Category Archives: Entertainment
Check out film, music, dance or theatre in London.
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
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
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.
Guide to what’s on in London this Halloween 2022
Find out what family activities, club nights, film screenings, and other Halloween activities are on this October, including half-term.
After the pandemic somewhat dampened Halloween celebrations for two years in a row, this year fans of the festivity will be really going all out.
This year, Halloween falls on a Monday so expect the celebrations to start the weekend beforehand. Two days later, the Mexican festival of Day of the Dead will also be taking place.
The run-up to Halloween is half-term holidays so expect plenty of museums and attractions to do spooky-themed fun for families.
Look out for the 🐻 for family-friendly activities.
Daytime Halloween activities
- 23 September – 6 November 2022 : Dark Arts @ Warner Bros. Studios
Dark Arts returns to the Harry Potter experience for the Halloween season. The Great Hall is full of 100 floating pumpkins hovering over a Halloween feast, while props from Professor Lupin’s Defence Against the Dark Arts class will be on display. Watch a procession of the Death Eaters. Tickets from £49.95. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7LR. Nearest station: Watford (then a shuttle bus to studios). For booking, visit the Warner Bros Studio Tour website.
- 5 October – 11 November 2022 : Halloween @ Leadenhall Market
Celebrate Halloween at the City’s iconic Leadenhall Market, with giant tentacles installation, Hoxton Street Monster Supplies pop-up, and Burials, Bombs and Fantastic Beasts’ walking tours. Open Tues-Fri 11am-6pm. Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch Street, City of London, EC3V 1LT. Nearest stations: Monument or Bank. For more information, visit the Leadenhall Market website.
- 14 – 31 October 2022 : Halloween @ Backyard Cinema
Watch Halloween classics on a cosy bean bag in London’s most magical cinema. Full bar and street food stalls available. Matinees and evening screenings. Tickets: £11-£32. Capital Studios, 13 Wandsworth Plain, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET. Nearest station: Wandsworth Town. For booking, visit the Backyard Cinema website.
- 15 – 31 October 2022 : 50 Berkeley Square @ London Dungeon
Step into the attic of 50 Berkeley Square and discover the stories of the building’s lost souls. Show included with standard Dungeon entry. Times vary, with later openings during half-term week. Tickets: Adults from £28, Children from £22.50. The London Dungeon, The Queen’s Walk, South Bank, SE1 7PB. Nearest station: Waterloo, Westminster or Embankment. For booking, visit the London Dungeon website.
- 24 – 31 October 2022 : Halloween @ Belgravia
A host of events will be taking place around Belgravia, including free Halloween walking tours (29 and 30 Oct), pumpkin trail, decorating spooky biscuits, family Halloween activities @ The Lanesborough, and others. Times vary. At various sites around Belgravia, SW1. Nearest station: Victoria. For more information, visit the Belgravia London website.
- 21 October – 6 November 2022 : Hallowed Peak
An immersive, Halloween open world experience, featuring trails and quests, horror experiences, carnival acts, ghost stories, and live music. Open Fri 5:30pm–10:30pm, Sat 11:30am–4:30pm (first session) 5:30pm–10:30pm (second session), Sun 1pm–6pm. Tickets: From £45. Unit 4, Canada Water Retail Park, Surrey Quays Road, SE16 2XU. Nearest station: Canada Water. For tickets, visit the Phantom Peak website.
- 22 – 30 October 2022 : Halloween @ Hampton Court Palace
Discover the stories of King Henry VIII’s haunted palace, including the Gallery of the Damned, or check out a seance in the Council Chamber. Open 10am-5.30pm. Tickets: Adults from £26.10, Children from £13, Under 5s free. Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, KT8 9AU. Nearest station: Hampton Court. For booking, visit the Hampton Court Palace website. Read the rest of this entry
Guide to what’s on in London in September 2022
Find out what events, festivals and exhibitions are on this month, including Open House, Life Lessons, Totally Thames and more.
Superbloom sees the Tower of London’s moat filled with flowers
Autumn has arrived, the kids are back in school and London’s festival season is busier than ever. With September usually still a warm month, there’s plenty of alfresco fun to be had around town. Among the big events are the month-long Totally Thames Festival, the hugely popular Open House Festival and the return of Frieze Sculpture.
Read on to find out what festivals, exhibitions and special events are on in London this September, including ticket prices, transport details and more.
Some events are subject to cancellation or rescheduling due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Keep up to date with organisers’ social media before you go.
Look out for the 🐻 for family-friendly activities.
- 1 – 18 September 2022 : Portobello Film Festival
Two and half week festival returns to Notting Hill with screenings and events at the Gate Picturehouse and the Muse Gallery. Free. Nearest stations: Ladbroke Grove or Westbourne Park. For more information, visit the Portobello Film Festival website.
- 1 – 30 September 2022 : Totally Thames
Month-long festival celebration the river and its heritage. Featuring a host of online and in-person events focusing on the heritage, environment and culture of the Thames. At various locations. Some events are free. For more information and booking, visit the Thames Festival Trust website. 🐻
- 1 September – 2 October 2022 : STRETCH @ Eccleston Yards
A month-long wellness and fitness festival comes to Eccleston Yards, featuring workshops, classes, experiences, talks and more, such as outdoor painting, floral therapy, nutrition advice, marathon tips, yoga and more. Times vary. Eccleston Yards, Belgravia, 21 Eccleston Place, Belgravia, SW1W 9NF. Nearest station: Victoria. For more information, visit the Belgravia London website.
- Now until 2 September 2022 : Summer by the River
A host of free entertainment returns to the riverside location, including family theatre, live music, DJs, film screenings, Platinum Jubilee events, 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 September 2022 : Food & Play Pop-up
An afternoon and evening of food and fun comes to Wimbledon, featuring international food, cocktail mixing demos, beer and cheese pairings, DJs, and games (table football, Connect 4, Giant Jenga, board games and more). From 12pm-9pm. Free entry. The Piazza, Wimbledon, SW19 1QB. Nearest station: Wimbledon. For more information, visit the Love Wimbledon website. 🐻
- 2 – 4 September 2022 : Pub in the Park – Chiswick
Celebration of food and music sets up camp in west London for the weekend. Featuring performances from Craig David TS5, The Sugar Hill Gang, Beverley Knight, Faithless DJ, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Christians, along with top celebrity chefs and London restaurants. Open Fri 6pm-10.30pm, Sat 11.30am-4.30pm, 6pm-10.30pm, Sun 1om-7pm. Tickets: Adults £43.40-£55.51, Children £27.13-£40.69. Chiswick House & Gardens, Chiswick, W4 2QN. Nearest stations: Turnham Green and Gunnersbury. For more information, visit the Pub in the Park website. 🐻
- 2 – 4 September 2022 : Meatopia
A festival for carnivores, for those who love cooking with fire. Featuring over 60 of the world’s top fire chefs, bars, live music, DJs, and more. Over 18s only on Friday. Open Fri 4pm-11pm, Sat 12pm-10pm, Sun 12pm-6.30pm. Tickets from £26.50. Tobacco Dock (Pennington Street entrance), Wapping, E1W 2SF. Nearest stations: Shadwell or Wapping. For more information, visit the Meatopia website.
- Now until 4 September 2022 : The Beach @ Brent Cross
London’s largest beach returns for the summer, along with street food, games and rides. Open: Term-time (Sat & Sun only – 12pm-9pm), School holidays (Daily 12pm-9pm). Entry: £5 pp (£4 advance). Brent Cross Shopping Centre, Prince Charles Drive, Brent Cross, NW4 3FP. Nearest station: Brent Cross. For more information, visit the Brent Cross website. 🐻
- Now until 4 September 2022 : Doctor Who – Time Fracture
Fans of the Time Lord will love this immersive, theatrical experience as you ‘travel’ back to 1940s Mayfair during the Blitz. Times vary (experience lasts 2hr 15mins). Over 8 yrs+ only. Tickets from £29.95. UNIT HQ, 1-8 Davies Mews, Mayfair, W1K 5AB. Nearest station: Bond Street. For booking, visit the Doctor Who: Time Fracture website. 🐻 Read the rest of this entry
Zoetropes, rainbow foam and flying hammocks | Greenwich + Docklands International Festival is back for 2022
Outdoor arts and theatre festival returns to Greenwich and East London for 18 days.
Charon by Peter Hudson will be at the Royal Docks
© Mitzi Peirone
Returning to the Thameside neighbourhoods this month is the hugely-popular Greenwich + Docklands International Festival (GDIF). Taking place at various locations, the free arts and theatre festival kicks off on 26 August 2022 and runs for 18 days, with this year’s theme being ‘Common Ground’. Artists from Spain, Germany, Flanders, Italy, France, The Netherlands, Ukraine, and the U.S. will join homegrown talent, with 12 UK premieres taking place. Launching the GDIF 2022 will be the UK premiere of Spark, by Dutch artist and innovator Daan Roosegaarde. The sky above the Queen’s House lawns in Greenwich will be lit up by thousands of biodegradable light sparks in a two-night performance inspired by fireflies.
One of the highlights of this year’s GDIF includes Peter Hudson’s 32ft high zoetrope Charon, created for the Burning Man Festival in 2011, which will be placed in situ at the Royal Docks. Meanwhile, Stephanie Lüning will transform Greenwich Peninsula into a river of rainbow foam with her Island of Foam installation. Families will love This Woven O by Oliver MacDonald, an arena made of willow hosting accessible theatre and storytelling, in Woolwich. Canning Town will become the chill zone with the mindful fairground ride Relaxerette, by Arjan Kreidhof.
There will also be performances from Graeae, Common Wealth, Speakers Corner and Fuel, Gobbledegook Theatre, Royal Ballet, Protein Dance, Fevered Sleep, Chris Green, Tara Theatre, Middle Child Theatre and Talawa Theatre Company during the festival.
The Greenwich Fair returns to the Old Royal Naval College and Cutty Sark Gardens on 27 August, while the two-day outdoor dance festival Dancing City will pop up at Canary Wharf on 10-11 September. Last year’s GDIF attracted over 75,000 visitors, with more expected for 2022 as London continues to recover from the pandemic.
- The Greenwich & Docklands International Festival runs from 26 August – 11 September 2022. At various locations across Greenwich and Docklands. Free to attend. For more information and booking, visit the GDIF website.
King’s Cross Summer Sounds 2022 | Free music festival returns to N1
Local and international artists will perform over 12 days.
King’s Cross Summer Sounds returns on 10 August 2022
King’s Cross will be filled with the sounds of music this August as its annual free music festival returns. Previously known as Cubitt Sessions, the King’s Cross Summer Sounds sees 12 days of festivities from local and international artists at Coal Drops Yard, kick starting on 10 August.
The 2022 theme, Connected Communities, embraces the cultural diversity of the London district. Visitors can enjoy music every evening from 6.30pm-8.30pm and on Sundays from 1pm-6pm.
Opening the festival is celebrated Flamenco composer and guitarist Paco Peña and Friends. Other festival highlights include folk quartet Tacla; alternative pop duo APRE; and an Evening of Songs from the Shows featuring Danial Boys. Closing out the festival on 21 August is the world-renowned London Community Gospel Choir.
King’s Cross Summer Sounds Programme:
• Wed 10 Aug – Paco Peña & Friends
• Thu 11 Aug – Tacla, Gypsy jazzers from North Wales
• Fri 12 Aug – APRE pop duo supported by Zola Courtney
• Sat 13 Aug – Evening of Songs from the Shows, Danial Boys & Guests. Read the rest of this entry
Guide to London’s open-air cinemas in summer 2022
Find out where London’s pop-up outdoor cinemas are this summer, including prices and transport details.
As the summer nights get warmer, what better way to enjoy the season by watching one of your favourite films underneath the stars (if you can see them in London!). Returning for the sunnier months are a host of roaming pop-up cinemas, with big screens cropping up in some of the capital’s best parks and green spaces.
While many are ticketed, there are also some freebie screenings, but you’re advised to turn up early to secure a spot and avoid disappointment.
Here’s a guide to London’s outdoor cinemas, including prices, locations and transport details.
- 29 April – 4 September 2022 : Rooftop Film Club
Watch your favourite classics or newer releases in a cosy deckchair with a cool vista. Times vary. Tickets: £16.95-£22.95. Venues include Roof East (7 – 8 Stratford Multi Storey Car Park, Great Eastern Street, Stratford, E15 1XE. Nearest station: Stratford) and the Bussey Building (133 Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4ST. Nearest station: Peckham Rye). For more information, visit the Rooftop Film Club website.
- 30 May – 2 September 2022 : Summer By The River
Film screenings will be broadcast on the big screen at The Scoop as part of the entertainment schedule by the river this summer. Times and days vary. Free (first come, first served). London Bridge City, Bankside, SE1 2AA. Nearest stations: London Bridge or Tower Hill. For more information and full listings, visit the London Bridge City website.
- 30 May – 22 September 2022 : Canary Wharf Summer Screens
As part of Canary Wharf’s open-air screen, which broadcasts sporting matches, there will be film screenings on Wednesdays and weekends. Free. Canada Square Park & Union Square, Canary Wharf, E14. Nearest stations: Canary Wharf. For more information, visit the Canary Wharf website.
- 23 June – 2 October 2022 : Luna Cinema
Roaming alfresco cinema pops up at various locations across the capital (and the UK). Expect old classics and new favourites. Times vary. Tickets: Adults from £19.50, Children from £13.50. Venues include Regent’s Park Open-Air Theatre, Chiswick House, Kensington Palace, Dulwich Park, Danson House, Westminster Abbey, Lincoln’s Inn, Clapham Common, Kenwood House, Hampton Court Palace, Marble Hill, Wimbledon Park and Old Royal Naval College. For more information and tickets, visit the Luna Cinema website.
- 24 – 26 June, 1 – 3 July and 19 – 21 August 2022 : Adventure Cinema
Head to an outdoor screening of classic films and new releases. Tickets: Adults from £14.50, under 12s from £9.50. London venues include Beckenham Place Park (Nearest station: Beckenham Hill), Charlton House & Gardens (Nearest station: Charlton), and Osterley Park & House (Nearest station: Osterley). For more information and booking, visit the Adventure Cinema website.
- 27 June – 3 August 2022 : Screen on the Canal
Everyman Cinema takes the big screen to the banks of the canal. Films include Dune, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Free Guy, West Side Story, Belfast, King Richard, Matilda, and Encanto Sing-a-Long. Free. Canalside Steps, Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4AA. Nearest station: King’s Cross St Pancras. For more information, visit the King’s Cross website. Read the rest of this entry
Guide to what’s on in London in June 2022
Find out what festivals, events and exhibitions are on in London as summer kicks off.
Summer is here at last and what a bumper month of events are on in the capital. Of course, the big event is the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, which will see an extra long Bank Holiday weekend from 2-4 June, with a host of royal-themed celebrations on around town. There’s also half-term holidays from school the first week of June so parents will be searching for ways to keep their little ones occupied.
Aside from Platinum Jubilee fun, expect to see immersive experiences, the return of foodies’ paradise Taste of London and a host of arts festivals.
Read on to find out what’s on in London this June 2022, including exhibitions, festivals, and special events for both adults and children alike.
Look out for the 🐻 for family-friendly activities.
- 30 May – 2 September 2022 : Summer by the River
A host of free entertainment returns to the riverside location, including family theatre, live music, DJs, film screenings, Platinum Jubilee events, 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. 🐻
- 1 – 5 June 2022 : Jubilee @ Southbank Centre
Five days of entertainment and parties to mark Her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne, including Step Hop House with Folk Dance (2 Jun), Danny Boyle in Conversation (5 Jun), and a Platinum Jubilee Celebration Concert (4 Jun). Tickets vary from free to paid. Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XX. Nearest tube: Waterloo or Embankment. For more information, visit the Southbank Centre website. 🐻
- 1 – 30 June 2022 : London Festival Of Architecture
A month-long celebration of architecture, with this year’s theme being ‘act’. 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 – 18 September 2022 : Superbloom @ Tower of London
The historic moat surrounding the Tower will be filled with flowers to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. As well as flower displays, there will also be a sound installation and sculptural elements. Various tickets available with or without the main Tower of London visit. Tickets (Superbloom only): Adults from £12, Children from £6.60. Tower of London, Tower Hill, EC3N 4AB. Nearest station: Tower Hill or Tower Gateway. For more information, visit the Tower of London website. 🐻
- 2 June 2022 : Trooping The Colour
Military parade to mark the Queen’s official birthday with soldiers, horses, musicians and a flypast. Parade from 10am and flypast at 1pm. Free. Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade via the Mall, Whitehall, SW1. Nearest stations: Green Park, Westminster or St James’s Park. For more information, visit the Household Division website. 🐻
- 2 – 3 June 2022 : Queen’s Platinum Jubilee @ Battersea Power Station
Celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee with live music, dance performances, roaming acts, family games, the Queen’s Baton Relay (2 June) and lighting of the Jubilee Beacon. Times vary. Free. Battersea Power Station, Battersea, SW8 5BN. Nearest station: Battersea Power Station. For more information, visit the Battersea Power Station website.
- 3 – 5 June 2022 : Foodies Festival @ Syon Park
Food festival including Chefs Theatre (Atul Kochhar, Daniel Lee, Aaron Middleton, Tony Rodd, Ryan Baker, Shelina Permalloo and more); Cake & Bake Theatre; Drinks Theatre; live music from Scouting For Girls, East 17, Lee & Simon from Blue and Liberty X; street food stalls, competitions and food challenges; Kids Cookery Theatre and more. Fri-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun 11am-8pm. Tickets start from £23. Syon Park, Brent Lea, Brentford, TW8 8JF. Nearest station: Syon Lane. For tickets, visit the Foodies Festival website. 🐻
- 3 – 5 June 2022 : Jubilee Weekend Colouring Workshop
Artist and illustrator Samme Snow hosts a weekend of colourful art workshops for children and adults alike. Workshops held from 10am-6pm. Register online for a free ticket. Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, N1C. Nearest station: King’s Cross St Pancras. For more information, visit the King’s Cross website. 🐻
- Now until 4 June 2022 : 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. 🐻
- 4 June 2022 : Jubilee Dance Party
One day festival to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, including five stages, dance lessons, family entertainment, live music, DJs, and street food. 12pm-7pm. Free. Wembley Park, Wembley, HA9 0FD. Nearest stations: Wembley Park or Wembley Stadium. For more information, visit the Wembley Park website. Check out Metro Girl’s blog post on the event. 🐻
- 4 June 2022 : Queen’s Baton Relay
Watch the Queen’s Baton Relay arrive in the City following its journey through 72 Commonwealth nations. Enjoy sporting and cultural activities, pose with the baton, and feast on street food. From 12pm-3pm. Free. Paternoster Square, City of London, EC4M 7DX. Nearest station: St Paul’s or City Thameslink. For more information, visit the City of London website. 🐻
- 4 – 12 June 2022 : Camberwell Arts Festival
Nine day festival celebrating the arts and creative talent of Camberwell. Featuring exhibitions, open studios, interactive evensong, comedy, blues party, summer fair, guided walks and much more. At venues in Camberwell, Peckham, Loughborough Junction, Denmark Hill, Brixton and East Dulwich. For more information, visit the Camberwell Arts Festival website. 🐻
- Now until 5 June 2022 : Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Witness the beauty and diversity of the natural world in this annual photography exhibition. Open Mon-Sun 11am-5.50pm. Tickets: Adults £15.50, Children £9.25. Natural History Museum, South Kensington, SW7 5BD. Nearest station: South Kensington. For more information and booking, visit the NHM museum website. 🐻
- Now until 5 June 2022 : Mexican Geniuses – A Frida and Diego Immersive Experience
An immersive, digital art show brings visitors into the paintings of Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Open Tues-Thur 10am-7pm, Fri & Sun 10am–8pm, Sat 10am-8.30pm. Tickets: Adults from £19.90. Retail Park, Unit 1 Canada Water, Surrey Quays Road, SE16 2XU. Nearest station: Surrey Quays. For more information and tickets, visit the Mexican Geniuses website. 🐻
- 5 June 2022 : Platinum Jubilee Pageant
Reflect on 70 years of the Queen’s reign with a pageant of military and entertainment, culminating at the Queen Victoria memorial opposite Buckingham Palace for a grand finale. From 2.30pm-5pm. Starting at Whitehall, then up The Mall and ending outside Buckingham Palace. Nearest stations: Piccadilly Circus, Green Park, St James’s Park, Victoria and Westminster. For more information, visit the Platinum Pageant website. 🐻
- 8 – 20 June 2022 : Fitzrovia Arts Festival
Music and culture festival, celebrating the best of Fitzrovia. Featuring concerts, drama pieces, talks, walks and social and fitness events. Events are free. At venues across Fitzrovia including Rebecca Hossack Gallery, Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, Royal Society of Musicians and the Fitzrovia Chapel. Nearest stations: Tottenham Court Road, Warren Street and Goodge Street. For more information, visit the Fitzrovia Arts website. 🐻 Read the rest of this entry
Memoirs Of A Metro Girl 