Events by University of Central Lancashire

Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style is an extraordinary exhibition presented by the Royal Collection Trust at The King's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, London. This landmark exhibition celebrates the remarkable life, legacy, and fashion of Queen Elizabeth II through an exceptional collection of garments, accessories, jewellery, design sketches, photographs, and archival materials. Bringing together pieces that span nearly a century, the exhibition provides an unprecedented opportunity to explore how fashion became one of the Queen's most recognizable forms of communication throughout her historic reign. The exhibition invites visitors to journey through different periods of Queen Elizabeth II's life—from her childhood as Princess Elizabeth to her years as Britain's longest-serving monarch. Every garment, accessory, and personal item displayed tells a unique story of royal duty, diplomacy, tradition, and innovation. Whether worn during state banquets, Commonwealth tours, jubilees, weddings, or national celebrations, each piece reflects both the changing styles of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries and the enduring values represented by the British monarchy. Set within the magnificent King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace, this exhibition combines world-class curation with one of London's most prestigious royal venues. Visitors can enjoy beautifully designed galleries that immerse them in royal history while appreciating the artistry behind some of the world's most iconic ceremonial and formal attire. Explore a Century of Royal Fashion Fashion has always played an important role in royal public life, and no monarch understood its significance more than Queen Elizabeth II. Throughout her seventy-year reign, her wardrobe became instantly recognizable around the world. Every outfit was carefully designed to reflect dignity, continuity, national identity, and accessibility. The exhibition showcases an impressive selection of evening gowns, ceremonial robes, day dresses, coats, hats, gloves, handbags, shoes, and jewellery. Visitors will witness the evolution of royal fashion from the elegant silhouettes of the 1940s and 1950s through the vibrant colours and timeless tailoring that became Queen Elizabeth II's signature style. Many of the garments on display were created by Britain's finest designers, including Norman Hartnell, Hardy Amies, Stewart Parvin, Angela Kelly, and other distinguished couturiers who contributed to shaping the Queen's public image. Original sketches displayed alongside finished garments reveal the creative collaboration between designers and the Royal Household, offering fascinating insight into the craftsmanship behind every outfit. A Journey Through Historic Royal Moments One of the exhibition's greatest strengths is its ability to connect fashion with history. Rather than simply presenting beautiful garments, the exhibition tells the story of significant moments that shaped Britain and the Commonwealth. Visitors will explore clothing worn during royal weddings, state openings of Parliament, diplomatic receptions, overseas tours, jubilees, investitures, and major commemorative events. Every section places the garments within their historical context, allowing guests to understand the symbolism behind colours, fabrics, embroidery, and ceremonial traditions. Photographs, film footage, and official portraits accompany many exhibits, helping visitors appreciate how each outfit became associated with iconic moments witnessed by millions around the world. These displays reveal how clothing supported the Queen's constitutional role while strengthening Britain's cultural identity on the international stage. Rare Objects from the Royal Collection The Royal Collection is among the world's greatest collections of art and historic objects, and this exhibition features many rarely displayed treasures drawn directly from its archives. Alongside garments, visitors can admire beautifully preserved accessories including handbags, gloves, shoes, hats, jewellery, brooches, tiaras, scarves, and ceremonial regalia. Many pieces have never before been displayed publicly. Original handwritten notes, fabric swatches, embroidery samples, tailoring patterns, correspondence between designers and the Royal Household, and archival documents provide remarkable insight into the detailed planning behind every royal appearance. These unique objects demonstrate the extraordinary level of craftsmanship that supported Queen Elizabeth II's public duties while preserving Britain's rich traditions of textile design and fashion excellence. Behind the Scenes of Royal Design Beyond the glamour of royal fashion lies an incredible story of artistry and precision. This exhibition gives visitors exclusive access to the creative process involved in producing garments for one of the world's most recognizable public figures. Interactive displays explain how fabrics were selected, colours chosen for public visibility, embroidery designed to represent national symbols, and garments tailored for comfort during lengthy official engagements. Visitors will learn how royal couturiers balanced elegance with practicality, ensuring every outfit remained appropriate for different climates, ceremonies, and diplomatic occasions. Original design sketches illustrate how ideas evolved from concept to finished masterpiece. These behind-the-scenes insights reveal the remarkable teamwork between designers, seamstresses, milliners, jewellers, and members of the Royal Household responsible for maintaining the Queen's impeccable public image. An Immersive Museum Experience The King's Gallery offers far more than a traditional museum visit. Modern exhibition design combines historic objects with multimedia experiences that engage visitors of all ages. Large-format photography, digital installations, archival film, interactive touchscreens, and informative displays provide historical context while making the exhibition accessible for families, students, researchers, and international visitors. Visitors can follow themed galleries covering childhood, coronation, diplomacy, ceremonial occasions, Commonwealth tours, jubilees, and personal style. Every section has been carefully curated to balance historical scholarship with engaging storytelling. Audio guides and educational materials further enhance the visitor experience, offering deeper insights into royal traditions, British history, and the significance of each featured object. Buckingham Palace – A Royal Setting Hosting the exhibition within The King's Gallery at Buckingham Palace creates an unforgettable cultural experience. Located adjacent to one of the world's most famous royal residences, the gallery provides visitors with an authentic connection to British royal heritage. The surrounding area offers beautiful views of Buckingham Palace, the Victoria Memorial, St James's Park, and The Mall, allowing visitors to combine the exhibition with a memorable day exploring London's historic landmarks. Excellent transport connections make the gallery easily accessible via Victoria, Green Park, Hyde Park Corner, and St James's Park Underground stations, while nearby restaurants, cafés, and shopping destinations complete the visitor experience. Educational Value for Every Visitor The exhibition has been designed to appeal to a broad audience with diverse interests. Fashion enthusiasts will appreciate the exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design of the garments. History lovers will gain valuable insights into Britain's constitutional monarchy and twentieth-century history. Students studying fashion, textiles, art history, design, or British history will benefit from carefully researched displays and educational interpretation. International tourists will experience one of London's most prestigious cultural attractions while learning about Britain's royal traditions. Researchers and academics will find rare archival material that highlights the evolution of ceremonial dress and royal representation throughout Queen Elizabeth II's reign. Families can also enjoy the exhibition together, with engaging visual displays making royal history accessible for younger visitors. Celebrating British Craftsmanship The exhibition is also a celebration of Britain's internationally respected fashion industry. Every garment demonstrates exceptional tailoring, embroidery, millinery, jewellery making, and textile craftsmanship. Visitors will discover how British designers combined traditional techniques with contemporary fashion trends while maintaining the dignity expected of the monarchy. Many garments feature intricate hand embroidery, luxurious fabrics, delicate beadwork, and symbolic motifs representing different nations of the Commonwealth. These artistic details showcase the extraordinary skill of British artisans whose work reached audiences across the globe. The exhibition honours not only Queen Elizabeth II but also the generations of craftspeople whose talents contributed to creating her enduring public image. Why You Should Attend Whether you have a passion for fashion, British history, royal heritage, or world-class exhibitions, Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style offers an unforgettable cultural experience. Visitors will leave with a greater appreciation of how fashion can communicate identity, diplomacy, continuity, and tradition. The exhibition demonstrates that clothing is more than personal style—it is an important historical record that reflects changing societies, cultural values, and national identity. Presented by the Royal Collection Trust, the exhibition combines scholarly research, exceptional curation, and magnificent royal surroundings to create one of London's most anticipated cultural events. Every gallery has been thoughtfully designed to educate, inspire, and celebrate the extraordinary legacy of Queen Elizabeth II. Advance booking is recommended due to expected visitor demand. Whether you are visiting London for the first time or returning to explore another remarkable exhibition, Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style promises an enriching journey through history, fashion, craftsmanship, and the enduring story of Britain's beloved monarch.

Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market 2026 returns as one of the United Kingdom's most anticipated festive attractions. Running from 5 November to 24 December 2026, this spectacular seasonal event transforms Birmingham city centre into a vibrant Christmas destination inspired by the traditional markets of Frankfurt, Germany. Recognized as the largest authentic German Christmas Market outside Germany and Austria, it welcomes millions of visitors every year looking to celebrate the festive season with authentic food, handcrafted gifts, traditional entertainment, and a magical holiday atmosphere. Located across Victoria Square and New Street, the market creates an unforgettable winter experience with beautifully decorated wooden chalets, festive lights, and the aroma of roasted almonds, bratwurst, mulled wine, and freshly baked pretzels filling the streets. Whether visitors are searching for unique Christmas presents, delicious seasonal treats, or simply wishing to enjoy the festive atmosphere, Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market offers something for every age group. Authentic German Christmas Tradition The market celebrates Birmingham's long-standing partnership with Frankfurt and showcases the rich traditions of German Christmas markets dating back centuries. Visitors can browse dozens of authentic stalls selling handcrafted ornaments, wooden decorations, festive lighting, jewellery, toys, ceramics, glassware, and artisan gifts. The traditional market atmosphere provides an authentic European Christmas experience without leaving the United Kingdom. Every stall reflects German craftsmanship while introducing visitors to unique festive products unavailable in typical retail stores. Outstanding Food and Beverage Experience Food is one of the biggest attractions of Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market. Visitors can enjoy authentic German cuisine including: Traditional Bratwurst Currywurst Pretzels Schnitzels Roasted almonds German pastries Freshly baked sweets Glühwein (Mulled Wine) Weissbier Hot Chocolate Seasonal desserts Every food stall prepares authentic recipes that reflect German culinary traditions while also offering family-friendly options suitable for all visitors. Live Entertainment Throughout the Season Entertainment plays a major role in the market experience. Throughout the event, visitors can enjoy: German house band performances Community choirs Local musicians Christmas carol performances Weekend live entertainment Family performances New Talent Showcase Seasonal festive music The stage located in Victoria Square hosts daily performances, creating a lively festive environment from morning until evening. Family Friendly Experience Families will find numerous attractions throughout the market including festive decorations, interactive entertainment, Christmas shopping, traditional sweets, children's gifts, and seasonal music. The welcoming atmosphere makes it one of Birmingham's most popular winter family outings. Children can enjoy colourful decorations while adults browse artisan products or relax with traditional festive refreshments. Shopping Opportunities The market provides excellent Christmas shopping with stalls offering: Handmade decorations Christmas ornaments Wooden toys Glass baubles Jewellery Candles Artisan gifts Home décor Festive lighting Traditional crafts Many products are imported directly from Germany, making the shopping experience unique and authentic. Convenient City Centre Location Situated in Birmingham city centre, the market is easily accessible by: Train Tram Local buses National coach services Car parks nearby Walking routes Cycling facilities The central location allows visitors to combine their market visit with shopping, dining, hotels, museums, and other Birmingham attractions. Why Attend? Visitors should not miss Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market because it offers: Authentic German festive traditions Free public entry High-quality artisan shopping Delicious German cuisine Live entertainment every week Beautiful Christmas decorations Excellent family experience Easy city centre access Seasonal atmosphere One of Europe's most famous Christmas markets outside Germany Visitor Information The market is open daily throughout the event period with extended evening opening hours, allowing visitors flexibility whether planning a daytime shopping trip or an evening festive experience. Admission is completely free, making it one of the UK's best-value seasonal attractions. Wrapping Up Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market 2026 continues its reputation as one of Europe's premier festive destinations. Combining authentic German traditions, festive entertainment, artisan shopping, exceptional food, and a welcoming atmosphere, the market offers an unforgettable Christmas experience for families, couples, tourists, and local residents alike. Whether visitors come for the famous bratwurst, handcrafted gifts, live music, or simply to soak in the magical Christmas ambience, Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market delivers a memorable festive celebration that has become an essential part of the UK's Christmas calendar. With free entry, outstanding accessibility, and weeks of festive entertainment, it remains one of the country's must-visit seasonal events.

The University of Central Lancashire is proud to host the 8th International Authenticity to Action Conference in Preston. This landmark event serves as a premier gathering for educators, health professionals, students, and community partners dedicated to the advancement of patient and public involvement in higher education. As a core requirement for professional health and social care courses, the integration of lived experience into academic curricula is more vital than ever. This conference celebrates nearly two decades of progress since its inception in 2007, showcasing the growth of partnership working across the UK and beyond. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage with public and patient involvement facilitators and meet individuals with lived experience who are passionate about shaping the knowledge and attitudes of future healthcare professionals. The 2026 programme is designed to tackle the most pressing challenges in the field, including the evolution of administrative systems that support rather than hinder co-production. Key sessions will explore the nuances of relationship building between institutions and the public, the role of peer support workers in educational settings, and the financial frameworks necessary to sustain long-term involvement. Participants will also be involved in drafting new minimum standards for public involvement in education, ensuring that the voice of the service user remains at the heart of health and social care training. Whether you are looking to critique existing barriers or celebrate innovation, this conference provides a supportive and provocative space to drive real-world change in the academic landscape.