Here's a quick look at the London 2010 Festival of Stamps: a year-long celebration of philately held in various eminent exhibition venues across London.

Easily the biggest - and, of course, longest - stamp expo in the world, the festival will showcase, celebrate and raise public awareness of stamps, stamp design and postal heritage.

This year's festival also marks a special anniversary: the centenary of the ascension of George V, often dubbed "the philatelist king".

George V (1865-1936): the King of stamps

A special exhibition dedicated to George V will be one of the festival's many events, taking place at the Guildhall Art Gallery on May 7-25.

Entitled Empire Mail: George V & The GPO, the event will explore the philatelic passions of King George and the design innovations encouraged at the Post Office during his reign.

Meanwhile, at the Museum of London Docklands, another fascinating exhibition already opened last week, on January 18.

Post Abolition: Commemorative Stamps From Around the World showcases the effects of the abolition of slavery on everyday postage stamp designs. It continues until June 30.

Elsewhere, starting this Monday, philately and history will again collide in a very special exhibition of the British Library of Philatelic Rarities.

As the expo's name suggests, most of the displays are exclusive to the British library itself - including the permanent 1,000 frame "Philatelic Exhibition" with added new displays.

The British Library's expo will run into December, and will include a running programme of educational talks.

Also beginning on February 1, the Bath Postal Museum is also concentrating on the postal aspects of King George V's reign. Its show will run until late October.

The London 2010 International Stamp Exhibition

As if those events aren't impressive enough, the London 2010 Festival of Stamps' big attraction will be saved until May - an exhibition which takes place only once every 10 years.

For eight days, the London 2010 International Stamp Exhibition will display the very finest competitive exhibits from collectors around the world.

Leading stamp dealers, auctioneers and postal administrations from across the globe - including a major presence from Royal Mail - will all be in attendance.

It takes place at the Business Design Centre in Upper Islington, London, between May 8-15.

However, if you can't attend any of the above events, don't worry. At Paul Fraser Collectibles, we'll be bringing you coverage of the London 2010 Festival of Stamps throughout the year.

Watch this space to follow the biggest event in what promises to be a very special year for stamps.