Spring is here!

Spring is (hopefully) in full swing and with Easter Holidays kicking off at the beginning of the month, there’s plenty going on both during and after the school holidays. With the hope of warmer weather, some events and festivals are starting to venture outside. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for some balmier weather.

• 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.

• 2 – 5 April : London International Ska Festival

Four day festival of ska music featuring Lee Scratch Perry, Steel Pulse, Derrick Harriot, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Rico Rodriguez, Freddie Notes and Sir Horace Upton Collective (from The Specials) among others, at venues across the capital, including the Jazz Café and the Forum. Wristbands for the whole festival £141, individual gigs range from £5 to £25. For more information and tickets, visit the London International Ska Festival website.

• 2 – 5 April : Le Beat Bespoke Festival

Indoor music festival returns celebrating 21st Century Modernist and Sixties inspired underground music culture. Featuring live bands, DJs, record fair, market, guest clubs, all-nighters and Go Go dancers. Tickets: Individual gig tickets vary, or 3 day pass £53, 4 day pass £61. 229 The Venue, 229 Great Portland Street, W1W 5PN. Nearest station: Great Portland Street or Oxford Circus. For more information, visit Le Beat Bespoke website.

• Now until 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). Kensington Olympia, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX. Nearest tube/overland: Kensington Olympia. For more information and tickets, visit the Ideal Home Show website.

• 9 April – 19 July : Udderbelly Festival

The Udderbelly cow returns to the Southbank

Udderbelly returns to the Southbank for a seventh year, featuring three months of comedy, circus, cabaret and family shows at affordable prices in an inflatable upside down cow venue. Jubilee Gardens, off Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. Nearest tube: Waterloo. For more information and tickets, visit the Udderbelly website.

• 10 April : Spicy Friday – Friday Late @ Museum Of Brands

Late night adults-only opening of the Museum Of Brands, with spicy being the theme this month. Discover sauces, test your chili tolerance. Entrance includes free drink on arrival, themed cocktails, drinks and snacks, live entertainment and a spicy Time Tunnel trail. 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.

• 10 April : Historic Punch gets Medieval

Late night event at the British Library, featuring Historic Punch, the salon of conversation, expert talks, and gin-laced concoctions as guests explore the quirkier aspects of Medieval life. 6.30-9.30pm. Tickets: £25. The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB. Nearest station: Euston, St Pancras or King’s Cross. For more information and booking, visit the British Library website.

• 11 April : Oxbridge Boat Race

Watch the historic annual boat race between the Cambridge and Oxford University crews. Thousands will line the banks between Putney Bridge and Mortlake to watch the action. Starts at 5.55pm. Free. Nearest stations: Putney Bridge, Hammersmith, Ravenscourt Park, Stamford Brook, East Putney, Barnes Bridge or Chiswick. For more information, visit the Boat Race website.

• 11 April : Goat Race

For an alternative to the Boat Race, check out one goat named Cambridge racing against another called Oxford. Proceeds from ticket sales go to charity. Spitalfields City Farm, Buxton Street, E1 5AR. Nearest station: Whitechapel or Bethnal Green. For more information, visit the Goat Race website.

• 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.

• 13 April : 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 Point Break. 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.

• 14 April : RHS Spring Fair Late

The Royal Horticultural Society are hosting an English Garden Party, complete with classical music, green lawns and bunting, Pimms, and cucumber sandwiches. There is also the opportunity to shop. It takes place during the Great London Plant Fair (14-15 April). Open 6-9pm. Horticultural Halls, 80 Vincent Square, SW1P 2PE. Nearest tube: Victoria. For more information, visit the Royal Horticultural Society website.

• 16 – 19 April : The New Chelsea Art Fair

Thirty leading UK and international galleries will come to Chelsea Town Hall for potential buyers. Free entry if you sign up via the website in advance, or £6 on the door. Takes place at Chelsea Town Hall, Kings Road, SW3 5EE. Nearest tube: Sloane Square or South Kensington. For more information, visit the Chelsea Art Fair website.

• 18 April : Berwick Street Record Store Day

A free mini music festival on Berwick Street in the heart of Soho, featuring 7 artists performing on stage and various retailers hosting in-store activities, including sales of limited edition records. Free. Shops open from 8am, performances on main stage from 12-6pm. Berwick Street, Soho, W1F. Nearest tube: Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus. For more information, visit the Berwick Street website.

• 18 April : The Tweed Run

The 7th annual bicycle ride sees participants dressing up in vintage tweed and cycling past London’s landmarks. Starting at Trafalgar Square at 11am, before ending at an after-party at the Bloomsbury Ballroom. Although tickets for cyclists are now sold out, there are £20 tickets available for the Bourne & Hollingsworth’s Tweed Run Awards Ceremony on Saturday evening. For more information and tickets, visit The Tweed Run website. For Metro Girl’s blog post on The Tweed Run, click here.

• Now until 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.

• 20 – 28 April : Drive In Film Club

A drive in cinema at Alexandra Palace for cars and their occupants. Films including Grease (singalong), Mother India, Blade Runner, Pulp Fiction and The Imitation Game. Rollerskating attendants will bring hotdogs, 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.

• 23 – 26 April : The Other Art Fair

Chance to buy art from 130 unrepresented artists, regardless of how experienced you are in purchasing artwork. Also features talks, performances, Fever Tree’s G&T bar and Beers by Meantime. Tickets: £8.80 in advance. Victoria House, Southampton Row, Bloomsbury, WC1B 4DA. Nearest tube: Russell Square or Holborn. For more information, visit the Other Art Fair website.

• 23 – 26 April : The Original Print Fair

The world’s longest running art fair returns for its 29th year with 50 dealers, offering a range of prints, from Old Masters to contemporary pieces. Tickets: £12, concession £8, free to Friends of the RA. Royal Academy Of Art, Burlington House, Mayfair, W1J 0BD. Nearest tube: Green Park. For more information, visit the London Print Fair website.

• 23 April – 4 May : Pick Me Up

Graphic arts festival at Somerset House’s Embankment Galleries, showcasing and selling original graphic art, design and illustration. Daily 10am-6pm, late nights on Wed and Thurs until 10pm. Tickets: £10, concessions £8. Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA. Nearest tube: Temple. For more information, visit the Pick Me Up website.

• 23 April – 9 May : 101 Artists To Listen To Before You Die exhibition

Two week exhibition of Ricardo Cavolo’s original artwork from his new book 101 Artists To Listen To Before You Die. Featuring 101 portraits of his musical inspirations, from Dolly Parton to Daft Punk and Kanye West to The Ramones. Limited edition prints will also be for sale. Opening times: Mon-Fri: 11.30am-6.30pm, Sat: 12pm-6pm, Sun: Closed. Atomica Gallery, 7 Greens Court, Soho, W1F 0HQ. Nearest tube: Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus. For more information, visit the Atomica Gallery website.

• 24 April – 3 May : New Cross & Deptford Free Film Festival

A free film festival run and staffed by volunteers offering free screenings in venues around New Cross and Deptford. Classics will be screened alongside independent films by new and local talent. Films on show include Friday Night Fever, Paddington, Love & Basketball and singalong Frozen. For more information, visit the Free Film Festival website. For Metro Girl’s interview with one of the film-makers and trailer of one of the film’s being shown, click here.

• 24 April – 10 May : Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition

Showcasing the winning and shortlisted photographs from this year’s awards. Tickets: £6.50-£8.50. Opening times: Sat-Mon 10am-6pm, Tues-Fri 10am-9pm. East Wing & West Wing Galleries, Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA. Nearest tube: Temple. For more information, visit the Somerset House website.

• 25 April : Feast Of St George

Celebrate the patron saint of England’s feast day with a day of fun and fare in Trafalgar Square. Includes English farmer’s market, banqueting area, cookery demonstrations, family marquee and live music. 12-6pm. Free. Nearest tube: Charing Cross, Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus. For more information, visit the Greater London Authority website.

• 25 April : St George’s Festival

One day festival to celebrate St George’s Day at Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. Including a medieval combat tournament, Shakespearean performances, Morris dancers, puppet show, live music, archery, falconry demonstration and a Medieval market serving food (including a hog roast) and drink. 12pm onwards. Free. Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, Vauxhall, SE11 5HL. Nearest station: Vauxhall. For more information, visit the Vauxhall One website.

• 25 – 26 April : Vogue Festival

Returning for its fourth year in two venues, including talks, masterclasses, workshops, cover shoots and make-overs and appearances from John Galliano, Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Louboutin, Bobbi Brown, Olivier Rousteing, Roksanda Ilincic, Charlotte Olympia and Vogue’s fashion director Lucinda Chambers. Ticket prices vary. Booking in advance highly recommended. Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, SW7 2EU and Royal Geographical Society, 1 Kensington Gore, SW7 2AR. Nearest tube: South Kensington. For more information, check out the Vogue website.

Supporter the runners at the London Marathon

• 26 April : Virgin London Marathon

Cheer on an estimated 36,00 runners raising money for charity in the world’s biggest marathon. The 26 mile marathon starts in Greenwich/Blackheath and ends in The Mall. Free for spectators. For more information and spectator maps, visit the Virgin London Marathon website. For Metro Girl’s blog on a previous London Marathon, click here.

• 30 April – 3 May : London Coffee Festival

A celebration of coffee for the capital’s caffeine lovers at the Old Truman Brewery, featuring food, music and – of course – coffee. Visitors will even have the chance to make perfect coffee at home from some top baristas. Tickets start from £11.50 (advance), £14.50 (on the door). The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QL. Nearest station: Shoreditch High Street or Aldgate East. For more information, visit the London Coffee Festival website.

• Now until 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 25 May : Shaun In The City Art Trail
  

  Follow the Shaun In The City 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. Free. For more information, visit the Shaun In The City website. For Metro Girl’s gallery on the Shaun In The City trail, click here.

• Now until 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.

• Now until 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.

• 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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