Rest Less Events is our virtual community and events platform, where we run lectures, workshops, groups, and clubs over Zoom.
With around 100 events per month to try – from music performances and mindfulness classes to art clubs and history groups – you’re sure to find something to pique your curiosity.
Below, we take a look at some of the most exciting events coming up this July…
1. Seated Yoga Slow Down
When? Mondays 3rd, 17th, and 31st at 4:00pm
Looking for a wellness class that’ll leave you feeling flexible and refreshed? This seated yoga slow-down class from instructor Stephen Lightbown is a gentle way to get some exercise.
Designed for every body type, this class can be a great choice for those with limited mobility.
2. Watercolour Painting: 5-Week Course
When? Mondays at 6:30pm (starting on the 3rd)
If you’re interested in tapping into your creative side, why not check out this five-week watercolour painting course from London-based artist Caitlin Heslop?
Featuring lessons on colour theory, landscape, and still life, this course is perfect for beginners and painting veterans alike.
3. Abstract Expressionism: What's it all about?
When? Tuesday 4th at 11:30am
Love the works of artists like Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner? Abstract Expressionism: What’s it all about? offers a deep dive into one of America’s most influential art movements.
Host Antonia Gatward Cevizli explores some of the most significant artworks of this revolution – including the ideas that shaped them and the lasting impact they’ve had on contemporary art.
4. Imagined Worlds, Enchanted Lives: Exploring Storytelling Legends of The British Isles
When? Wednesdays at 2:30pm
This workshop series aims to examine some of Britain’s most influential authors – from ‘The Bard’ himself, William Shakespeare, to Beatrix Potter and Robert Louis Stevenson.
Through informative presentations and interactive activities, writer and English teacher Lisa Sarah Barnes will immerse you in the life, times, and works of a different writer every week. You can tune into every session, or just drop in for one or two.
5. 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 of the benefits from the comfort of your own home.
This mix of cardio and strength-based exercises with traditional aerobics movements will surely get your blood pumping. It’s a great way to start your Thursday!
6. An Introduction to Forensic Genetic Genealogy
When? Thursday 6th at 11:30am
Are you interested in criminology or plotting your family tree? Or perhaps you enjoy discussing ethical conundrums or the future of science and technology? If so, this introduction to forensic genetic genealogy might be for you.
In this one-off session, Dr Penny Walters will guide participants through a seminar on how law enforcement uses DNA and family trees to solve crimes, and what this could mean for the future of our society.
7. Intermediate-Advanced Spanish Conversation Group
When? Thursday 6th at 1:00pm
If you’ve learnt (or are learning) Spanish, one of the most frustrating things can be finding other people to practice your speaking skills with. But, this Intermediate-Advanced Spanish Conversation Group brings together people with a decent grip on the Spanish language to help each other keep their language skills sharp.
You don’t need to be fluent to join this group, though it’s not recommended for new learners. So if you’re just starting out, why not check out one of the courses available on our website?
8. Tai Chi
When? Thursdays 6th and 20th at 2:30pm
From stress reduction to improved sleep, there are lots of benefits to practising the ancient Chinese tradition of Tai Chi. So why not join certified instructor J.T. Turner for an afternoon of simple, flowing exercises for beginners?
9. Coffee and Crosswords
When? Fridays 7th and 21st at 11:30am
Are you a fan of crosswords and looking for a new social event? Hosted by word puzzle enthusiast Angela, this group meets up every two weeks to share a brew, have a natter, and solve crosswords as a group! It’s a perfect bi-weekly event for lovers of cryptic challenges.
10. Poetry Community Club
When? Friday 7th July at 1:00pm
Do you have a penchant for poetry? In this monthly club, members bring their favourite poems to read and discuss with the group. It’s a great way to meet fellow literature lovers and get introduced to poets and poems you might not have heard of.
11. Music of the Sixties – A Four-Act Drama
When? Fridays 7th, 14th, 21st at 2:30pm
From the height of the Vietnam War to the hippie movement, the 60s were a time of struggle and conflict, as well as radical social change and bold colours – and the music of the time reflected its turbulence, as well as its creativity and innovation.
While this four-part event started in June, you can still catch the three remaining sessions in July!
12. Crochet and Chat
When? Fridays 7th and 21st at 5:15pm
Are you a fan of crochet? This group is a space for crochet enthusiasts to get together, swap tips, and talk about their ongoing projects – all over a cup of coffee.
13. Get Cooking! Mackerel and new potato salad
When? Monday 10th at 1:00pm
In the warmer months, it can be difficult to come up with meals that are light and refreshing while still being filling and packed with nutrients. If this sounds familiar, tune in to this event to learn how to make a delicious mackerel and new potato salad.
You can cook alongside host Anne Marie Lambert, or watch how she does it and recreate the dish later. The choice is yours!
14. Unlock Your HealthSpan: Live Stronger, Live Longer
When? Monday 10th at 2:30pm
We can all take steps to improve our wellbeing and raise our quality of life, so why not check out this one-time event on unlocking your healthspan?
Our ‘healthspan’ is the ratio of how much of our life is spent in good health. During this hour-long session, host Nick Siddle will explore five ways we can boost our longevity by focusing on things like nutrition, sleep, activity, and mindset.
15. Aspects of Prehistory
When? Monday 10th at 4:00pm
Want to take a trip to the distant past? Drawing on scientific fields such as isotope analysis and luminescence dating, host Graham presents some of the latest and most exciting findings from the world of archaeology, to give us a glimpse into the world of our ancient ancestors.
16. On the Road in North America
When? Tuesday 11th at 11:30am and Thursday 13th at 4:00pm
In this two-part talk, seasoned traveller Chris Forse takes us on a journey through the heart of America.
Aided by fascinating facts, stunning photography, and a superb soundtrack, Chris recreates the ultimate U.S. road trip – from the Canadian border in the Northeast to Florida, Yosemite National Park, and the Canadian Rockies.
Get ready to experience the freedom of the open road from the comfort of your own home.
17. On the Viking Trail
When? Thursdays 13th, 20th, and 27th at 11:30am
The Vikings had a rich culture, full of myth and tradition, but they were also known for their ferocious warriors and intrepid explorer’s spirit.
In this three-part event, learn about the violent raids they conducted in Britain, the lands they settled and traded in, and the lasting impression they left on our civilisation.
If you’d like to find out more about places with connections to the Norsemen, have a read of our article; 10 places with Viking connections to visit in the UK.
18. Laughter Yoga
When? Friday 14th at 4:00pm
Both laughter and exercise release hormones that can boost our mood and leave us feeling positive for hours. So why not combine the two?
In this ultimate feel-good session, certified laughter yoga leader Sylvia will take you through a series of breathing and stretching exercises combined with a healthy dose of laughter.
19. Barre/Contemporary Dance Class
When? Friday 14th at 4:50pm
If you’re on the lookout for fitness events in July, this ballet-inspired workout is another great choice!
A combination of barre ballet and contemporary dance exercises, this class is designed for people to participate at their own pace and can have a variety of benefits: from improved balance to stronger leg muscles.
20. Pattern Play – creating repeat pattern prints with recycling
When? Monday 17th at 1:00pm
Learn how to use old toilet/kitchen roll tubes to create mesmerising patterns. This one-time event from printmaker Amy Hutchings combines creativity with eco-friendly practices.
21. Treasures of Ottoman Istanbul
When? Tuesday 18th at 11:30am
Step back in time with this exploration of one of history’s most influential empires. Hosted by historical expert Antonia Gatward Cevizli, this talk delves deep into some of the Ottoman Empire’s iconic landmarks (such as Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque), to reveal some of their hidden tales.
22. Get Singing Again!
When? Wednesday 19th at 5:15pm
Do you love singing but don’t quite have the confidence to join a music group or choir? If so, this session could be for you!
Get Singing Again will give you the chance to work on some short warm-ups, sing along to some classics, and even work on harmonies with fellow participants. Though, if you’re a little shy, you can do this all on mute, so there’s no pressure!
23. Belly Dancing
When? Friday 21st at 4:00pm
From increasing our strength and flexibility to boosting our mood and confidence, belly dancing is an entertaining way to improve our wellbeing.
Join cabaret artist and entertainer Shelley for this one-of-a-kind dance class.
24. A Summer Harp Serenade
When? Monday 24th at 4:00pm
Love live music? Then why not tune in for this harp serenade and let yourself be enchanted by the magical melodies of Fiona Hosford?
Featuring songs from well-known artists like Paul McCartney, Leonard Bernstein, and George Gershwin re-imagined on the harp, this virtual performance is a magical way to spend a summer’s afternoon.
25. Magnificent Liverpool – Part 1
When? Tuesday 25th at 11:30am
Join Ian Braisby for the first instalment of a two-part series on one of the UK’s most iconic and influential cities.
In this informative session, you’ll learn about and discuss some of the architecture and cultural history of the famous Georgian Quarter, the early days of Beatles legend John Lennon, and Liverpool’s role in the slave trade.
26. Digital declutter
When? Wednesday 26th at 4:00pm
Just like our living spaces, sometimes our digital spaces can become cluttered, which can lead to us feeling overwhelmed. This is particularly true when it comes to things like photographs and contacts we no longer want/need.
In this session – brought to you by the Three Discovery Team – you’ll learn how to tidy up the information on your smartphone and/or tablet; making them simple and stress-free to use.
27. Sicily – Jewel of the Mediterranean
When? Thursday 27th at 4:00pm
From Mt Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe, to quaint towns and ancient Byzantine relics, the Italian island of Sicily is bursting with captivating sights and steeped in rich culture.
With this presentation from seasoned traveller Sue Ablett, you can experience this Mediterranean isle from the comfort of your own home.
28. Short Story Club
When? Friday 28th at 11:30am
Whether you love reading and discussing literature, but don’t have a lot of time on your hands, or you’re particularly interested in short fiction, why not sign up for Short Story Club?
Like a book club – only with less to read! – this monthly social event brings literature lovers together to talk about a short story (or two).
29. Gardening in Dry & Drought Conditions – Drought-resisting Plants
When? Friday 28th at 2:30pm
Are you struggling to keep your garden looking its best now that the warmer weather is here?
This educational event aims to give green-fingered growers some helpful ideas for some of the best drought-resistant species to plant – to help you contend with the dry dangers of summer.
30. Jazz Dance Class
When? Friday 28th at 4:50pm
Looking for a fun and funky new way to keep fit? This Jazz dance class features groovy dance routines and foot-tapping tunes. It’s a great event for seasoned dancers to hone their skills and newbies to get to grips with jazz dance choreography.
Final thoughts…
From learning how to declutter your devices to practising your jazz dance moves, there’s plenty to get excited about this month on Rest Less Events. To see what else is on, you can check out our events calendar here.
Our free membership offers users two events per month (and if you miss the ones you sign up for, you can always watch the recordings afterwards). But if you’d like unlimited access to everything that Rest Less Events has to offer, then you can upgrade to our premium membership for just £6.99 per month.