Viking-themed family fun and a raucous weekend of music on the South Coast… six great festivals to check out this winter

THINGS can get a little bleak in January when the Christmas lights are switched off and the tinsel is taken down.

But fear not, there's still a lot going on Blighty in the dark, winter months.

From raucous music weekends on the South Coast in January to Viking-themed family fun York in February there are great festivals all over the country.

So put on your scarves and hats and enjoy the UK's best winter festivals to battle it out after Christmas the blues

LONDON NEW YEAR'S PARADE

Date: January 1

Where: London

Start 2024 in style by heading to the capital for the biggest New year a street event of its kind.

The parade has been held annually since 1987 and in 2024 it will start from Piccadilly (outside The Ritz) at midday and continue until approximately 3.30pm.

Passing landmarks such as Trafalgar Square on the way, the two-mile route ends at Westminster and is expected to attract around 500,000 people to watch the festivities.

Expect marching bands, dance troupes and colorful floats, as well as headline performances by Chesney Hawkes and Boyzlife.

GO: Watching the parade is free. See lnydp.com for more information.

ROCKAWAY BEACH

Date: January 5-7

Where: Bognor Regis, West Sussex

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What a edgy, adults-only music festival sounds like to wipe the cobwebs off Christmas and celebrate the beginning of the new year?

Rockaway Beach is the only indoor music festival of its kind on the south coast, taking place under the huge pointed white pavilions at Butlin's Bognor Regis, featuring up-and-coming acts alongside more established acts.

Sleaford Mods, The Cribs and The Selecter, fronted by Pauline Black, will headline in 2024.

Add a funfair, arcade games, pool parties, big screen TV sports, go-karts and many other weekend attractions.

I bet you'll be gearing up to book next year's foot-tapping celebration again before you know it.

GO: Packages cost from around £93 based on four adults sharing a room at Butlin's Ocean Hotel and include festival tickets. See butlins.com.

THE NIGHT IS BURNING

Date: January 25

Where: All over the country

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Celebrating the birth anniversary of Scottish poet Robert Burns, this long-ago evening is the perfect occasion to enjoy a delicious haggis and Scotch whisky.

Although the annual celebration begins in ScotlandBurns Night has become a regular event in UK pubs, bars and restaurants.

Evenings can also include poetry recitals and old songs, but there will always be a lot of good vibes. So raise a glass to Rabbi Burns.

GO: Prices and activities vary by country. See visitscotland.com for more information.

FESTIVAL OF HEALTH AND WELL-BEING “RETURN THE BALANCE”.

Date: January 25 – February 18

Where: Bathhouse

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After the stress of Christmas and New Year's optimism, do you need to take a moment for yourself and relax?

Rebalance Bath is a three-week celebration of wellness, mindfulness and motivational classes taking place in one of the country's most beautiful spa towns.

Starting January 25, it will host more than 150 wellness activities, including health walks, painting classes, and unusual yoga classes (like laughter yoga. Yes, really).

Take a step back from the post-holiday madness and head to Somerset to hit the pause button for a while.

GO: Admission to the event is free, but some activities and activities cost extra. For more information see rebalancefestivals.co.uk.

JORVIK VIKING FESTIVAL

Date: February 12-18

Where: York

Europe's biggest celebration of Scandinavian heritage hits a fascinating city York during mid-February.

This family-friendly festival takes place over the course of a week and includes events including a three-course Viking banquet, the vibrant Viking Games and an impressive festival finale.

There are also exciting crafts and digging activities for children.

GO: Tickets cost from £10.50 per child aged 5 to 16 and £15 per adult. Children under five go for free. See jorvik vikingcentre.co.uk.

GREAT BRITISH BEER FESTIVAL WINTER 2024

Date: February 15-17

Where: Burton upon Trent

Set under the beautiful Victorian beams of Burton Town Hall, the Great British Beer Festival returns for its winter edition to warm the dark days of February.

It's organized by the Real Ale Company in the historic heart of British brewing, and Burton is the perfect central location to visit.

Hundreds of dark and pale ales will be on tap over the course of three days alongside the national ales the best ciders and perries.

So get your ticket and experience one of the best British beer weekends of the year.

GO: Tickets are priced from £10 in advance for evenings and £15 for daytime. See camra.org.uk.