Guide to what’s on in London in June 2023
Find out what’s on in London this month, including Taste of London, the RA’s Summer Exhibition and Polo in the Park.
Summer is finally here! After a wet and cold start to the year, hopefully we’ll finally seeing some warmth and sunshine this month.
As the most alfresco-friendly season, it’s no surprise the capital in jam-packed with events, including the London Design Biennale, the London Festival of Architecture, Polo in the Park, Junipalooza, Taste of London, the launch of the Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy and the return of Zoo Nights at London Zoo.
Look out for the 🐻 for family-friendly activities.
- 31 May – 6 June 2023 : Sci-Fi London Film Festival
The annual celebration of the sci-fi genre returns to east London, featuring premieres, talks and screenings. At Picturehouse Central, Prince Charles Cinema, The Garden Cinema and Rich Mix. For more information, visit the Sci-London Film Festival website.
- 1 – 25 June 2023 : London Design Biennale
Some of the world’s top designers, curators and design institutes gather for an interactive and musical exhibition of design. Open 11am-7pm. General admission from £23. Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA. Nearest stations: Temple, Holborn or Charing Cross. For more information, visit the Somerset House website.
- 1 – 30 June 2023 : London Festival Of Architecture
A month-long celebration of architecture, with this year’s theme being ‘In Common’. Featuring talks, installations, tours, exhibitions, open studios, film screenings, debate, conferences and more. At various venues around town. For more information, visit the London Festival of Architecture website.
- 1 June – 3 September 2023 : Summer by the River
A host of free entertainment returns to the riverside location, including family theatre, live music, DJs, film screenings, dance classes and more. Times vary. Free. London Bridge City, between London Bridge and Tower Bridge (south of the river), SE1. Nearest stations: London Bridge or Tower Hill. For more information and listings, visit the London Bridge City website. 
- 2 – 4 June 2023 : A Place in the Sun Live
For wannabe expats or holiday home owners who want to find out more about buying a property overseas. Open Fri-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm. Tickets: £10. Olympia National, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For tickets, visit the Place in the Sun website.
- 2 – 10 June 2023 : Brockley Max
Nine-day community arts festival returns in-person to south-east London, featuring live music, dance, craft markets, poetry, art installations, film screenings, workshops, talks, interactive games and more. At venues across Brockley, Ladywell, Crofton Park and Honor Oak. For more information, visit the Brockley Max website. 🐻
- Now until 4 June 2023 : David Hockney – Bigger and Closer
Experience the world through Hockney’s eyes in an immersive, digital art exhibition. Open daily, hours vary. Tickets from £25. Lightroom, 12 Lewis Cubitt Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4DY. Nearest station: King’s Cross St Pancras. For more information, visit the Lightroom website.
- Now until 4 June 2023 : Backyard Cinema’s Romeo + Juliet @ Alexandra Palace
Backyard Cinema’s hugely popular screenings of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet with a live choir comes to the historic Alexandra Palace Theatre. Age 12yrs +. 7.30pm. Tickets from £34.50. Alexandra Palace Theatre, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY. Nearest station: Alexandra Palace or Wood Green. For more information, visit the Backyard Cinema website.
- Now until 4 June 2023 : Thin Air
Exhibition brings together works by seven contemporary artists as they transform 55,000 square feet of connecting environments, using light, atmospherics, sound and experimental new media. Open Wed-Thur 12pm-9pm, Fri 12pm-11pm, Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-7pm. Tickets: Adults £20/£25, Child 4-16 yrs £10. Beams, Thameside Industrial Estate (West End of Thames Refinery), Factory Road, Royal Docks, E16 2HB. Nearest station: London City Airport or Pontoon Dock. For more information, visit the Beams website.
- 9 – 11 June 2023 : Chestertons Polo in the Park
Bringing polo from the country estates into London. As well as watching the polo, there is plenty of entertainment and food and drink. Featuring the Fulham Food Festival, Fever Tree Garden, Mahiki pop-up, Pimm’s bus, Champagne Lanson Fruit Market, live music and DJs, shopping and kids’ activities. Open from 12pm. Tickets start from £43 (adults), £16.15 (children only on Sunday), 4 and under free. Hurlingham Park, Fulham, SW6 3RH. Nearest stations: Putney Bridge or Parson’s Green. For more information and tickets, visit Chestertons Polo In The Park’s website. 🐻
- Dates TBC June – October 2023 : Serpentine Pavilion
Visit the temporary structure in the grounds of the Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens. This year’s Pavilion is designed by Lebanese-born architect Lina Ghotmeh. Free to visit, but also contains a pop-up café inside. Kensington Gardens, W2 3XA. Nearest stations: Lancaster Gate, Knightsbridge or South Kensington. For more information, visit the Serpentine Gallery website. Read the rest of this entry
Guide to what’s on in London in May 2023
Find out what’s on in the capital this May, including the Chelsea Flower Show, Photo London, and MCM Comic Con.
May is often many people’s favourite month due to the warm weather, longer daylight hours and two Bank Holidays… although this year we have three Bank Holidays due to King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s Coronation on 6 May.
This month we start to sell a lot more alfresco festivals and events on around the capital, such as one of London’s biggest events, the Chelsea Flower Show. There’s also the return of the hugely popular Clerkenwell Design Week, MCM Comic Con and the Dulwich Festival.
Here’s a guide to the best events, festivals and exhibitions on in London this month.
Look out for the for family-friendly activities.
- 29 April – 1 May 2023 : IWA Canalway Cavalcade 2023
The unique waterways and community festival at Little Venice celebrates its 40th anniversary. Features stalls, bands, kids’ activities, Morris dancers, a Real Ale bar, food and pageant of boats. Open 10am-5pm. Free. Little Venice, Maida Vale, W2. Nearest station: Warwick Avenue. For more information, visit the Inland Waterways Association website. For Metro Girl’s blog post on a previous year’s Cavalcade, click here. 🐻
- 1 May 2023 : Beer and Bread Festival
Festival returns to the historic Brixton Windmill for the 6th year. Local businesses will be selling beer, ale, bread, pastries and bakes, while there will live music, craft workshops, children’s activities and meet-the-millers of the windmill. From 1pm-5pm. Free entry. Brixton Windmill, Windmill Gardens (west end of Blenheim Gardens, off Brixton Hill), Brixton, SW2 5EU. Nearest station: Brixton. For more information, visit the Brixton Windmill website. 🐻
- 3 – 27 May 2023 : Herne Hill Free Film Festival
The free film festival returns to Herne Hill for the 10th year. Films include The Iron Giant, Nope, The Banshees of Inisherin, Saint Maud and E.T. and more. Venues include Prince Regent pub, Brockwell Lido, Herne Hill Velodrome, Off the Cuff and effraspace. Nearest station: Herne Hill. For more details, visit the Free Film Festival website. 🐻
- Now until 7 May 2023 : La Linea
The London Latin Music Festival returns at venues across the capital. Venues include Jazz Cafe, Rich Mix, Colour Factory, SOAS Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre, Barbican, AMP Studios and Village Underground. For more information, visit the Como No website.
- Now until 7 May 2023 : Grand Designs Live
Find inspiration to improve or build your home with experts and top brands. Open 10am-5pm. Tickets: Weekday £13, weekend £16, Children 15yr and under free. ExCel, Royal Victoria Dock, Docklands, E16 1XL. Nearest stations: Prince Regent or Custom House. For more information, visit the show’s official website. 🐻
- Now until 8 May 2023 : Ukraine – Photographs from the Frontline
Harrowing exhibition of images taken by photojournalist Anastasia Taylor-Lind in Ukraine in the run up to and during the current conflict with Russia. Open daily 10am-6pm. Free entry. Imperial War Museum London, Lambeth Road, Lambeth, SE1 6HZ. Nearest station: Lambeth North. For more information, visit the IWM website.
- 8 – 14 May 2023 : London Craft Week
A celebration of craftsmanship, featuring over 750 makers, designers, brands and galleries, with workshops, exhibitions, open studios, tastings, galleries and shops. At various venues across the capital. For more information, visit the London Craft Week website.
- Now until 9 May 2023 : Beyond the Streets London
New exhibition showcases graffiti and street art, curated by Roger Gastman and featuring over 100 artists. Open daily 10am-6pm. Tickets: Standard £25, 6-16 yrs £10. Saatchi Gallery, King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 4RY. Nearest station: Sloane Square. For tickets, visit the Saatchi Gallery website. 🐻 Read the rest of this entry
Where to celebrate King Charles III’s Coronation in London
Find out what events are on in the capital to celebrate Charles III’s ascent to the throne and where to watch the King’s Procession.
This May, the world will see scenes on the streets of London not seen for two generations – the coronation of a new monarch. King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury at a ceremony at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6 May 2023.
Tens of thousands of Brits and visitors are expected to take to the streets of Westminster to watch The King’s Procession (see the map below). Starting at Buckingham Palace for the big event at Westminster Abbey at 11am, before the Royal Family will return to the Palace for the famous balcony appearance.
If you’re not inclined to stand for hours to watch the procession, there’s plenty of other ways to mark the King’s coronation with a host of events and celebrations on around London over the long weekend. On Sunday 7 May will be the ‘Big Lunch‘, where communities across the country will be holding events big and small to mark the occasion. Your local pub or bar will also be granted an extension to their licensed opening hours by two hours over the weekend so you can sink a pint (or four) later than usual! Meanwhile, Oxford Street has launched a special A-Z of Oxford Street Royalty – a map of special events and promotions on in the area to celebrate.
To celebrate our new king, Brits will be given a bonus Bank Holiday on Monday 8 May 2023, bringing the total Bank Holidays in May to a whopping three, so lots of four day working weeks for many of us that month – yay!
Where can I watch the King and Queen’s Coronation?
For those who want to watch the two processions – to and from Westminster Abbey – you’ll probably need to get to the procession route side-lines early, most likely the day before, for a good spot. The King and Queen Consort’s first journey from Buckingham Palace to the Abbey will be in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach and will be relatively quick in time for the 11am ceremony commencement. Following the ceremony, the slower King’s Procession will start at 2pm to return to Buckingham Palace, where King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be joined by working members of the Royal Family on the balcony to watch the RAF flypast, at approx 2.45pm.
If you can’t get a good viewing spot, there will be big screens erected in nearby Hyde Park, Green Park, St James’s Park and on Horse Guards Parade. There will also be pop-up food and drink stalls in Green Park and St James’s Park so people camping out are catered for. Meanwhile, the Coronation concert on Sunday 7 May will be broadcast live from Windsor on the big screens by the Serpentine in Hyde Park.
The King’s Procession will go down The Mall
Alternative Coronation celebrations around London
- 3 – 4 May 2023 : BIG Picnic @ Fleet Street Quarter
The Fleet Street Quarter is playing homage to the new King’s love of horticulture with a floral-theme outdoor picnic. Including ‘Picnic Promotions’ at select lunch vendors and floral art projects. Visitors can take home wildflower seeds to plant. 12pm-4pm. Free. Carter Lane, Bream’s Buildings and Gough Square, City of London, EC4V. Nearest stations: Blackfriars, St Paul’s and City Thameslink. For more information, visit the Fleet Street Quarter website.
- 4 May 2023 : King’s Coronation Garden Party
Kick-start the Coronation celebrations early with an evening of entertainment, outdoor games, bubbly drinks and more. 5.30pm-8.30pm. Free. Merchant Square, Paddington, W2 1JZ. Nearest station: Paddington or Edgware Road. For more information, visit the Merchant Square website.
- 5 May 2023 : The Pearlies @ Leadenhall Market
From the King of Great Britain to the Pearly King and Queens of the East End. Meet a Pearly King and a Pearly Prince in the City’s historic Leadenhall Market, enjoy photo opportunities, free tea, coffee and cake; and watch traditional Pearly Cockney singalongs and music hall performances. 11am-4pm. Free. 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.
- 5 – 8 May 2023 : British Weekender Bottomless Pimm’s – Coronation Weekend @ Neverland
Celebrate with a day or evening of fabulous fun, food, live entertainment and cocktails at Fulham Beach. Rent a pergola or area with your friends. Open Fri 6pm-11.30pm, Sat-Mon 12pm-11.30pm. Tickets from £10/£16. Neverland London, 364 Wandsworth Bridge Road, Fulham, SW6 2TY. Nearest station: Wandsworth Town. For more information, visit the Neverland London website.
- 6 May 2023 : King’s Road Coronation Celebration @ King’s Road
A section of the King’s Road will be closed to road traffic, featuring an extended market, pop-up bar, picnic on the green outside the Saatchi Gallery, live music and entertainment and more. 11am-5.30pm. Free. King’s Road (between Sloane Square and Cheltenham Terrace), Chelsea, SW3. Nearest station: Sloane Square. For more information, visit the King’s Road website.
- 6 May 2023 : Wembley Park Coronation Celebration
A street party celebration comes to Wembley Park, featuring live music, kids’ entertainment and games, face-painting, street food, and a live screening of the action in Westminster. Open 10am-4pm. Free. Wembley Park, Wembley, HA9 0FD. Nearest stations: Wembley Park or Wembley Stadium. For more information, visit the Wembley Park website.
- 6 – 7 May 2023 : Mayfair’s Coronation Garden Party
Two days of events to celebrate the Coronation, including a live screening of the main event, food and drink stalls, live music, floral installations and more in a pop-up garden party. Times TBC. Free entry. Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, W1K. Nearest stations: Bond Street and Green Park. For more information, visit the Mayfair London website. Read the rest of this entry
Guide to what’s on in London in April 2023
Find out what’s on in London in April, including the Ideal Home Show, Eid in the Square, St George’s Day, Vaisakhi and the London Coffee Festival.
It’s April so by now the spring weather should hopefully be in full swing. London is really opening up to tourists and the festival season really ramps up. Of course, the Easter holidays mean the capital becomes a hub of family fun with parents and carers looking for ways to entertain the little ones. This year, Easter Weekend takes place 7-10 April so expect a lot of special events over the long weekend. There’s also the annual festivities for Eid, Vaisakhi and St George’s Day.
Look out for the 🐻 for family-friendly activities.
- Now until 1 April 2023 : Wandsworth Common Spring Beer & Cider Festival
South London’s largest attended independent beer festival, featuring 100 beers and 25 ciders to sample. Also featuring live entertainment. Open Wed 6pm-11pm, Thu 1pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 1pm-11pm. Tickets: £12-£40. Le Gothique, John Archer Way, Wandsworth, SW18 3SX. Nearest station: Clapham Junction, Wandsworth Town or Wandsworth Common. For tickets, visit Eventbrite.
- 1 April 2023 : Number 90 Bar & Kitchen’s 9th Birthday Party
Canalside drinking and dining destination Number 90 are hosting their 9th birthday party all day, with DJs, food, cocktails. DJs include DJ Fett Burger, San Proper, Scarlett O’Malley, Aroop Roy and more. Open 12pm-4am. Free entry before 10pm, tickets from £5 after 10pm. Number 90 Bar & Kitchen, 90 Wallis Road, Hackney Wick, E9 5LN. Nearest station: Hackney Wick. For more information, visit the Number 90 website.
- 1 – 16 April 2023 : Spring Festival @ Battersea Power Station
Two weeks of family-friendly fun at the new Battersea Power Station retail and entertainment complex. Activities include Giant Flower Trail, Mobile Farm, Illustrated Playground, face-painting and more. Times vary. Battersea Power Station, Circus Road West, Battersea, SW8 5BN. Nearest stations: Battersea Power Station, Battersea Park or Queenstown Road Battersea. For more information, visit the Battersea Power Station website.
- Now until 2 April 2023 : Ideal Home Show
A place of inspiration for homeowners including interiors, fittings and gardens. Includes plenty of opportunities to buy things both big and small for the house and food. Celebrity guests and experts include Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Phil Spencer, Martin Lewis, Gregg Wallace, John Torode, Lisa Faulkner, Olly Smith, Rosemary Shrager, Kate Hardcastle, Danni Menzies, Paul A Young 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 (Tickets also include free access to the Eat & Drink Festival). Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more tickets, visit the Ideal Home Show website.
- Now until 2 April 2023 : Eat & Drink Festival
Indoor food festival returns, featuring cooking masterclasses and workshops, drinks experts, celebrity chefs, shopping, Artisan Producers’ market, and more. Celebrity guests and experts include Nikita Pathakji, Asimakis Chianotis, Helen Graham, Lola Milne, Theodore Chana, Nathan Davies, Charlie Jeffreys, Carole Edwards, Skinny Jean Gardner, Kevin Flynn and 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 (Tickets also includes free access to Ideal Home Show). Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information, visit the Eat & Drink Festival website.
- Now until 2 April 2023 : Telegraph Hill Festival
Arts and entertainment festival in South East London, including music, open studios, art shows, interactive exhibits, classes, workshops, talks, literary events, plays, performance art and music events. Lots of events are free, but some will cost. At various venues across New Cross, Nunhead, Hatcham, Brockley and Honor Oak. For more information, visit the Telegraph Hill festival website.
- Now until 2 April 2023 : Original Print Fair
View and buy original prints from old and modern masters. Open Thur-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm. Tickets from £15. Somerset House, Strand, Westminster, WC2R 1LA. Nearest station: Temple. For more information and booking, visit the Original Print Fair website.
- 5 April 2023 : Wild Escape in the City
Free family activities will be taking place across the Square Mile as part of The Wild Escape. Including workshops, installations, story-telling, and more. For ages 3-11. Events are free, but booking is strongly recommended. At the Guildhall Art Gallery, London Metropolitan Archives, London Mithraeum Bloomberg SPACE and the Salter’s Company. For more information, visit the City of London website.
- 5 April 2023 : Kids Easter Egg Hunt @ Merchant Square
Head to the Paddington Basin with your little ones for an Easter Egg hunt with an Alice in Wonderland theme. For ages 4-12yrs. 11am-4pm (each hunt last 25 mins). Merchant Square, Paddington, W2. Nearest stations: Paddington and Edgware Road. For more information, visit the Merchant Square website.
- 5 April – 29 October 2023 : Crown to Couture exhibition @ Kensington Palace
Explore centuries of fashion, ranging from couture worn by the Georgians to red carpet ensembles by Lizzo at the Met Ball and Lady Gaga at the MTV Awards. Open Wed-Sun 10am-6pm. Tickets: Adults £24/£29, Children £12.70/£14. Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, W8 4PX. Nearest station: Kensington High Street. For booking, visit the Historic Royal Palaces website. 🐻
- 7 April 2023 : The Passion of Jesus
Gather in Trafalgar Square to watch the Easter story performed by the Wintershall Players on Good Friday. Expect donkeys, doves, a 100-strong cast and a re-enactment of the Crucifixion. Performances at 12pm and 3.15pm. Free. Trafalgar Square, Westminster, WC2N 5DN. Nearest stations: Charing Cross, Embankment, Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square. For more information, visit the Wintershall Players website. 🐻
- 7 – 9 April 2023 : Le Beat Bespoke
Indoor music festival returns celebrating 21st Century Modernist and Sixties inspired underground music culture. Featuring live bands, DJs, vintage market, guest clubs, all-nighters and Go Go dancers. Tickets range from £10 to £58. At various venues in East London, including Oslo, and Paper Dress Vintage. For more information and tickets, visit Le Beat Bespoke website.
- 7 – 10 April 2023 : Star Wars Celebration 2023
Four day celebration of Star Wars, including immersive exhibits, interactive show floor, screenings, merchandise, celebrity guests, panels, autograph sessions, fan activities, costumes and more. Tickets: Adults from £65, Children from £33. ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, E16 1XL. Nearest stations: Custom House or Prince Regent. For more information, visit the Star Wars Celebration website. 🐻
- 7 April – 30 July 2023 : Ai Weiwei – Making Sense @ The Design Museum
Ai Weiwei’s first exhibition focusing on design, featuring recent works and commissioned pieces. Open 10am-6pm. Tickets: Adults £15, Children £7.50. Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High St, Kensington, W8 6AG. Nearest stations: Earls Court, High Street Kensington or Holland Park. For booking, visit the Design Museum website.
- 8 April – 30 September 2023 : Coronation exhibition @ Westminster Abbey
Explore hundreds of years of Coronations at the event’s venue at an exhibition to coincide with King Charles III’s Coronation. Entry times vary (NB: the Abbey will be closed to visitors from 25 April – 7 May). Tickets (inc general entry to the Abbey): Adults £27, Children 6-17yrs £12. Westminster Abbey, 20 Dean’s Yard, Westminster, SW1P 3PA. Nearest stations: Westminster, St James’s Park or Victoria. For more information, visit the Westminster Abbey website. 🐻
- Now until 9 April 2023 : London Game Festival 2023
In-person and online festival to promote gaming and interactive entertainment, including a Trafalgar Square exhibition, LGF World Stage, Games Finance Market, the Now Play This exhibition, BAFTA Games Awards, industry talks, and more. For more information, visit the Games London website. 🐻
Brixton Windmill
- 9 April 2023 : Easter Family Day @ Brixton Windmill
Family event in the grounds of Brixton Windmill, featuring an Easter egg hunt, arts and craft workshop, windmill tours, windmill tours and more. From 1pm-5pm. Free entry. Brixton Windmill, Windmill Gardens (west end of Blenheim Gardens, off Brixton Hill), Brixton, SW2 5EU. Nearest station: Brixton. For more information, visit the Brixton Windmill website.
- 14 April – 1 May 2023 : Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition
Check out images from the four competitions of the annual awards. Open Mon-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat-Sun 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. 🐻
- 14 April – 1 May 2023 : Tulip Festival @ Hampton Court Palace
Check out the UK’s biggest display of planted tulips. Daily tulips talks at 11am and 2pm. Open 10am-5.30pm. Tickets (inc with regular entry): Adults £26-£29, Child £13-£14.50. Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, KT8 9AU. Nearest station: Hampton Court. For more information, visit the Hampton Court Palace website. 🐻
- 15 – 16 April 2023 : Classic Car Boot Sale
Buy music, food, fashion and more surrounded by classic cars and bikes. Also featuring street food, clothing repair stalls, live DJs, craft beer and cocktail stalls. Open 10am-6pm. Tickets: £6. Granary Square, Kings Cross, N1. Nearest station: Kings Cross St Pancras. For more information, visit the King’s Cross website.
- 19 April – 11 July 2023 : No Place Like Home (A Vietnamese Exhibition) Part II
Vietnamese diasporic artists explore the theme of the home through a Vietnamese lens. There will also be accompanying workshops, food sharing, performances and a panel discussion. Open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm. Free entry. Museum of the Home, 36 Kingsland Road, Hoxton, E2 8EA. Nearest station: Hoxton. For more information, visit the Museum of the Home website.
- 20 – 23 April 2023 : London Coffee Festival 2023
Festival of Java, featuring tastings, coffee masters, food & wine pairing, Global Coffee School, DJs and more. Entry times via timed sessions. Thu and Fri daytime for industry only. Open to public: Fri 4pm-8pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm. Tickets from £24. 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. Read the rest of this entry
The house that soap built | The history of Unilever House in Blackfriars’
The neo-classical office block at the Victoria Embankment was built in the 1930s on the site of a popular hotel.
Unilever House overlooks the Thames embankment
Anyone who crosses the River Thames at Blackfriars Bridge can’t help but notice the imposing, curved façade of Unilever House. The grand structure has been looming over the Victoria Embankment for the past 90 years and is home to one of the biggest FMCG companies in the world.
‘Controlled Energy’ by Sir William Reid Dick looms over a side door
Unilever House stands on the site of Bridewell Palace, which was originally built for King Henry VIII (1491-1547) in the early 16th century. Erected on the banks of the River Fleet, the Bridewell was used as a royal residence, orphanage, prison and poorhouse during its three centuries of its existence. After the Bridewell buildings were demolished in the 1860s, part of the site was acquired by Belgium hoteliers, the de Keysers. The family’s first hotel, the Royal Hotel, originally stood at No.s 6, 8, 9 and 10 Chatham Place (a row of houses in New Bridge Street), and was founded by patriarch Joost Constant Fidel Armand de Keyser (b.1801) in 1845. His son Sir Polydore de Keyser (1832-1898) took over management of the hotel around 1856 and acquired part of the Bridewell site for a new hotel in the 1870s. Then named De Keyser’s Royal Hotel, the new building featured 300-400 bedrooms and was designed by architect Edward Augustus Gruning (1837-1908), who also designed the German Gymnasium in King’s Cross. When the new, five-storey hotel opened in September 1874, it catered to a first-class, mainly continental clientele. By 1882, a second wing of the hotel had opened, making the hotel the largest in London.
De Keyser’s Royal Hotel circa 1900
(Postcard print from Wikimedia Commons)
The hotel was acquired by the Crown during World War I in 1916, renamed Adastral House and became the London HQ of the Royal Flying Corps until they moved further down the Embankment to the Hotel Cecil in 1918. The owners of the hotel sought compensation for loss of income during the forces’ occupation, with the government claiming it had prerogative power to take possession of buildings without compensating the owner. In 1919, the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the hotel and granted the owners compensation. The battle has become an important case in constitutional law, which is still used today. Read the rest of this entry
Guide to what’s on in London in March 2023
Find out what events are on in London, including art fairs, St Patrick’s Day celebrations and the Ideal Home Show.
Spring is on its way… apparently! Although we know that March tends to be a pretty cold month, with snow often making a fleeting appearance, so maybe it’s not quite time to start planning your summer wardrobe.
This month there’s a huge choice of art fairs to suit all tastes and budgets if you’ve got a spare wall at home that needs jazzing up. There’s also the annual St Patrick’s Day Festival in Trafalgar Square and the return of dance-fest Move It with some of the biggest movers and shakers showing their stuff.
Find out the best events, exhibitions and festivals on in London this March.
Look out for the 🐻 for family-friendly activities.
- 3 – 5 March 2023 : Collect 2023
One of the world’s most influential contemporary craft and design festival comes to London, featuring work from over 400 artists. Open 11am-6pm. Tickets: General admission £25. Somerset House, Strand, Westminster, WC2R 1LA. Nearest station: Temple. For more information and booking, visit the Somerset House website.
- 4 – 5 March 2023 : London Comic Con Spring
Film and Comic Con returns, giving you the opportunity for autograph sessions, photoshoots, and panels. Names include Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things), Vinnie Jones, Elizabeth Henstridge, Christina Chong, Mandip Gill, Brian Blessed, Sam Jones, Moosa Mostafa, Christopher Lambert 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 5 March 2023 : Battersea Power Station Light Festival
A series of light installations bring colour and neon to the newly reopened complex. Open 8am-11pm (best viewed after dark). Free entry. Battersea Power Station, Circus Road West, Battersea, SW8 5BN. Nearest stations: Battersea Power Station, Battersea Park or Queenstown Road Battersea. For more information, visit the Battersea Power Station website. 🐻
- Now until 5 March 2023 : Orchid Festival @ Kew Gardens
An orchid display is coming to the Princess of Wales Conservatory for four weeks, with this year being inspired by Cameroon. General entrance tickets to Kew Gardens includes orchid exhibition: Adults £16.50, Children (4-15yr) £5.50. Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, Kew, TW9 3AB. Nearest station: Kew Gardens. For more information, visit the Kew Gardens website. 🐻
- Now until 5 March 2023 : When Flowers Dream
An exhibition from artist Tanya Schultz (Pip & Pop) featuring installations made from sugar, candy and assorted craft materials. Opening times vary depending on season. Tickets included with gardens entrance. Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art, Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, Kew, TW9 3AB. Nearest station: Kew Gardens. For more information, visit the Kew Gardens website. 🐻
- Now until 5 March 2023 : Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities by Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil bring their show Kurios to London. The show tells the story of an ambitious inventor. Times vary. Tickets start from £51. Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP. Nearest stations: South Kensington, Knightsbridge or High Street Kensington. For more information and booking, visit the Cirque Du Soleil website. 🐻 Read the rest of this entry
Guide to what’s on in London in February 2023
Find out what events and exhibitions are on in London, including the Orchid Festival, Imagine Children’s Festival, and BFI Future Film Festival.
Winter is in full swing, but at least dry (and long) January is out of the way! London’s event schedule starts to rejuvenate this month, with film festivals, travel shows and more kicking off.
February sees the commercial love bomb that is Valentine’s Day. with plenty of activities around town for both singles and couples.
There’s also half-term holidays from school, so expect to see plenty of parents and carers seeking ways to entertain the kids, at events such as The Imagine Festival.
Here’s a guide to what’s on in London this February.
Look out for the 🐻 for family-friendly activities.
- 2 – 5 February 2023 : Destinations – The Holiday & Travel Show
Returning for its 28th year… over 600 of the leading and best independent travel brands. From 70+ global tourist boards and operators to hoteliers, airlines and travel photographers, acquire expertise, offers, discounts, and upgrades, daily cookery, talks, interviews and panel discussions, travel photography masterclass. Open Thu-Mon 10am – 5:30pm. Tickets: £11. Olympia Grand, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For tickets, visit the Destinations Show website.
- 3 – 23 February 2023 : Piccadilly Piano Festival
A host of new and established musicians perform on the famous Fazioli Grand Piano in St James Piccadilly. Artists include Jools Holland, John Grant, Nadine Benjamin, Tokio Myers, Derek Paravicini, Melvyn Tan and Victoria Canal. Times and ticket prices vary. St James’s Church Piccadilly, 197 Piccadilly, St James, W1J 9LL. Nearest station: Green Park or Piccadilly Circus. For more information, visit the St James’s Church Piccadilly website.
- 3 February – 8 May 2023 : Ukraine – Photographs from the Frontline
Harrowing exhibition of images taken by photojournalist Anastasia Taylor-Lind in Ukraine in the run up to and during the current conflict with Russia. Open daily 10am-6pm. Free entry. Imperial War Museum London, Lambeth Road, Lambeth, SE1 6HZ. Nearest station: Lambeth North. For more information, visit the IWM website.
- 4 February – 5 March 2023 : Orchid Festival @ Kew Gardens
An orchid display is coming to the Princess of Wales Conservatory for four weeks, with this year being inspired by Cameroon. General entrance tickets to Kew Gardens includes orchid exhibition: Adults £16.50, Children (4-15yr) £5.50. Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, Kew, TW9 3AB. Nearest station: Kew Gardens. For more information, visit the Kew Gardens website. 🐻
- Now until 4 February 2023 : Space, The Universe and Everything
A stunning sound and light experience telling the story of human exploration transforms both the exterior and interior of St Martin-in-the-Fields church. 6pm-9.30pm (hour long experience). Tickets: £10, under 16yrs £5. 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. 🐻
- Now until 5 February 2023 : The Museum of the Moon
British artist Luke Jerram is back at the Painted Hall following his popular ‘Gaia’ installation of the Earth with a to-scale installation of the Moon, internally lit. Late-night events are also taking place during the exhibition period. Tickets: Adults £12.50, Children 16yr and under free. 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. 🐻
- Now until 5 February 2023 : London International Mime Festival
Festival at various events across London including performances of physical theatre, dance, circus, puppetry and live art. Workshops also available. Tickets range from £13.50-£45. Venues include the Barbican, Jacksons Lane, The Place, Shoreditch Town Hall, Peacock Theatre, and Little Angel Theatre. For more information, visit the Mime London website. 🐻
- 8 – 18 February 2023 : Imagine Children’s Festival
Two week children’s festival at the Southbank Centre, including art, theatre, books, music, performances and workshops. Including YolanDa, Stephen Mulhern, Cressida Cowell, Michael Rosen, Ashley and Jordan Banjo; and scientists Ben Garrod and Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock and more. 10.30am-4pm daily. Over half of the activities and events are free, but some go up to £20. Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XX. Nearest station: Waterloo. For more information and booking visit the Southbank Centre website. Check out Metro Girl’s blog post on this year’s festival. 🐻 Read the rest of this entry
Imagine Festival 2023 | What to expect as the family arts fest returns to the Southbank Centre
Highlights of London’s leading arts festival for children aged 0-11 years old.
YolanDa’s Band Jam will be among the events taking place at this year’s Imagine Festival at the Southbank Centre
Why should adults have all the festival fun? This February, London’s leading arts festival for children is returning to the Southbank Centre. The Imagine Children’s Festival is celebrating its 21st year with a jam-packed schedule of over 100 events during two weeks. Parents and carers will be spoiled for choice with a programme of theatre, comedy, music, literature, poetry and dance during the half-term holidays. Over half of the events are free, making the festival accessible to everyone.
Among the highlights of the Imagine Children’s Festival 2023 are CBeebies’ YolanDa’s Band Jam, magician and TV presenter Stephen Mulhern, World’s Youngest DJ DJ Archie and scientists Ben Garrod and Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock. Little ones looking for literature and poetry fun will enjoy readings and workshops from the likes of Michael Rosen, Zanib Mian, Cressida Cowell, and Janelle McCurdy. Meanwhile, budding little theatre aficionados can choose between Julia Donaldson’s Tales from Acorn Wood, Rapunzel, Dinosaurs and All That Rubbish and Hermit.
There will be plenty of interactive activities during the festival fortnight, including writing workshops, unlimited play, craft zone, hip-hop dancing demos with ZooNation’s Youth Company and printmaking with street artist STIK. This year’s festival is relaxed, so families are free to come and go from the events as they please. The bill includes inclusive events, including sensory adapted shows, BSL-interpreted and non-verbal performances.
- The Imagine Festival 2023 runs from 8 – 18 February 2023. At Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XX. Nearest stations: Waterloo, Waterloo East or Lambeth North. For more information and booking visit the Southbank Centre website.
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