A year of Celebrations

As Homes & Antiques celebrates 400 issues, Alice Roberton takes a look at the other British brands and institutions also celebrating milestones this year...

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Having launched into the world of glossy magazines with its very first issue in February 1993, Homes & Antiques is now raising a glass to its 400th issue - a milestone that's left us feeling not just a little nostalgic, but also pretty curious about the art of celebration itself. After all, birthdays and milestones have long been a reason for revelry.

There's something undeniably magical about birthdays, and it turns out we've been chasing that magic for millennia. The ancient Egyptians were the first to throw a bit of pomp around birthdays, though theirs were reserved for pharaohs and their divine transformations. Then came the Greeks, who added a flicker of brilliance: candles. They popped them onto moon-shaped cakes as an offering to Artemis, goddess of the moon, believing the glowing flames and curling smoke would help keep evil spirits at bay. Because, yes, they thought these spirits visited on your birthday.

Over the centuries, traditions layered and evolved, passing through Roman banquets, medieval feasts and Victorian parlour teas, right up to today’s mix of champagne, cake and reflection. Birthday cards, party hats, and even the humble slice of cake have their own stories to tell – stories that echo our desire to mark time, honour loved ones, and spread joy.

And, as we celebrate our own exciting milestone, we couldn’t help but wonder which other cherished British brands and institutions are marking anniversaries this year too? From iconic names to fairs that have helped keep the antiques trade alive, we're in excellent company...

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