Vodafone London Fashion Weekend returns to Somerset House

Spring is on its way thank goodness. It means lighter nights, warmer temperatures and Easter Holidays starting in the last week of March. This month will see lots of festivals and special events for foodies, travel junkies, fashionistas and film buffs. Of course, lots of activities are taking place towards the end in a bid to help harassed parents entertain their little angels over the Easter Holidays. Here’s a guide to what’s on in London this month…

For a special Easter guide to what’s on in London for both families and adults-only, click here.

• 1 March : TNT Travel Show

Exclusive travel deals, top travel companies, inspirational travel seminars and discounts on travel. Tickets: Pre-registration: Free, fast track £2.50, VIP £15. Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0QH. Nearest tube: Angel. For more information and tickets, visit the TNT Travel Show website.

• 1 – 8 March : WOW: Women Of The World Festival

A festival of talks, debates, music, film and comedy celebrating women. Salma Hayek, Caitlin Moran, Baulkham Hills African Ladies Troupe, Bridget Christie, Shazia Mirza, Sandi Toksvig and Lady Leshurr among the featured names. Events range from free to £40. Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. Nearest tube: Waterloo. For more information and booking, visit the Southbank Centre website.

• 26 February – 1 March : Vodafone London Fashion Weekend

London Fashion Weekend follows London Fashion Week, giving access to everyone who loves fashion (who has tickets!). Tickets must be bought in advance, which are available for different prices and packages, starting from £20 for the bronze package. Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA. Nearest tube: Temple or Holborn. For more information, visit the London Fashion Weekend website.

• 27 February – 1 March : BBC Good Food Eat Well Show

The inaugural BBC Good Food Eat Well Show comes to Olympia, bringing together healthy food brands, products and producers and featuring book signings, dietitians’ clinic and Eat Well interview stage. Celebrity guests include Phil Vickery, Jenni Falconer, Davinia McCall, Natasha Corrett, Lorraine Pascal and Liz Earle, among others. Open 10am-6pm. Tickets: £15. Kensington Olympia, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX. Nearest tube/overland: Kensington Olympia. For more information, visit the BBC Good Food Eat Well Show website.

• 27 February – 1 March : View Festival

Three day festival of art history, featuring debates, talks, film screenings, student presentations, exclusive museum tours and an art book fair. Some events are free, while others cost up to £10. Institut Français du Royaume-Uni, 17 Queensberry Place, SW7 2DT. Nearest tube: South Kensington. For more information, visit the View Festival website.

• 2 – 31 March : One Good Thing pop-up store

Homeless charity The Connection at St Martin’s is opening a month-long pop-up store in Soho’s Berwick Street, selling designer and vintage fashion, accessories and gifts. Profits will go towards helping the homeless. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12-6pm. One Good Thing, 2 Berwick Street, Soho, W1 0PB. Nearest tube: Piccadilly Circus or Oxford Circus. For more information, visit Berwick Street London’s official website. Read Metro Girl’s post on One Good Thing here.

• 3 – 6 March : Devonshire Square World Food Festival

World food market returns to the historic square in between the City and Shoreditch. Twenty stalls will be dishing up delights, including Cheeky Burger, Bull and Rancher, Arepas, Maize Blaze (100% gluten free Colombian dishes), Shrimpy, The Mac Factory, and Mark Jankel’s Street Kitchen. Open 12-2pm. Devonshire Square, EC2M. Nearest station: Liverpool Street, Aldgate or Aldgate East. For more information, visit the Devonshire Square website.

• Now until 3 March : Post Pop: East Meets West

An exhibition of pop art and its influence from the US to Russia to China. Artists includ George Pusenkoff, Leonid Sokov, David Mach, Vitaly Komar, Alexander Melamid and Michael Lin, among others. 10am-6pm. Free. Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Road, Chelsea, SW3 4RY. Nearest tube: Sloane Square. For more information, visit the Saatchi Gallery website.

• 4 March – 31 May : Inventing Impression

An exhibition chronicling the rise of Impressionism between 1865 and 1905 with the support of Parisian art dealer Paul Durand-Ruel, including Monet, Renoir, Édouard Manet, Alfred Sisley, and Edgar Degas. Tickets: £18 adults, under 12s free. National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN. Nearest station: Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square or Embankment. For more information, visit the National Gallery website.

• 5 – 9 March : Cinema Made In Italy

Film festival of the newest features from Italy at the Ciné Lumière, including Darker Than Midnight (Più Buio di Mezzanotte), Good For Nothing (Buoni a Nulla), Greenery Will Bloom Again (Torneranno i Prati), Perfidia, Quiet Bliss, So Far So Good (Fino a qui tutto bene), The Ice Forest (La Foresta di Ghiaccio), The Lack, The Mafia Kills Only In Summe (La Mafia uccide solo d’Estate) and 9×10 Novanta . Tickets: £10-£12 plus booking fee. Ciné Lumière, 17 Queensbury Place, SW7 2DT. Nearest tube: South Kensington. For more information, visit the Ciné Lumière website.

• 6 March – 17 May : Jamaican Hidden Histories

Exhibition celebrating the cultural and historical links between Britain and Jamaica. As well as photographs, films and artefacts, there will also be events taking place, including talks, screenings and workshops. Open 11am-6pm daily. Free entry. Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, Southbank, SE1 9PH. Nearest station: Waterloo or Blackfriars. For more information, visit the Oxo Tower Wharf website.

• Now until 8 March : Vault Festival

The Vault Festival returns to The Vaults underneath Waterloo station
© Jack Abraham

Six week arts festival in the tunnels beneath Waterloo, featuring 10 performances a day. There will also be free live music every Wednesday and Sunday. On Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays there will be late night parties, including a Valentine’s Ball and Mardi Gras. Tickets range from free to £15. The Vaults, Arch 233, 10 Leake Street, Waterloo, SE1 7NN. Nearest tube: Waterloo and Lambeth North. For tickets and listings, visit the Vault Festival website. For more information, check out Metro Girl’s blog post on Vault.

• Now until 8 March : Orchid Festival

An orchid display is coming to the Princess of Wales Conservatory for four weeks. The sea of colour from one of the world’s most stunning flowers will certainly brighten up a dull winter’s day. General entrance tickets to Kew Gardens includes orchid exhibition: £15 adults or £14 concessions. Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AB. Nearest tube: Kew Gardens. For more information, visit the Kew Gardens website.

• 9 March : Trader Vic’s Tiki Cinema

Trader Vic’s in the London Hilton are hosting monthly screenings in their Tiki-themed bar and restaurant. This month’s screening is The Goonies. Film starts at 7.30pm, food is served from 6pm. Tickets: £13 (including screening and a cocktail). Trader’s Vic, 22 Park Lane, Mayfair, W1K 1BE. Nearest station: Hyde Park Corner. For more information, visit the Trader’s Vic website.

• 10 – 27 March : Drive In Film Club

A pop-up film club at Alexandra Palace, screening films including Dirty Dancing, Grease, Gone Girl, Pulp Fiction and The Grand Budapest Hotel. Rollerskating attendants will bring popcorn and snacks to your car. Price: £22 per car (all occupants included). Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY. For more information and tickets, visit the Experience Cinema website.

• 10 March – 20 April : London Handel Festival

Six weeks of concerts, talks and walks in venues, including Frederick Handel’s own parish church St Georges in Mayfair, as well as the Foundling Museum, Britten Theatre at the Royal College of Music, Queen Elizabeth Hall, St Lawrence at Little Stanmore and Grosvenor Chapel. For more information, visit the London Handel Festival website.

• 11 – 13 March : London Drinker Beer & Cider Festival

CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) North London host a beer and cider festival. As well as over 150 beers, ciders and perries to choose from, there is also food and stalls selling merchandise. Open Wed-Thur 12-3pm & 5-10.30pm, Fri 12-10.30pm. Tickets: Free on Wed and Thurs lunchtimes, £3.50 (£2.50 for CAMRA members) all other times. Camden Centre, Bidborough Street, WC1H 9AU. Nearest tube: King’s Cross St Pancras. For more information visit the CAMRA North London website.

• 12 – 15 March : Affordable Art Fair @ Battersea Park

For those among us who aren’t loaded, this event is a chance for people to buy a unique piece of art or photography for their homes at an affordable price. There is over 100 galleries, with pieces for sale ranging for £40 to £4,000. Admission costs £10.80-£12.96 in advance, more on the door. Nearest rail: Battersea Park or short bus ride from Sloane Square tube. For more information, visit the Affordable Art Fair website.

• 13 March : Lovely Day for a Guinness – Friday Lates @ Museum Of Brands

Celebrate St Patrick’s Day early at this late night, adults-only opening of the Museum Of Brands, which is celebrating the famous black stuff. Entrance includes free drink on arrival, themed cocktails, drinks and snacks, live entertainment including ceilidh music and an Irish treasure hunt around the museum. 6.30-10pm. Tickets; £10. Museum Of Brands, 2 Colville Mews, off Lonsdale Road, Notting Hill, W11 2AR. Nearest tube: Notting Hill Gate. For more information and booking, visit the Museum Of Brands website.

• 13 – 20 March : Backyard Cinema’s Awards Season @ Altitude London

Pop-up cinema company comes to Altitude London on the 29th floor of the Millbank Tower so you can watch one of this awards season’s top films while enjoying views over the capital. Food and cocktails will also be served from 1950s-style usherettes. Times vary. Tickets start from £15. Altitude London, Millbank Tower, 30 Millbank, SW1P 4RS. Nearest station: Pimlico. For tickets, visit the Backyard Cinema website. For more information, read Metro Girl’s post on the awards season.

• 14 – 15 March : FutureFest

Two day festival of innovation, featuring immersive experiences, compelling performances and radical speakers. Tickets range from £40-80. Vinopolis, 1 Bank End, Bankside, SE1 9BU. Nearest station: London Bridge. For more information and tickets, visit the FutureFest website. For Metro Girl’s review of Vinopolis, click here.

• 14 – 15 March : London Super Comic Convention

The UK’s biggest comic convention, featuring the latest in comics, comic related memorabilia, superheroes and graphic novels. Tickets start from £18.50. ExCel, Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1XL. Nearest tube: Custom House (DLR). For more information, visit the London Super Comic Convention.

• 14 – 29 March : Telegraph Hill Festival

Arts and entertainment festival in South East London, including a production of Guys & Dolls, classical concert, 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.

• 14 March – 2 August : Alexander McQueen – Savage Beauty

The first retrospective of the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen, from his MA graduate collection to his final, unfinished Autumn/Winter 2010 collection. Tickets: £17.60 adults, £16.50 OAPs, £9 students. Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, Kensington, SW7 2RL. Nearest tube: South Kensington. For tickets and more information, visit the V&A website.

• 15 March : St Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
  

If you’re actually Irish or not, all are welcome to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. The parade starts at 12 noon in Piccadilly, before proceeding to Trafalgar Square for the festival. The Square will play host to the free St Patrick’s Day Festival from 12-6pm, which includes dance, music, comedy, films, and a farmers’ market. Nearest tube: Charing Cross, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square or Embankment. For more information, visit the Greater London Authority website.

Check out the St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Trafalgar Square

• 15 March : Moulin Rouge! screening @ Hippodrome

Pop-up film company Nomad set up camp at the Hippodrome Casino for one night only for a screening of Moulin Rouge! Tickets include an arrival cocktail, a £10 odd super chip and a burlesque performance by the Hippodrome Hunnies. 6pm. £25pp. Over 18s only despite film’s rating of 12 because of location. Hippodrome Casino, Cranbourn Street, Leicester Square, WC2H 7JH. Nearest tube: Leicester Square. For tickets, visit the Nomad Cinema website.

• 17 March : St Patrick’s Night Party @ View From The Shard

Enjoy the craic at the highest St Patrick’s Day party in Europe at the top of The Shard. A Silent Disco will be taking place at View From The Shard. 8pm-midnight. Tickets: £40. The View From The Shard, Joiner Street, SE1 9SP. Nearest tube/train: London Bridge. For booking, visit Time Out London. Read Metro Girl’s review of the Silent Disco at The Shard here.

• 19 – 22 March : London Ear Festival

An international, contemporary music festival, celebrating music from Britain, Austrian, Germany, Italy, Austria and Norway. Tickets prices vary. Events take place at The Warehouse (13 Theed Street, SE1 8ST) and Cello Factory (33-34 Cornwall Road, SE1 8TJ). Nearest tube: Waterloo. For more information and booking, visit the London Ear Festival website.

• 19 – 29 March : London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival

The British Film Institute hosts the 11 day festival of lesbian and gay film at BFI Southbank. Belvedere Road, Southbank, SE1 8XT. Nearest tube: Waterloo. For more information and booking, visit the BFI website.

• 19 – 29 March : Camberwell Free Film Festival

Ten day free film festival comes to SE5 featuring screenings, talks, and Q&As. Including screenings of The Lego Movie, Frozen and Pride. At various venues including Cool Cats’ Cafe, Flying Dutchman, Salvation Army, and Longfield Hall. For more information, visit the Camberwell Free Film Festival website.

• 20 March – 6 April : 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 ambassadors in attendance include Alan Titchmarsh. Gregg Wallace, Laurence Llewelyn Bowen, George Clarke, Katie Piper, Martin Lewis, and Suzi Perry. Tickets: Adults £12 (weekday) or £14 (weekend). Earl’s Court, Warwick Road, SW5 9TA. Nearest tube: Earl’s Court or West Brompton. For more information and tickets, visit the Ideal Home Show website.

• 27 – 29 March : Chocolate Festival

Over 60 chocolatiers will be exhibiting and selling, including Paul Wayne Gregory, Demarquette Fine Chocolates and Damian Allsop, Artisan de Chocolat and Rococo Chocolates. Also including the Taste Zone, Cocoa Spa, Chocolate Café and Chocolate Market. Tickets: £9 in advance (£12 on the door), children £4 (£5), under 5s free. Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0QH. Nearest tube: Angel. For more information, visit the Chocolate Festival website.

• 27 – 29 March : Cheese And Wine Festival

Takes place at the Business Design Centre simultaneously as the Chocolate Festival so savoury fans will be in for a treat too. Opening times: Fri 27th 1-7pm, Sat 28th 10am-7pm, Sun 29th 10am-3pm. Prices TBC. Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0QH. Nearest tube: Angel. For more information, visit the Cheese And Wine Festival website.

• 28 March – 25 May : Shaun In The City Art Trail

Fifty 5ft tall sculptures of Shaun The Sheep will be cropping up around London for two months. High profile artists, designers and celebrities have customised the giant sculptures, which will be scattered across the capital, in locations such as Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Carnaby Street, St Paul’s Cathedral, Chinatown, The View from The Shard and The Tower of London. In October, the Shauns will then go up for auction, with proceeds going to the Wallace & Gromit Children’s Foundation. For more information, visit the Shaun In The City website. For Metro Girl’s gallery of Shaun In The City, click here.

• 29 March : Head Of The River Race

Four hundred crews from around the world take their boats to race 4.25 miles from Mortlake to Putney. The race starts at 2.15pm so grab a spot along the Thames to catch the action. Free. Nearest tube or train station to spectator points: Mortlake, Barnes Bridge, Hammersmith or Putney Bridge. For more information, visit the Head Of The River Race website.

Art Of The Brick runs at the Old Truman Brewery until April
© Nathan Sawaya

• Now until 29 March : Richmond Performing Arts Festival

Six week festival featuring dance, music, singing and drama at various venues across Kew and Richmond. For more information, visit the Richmond Festival website.

• 30 March – 12 April : Chorus Festival

Festival celebrating singing as a group, featuring concerts, warm-ups and workshops. Tickets range from free to £38. Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. Nearest tube: Waterloo. For more information and booking, visit the Southbank Centre website.

• 27 February until end of March : Curl’s Best Friend pop-up

Beauty brand Benefit Cosmetics are opening a month-long pop-up cocktail bar and beauty parlour in Soho. With hair and make-up makeovers, cocktails and cupcakes available. Curl’s Best Friend, 26 Greek Street, Soho, W1D 5DE. Nearest station: Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road or Piccadilly Circus. Open Tuesday to Saturday between 11am-11pm (Noir bar open from 7pm). To book appointments and reserve tables, call 020 3620 4747 or via the free Curls Best Friend By Benefit mobile app on Apple/Android. Click here for the Amazon link to the app. To find out more, visit Metro Girl’s post on the pop up here.

• Now until 12 April : The Art Of The Brick

Nathan Sawaya’s Art Of The Brick exhibition features a range of sculptures made from millions of Lego building blocks, from recreations of iconic artwork to new contemporary pieces. Tickets – Adults: £14.50-£16.50, Children under 12: £8-£9.50. Open daily, hours vary. Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, Shoreditch, E1 6QL. Nearest station: Aldgate or Shoreditch High Street. For more information, visit The Art Of The Brick website. For Metro Girl’s review of the exhibition, click here.

• Now until 12 April : Sherlock Holmes exhibition

An exhibition of the world’s favourite fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, featuring historic artefacts from Victorian London and author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Tickets: £12 adults, £10 concession. Museum Of London, 150 London Wall, City of London, EC2Y 5HN. Nearest tube: Barbican or St Paul’s. For more information and tickets, visit Museum Of London website.

• Now until 30 August : Wildlife Photographer Of The Year exhibition

An exhibition of the annual Wildlife Photographer Of The Year – the 50th year of the competition. Although entrance to the museum is free, this exhibition is ticketed. Adults: £12.60, Children & Concessions: £6.30. Open 10am-5.50pm daily. Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, SW7 5BD. Nearest tube: South Kensington. For more information and booking, visit the NHM website.

• Now until further notice : Bond In Motion

An exhibition of over 50 James Bond vehicles, including the Lotus Esprit from The Spy Who Loved Me and Aston Martin DB5 from Goldeneye. Tickets – Adults: £14.50, Children: £9.50. Booking in advance highly recommended. London Film Museum, 45 Wellington Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 7BN. Nearest tube: Covent Garden or Temple. For more information, visit the London Film Museum website.

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