Re-examine your former preconceptions of the colour pink in its cultural, historical and sexual contexts at this exhibition organised by MA gallery studies students at Essex University, Colchester. Exhibits include: Barbie dolls, little girls’ clothing, pink sugar sculptures by Emily Jolley and an eight-foot pink dress by Joy Shipley. Details: 01206 873261.

UNTIL OCTOBER 22 THE WONDER OF THE WORLD

Using National Trust properties in Lancashire, Wrexham, Northumberland, Norfolk, Cheshire, Cornwall, London and Romsey as backdrops, professional actors from The Young National Trust Theatre will take pupils aged seven to 14 back to 1855 on an interactive voyage of discovery. Assuming the roles of local labourers or tradespeople, pupils will learn about such issues and events as the Crimean War, the massive expansion of industry, social inequality, public health and nursing reforms. Details: 0181 986 0242.

APRIL 24 SHAKESPEARE DAY

To celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday (April 23) and World Book Day, the British Library, 96 Euston Road, London NW1, is running free events. They include talks on Shakespeare’s life and the Romantic poets’ fascination with the Bard, readings of the sonnets, the music of Shakespeare’s time with The Librarians, and a screening of Shakespeare in Love. Details: 0171 412 7222.

APRIL 25-MAY 31 STREETS AHEAD

Parades, street carnival, music,animated art, family shows, firework displays and large-scale spectacular theatrical performances are being held in the streets ofManchester and its 10 surrounding districts.This free festival featuring international and UK arts talentkicks off with the Carnival of theAnimals parade led by a 70-foot firebreathing dragon, and includes aBig Weekend across the city centre, May 7-9. Details: 0161 953 4238; website: www.streetsahead.org.uk

APRIL 27-JULY 6 THE PERFECT MOVEMENT: JOHANN STRAUSS AND THE VIENNA WALTZ

Strauss festival of music, theatre, film, literature, dance and visual arts to celebrate the centenary of his death. It is being held at various London venues culminating in a Grand Viennese Ball. Details from organisers, The Austrian Cultural Institute, 0171 584 8653 (contact Brendan Carroll); website: www.austria.org.ukwaltz

MAY 1-23 BRIGHTON FESTIVAL

The Maly Theatre of St Petersburg’s performances of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale in Russian, the Royal Shakespeare Company’s adaptations of Troilus and Cressida and Turgenev’s A Month in the Country, the Nederland Dans Theater and the Siobhan Davies Dance Company are among the highlights of thisyear’s arts festival. For families,there is the Moscow State Circus, Mackerel Fair, Children’s Parade and The Streets of Brighton, May 6-9, with lots of free storytelling, dance, live music, clowning, animation, flying trapeze and even escapology. Details: 01273 706771; box office: 01273 709709.

MAY 2-3 FIGHTING BACK EXPO ‘99

Find out how to have a healthy back at Sandown Park Exhibition Centre, Esher, Surrey, 9.30am-6pm. The event is supported by the National Back Pain Association. Admission: pound;5, pound;2.50 children and concessions. Details: Maggie Hayward, 0181 390 9662.

MAY 5 NSPCC CHILDREN’S DAY

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children is encouraging the nation to act now, with awareness and fund-raising events, to stop the sexual abuse of children. Details: 0171 825 2500. Child protection helpline: 0800 800500.