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The immersive light and sound installation is on in the courtyard of the ‘Cheesegrater’ until 15 March 2024.
Guide to what’s on in London in May 2024
Find out what’s on in the capital this May, including the Chelsea Flower Show, Foodies Festival, Photo London, MCM Comic Con and more.
May has arrived and it finally feels like spring is fully realised. The weather’s warmer and there’s two bank holiday weekends.
There’s some bumper events taking place this month, including MCM Comic Con, the Affordable Art Fair in Hampstead, the Mind Body and Spirit Festival and Photo London.
Meanwhile, horticulturalists will have plenty to keep them occupied, including the iconic Chelsea Flower Show and the Tulip Festival at Hampton Court Palace.
Most schools will be having half-term the last week of the month, so expect to see attractions busier than usual.
Find out what’s on in London in May, including transport details, prices, opening times and more.
Look out for the 🐻 for family-friendly activities.
- 2 – 5 May 2024 : SicilyFEST
A celebration of Sicily and its food, wine, produce and culture. Also featuring a kids’ area and DJs. Open Thur 5pm-10pm, Fri 11am-10pm, Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 10am-5.30pm. Tickets: £3.50-£17. Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0QH. Nearest station: Angel. For tickets, visit Eventbrite. 🐻
- 2 – 24 May 2024 : Herne Hill Free Film Festival 2024
The free film festival returns to Herne Hill Films include The Holdovers, Sisu, Rye Lane, Pretty Red Dress and more. Venues include Prince Regent pub, Brockwell Lido, Herne Hill Velodrome, Herne Hill Baptist Church, Off the Cuff and the Half Moon. Nearest station: Herne Hill. For more details, visit the Free Film Festival website. 🐻
- 3 – 5 May 2024 : A Place in the Sun Live 2024
Lusting after that expat life abroad or want a holiday home? Featuring seminars, talks and chances to talk to overseas property experts, or even screen test for the show. Open Fri-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm. Tickets: Adults £10, under 18s free. ExCel, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, Docklands, E16 1XL. Nearest stations: Prince Regent or Custom House. For tickets, visit the Place in the Sun website.
- 4 May 2024 : Queen’s Yard Summer Party
Festival spread out across Hackney Wick showcasing the best of local art, culture, wellness, food and drink. 12pm-11pm. Tickets from £52. At various venues across E9, including . For listings and more information, visit the party’s website.
- 4 – 6 May 2024 : HYROX 2024
The World Series of fitness racing comes to London, with 1km races and workout stations. Open to professional and regular fitness enthusiasts. Open 6.30am-10pm. Entry from £79. Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For tickets and more information, visit the HYROX website.
- 4 – 12 May 2024 : Grand Designs Live
The team behind the hit design show host a week of ideas, innovation and home project guidance. With live talks, experts and exhibitors. Open 10am-5pm. Tickets: Weekday £13, Weekend £16. ExCel, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, Docklands, E16 1XL. Nearest stations: Prince Regent or Custom House. For tickets, visit the Grand Designs Live website.
- Now until 6 May 2024 : Tulip Festival @ Hampton Court Palace
Check out the UK’s biggest display of planted tulips in the grounds of historic Hampton Court Palace. Open 10am-5.30pm. Tickets (inc with regular entry): Adults £27.20-£30, Children £13.60-£15, under 5s free. Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, KT8 9AU. Nearest station: Hampton Court. For more information, visit the Hampton Court Palace website. 🐻
- Now until 6 May 2024 : Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition
Check out images from the competitions of the annual awards. Open daily 11am-8pm. Tickets: Standard £15, Children under 12 free. Somerset House, Strand, Westminster, WC2R 1LA. Nearest station: Temple. For more information, visit the Somerset House website. 🐻
- Now until 6 May 2024 : Burtynsky – Extraction / Abstraction
Exploring 40 years of work by renowned photographic artist, Edward Burtynsky. Open daily 10am-6pm. Tickets from £10. Saatchi Gallery, King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 4RY. Nearest station: Sloane Square. For tickets, visit the Saatchi Gallery website.lwi
The Dulwich Festival returns
- 8 – 12 May 2024 : Affordable Art Fair – Hampstead
An event giving people a chance to buy a unique piece of art or photography for their homes at an affordable price, between £50-£7,500. Open Thur-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat-Sun 11am-6pm. Tickets: £14.84-£23.32. Hampstead Heath (Lower Fairground Site), East Heath Road, Hampstead, NW3 1TH. Nearest station: Hampstead Heath or Hampstead. For more information, visit the Affordable Art Fair website.
- 10 – 19 May 2024 : Dulwich Festival 2024
The Dulwich Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary, with dozens of events, including live music, theatre, talks, fairs, local history, guided walks, workshops, street art walks, family events and more. At various locations in Dulwich Village, East Dulwich and West Dulwich, SE21 and SE22. Nearest stations: West Dulwich, North Dulwich and East Dulwich. For more information and listings, visit the Dulwich Festival website. 🐻 Read the rest of this entry
Lift 109 Battersea Power Station review
Travel up one of the iconic Art Deco chimneys to a height of 109 metres for panoramic views of London
Views looking south-west from Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station
The four chimneys of Battersea Power Station are arguably some of the most famous chimneys in the world. For decades in the 20th century, the chimneys pumped out smoke until the coal-powered station was decommissioned in 1983. Of course, the chimneys also had a starring role in Pink Floyd’s album cover Animals in 1977. In more recent decades, the unused chimneys fell prey to the elements as the Power Station complex sat unused and derelict, until the multi-million pound renovation and conversion took place. As part of the renovation, it was discovered the original 1930s and 1950s chimneys were corroded and irreparable, so all four were rebuilt “like for like” in accordance with planning and heritage guidelines.
View looking towards the south chimneys
Today, the reconstructed chimneys form part of the new Battersea Power Station complex, which houses residences, offices, shops, restaurants and more. One of the new chimneys in Turbine Hall A has been transformed into a ride and viewpoint, Lift 109.
Opened in late 2022, Lift 109 offers an interactive multimedia exhibition, before a journey to the top of the north-west chimney for views over the capital. I went along recently for a look one rainy evening, so nature wasn’t on my side, but I enjoyed it all the same. When buying a ticket online, we were offered a time slot, so only had to queue for a short amount of time, before entering the exhibition area. You learn about the history of the complex, which was actually two power stations, not one. Station A was built in the 1930s, while Station B built in the 1950s. Although they look very similar from the outside, the interiors of Turbine Hall A and B are very different with their interiors. The exhibition also explores the station’s influence on popular culture and it’s role in TV, film and music videos. Read the rest of this entry
Guide to what’s on in London in April 2024
Find out what special events and exhibitions are on in April, including family attractions over the Easter Holidays.
Spring is here!
March is always a bit of a dodgy month weather wise and usually feels pretty wintry, so the coming of April means (hopefully) spring will be in full swing.
With Easter falling at the tail end of March, the long weekend eases us in gently to a new month with Easter Monday kicking off April. The first half of the month coincides with most schools’ Easter holidays, so expect plenty of family activities on around town. This month is full of cultural celebrations from our vibrant multi-cultural city, with the Sikh and Punjabi celebration of Vaisakhi, the Muslim celebration of Eid, as well as St George’s Day.
Find out what special events, festivals and exhibitions are on in London this April.
Look out for the 🐻 for family-friendly activities.
- 1 – 30 April 2024 : Easter @ Leadenhall Market
Take part in a treasure hunt with the Great Leadenhall Market Wild Goose Chase, including quirky in-market challenges, clue hunting and dressing up, with a first prize of £500 up for grabs. Leadenhall Market (access from Gracechurch Street, Lime Street and Whittington Avenue), City of London, EC3V 1LT. Nearest stations: Monument or Fenchurch Street. For more information, visit the Leadenhall Market website.
- 2 – 4 April 2024 : Market Explorers’ Garden @ Borough Market
Three days of educational, fun activities for children, including seed planting, what’s in the box, and arts and crafts. 11am-3pm. Free. Borough Market, 8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL. Nearest station: London Bridge. For more information, visit the Borough Market website. 🐻
- 6 April 2024 : Vaisakhi 2024
Trafalgar Square hosts a celebration of Sikh and Punjabi tradition, heritage and culture. Featuring Kirtan (spiritual music), Gatka (Sikh martial arts), Langar, cooking demonstrations and Sikh art display. From 1pm-6pm. Free. Trafalgar Square, Westminster, WC2N 5DN. Nearest stations: Charing Cross, Embankment, Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square. For more information, visit the London.gov.uk website. 🐻
- 6 – 14 April 2024 : Now Play This
The UK’s leading experimental games festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary, with games, installations, workshops and activities. Open Sat-Sun, Thu 11am-6pm, Tues-Wed 12pm-6pm, Fri 12pm-8pm, Mon closed. Tickets: Adults £9, Children 12-16yrs £6.50, under 12yrs free. Somerset House, Strand, Westminster, WC2R 1LA. Nearest station: Temple. For more information, visit the Somerset House website. 🐻
- Now until 7 April 2024 : Ideal Home Show 2024 and Eat & Drink Festival
Two festivals in the same venue. One is home inspiration, with interiors, fittings and gardens. Includes plenty of opportunities to buy things both big and small for the house. Celebrity guests and experts include Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Scarlette & Stuart Douglas, Martin Lewis, George Clarke, Danni Menzies, Style Sisters, Sophie Liard, David Domoney, Kate Hardcastle, Tanya Sanyal, Danielle Mason, Dr Arora, and more. and many more. Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm. Advance tickets (more on the door): Weekday £14 or Weekend £16, Children 15 yrs and younger free. Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more tickets, visit the Ideal Home Show website. 🐻
- 9 – 25 April 2024 : London Games Festival 2024
In-person and online festival to promote gaming and interactive entertainment, including Ensemble exhibition, Games Finance Market, Open Studios, Fringe event, BAFTA Games Awards, industry talks, and more. For more information, visit the Games London website. 🐻
- 11 – 14 April 2024 : The London Coffee Festival 2024
Festival of Java, featuring tastings, coffee masters, latte art live, brew school, samples, food court, DJs and more. Entry times via timed sessions. Thu and Fri daytime for industry only. Open to public: Sat 9am-6.30pm, Sun 9am-3.15pm. Tickets from £38. Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, Spitalfields, E1 6QR. Nearest station: Shoreditch High Street or Aldgate East. For more information and tickets, visit the London Coffee Festival website.
- 12 – 22 April 2024 : La Linea 24 – the London Latin Music Festival
The London Latin Music Festival returns at venues across the capital. Venues include Barbican, Cafe Oto, Eventim Apollo, Fox & Firkin, Jazz Cafe, Rio Cinema, Servant Jazz Quarters, St James’s Church, Village Underground. For more information and booking, visit the Como No website.
- 12 April – 8 September 2024 : Anne Desmet: Kaleidoscope/London exhibition
Explore three decades of wood engraver Anne Desmet’s artwork, including 41 London-themed prints. Open 10am-5pm. Admission: Pay what you can. Guildhall Art Gallery, Guildhall Yard, City of London, EC2V 5AE. Nearest stations: St Paul’s, Bank or Moorgate. For more information, visit the City of London website.
- 13 April – 30 November 2024 : Billingsgate Roman House and Baths
Visit the Roman ruins of a house and bathhouse in the basement of a City office block. 8yrs and over. Tours on Saturday only. Times vary. Tickets: Adults £12, Children 8-12 yrs £10. 101 Lower Thames Street, City of London, EC3R 6DL. Nearest station: Monument. For more information and booking, visit the City of London website. Check out Metro Girl’s blog post on the ruins.🐻
The Balloon Museum has been extended until April
- Now until 14 April 2024 : Balloon Museum
An immersive art experience made of balloons comes to the capital, following popular runs in New York, Paris, Rome, Milan, Madrid and Naples. Featuring inflatable work from over 20 international artists. Tickets: Adults £32, Children £15. Old Billingsgate, 1 Old Billingsgate Walk, City of London, EC3R 6DX. Nearest stations: Monument, Cannon Street or Tower Hill. For more information, visit the Balloon Museum website. 🐻
- Now until 14 April 2024 : Easter Trail @ Handel Hendrix House
Children can discover hidden treasures in the Georgian townhouse that was previously home to two iconic musicians. Open 10am-4pm. Free for children. 25 Brook Street, Mayfair, W1K 4HB. Nearest station: Bond Street or Marble Arch. For more information, visit the Handel Hendrix House website. 🐻
- Now until 14 April 2024 : Cute @ Somerset House
New exhibition explores the cult of cuteness in contemporary culture, including music, toys, fashion, social media and video games. Open Tues-Wed, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm, Thur-Fri 12pm-9pm. Tickets: £18.50. Somerset House, Strand, Aldwych, WC2R 1LA. Nearest station: Temple. For more information, visit the Somerset House website. 🐻 Read the rest of this entry
Guide to what’s on in London in March 2024 and Easter
Find out what’s on in the capital this month, including London Comic Con Spring, BFI Flare, the Oxbridge Boat Race, London Design Week and more.
Spring is on the way! With the dark winter nights moving on, the capital’s event calendar is really starting to ramp up. There’s a host of popular events and festivals returning to London, such as the Oxbridge Boat Race, the Ideal Home Show and BFI Flare film festival.
As well as the usual array of exhibitions, art fans can also head to one of this month’s art fairs. The London Design Festival is also back with a host of events and shopping opportunities across town.
Meanwhile, the Easter Weekend kicks off at the end of the month, with Good Friday falling on 29th March. The long weekend also coincides with the beginning of most schools’ Easter break.
Look out for the 🐻 for family-friendly activities.
- Now until 1 March 2024 : The Conservatory x Ranjani Shettar
Artist Ranjani Shettar’s huge handcrafted sculptures, inspired by nature, are suspended amidst the greenery of the Barbican Conservatory. Times vary. Book a free time slot via the website. Barbican Centre, Silk Street, City of London, EC2Y 8DS. Nearest stations: Moorgate or Barbican. For more information, visit the Barbican website. 🐻
- 1 – 20 March 2024 : David Bowie – A London Day
A new exhibition of photographs of the London music legend by Kevin Davies in the stunning setting of the Fitzrovia Chapel. Open Tues-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 12pm-5pm. Free entry. Fitzrovia Chapel, Pearson Square, Fitzrovia, W1T 3BF. Nearest station: Goodge Street or Tottenham Court Road. For more information, visit the Fitzrovia Chapel website.
- 2 – 3 March 2024 : London Comic Con Spring
Film and Comic Con returns, giving you the opportunity for autograph sessions, photoshoots, and panels. Names include Billie Piper, Anita Dobson, Bill Paterson, Alfie Allen, Vincent Regan, Maggie Service, Frazer Hines and more. Open Sat-Sun: 9am-6pm. Tickets: Adults Sat £25, Sun £23, Children Sat £22, Sun £20. Olympia National, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information and tickets, visit the London Comic Con website. 🐻
- Now until 3 March 2024 : Alegria – In A New Light by Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil bring their show Alegria to London. The show tells the story of a kingdom struggling after the loss of its King, with a power struggle unfolding between the young and older. Times vary. Tickets: £44.90-£182.40. Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP. Nearest stations: South Kensington, Knightsbridge or High Street Kensington. For more information and booking, visit the Royal Albert Hall website. 🐻
- Now until 3 March 2024 : Orchid Festival @ Kew Gardens
An orchid display is coming to the Princess of Wales Conservatory for four weeks, with this year being inspired by Madagascar. General entrance tickets to Kew Gardens includes orchid exhibition: Adults £24.50, Children (4-15yr) £7. Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, Kew, TW9 3AB. Nearest station: Kew Gardens. For more information, visit the Kew Gardens website. 🐻
- Now until 3 March 2024 : Collect 2024
International fair for contemporary craft and design, featuring specialist galleries, dealers and collectives representing 400 artists, selling pieces between £500 to £50,000. Open Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sun 11am-6pm. Tickets: £21-£27. Somerset House, Strand, Aldwych, WC2R 1LA. Nearest station: Temple. For more information, visit the Somerset House website.
- 6 – 10 March 2024 : Affordable Art Fair – Battersea Spring
A chance for people to buy a unique piece of art or photography for their homes at an affordable price. There are over 100 galleries, with pieces for sale ranging from £50 to £7,500. Open Thu-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat-Sun 11am-6pm. Tickets: Adults from £14.84, under 16yrs free. Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ. Nearest station: Battersea Park, Battersea Power Station or short bus ride from Sloane Square tube. For more information, visit the Affordable Art Fair website.
- 6 March – 30 April 2024 : Disney 100 – The Exhibition
Exhibition to celebrate 100 years of Disney magic in 10 themed galleries returns following its hit run over Christmas and new year. Featuring original artworks, artefacts, costumes, props, memorabilia and 14 interactive installations. Tickets: Adults from £28, Children 5-16 yrs £20. ExCel, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, Docklands, E16 1XL. Nearest stations: Prince Regent or Custom House. For more information, visit the Disney100 website. 🐻
Stockbrokers, trade and socialising | The story of London’s old coffee houses
The City of London’s coffee houses played an important role in our country’s history, but there’s a darker side than just refreshments
The Jamaica Wine House stands on the site of the first coffee house in London
Although the British may be famous for their love of tea, the popularity of coffee stems back even further. While tea was the preferred drink of the aristocrats and upper classes in the 16th-18th centuries, coffee was more affordable to all walks of life. The 17th and 18th century coffee houses of the City of London have provided an important setting to much of our country’s modern history, including the stock market, auction houses and the founding of many famous British institutions and societies. However, there is also a darker side, with links to colonialism and slavery. It wasn’t until the late 18th century, that coffee’s popularity began to be superseded by tea, after lowering prices meant the latter was becoming accessible to the working and middle classes.
It is believed the English first became acquainted with coffee when travelling through the Ottoman Empire in the late 16th century. Within the following century, the British East India Company and the Dutch East India Company had become huge players in the international coffee trade, steadily converting Stuart England into a nation of coffee lovers. However, it was a man named Pasqua Rosée who founded London’s first coffee house in the City in 1652, not long after the country’s first ever establishment had opened in Oxford.
These early coffee houses were so much more than just a place to grab a cup of mocha. Many of London’s sprung up in the alleys and lanes near the Royal Exchange, a major trade hub since the 1570s. The important movers and shakers of the City, such as merchants and traders, would meet over a beverage. Business deals were done, trades were made and gossip was exchanged. Coffee houses were the social media of the day, where men went to keep abreast of the capital’s developments. Women were banned to protect their ‘genteel’ ears from hearing such torrid talk. In 1675, after hearing anti-royalist sentiments were being discussed at these venues, King Charles II issued a proclamation to close them all. However, there was a huge backlash from the many important men frequenting the coffee houses, and the prohibition was never realised. By the early 1700s, there were an estimated 500-600 coffee houses across the Cities of London and Westminster. Certain professions were often aligned with different coffee houses, so if you were looking for particular businessmen to discuss a deal with, you’d know where to go. Many of the City’s coffee houses burned down in the Cornhill fire of 1748, which started in a peruke (wig) makers in Change Alley and cost £200,000 worth of damage.
Today, the original London coffee houses are long gone, and instead we have more inclusive and many takeaway establishments, both chain and independent. Fortunately, the City of London have commemorated many of these original coffee houses with historical plaques. Let’s explore some the most famous coffee houses from the 17th and 18th centuries:
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Pasqua Rosée’s Coffee House (St Michael’s Alley)
The capital’s first coffeehouse was opened by Pasqua Rosée in a churchyard off Cornhill. Rosée was originally hired by English merchant Daniel Edwards, who was working for the Levant Company in Izmir, Turkey, then the-Ottoman Empire. Edwards brought him back to London in 1651. After winning over many of Edwards’ visitors with Rosée’s barista skills, the merchant is believed to helped his servant set up a coffee house in 1652. Rosée went into business with Christopher ‘Kitt’ Bowman, a former apprentice of Edwards’ father-in-law. The first iteration was a shed with a sign depicting Rosée’s head, with the proprietor being referred to as “a Turk”, despite being born in what is now Croatia and having Greek ethnicity.
A blue plaque marks the site of
Pasqua Rosee’s coffee house
It soon became a familiar landmark for London’s entrepreneurs, who referred to the establishment as ‘The Turk’s Head’ or ‘The Sign of Pasqua Rosee’s Head’. An advertisement for the house extolled the “vertue (sic) of the coffee drink”. Among the claims of the drink’s benefits included it “quickens the spirits and makes the heart lightsome” and cured ailments such as sore eyes, headaches, dropsy (edema), gout, scurvy and most incredulously, claimed it even prevented miscarriage. By 1656, Rosée and Bowman has moved the business to a nearby premises. At some point, Rosée moved on, but Bowman continued to trade under the former’s sign until his death in 1662. Bowman’s widow carried on trading until the building was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. Read the rest of this entry
Wild About Babies: Gillie and Marc’s latest animal installation at Paternoster Square
The artist duo are back in the City of London with an adorable new sculpture collection, on display until January 2025.
A baby hippo and elephant are among the animal sculptures on display in Paternoster Square
The ‘mother’ gorilla watches over the babies
Following last year’s sculpture of an animals’ dining table, artist duo Gillie and Marc are back in the City of London. In the shadow of St Paul’s Cathedral in Paternoster Square stands a menagerie of baby animal sculptures, entitled ‘Wild About Babies’, which launched in January 2024.
The installation features six endangered baby animals, watched over by the ‘mother’ gorilla, a majestic 3-metre creation. Crafted in bronze are likenesses of these amazing creatures whose existence is under threat: a young tortoise, African elephant, giraffe, Javan rhino, hippo and Bengal tiger. Each sculpture has a QR code so the public can learn about the plight of these wonderful animals. Made in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the public are invited to get up close to these beautiful creatures for a climb or a cuddle and learn why they’re so important to our planet. Also nearby is Gillie and Marc’s iconic Rabbitwoman and Dogman sculptures, holding up a sign explaining the installation.
- Wild About Babies is on display until January 2025. At Paternoster Square, City of London, EC4M. Nearest stations: St Paul’s or City Thameslink. For more information, visit the Gillie and Marc website.
Guide to what’s on in London in February 2024
Find out what events are on this month, including Chinese New Year, Imagine Children’s Festival, and a new Yoko Ono exhibition.
The new year is in full swing and the nights are fortunately getting lighter. As we move one step closer to spring, London’s 2024 exhibition scene is really starting to kick off with some fabulous new showcases.
It’s Chinese New Year on 10th February so there will be plenty of festivities to mark the Year of the Dragon, most famously in Chinatown.
There is also half-term (12-16 February for most schools) so expect plenty of parents and carers seeking out family-friendly fun at London’s museums and attractions.
Of course, not forgetting Valentine’s Day on 14th February with both singles and taken alike looking for different ways to celebrate the festival of love.
Look out for the 🐻 for family-friendly activities.
- 1 – 4 February 2024 : Destinations – the Holiday and Travel Show
Find inspiration for your next travels with over 600 travel brands, over 90 tourist boards, expert advice and exclusive offers. Open 10am-5.30pm. Tickets: Adults £11-£16. Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information and booking, visit the Destinations website.
- Now until 3 February 2024 : Life
A sound and light show will be projected in and outside of St Martin-in-the-Fields church, including the Crypt and aisle. From 5.30pm-9.45pm. Tickets £8-£12. St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, Westminster, WC2H 4JH. Nearest stations: Charing Cross or Embankment. For more information and booking, visit the St Martin-in-the-Fields website.
- 3 February 2024 : Lunar New Year @ Maritime Museum
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with a day of family activities in Greenwich. Featuring workshops, talks, tours, tea ceremony and performances, including the lion dance, martial arts demonstrations, ribbon dance and Korean harp. Time slots at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm. Book online for a free ticket. National Maritime Museum, Romney Road, Greenwich, SE10 9NF. Nearest stations: Greenwich, Maze Hill or Cutty Sark (DLR). For more information, visit the Royal Museums Greenwich website. 🐻
- 3 February – 3 March 2024 : Orchid Festival @ Kew Gardens
An orchid display is coming to the Princess of Wales Conservatory for four weeks, with this year being inspired by Madagascar. General entrance tickets to Kew Gardens includes orchid exhibition: Adults £24.50, Children (4-15yr) £7. Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, Kew, TW9 3AB. Nearest station: Kew Gardens. For more information, visit the Kew Gardens website. 🐻
- 3 February – 28 April 2024 : Entangled Pasts
New exhibition brings together contemporary and historic artworks and their role in depicting narratives of empire, enslavement, resistance, abolition and colonialism. Open Tues-Thu, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-9pm. Tickets: £22. Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly, Mayfair, W1J 9ER. Nearest station: Green Park or Bond Street. For tickets, visit the RA website.
- Now until 4 February 2024 : Coalescence
Designer Paul Cocksedge’s artwork makes its debut against the historic backdrop of Greenwich’s Painted Hall. The structure is suspended from the arch of the hall and is made with over 2,500 pieces of coal, which sparkles and shadows. Open daily 10am-5pm. Tickets: £15. Painted Hall, Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich, SE10 9NN. Nearest stations: Greenwich, Cutty Sark or Maze Hill. For more information, visit the ORNC website. 🐻
- 7 – 17 February 2024 : Imagine Children’s Festival
Two week children’s festival at the Southbank Centre, including art, theatre, books, music, performances and workshops for ages 0-11 years. 10.30am-4pm daily. Around 50% of the activities and events are free, but some go up to £26. Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XX. Nearest station: Waterloo or Waterloo East. For more information and booking visit the Southbank Centre website. Check out Metro Girl’s blog post for more details. 🐻 Read the rest of this entry
Imagine Children’s Festival 2024: Chasing dreams, dance parties and story-telling at the Southbank Centre
The UK’s leading arts festival for children aged 0-11 years old returns to the capital.
Starchitects by Motionhouse is amongst the shows at the Imagine Children’s Festival 2024
© Dan Tucker
If you’re looking for something a bit different than bringing your kids to the same old museums they’ve been to before, the Imagine Children’s Festival 2024 could be right up your street. Over 11 days this February half-term, the Southbank Centre will host an extravaganza of creativity, imagination, and fun for little ones and their adults. From mesmerizing performances to interactive workshops, this festival has something for all ages. From 7 – 17 February, over 130 events will take place, including music, dance, comedy and drama performances, storytelling, workshops and more. Read the rest of this entry
Give yourself some me time: King’s Cross launches season of wellness ‘Mind Your Brain’
A series of wellness events and experiences will be taking place from January to March 2024.
The Slow Motion Sauna at King’s Cross is one of this season’s wellness experiences
© Laura Vuoma
After the dazzling fun of Christmas, January is a bit of a comedown. With winter in full swing, we know it’ll be a while before the spring weather brightens things up. Unsurprisingly, the winter season can be on the toughest on us mentally. With that in mind, King’s Cross is launching its first wellbeing campaign ‘Mind Your Brain, kicking off in January 2024. A series of events and experiences will encourage Londoners to prioritise their brain health and take steps to prevent future ailments.
Launching the campaign will be the Slow Motion Sauna (18 Jan – 11 Feb) in Lewis Cubitt Square. In collaboration with DJ and wellness guru Rob da Bank and his wife Josie da Bank, guests can unwind in one of two saunas, as well as three cold plunge pools. The experience features one Lithuanian wood-fired sauna and an electric sauna donated by The Finnish Institute. Meanwhile, Londoners can also take a dip in the plunge pools (known for helping improve blood flow and enhance cell function), before enjoying an exfoliating salt scrub and shower. Available for £6pp for 1 hour. Read the rest of this entry
Memoirs Of A Metro Girl 