspiring scribe, why not join this monthly group, where writers share and discuss their work?
Getting feedback on your writing can be great for development – and so can thinking thoughtfully about others’ writing. This writing group is also an excellent place to meet like-minded, creative people. So why not join in?
21. Twelve Tremendous Trees
When? Thursday 22nd at 4:00pm
Trees are everywhere, and it can be easy to forget how fascinating they are! They’re enchanting and beautiful, giving us wood, food, medicine, and even oxygen.
In this event, Dr Gwenda Kyd, a chemist who’s passionate about plants, explores the many uses of trees and some of the fantastic folklore we’ve attributed to them.
22. The Secrets of Hollywood Box Office
When? Friday 23rd at 2:30pm
While awards and accolades are sought after by filmmakers, there are, of course, many who measure a film’s success by how much money it makes at the box office. In this one-off event, historian and film buff Jem Duducu will take you through some of cinema history’s biggest cash cows and financial flops.
Jem will also answer questions like: is there a magic formula for making money at the box office? And how does Hollywood earn cash after a film leaves the cinema?
23. If Music Be The Food Of Love... Private Lives of the Great Composers
When? Tuesday 27th at 4:00pm
In this hour, Cardiff Philharmonic violist Claire gives audiences a peak behind the curtain at some of classical music’s most famous composers. Featuring icons like Haydn, Schubert, and Elgar, this talk aims to uncover the messiness and intrigue that lurks behind some of our most treasured compositions.
Claire’s presentation is an enjoyable look at the connection between artist and art that’s designed for everyone, whether you know a little or a lot about classical music.
24. The Night Sky
When? Tuesday 27th at 7:00pm
Each month on Rest Less Events, astrophysicist Martin stops by to give audiences an idea of what they can see in the sky. In February, he’ll show us how to find Sirius, the brightest star, and explain what a Micromoon is and how to spot one.
As well as guiding our gaze towards the stars, Martin also introduces us to the myths and legends behind them and brings us the latest news from the world of astronomy.
25. Eyam – The Plague Village
When? Thursday 29th at 4:00pm
In 1665, as the Bubonic Plague swept across England, the little village of Eyam chose to cut contact with the outside world to help stop the spread. In this talk, speaker Ian opens the book on this little-known but inspiring chapter of English history, introducing us to the villages’ heroic residents.
Final thoughts…
From insights into interesting corners of history to welcoming community clubs, there’s plenty to look forward to this February on Rest Less Events. Check out our calendar to find out more. Or, if you aren’t a subscriber yet, you can use the button below to sign up for a free trial.
Have you tried out any Rest Less Events? If so, what’s been your favourite one? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.