The annual Six Nations championship matches are the biggest of the year at Twickenham, attracting guaranteed 82,000 sell-out crowds and resuming international rivalries that have continued for decades. England welcome Wales and Ireland for matches in 2012.
On the first Thursday of every month, more than 80 of East London's art galleries stay open until 9pm. Heavyweight galleries such as the White Cube and the Barbican participate alongside smaller independent exhibition spaces, and many stage special events.
Ever thought of yourself as a budding master of watercolour? The Royal Watercolour Society Open Competition invites hopefuls to submit up to three water-based paintings for the annual exhibition at Bankside Gallery.
Find antique and modern bears for sale, teddy bear books, clothes and best-dressed bear competitions in Kensington Town Hall at the biannual Hugglets Teddy Bear Festival. Teddies is the September event and the Winter BearFest takes place in February.
Although not as high-profile as the FA Cup, in recent years the Carling Cup has enjoyed something of a renaissance, and the winners earn potentially lucrative UEFA Cup qualification. The final is played at Wembley Stadium.