What's on in February

We'll freely admit that Valentine's Day rather overshadows the rest of February for us, but there are indeed days either side of it, and there are in fact many other things to do this month! Let us show you the best of them...

1) Die Zauberflöte at The Royal Opera House (Covent Garden: 1st - 26th Feb 2011)

This February one of the world's favourite operas comes to The Royal Opera House. Yes, for those of you not gifted in German translation, this is indeed Mozart's Magic Flute. Featuring the much loved characters of Papageno and Papagena (we hear they use The Great Date Guide regularly) and the truly spectacular Queen of the Night's aria, this is an opera that everyone should see at least once… or twice... or perhaps a few times!

2) Tower of London Twilight Tour (City: 2nd, 9th, 17th & 23rd Feb 2011)

'Murder, mystery and intrigue at The Tower of London". A fantastic opportunity to join a resident Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) on an eery after hours tour of this historic monument.

3) Chinese New Year (Central London: 3rd - 6th Feb 2011)

Be a part of the biggest Chinese New Year celebrations outside of Asia. This year the New Year (2011 - Year of the Rabbit) falls on the 3rd of February, but the main celebrations in London are being held on Sunday the 6th. Trafalgar Square and Chinatown will be bursting with traditional Chinese entertainment plus stalls, food and lion dance displays… and it's free!

4) Kew Gardens Tropical Extravaganza (Kew: 5th Feb - 6th March 2011)

A festival of beautiful tropical flowers to brighten up the longest of winters. There'll be orchids a plenty, an Amazonian flooded forest display and behind-the-scenes tours - something for everyone.

5) UK Wedding Show (Excel Centre: 5th - 6th Feb 2011)

No doubt there will be many of you who, helped by excellent GDG guidance along the way, have now decided to tie the knot. Lucky for you then, that this year's UK wedding show will play host to over 150 stands with everything that you could ever need to plan the big day… and rather more besides we imagine! Just one more question remains… can we come to the wedding?

                                                                                                               copyright: shootbank.net

6) Valentine's Day (You decide: 14th Feb 2011)

Ahhhhhh, it's here at last... We're brimming with great suggestions for how you should be spending 14th February this year, so no hesitations please, just head straight to our Valentine's feature and get planning!

7) La Soiree (Southbank: Finishes 27th Feb 2011)

It's your last chance to catch this astounding cabaret / burlesque / comedy / circus show at London's Southbank. Housed in a pop-up Big Top tent, this is one performance not to be missed.

Take a look at the website for 100's more brilliant date ideas for Valentine's Day or any other day of the year!