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Immerse yourself in a colourful wonderland as Colourscape returns to Wembley
Be entertained by musicians and dancers as you walk through a tunnel of sound and light.
Colourscape comes to Wembley Park this Easter
IMPORTANT UPDATE 16/03/20: Due to the Covid-19 virus, Colourscape has been postponed. All ticket holders should receive an automatic refund in the coming days. If you have not received a refund by the end of the week please contact KX Tickets directly at customers@kxtickets.com.
Returning to Wembley Park this Easter is the travelling immersive art installation Colourscape. From 8 – 13 April 2020, visitors can walk through a labyrinth of colour and light while enjoying live performances by musicians and dancers.
Colourscape was originally created by artist Peter Jones in the early ’70s and has previously popped up at the Vienna Festival of Youth, Cologne for the World Cup and Turku for European Capital of Culture. The installation is comprised of a series of interlinked, kaleidoscopic chambers. As visitors stroll through the maze of light, they will be met by musicians playing instruments from Tibet, China and Mongolia. Guests will be given coloured capes to wear so they blend into the interactive tunnel of colour.
Returning to Wembley for the second year running, this year’s Colourscape will be supporting learning disability charity Brent Mencap.
- Colourscape takes place from 8 – 13 April 2020. At Wembley Park Boulevard (next to London Designer Outlet), Wembley, HA9 0FD. Nearest stations: Wembley Park or Wembley Stadium. Open 11am-4.30pm (sessions last 30 mins). Tickets (must be pre-booked): Adults £5, Children £3. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Wheelchair accessible. No dogs allowed. For more information, visit the Wembley Park website.
An evening of escape rooms and Murder Mystery at the immersive ‘a Twist of the Rope’
If you’re a fan of escape games and immersive experiences, this fun charity event could be right up your street. This November, KIDS are hosting an evening of murder mystery in trendy east London for one night only.
‘A Twist of the Rope’ will combine the traditional murder mystery format with live performances and an interactive escape room. Visitors will be taken on a mysterious journey to join the circus, where a killer is hiding in the world of ringmasters, lion tamers and mimes. Keep an eye out for clues, solve riddles, interrogate witnesses and unravel the secrets of the circus.
Guests are invited to help Detective Jones find out who killed the circus acrobat, found dead in her dressing room next to a mysterious vanishing cabinet. Aspiring investigators can take part in teams of 2-6 people.
Money raised from the event goes to KIDS, who support over 13,500 disabled children, young people and their families across Britain. Established in 1970, the charity provides over 120 different services and works with 80 local authorities across the country.
- Murder Mystery: A Twist of the Rope takes place on 13 November 2019. From 7.30pm-10.30pm. Over 18s only. Tickets: £30. Trapeze Bar, 89 Great Eastern Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 3HX. Nearest station: Old Street. For more information, visit the KIDS charity website.
For a guide to what else is on in London this November, click here.
Dolphins, and whales, and kelp – oh my! New Carnaby Christmas installation to be unveiled at shopping party
The Carnaby Christmas installation will highlight the plight of our oceans this year
The subject of the environment and the urgency to save the planet is rightly a big concern right now. So this festive season, Shaftesbury are collaborating with ocean conversation charity Project O to launch the Carnaby Christmas 2019 installation. Instead of traditional festive decorations, the light installation will be given an oceanic twist.
The iconic Carnaby Street will be transformed into a theatrical underwater scene, with pink coral, whales, dolphins, clams and seahorses floating above you. The message ‘One Ocean, One Planet,’ will highlight the need for conservation and the desperate need to reverse the effects of climate change. One of the main features will be a 5-metre sculpted whale which blows bubbles. Meanwhile, on the side streets of Carnaby – Foubert’s Place and Newburgh Street, 200 illuminated vampire squids will glitter away, while a mermaid will be resting on the famous giant plug on Ganton Street.
A host of sustainable materials have been used to create the installation, with every element made using recycled and reusable materials, including repurposed fishing nets, 500m of used bubble wrap and 1,500 recycled plastic bottles. The installation will be given its colourful appearance with 100% cotton fabrics and 100 litres of water-based, eco-friendly vegan paint.
The lights switch-on will coincide with the annual Carnaby Christmas Shopping party, where visitors can enjoy special events, activities, promotions and discounts throughout the district’s over 100 shops, restaurants and bars. There will also be tap-to-donate points, with all money raised going to ocean charities.
- The Carnaby Christmas Shopping Party takes place on 7 November 2019. From 5pm-9pm (lights switch-on at 6pm). Free. Carnaby London, Soho, W1F. Nearest station: Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus. The light installation will be on show throughout the festive period. For more information and to register for your 20% discount, visit the Carnaby London website.
For a guide to what else is on in London this December, click here.
Celebrate women artists and support womens’ charities with Mount Street Editions by Frieze London
There’s a Hole in the Sky Part I 2016, by Helen Cammock, one of the artists taking part in Mount Street Editions by Frieze
Returning to the capital this October is Frieze London, a contemporary, international art fair. As part of this year’s event, Frieze London is collaborating with Mount Street to commission four leading female artists to produce limited edition prints. Throughout Frieze Week (4-7 October 2018), a pop-up customised vehicle on Mount Street will be selling 100 prints daily. The collaboration is inspired by the Frieze’s new Social Work section, which celebrates female artists who fought to be recognised in the male-dominated art market during the 1980s.
The artists taking part are:
– Helen Cammock, winner of 2018 MaxMara Prize for Women’s Art.
– France-Lise McGurn, whose wall painting was a highlight of the recent Virginia Woolf exhibition at Tate St Ives.
– Renee So, knitting and ceramic artist.
– Zadie Xa, whose work is on view at MoMA PS1 and is also presenting at Frieze London 2018.
Money raised from the sales will go towards two UK charities, Dress For Success and the Young Women’s Trust. Dress For Success economically empowers women by providing them with a support network, while the Young Women’s Trust assists young women aged 16-30 struggling to live on the poverty line in England and Wales.
Each unique commission will be revealed before the pop-up launch, with the location and timings of the vehicle being listed on the Frieze London’s social media channels. An edition of a different artist’s print will be revealed every day throughout the fair, priced at £50 per print.
Meanwhile, Mount Street’s fashion and lifestyle boutiques and stores will be supporting women in art during the fair.
- Frieze London takes place at Regents’ Park from 4-7 October 2018. The Mount Street Editions by Frieze London will be sold in a moving pop-up on Mount Street, Mayfair, W1. Nearest station: Marble Arch or Bond Street. For more information, visit the Frieze London website.
For the latest guide to what’s on in London, click here.
Conservation and colours as the Tusk Rhino Trail comes to the capital
Patrick Hughes’ The Rainbosceros in Covent Garden for The Rhino Trail
If you’ve been in central London recently, you may have noticed some pretty new pieces of street furniture. Twenty one rhino sculptures have been erected near iconic sights as part of the Tusk Rhino Trail. Each piece of art has been customised by international artists, to raise awareness of the rhinos’ plight. These magnificent creatures are under threat of extinction due to poaching and they must be protected.
Nick Gentry’s silver rhino at St Pancras
The capital-wide art installation has been curated by Chris Westbrook for the Tusk conservation charity. The sculptures will remain in situ until World Rhino Day on 22 September 2018. The following month, all 21 will be auctioned by Christie’s to raise money for the charity on 9 October.
Artists taking part include Ronnie Wood, Marc Quinn, Gavin Turk, Axel Scheffler, the Chapman Brothers, Charming Baker, Glen Baxter, Nick and Rob Carter, Eileen Cooper, Nancy Fouts, Nick Gentry, Zhang Huan, Patrick Hughes, David Mach, Gerry McGovern, Harland Miller, Mauro Perruchetti, Dave White, David Yarrow and Jonathan Yeo. Locations include Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, Guildhall, Marble Arch and St Paul’s. Why not download a map and bring your children rhino spotting.
- The Tusk Rhino Trail is on now until 22 September 2018. To download the trail map and find out more about the charity’s work, visit the Tusk Rhino Trail website.
For a guide to what else is on in London in September, click here.
This post is taking part in #CulturedKids, sharing cultural blog posts aimed at children. Thanks to Catherine at Cultured Wednesdays for getting me involved.
Go back to the ’80s and party in the name of charity at exclusive members club Tramp
As demonstrated by the huge success of Netflix show Stranger Things, it appears the 1980s are more popular than ever. Living in a world overwhelmed by social media and technology, no wonder so many of us hanker for more innocent times with bad perms, no mobile phones and stone-washed jeans.
If you’re a fan of the Eighties, you have the chance to embrace the era’s extreme fashion and strange hairdos on a nostalgic night out. On Thursday 22 March 2018, KIDS Charity is hosting a fundraising ’80s themed bash at legendary nightclub Tramp. As well as giving you the chance to reach for the crimpers and blue eyeliner, it is also a rare opportunity to see inside the exclusive members’ club, which is normally off-limits to the public. You can expect themed cocktails, outrageous costumes and the best ’80s anthems. There will also be a competition prize for the best dressed. The venue and DJ have generously offered their services free of charge so all income goes directly to the charity.
Although the pre-party dinner tickets are already sold out, there’s still the chance to purchase party only tickets, which include a welcome cocktail and canapés. Tickets are £50 each, however, there’s the chance to snap them up for £35 in a special flash sale from Thursday 1 March until Friday 9 March if you use the code MARCH15.
The KIDS charity was established in 1970 and now provides over 120 different services and works with 80 local authorities across the country. In 2017, KIDS helped over 13,500 children and their families. Tramp is one of the capital’s most exclusive private members’ clubs with a wild and fabulous history dating back to 1969. Over the decades, Tramp has hosted royalty and entertainment legends Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Keith Moon, Rod Stewart, George Best, Jack Nicholson, Steve McQueen and Sir Michael Caine, among many others. Many celebrities have celebrated their wedding receptions at the club, including Peter Sellers, Joan Collins, Liza Minnelli and Ringo Starr. More recently, the likes of David Beckham, Rihanna, Drake and Kate Moss have partied the night away at Tramp.
- The KIDS 1980s Party takes place on Thursday 22 March 2018 from 10pm-3am. At Tramp, 40 Jermyn Street, St. James’s, SW1Y 6DN. Nearest station: Green Park. Over 18s only. For more information and tickets, visit the KIDs website.
Find out what else is on in London in March.
Help young Londoners fight food waste with the Bubble & Squeak project
Help children fight food waste with the Bubble & Squeak initiative
Every year, the UK throws away an estimated £13 billion worth of food that could be eaten. Pretty disgusting figures I’m sure you’ll agree when so many people are starving or struggling to afford nutritious meals. A lot of the blame can be put on people not knowing the difference between ‘best before’ and ‘use by’ dates or the volume of BOGOF deals at supermarkets, meaning we are buying more food than we need.
One group of young Londoners are doing something about it by selling surplus food in the school playground and to the local community. Over 400 children aged 5 – 12 years from West London have just launched Bubble & Squeak, a new initiative named after the classic English dish made from leftovers.
The Bubble & Squeak gang aim to take surplus edible food from local businesses, markets and supermarkets and redistribute it to the local community on a ‘pay as you feel’ basis. The children from Old Oak Primary School & Old Oak Community Centre are hoping to change attitudes to food waste and give less fortunate families the opportunity to buy healthier ingredients.
Having launched last week, Bubble & Squeak are currently crowdfunding to raise £4,500 for a customised shipping container to store the surplus food and sell from. The deadline is 23 May 2017 so if you can, please donate to this worthwhile cause.
- To donate to Bubble & Squeak’s campaign before 23 May 2017, visit their crowdfunding page here. Or to find out the latest new from the kids and their mission, visit their official website, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages.
Shopping with a good cause as #OneGoodThing returns to the West End
#OneGoodThing pop-up shop, which raises money for homeless people, returns to London’s West End in March
Returning to the West End this spring is an opportunity to shop with a conscience. Opening in Seven Dials on 1 March, #OneGoodThing pop-up shop will raise money for London’s homeless.
Run by homeless charity The Connection at St Martin, the boutique will sell quality fashion, accessories and homewares donated by local shops and the public. Last year’s pop-up raised thousands of pounds to help those sleeping rough on London’s streets.
Located on Earlham Street, #OneGoodThing will stock designer and vintage clothing and shoes, silk scarves, jewellery, leather handbags, pictures, ornaments, antiques and china. All profits will go towards helping London’s homeless move off the streets, while the store will provide homeless people from The Connection with volunteering placements so they can gain retail experience and the skills to help them in future employment.
Lance Kuhn, Enterprise Manager, from The Connection says: ‘We are so delighted to be opening a new shop off the back of last year’s success and aim to do even better this year. Sadly, rough sleeping in the capital is increasing so this is a chance to collectively make a difference to homeless people’s futures. Nearly everyone has #OneGoodThing which is gathering dust at the back of a wardrobe and could be recycled for this good cause. Now’s the time to dig it out and donate it!’
- #OneGoodThing, 38 Earlham Street, Seven Dials, WC2H 9LH. Nearest station: Covent Garden or Leicester Square. The store will open from 1-31 March 2016. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am‐7pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12-6pm (Closed: Easter Sunday). To donate, bring items to The Connection St Martin’s, 12 Adelaide Street, WC2N 4HW, between Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.
For a guide to what’s on in London in March, click here.
Listen to live music while showing your charitable side at Devonshire Square this Christmas
Be entertained by a host of live music acts at Devonshire Square this Christmas
© Devonshire Square
With all the partying and shopping in the run-up to Christmas, it can be easy for the season’s true message to get lost amidst all the pomp. So why not venture to Devonshire Square in the City of London this month for a dose of Christmas revelry while celebrating the spirit of giving.
For those who don’t know, Devonshire Square is a relaxing space on the edge of the City, full of historic Georgian townhouses and converted 18th century warehouses. As well as a host of restaurants, bars, galleries and more, its open courtyard is a hub of activity and entertainment. Among the restaurants on site include Hix City, Marco Pierre White Steak & Alehouse and Cinnamon Kitchen.
At the centre of attention in Devonshire Square this festive season will be the Christmas Wishing Tree, decorated with paper hearts featuring handwritten wishes from those in need. Visitors can read the wishes and pledge to make it come true by writing ‘honoured’ on the hearts. For every wish granted, a floating candle with be lit and released into the fountain in the Western Courtyard on 22 December. The granted wishes will then be given to homeless charity The Connection on Christmas Day.
As well as offering an opportunity for you to do your bit for those less fortunate, there will also be a host of free live entertainment over December.
- Thursday 10 December @ 12.30pm : The High Society Brass Band
Part of an 80-piece marching band, they will be playing popular classical, pop and jazz hits while wearing their Christmas jumpers.
- Monday 14 December @ 6pm : The Constanza Chorus
Local choral society will be singing to raise money for the Help Musicians UK charity
- Tuesday 15 December @ 12.30pm : Tenori
Talented trio of internationally acclaimed opera singers (Alexander Grove, Nicholas Ransley and John Hudson) will be performing.
- Tuesday 22 December @ 12.30pm : Sammie Jay and Wishing Tree Ceremony
The floating candles will be lit for each wish honoured on the Wishing Tree, while singer/songwriter Sammie Jay will rouse the audience will her powerful voice.
- Devonshire Square, EC2M. Nearest stations: Liverpool Street, Aldgate or Aldgate East. For more information, visit the Devonshire Square website.
For a guide to what else is on in London this December, click here.
For a guide to London’s Christmas markets and fairs, click here.
Show off your pool skills (and raise money for a good cause) at Cue For Change at Devonshire Square
Ready for the challenge? Naz Maeem of MISCO won the first day of the Cue For Change tournament in Devonshire Square
© Patrizia Ilaria Sechi
Fancy yourself a bit of a whiz at the pool table? Well for over 10 days this September, London’s Devonshire Square will be playing host to a charity pool tournament. Cue For Change will take place in the historic surroundings of the former 18th century warehouses with money raised going to the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust.
City workers and pool enthusiasts will be invited to play a game or two on the three pool tables between 12.30-2.30pm each day for the tournament, with more relaxed playing available outside those hours. The games will cost £1, with proceeds going to Dame Kelly’s trust, which supports athletes and young people. The prize giving will be conducted by European Junior Champion, Triple Jumper and Rio 2016 hopeful Julien Allwood.
During the tournament, Hix City will be hosting a pop-up restaurant, serving a special £5 per item menu of food and drinks. They’ll also be giving out free chicken popcorn to anyone who donates to the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust.
- Cue For Change will run from 1 – 10 September 2015. The tournament will take place daily between 12.30-2.30pm, while the pool tables will be available to play on outside of these hours. Devonshire Square, EC2M. Nearest station: Liverpool Street, Aldgate or Aldgate East. For more information, visit the Devonshire Square website.
Foodies feast: Hix City are hosting a pop-up during the tournament serving food and drink at £5 per item
© Patrizia Ilaria Sechi
For a guide to what else is on in London in September, click here.
Memoirs Of A Metro Girl 