The cultural moments shaping taste in 2025
The start of a new year can be an opportunistic time promising new experiences or discoveries. We reckon 2025 offers plenty to get excited about. The UK boasts a packed calendar of cultural events this year, from THAT eagerly anticipated reunion tour to reflections on a much-loved Regency author.
We pick out just some of the key moments to keep an eye on, and the book recommendations to help you make the most of these opportunities.
250 years of Jane Austen
We’ll all be reading Austen novels this year as the author’s 250th anniversary is celebrated throughout the UK. An exciting programme of events, exhibitions and festivals is planned throughout the UK, many of which will be concentrated in Bath and Hamphsire. The BBC will be devoting significant airtime to the author with both new dramas and documentaries and re-runs of the classics. We're love the official companion book to the anniversary, A Jane Austen Year.
Inspiration
Oasis and the Britpop revival
When the Mancunian brothers announced a reunion tour, the news sent ticketing sites into meltdown. This year, fans across the generations rediscover the Britpop anthems that made the band famous at stadiums across the UK. Expect union jacks, parkers, sideburns and 90s nostalgia to resurface as people fall in love with Oasis all over again.
Inspiration
Places in the spotlight
All eyes will be on Bradford this year as it brings in 2025 as the official City of Culture. The city’s flagship event will be a new David Hockney exhibition in its newly refurbished National Science and Media Museum. Further north, former City of Culture Glasgow celebrates its 850th anniversary with a series of events and festivals to mark the occasion. We all know that Glasgow loves a party!
Inspiration
- Little People Big Dreams David Hockney
- The Pocket Yorkshire English
- The Little Book of Glasgow
- British Travel collection
Big birthdays for beloved children’s characters
Dutch bunny Miffy turns 70th this year, and we’re already seeing Dick Bruna’s creation pop up in lots of children’s gifting ranges. Leeds museum is hosting an exhibition alongside a programme of family events to celebrate the iconic rabbit. Another Bookspeed favourite, Guess How Much I Love You, celebrates a birthday this year, turning 30! Does that make anyone feel old? There’s an anniversary edition of the much-loved book coming out in early February.
Inspiration
Wicked fever
The first of the Wicked movies opened at the box office last year, setting a record as the top-grossing film adaptation of a musical. We can expect to see a lot more green and pink this year, as the second instalment of the movie returns to UK cinemas in November this year.
