THE RISE OF THE REDCOAT: THE BRITISH ARMY FROM HENRY V TO GEORGE III

The story of the British Army from the archers of Agincourt to the redcoats of the American Revolution is told in a new permanent gallery at the National Army Museum, Chelsea, London SW3. Exhibits include a 16-ft Tudor cannon, colourful uniforms and life-size figures of soldiers. Visitors can try on a Civil War helmet and feel the weight of a cannonball. Free admission. Details: 0171 730 0717.

DECEMBER 7-8

CHRISTMAS FROST FAIR

At the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich’s first Frost Fair, market stalls in the grounds of the Queen’s House will sell 17th-century gifts and recreate the days when the Thames regularly froze over during the winter months.

Inside there will be an afternoon of festive entertainment hosted by costumed interpreters and a court masque performed by Baroque ‘n’ Roll. Details: 0181 858 4422 or 0181 312 6565 (24-hour information line).

DECEMBER 10

FIVE POPULAR POETS

Carol Ann Duffy, John Hegley, Michael Horovitz, Christopher Logue and Grace Nichols will read, sing and perform their poetry at the British Museum Lecture Theatre, Great Russell Street, London WC1, 6-8.30pm. Tickets: Pounds 5, Pounds 3.50 concessions. Organised by the British Library along with Poetry Olympics. Details: 0171 412 7760.

DECEMBER 11, FEBRUARY 4, MARCH 13

WESTMINSTER COLLEGE: OXFORD STUDY DAYS

Part of the “Way Ahead” project, funded by the Higher Education Funding Council, these free taster days in higher education are aimed at black and Asian adults unfamiliar with HE.

Sixth-formers also welcome. Details: Peter Forsaith, 01865 247644, ext. 3225.

DECEMBER 13 AND 14

CHORAL CONCERTS

Colchester Institute welcomes the public to its choral concerts, which begin at 7.30 pm. Tickets: Pounds 8, Pounds 5 concessions. Details: Music Support Office, 01206 718633.

STARTING DECEMBER 16 AND ENDING FEBRUARY 5

BRINGING THEORY TO LIFE

The Royal Society of Arts’ Campaign for Learning is running seminars and launching a report in Reading, Bristol, St Albans, Lancaster, Chatham, Birmingham, Hull, Nottinghamshire and Newcastle. Speakers include: Sir Christopher Ball, chair of the Campaign, Peter Honey, learning consultant, and Professor Anne Jones, head of department of continuing education, Brunel University. Fee: Pounds 45, Pounds 25 members (includes copy of report worth Pounds 19). Details: 0171 930 5115; e-mail:rsa@rsa.ftech.co.uk