Tate Britain delves into an overlooked chapter in the Impressionist story and Bryan Cranston and Michelle Dockery star in the Ivo van Hove-directed Network this November in London.
Dine in your own personal snow globe alongside the Thames this winter. The four private dining domes are part of Jimmy's Lodge On The River, created by Jimmy Garcia of Jimmy's Pop Ups fame. Serving a set menu which includes a trio of canapes followed by traditional Alpine fondue and the option of Cote de Boeuf to share, these snow globes are the ideal alternative option for a group get-together or a staff Christmas meal. An alpine foodie retreat, Jimmy's Lodge also serves a fondue menu at 'The Refuge', upstairs in the first-floor restaurant. In addition, there's a more accessible grab-and-go menu from the Winter Grill downstairs, so you can eat as you stroll along, taking in the winter market and views over the river.
Following a sell-out run at Live Theatre in Newcastle, Patrick Marber's drama The Red Lion transfers to Trafalgar Studios. The show is about the competitive nature of semi-professional football, looking at different generations of football fans. Stephen Tompkinson and John Bowler reprise their roles as the wheeler dealer manager and locker room staff legend. The pair clash over the future of the club's new star player, who is played by Dean Bone. Max Roberts directs the work with design by Patrick Connellan.
Got a pot of Nutella with your name on it? Marmite with your moniker? Taking a closer look at the impact that personalisation has had on us, the Museum of Brands hosts display of the latest personalised packs as well as one-of-a-kind packaging. Put together with UK packaging innovation experts, ThePackHub, Personalised Packaging details what's possible with the latest digital print technology and shows the most innovative packaging. In the run up to Christmas, take inspiration from personalised Nutella and Coke bottles and put your friends' and family's name on your own personalised Christmas tree decoration. Suitable for families with young children as well as teenagers.
Set in London's Olympia, The Luxury Travel Fair is a chance for London's elite to book tickets to suitably plush and exotic locations. Bringing together the best and biggest high-end travel companies from all over the world, it's an opportune moment for some face-to-face interaction between luxury companies and their customers. Launched in 2006, the fair is the only of its kind, with 11,000 visitors milling around the exhibition space, sipping champagne and enjoying a wide range of talks from a variety of celebrity faces and travel experts. If you have an interest in networking and travel, then this event is a definite date for your diary.
The EY Exhibition: Impressionists in London delves into an overlooked chapter in the Impressionist story. Hosted by Tate Britain, it looks back to the 1870s, when France was devastated by the Franco-Prussian war and insurrection in Paris, and explores how many artists chose to seek refuge across the Channel. Presenting captivating works by the likes of Monet, Tissot and Pissarro, the exhibition will show how the artists' London experiences and friendships influenced not only their own work but also the British art scene.
More than just a food festival, Wahaca's Day of the Dead presents a multisensory exploration of Mexico with live music, DJs, contemporary and street art, Mexican performances, tequila, and mezcal. Taking over the labyrinth of the Vaults, the three-day festival will also play host to a Mayan jungle, a recreation of the Cemetery Panteon General in Oaxaca and a reincarnation experience that brings together poetry and songs and provides guests with the chance to pay their respects to the loved ones they've lost. Movimientos will provide the music and Wahaca will, of course, provide the food, serving up authentic Mexican dishes. There will also be a family day and a Morning Gloryville rave.
With no known culture in the world or history without religious beliefs, The British Museum explores the practice and expression of these beliefs with its new exhibition, Living with gods: peoples, places and worlds beyond. The exhibition comes as part of a collaborative project between the British Museum, Penguin Books and the BBC, building on a Radio 4 series presented by the former director of the British Museum, Neil MacGregor, who believes that Britain is trying to become the first society in history to function without a religious belief at its core. The exhibition, meanwhile, will look at the benefits and risks of the expression of these beliefs in terms of co-existence and conflict in societies such as 17th-18th century Japan, China and the Soviet Union. It will also consider the neurological and psychological triggers as well as the mystical and sociological aspects of belief, showcasing everyday objects relating to world faiths alongside remarkable historical pieces such as an 18th century replica of a Hindu ceremonial chariot.
With extra lanes added to cope with demand, Sliders, the bowling-on-ice that proved so popular here at Roof East last winter, returns. Brought to you by the people behind Rooftop Film Club, it's a club where you can book one of the neon lit curling lanes, sip on themed cocktails, enjoy street food and karaoke cabins powered by Lucky Voice, all on the 8th floor of a multi-storey car park in Stratford. Street food favourites Rockadollar Dogs serve up festive frankfurters and Peruvian barbeque specialists, Cachina, give the traditional hog roast a Latino twist. Entry to the undercover, heated Winter Bar is free with space for 200, 360 views of East London and Thermos asks full of hot cocktails.
The Birmingham Stage Company, who recently completed a record-breaking tour of David Walliams' Gangsta Granny, now turn their attention to Walliams' Awful Auntie. Awfully thrilling fun for everyone over five, the stage show tells the story of Stella, who set off to visit London with her parents. Waking up from a coma three months later, only her Aunt Alberta can tell Stella what has happened. But not everything Aunt Alberta tells her turns out to be true in this tale of frights, fights and friendship. Featuring a very old car, a very large owl and a very small ghost.
A free display of the best photographs submitted to the annual World Press Photo of the Year competition can be seen on Level 2 of the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall every year in November. This year's contest draws entries from around the world, with more than 5,000 photos from 126 countries submitted. Expect to see images that capture or represent great journalistic importance from the last year, with images of Quezon City jail, one of the Philippines' most overcrowded prisons; victims of the Islamic State in Mosul, Iraq; protests against police brutality in Louisiana, US; and men struggling in the water during a rescue in the Mediterranean.
An all star cast and creative team come directed by Olivier Award winner Ivo van Hove come together for Lee Hall's stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning 1976 film, Network, penned by Paddy Chayefsky. Downton Abbey's Michelle Dockery, best known as icy Lady Mary in the TV drama, takes on the role of television executive Diana Christensen, played by Faye Dunaway in the original film. She stars opposite Bryan Cranston (Walter White in Breaking Bad) as the mentally unstable news anchorman Howard Beale who he suffers an emotional breakdown live on screen during his final broadcast.
From Piccadilly Circus to Oxford Circus, the capital's world-famous Regent Street will be closed to through traffic so it can, once again, host the annual Regent Street Motor Show, the UK's largest free-to-view motoring extravaganza. Three hundred cars from the past, present and future go on display as 120-year old classics are parked up alongside the latest zero emission electric models. Held the day before the Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, the motor show includes around 100 of the cars vying for the honours. Added to all this are stage shows, street entertainment by dance troupes and a motorcycle stunt team, making it an exciting day out for car fans.
After a successful launch at Camden Market earlier in the year, The London Cheese Project returns this November, this time taking place at the Geffrye Museum in Hoxton. From traditional Mexican cheeses to hard and blue cheese, the two-day festival is a celebration of the huge variety of cheeses made in London. Visitors will be able to talk to some of the capital's top urban cheesemakers, taste dishes from some top foodies, hear from cheese writer Patrick McGuigan and see mozzarella making and a parmesan vs cheddar crack off in the live demo area and, of course, purchase plenty of the goods. There will also be live music, craft beer, cocktails and street food.
The 2017 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run adopts a French flavour to celebrate France's contribution to motoring's early days. Many of the pioneering French marques line up in Hyde Park as over 500 pre-1905 vehicles make the 60 mile drive from Hyde Park in central London to the Brighton seafront in Sussex, through some of Britain's loveliest scenery. It's a great day out for vintage car enthusiasts from all over the UK and beyond and it's also a bit of a spectacle. The day before the run, on Saturday, more than 100 of these beautiful old cars can be seen on Regent Street as part of The Regent Street Motor Show. You can get up and close to view them and its free of charge. This annual event has taken place every November to commemorate the Emancipation Run of 1896, celebrating the passing into law of the 'Locomotives on the Highway Act'. This raised the speed limit from 4mph to 14mph and meant that cars no longer had to travel with a man walking in front.
Tom MacRae's musical Everybody's Talking About Jamie transfers to London's Apollo Theatre after an acclaimed run at the Sheffield Theatre. Despite being openly gay and confident enough in himself to tackle the school bullies, 16-year-old Jamie is still reserved when it comes to opening up about his drag queen dreams. Directed by Jonathan Butterell and starring Dan Gillespie Sells, this fearless coming-of-age story follows Jamie as he overcomes the prejudice and steps into the limelight.
The Oxford Street Christmas Lights scheme is inspired by falling snow flakes this year. The whole mile of Oxford Street is covered in a blanket of bright white lights with 1,778 baubles and 750,000 LED bulbs lighting up the length of the street. Closed to traffic on Tuesday 7th November, the Oxford Street Christmas Lights switch on is marked by a night of festivities and a magical, fun-filled family festival. We don't know who will switch on this year's lights but expect a celebrity of the calibre of previous years - including Kylie Minogue, Cheryl, Jessie J and last year's star, Craig David. The lights will then be there to stay, brightening up the street for the rest of the festive period. Children's charity NSPCC is partnering with the event for the second year running, joining forces with Sky Cinema to raise money for Childline.
Tate Modern looks at the dramatic history of Russia and the Soviet Union through the eyes of artist, designers and photographers with its new exhibition. Red Star Over Russia: A Revolution in Visual Culture 1905-55 will show the extraordinary collection of photographer and graphic designer David King, who started his collection of over 250,000 items relating to this period while he was working for The Sunday Tims Magazine in the 1970s. The collection features work by El Lissitzky, Gustav Klutsis, Dmitri Moor and Nina Vatolina, with rare propaganda posters, prints and photographs taking visitors on a journey through the momentous period of the October Revolution.
Somerset House explores the contemporary artistic and stylistic representations of the north of England with new exhibition, North: Fashioning Identity. With over 100 photographs, fashion garments and artworks, it highlights how the realities of life in the north during the mid-20th century inspired a new generation of photographers, artists and designers, both homegrown and those from further afield. Work by the likes of Alasdair McLellan, Paul Smith, Nick Knight, Shirley Baker, Peter Saville and Peter Mitchell will be on display.
Angela Betzien's award-winning The Dark Room comes to Theatre503 for its UK premiere. Transferring from Australia, where it won Best New Australian Work at the Sydney Theatre Awards, the intricately layered psychological thriller looks at one of the devastating issues of contemporary Australian discourse - the abuse of children. Set in a run-down motel in central Australia, it sees six lost souls collide in a distant tragedy of lovesickness and social breakdown, just not on the same night. With heartache and corruption, it serves as a timely reminder that no matter how far apart we are in distance and time, we are still responsible for each other's lives.
In preparation for Christmas, the Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair brings a taste of rural England to the Business Design Centre, with all the cosy traditionalism that goes with it. With over 400 exhibitors there's everything you need for a perfect Christmas. There are handmade toys, stocking fillers, limited edition decorations, and, of course, plenty of seasonal food - from smoked salmon and tender ham to the delights of Cornish cheese, mulled wine, sloe gin, fudge, chocolate and traditional Christmas puddings. With all that tartan and tinsel, this is the perfect place to begin getting into the Christmas mood. It also gives you the chance to deal with all those traditional seasonal nightmares long before the last minute.
The Darbar Festival, now a regular fixture on London's event calendar, moves from the Southbank Centre to Sadler's Wells in 2017, bringing the best of Indian classical music to the capital. One of the only festivals that bring together the two kinds of Indian Classical music - Hindustani from the North, and Carnatic from the South. This year, it also represents its sister art form by presenting classical dance as well as music, with a programme specially curated by Akram Khan.
Neverland London - Fulham's first Thameside beach - has frozen over and been given a makeover just in time for winter, transforming into Winterland London. The sand, beach huts and sun loungers are out and snow, wintery lodges, igloos and fur lined sofas are in. A wintery adult playground will feature four neon lit curling lanes, mini golf, ping pong and prosecco pong while food will come in the form of gooey fondue, steak frites and raclette burgers courtesy of Jimmy Garcia of Jimmy's Lodge. Just liked Neverland, it will be an affordable drinking experience with the option to bring your own booze if visiting on a Thursday, Friday or Sunday - you just need to pay the £5 entry fee. Alternatively, there's a full bar on site serving all the winter warmers you could possibly want.
Great jazz musicians including Abdullah Ibrahim and Hugh Masekela, Marcus Miller and Gipsy Kings & Chico come to the capital for the EFG London Jazz Festival returning in 2017 for its 25th year. Presenting 2,500 artists across 60 venues over the course of the 10-day festival, more than 250 shows take place in London's best concert halls and arts centres including the Southbank Centre, Royal Albert Hall, Barbican Centre, Ronnie Scott's, 606 Club, The Forge, the Rich Mix Centre, Artsdepot, Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall and Kings Place. At the Roundhouse On Mass, the ultimate mass music making spectacle, returns with 180 young musicians and circus performers giving a one night only performance on Sunday 12th November.
Wintertime at Southbank Centre, the last chapter in the year-long Nordic Matters, brings a Finnish Rooftop Sauna, ABBA-oke and the ever-popular winter market to the South Bank. Danish children's theatre company Teater Refleksion and theatre artist Andy Manley invite families and young children on a magical, poetic journey (19th to 31st December), Norwegian musician and the pioneer of ice instruments Terje Isungset presents a live performance of his ice music (on 15th December) and there's an afternoon of Nordic themed activities, with music, storytelling and craft for all the family on 23rd December. The entire 21 acre site is transformed into a winter landscape with a Nordic feel, designed by Hemingway Design, with hundreds of Christmas trees, an immersive ABBA exhibition, Super Troupers, Slava's Snowshow, choirs, carols and classical music. As well as free Tango classes and East London Drag Star Ginger Johnson there's a day inspired by ABBA and A Vintage New Year's Eve Party with fantastic views of the London fireworks.
Presented by Stylist Magazine, Stylist Live is back for its third year in 2017 and it has doubled in size since launching in 2015. Taking place at Olympia London, the event expects to welcome 21,000 visitors to take part in the festival of inspiration, which presents a line-up of talks, workshops, pop-up boutiques, beauty treatments, food, comedy, music and more. Speakers at this year's festival include Emma Willis, Nigella Lawson, Reggie Yates, Robert Webb, Joel Dommett, Katherine Ryan and Alice Levine. Sessions include How To Work Like The French, Morning Routines of Successful Women, Quickfire Coding and How To Close The Pay Gap. There will also be over 200 unique independents selling fashion, jewellery, beauty, stationery and more.
The beautiful oaks trees and gardens at Syon Park are illuminated in spectacular fashion once again this winter. Adding a significant veil of mystique to the festive season, the magical event invites visitors to enjoy a unique guided walk. The trail leads you around the 18th century lake - where the shapes and textures of the ancient winter trees are reflected in the water - and past intriguing corners of the estate, all of it floodlit to maximum rainbow effect. The shadows and magic of a frosty winter's night make this an ideal opportunity for photographing the forest in a unique way. Warm clothing and stout footwear are advised and hot refreshments are available on the night.
While its home is under reconstruction the Southbank Centre's Hayward Gallery presents a touring exhibition, One Day This Glass Will Break, of works by Cornelia Parker opening at londonprintstudio before travelling throughout the UK. Twenty large-scale photogravures, brought together for the first time, include eight works from the 2015 series made using copper printing plates. Inspired by the 19th century photographic pioneer William Henry Fox Talbot, Parker uses found objects - a tower of crystal glasses, a shattered light bulb and melting ice cubes - to capture their shadows in a still life.
The annual Lord Mayor's Show begins with a river pageant and takes over the streets of London as a parade of over 6,000 people, military marching bands and floats surround a gilded State Coach carrying the newly elected Lord Mayor. It's a spectacle and celebration that goes back 800 years and, just as he did all those years ago, the Mayor travels by river, from Westminster to HMS President in the Gloriana accompanied by a flotilla of 24 traditional Thames boats. It's a wonderful day of pomp and pageantry. The street procession starts at 11am with an RAF flypast and goes on until about 2.30pm, covering the whole area between Bank and Aldwych with the mayor departing from Mansion House for the Royal Courts of Justice where he/she takes an oath of allegiance to the Queen. For a grand finale there's one of London's most impressive fireworks displays at 5.15pm, set off from a barge moored in the Thames between Blackfriars and Waterloo Bridges. The best vantage points to watch from tend to be around Embankment and Gabriel's Wharf.
Each year, on the second Sunday of November, members of the Royal Family join current and former members of the services at the Cenotaph for Remembrance Sunday, a time to pay tribute to the dead of the UK and Commonwealth. This year, for the first time since 1999, The Queen will not lay a wreath. She'll watch from the balcony of the Foreign Office with Prince Philip while Prince Charles and other members of state place wreaths at the Cenotaph followed by two minutes' silence at 11am. While thousands of people line the streets leading to Cenotaph, there are usually other events marking Remembrance Sunday including a Ceremony of Remembrance at London's Imperial War Museum, a day of activities at the National Army Museum and a weekend of events at the Royal Air Force Museum.
In 2017, the MTV European Music Awards (EMAs) are to be held in London for the first time in 21 years. Coming to Wembley's SSE Arena in November, the awards will be hosted by Rita Ora and welcome a raft of A-list stars. Taylor Swift leads the nominations this year with a total of six, followed shortly by Shawn Mendes with five. Other nominees include Kendrick Lamar and Ed Sheeran, both with four, Clean Bandit, the Foo Fighters, Harry Styles, Rita Ora, ZAYN and Rag 'n' Bone Man. Live performances come from host Rita Ora and Major Lazer with the rest of the line-up yet to be announced.
Oscar-nominated ensemble Les Enfants Terribles - whose brilliant signature show is at Wilton's Music Hall until 28th October 2017 (go see!) - invites audiences to don a balaclava and walk in the shoes of Russian feminist protest punk rockers Pussy Riot. Collaborating with Nadya Tolokonnikova - the founder of the post punk, feminist art collective - they've created an immersive theatrical production, Inside Pussy Riot. Coinciding with the Saatchi Gallery's Art Riot: Post Soviet Actionism exhibition, it's an exhilarating show and an immersive theatrical experience which explores imprisonment for the freedom of speech.
Howard Brenton's adaptation of August Strindberg's Miss Julie gets its London premiere this November at the Jermyn Street Theatre. Directed by Tom Littler, it will be the first West End staging of the play since 1980 and will star Charlotte Hamblin of Downton Abbey. Set in 1888, the play sees Julie alone on her father's estate on a Midsummer's Eve. After deciding to gatecrash the servants' party, she finds herself in a dangerous tryst with her father's manservant, Jean. What will come of this dangerous game of flirtation?
The soul, blues and pop singer-songwriter, Alison Moyet, performs live in support of her new album 'Other' and has added a second show at the London Palladium after the first one sold out. Still making adventurous electronic pop, Alison's latest album includes the zingy 'Lover Go', chic laid-back soundtrack-style 'The English U' and 'Beautiful Gun' - a nod to her rock and roll roots. Speaking about the album, Alison said, "Some of us have always felt 'Other'. I no longer wish it were otherwise."
Directed by Ramin Gray, the Young Vic presents an adaptation of David Greig's classic story of Aeschylus, which was written 2,500 years ago and is one of the world's oldest plays. The Suppliant Woman follows 50 women as they leave everything behind to board a boat in North Africa and flee across the Mediterranean to escape forced marriages and hopefully find assistance and asylum in Greece.
The National Gallery unites all four versions of Akseli Gallen-Kallela's Lake Keitele in its new exhibition, Lake Keitele: A Vision of Finland. Upon visiting Finland Gallen-Kallela fell in love with the beauty of the Finnish landscape and returned to Lake Keitele over and over again, depicting it several times in his work. Now one of the most popular paintings in the gallery, this exhibition will see the different versions displayed side by side, showcasing the gradual shift of the composition from an observed, naturalistic landscape towards a highly stylised and abstracted image.
This autumn, the Design Museum marks the 70th anniversary of Ferrari with a major new exhibition. Ferrari: Under the Skin provides a behind-the-scenes look at the design, manufacturing and engineering of the iconic car brand. Created in collaboration with Ferrari, it will take a journey through the car's 70 years, bringing together early design models, rare personal memorabilia and archival material relating to Enzo Ferrari's life. See some of the most famous Ferraris to be seen on the roads and racing circuits along with wind tunnel models, hand-sculpted models and an example of Ferrari's ongoing quest for glamour and innovation.
The grand 18th-century courtyard of Somerset House makes for a spectacular backdrop for one of the most popular ice rinks in town. This year Skate Lates brings a specially curated programme of music to the rink at night with takeovers from Peckham-based radio station Balamii, Somerset House Studios artist Larry Achiampong, Field Day founders and promoters Eat Your Own Ears, '90s and '00s hip hop night Supa Dupa Fly and more. Get your Christmas shopping done while you're there at The Christmas Arcade, a pop-up version of Fortnum & Mason's occupying 15 rooms in the West Wing of Somerset House filled with hampers, tea caddies, stocking fillers, gifts and games.
A Christmas event with a twist, Christmess moves to an old warehouse in Southwark, once home to Hunter Penrose, for one hell of a dinner party. St. Nick is hosting the party, he's spinning the rules on their head, replacing Ps & Qs with Gs & Ts and table etiquette consisting of dancing on them. Here you'll find Mama Claus' hidden parlour and blues room, the glittering Green Fairy who grants wishes from a hidden absinthe bar and a Santa's Whiskey Grotto where you can find out if you've been naughty or nice... and pay the consequences. Cajun roasted turkey and candied yams feature at festive, 12-dish feasts served by Slap Ya Papa and served for lunch or dinner. Downstairs there's a workshop filled craftspeople from across the capital selling stocking fillers plus they'll show you how to make your own with classes on floral wreaths and beeswax candles. It's all part of Nicky's Imaginarium, a naughty and anarchistic world filled with Santa's little helpers, live music and plenty of Christmas sparkle.
The winter edition of Taste of London presents 22 of London's top restaurants and a host of talented chefs under one roof for a festive treat at Tobacco Dock. Ollie Dabbous, Jackson Boxer (from Brunswick House) and Lee Westcott who can be found at the Town Hall Hotel'sTyping Room, are joined by Sebby Holmes (Farang) and Sam Kamienko (Ellory). They're all appearing live on stage at the AEG Taste Theatre, hosted by food journalist and Instagram star Rosie Birkett. Satisfying two London food trends, there's a special Fire Pit section with experts tips on cooking with fire and smoke as well as the largest cheese competition on the planet, The World Cheese Awards 2017.
The regal sweep of John Nash's famous shopping street has a great, festive atmosphere when the Christmas lights are switched on. Regent Street goes traffic-free for the official turning on of the lights, switched on by a well known personality - Holly Willoughby did the honours last year - and with the moment marked by a fireworks display. We're looking forward to the return of 2016's Spirits - 16 beautiful winged figures in lights, each with a 17-metre wing span and 15-metre train of lights stretching behind.
Three photographers have been shortlisted for this year's Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize, the major international photography award on display at the National Portrait Gallery every November. The shortlist includes photographs of a migrant rescued in the Mediterranean Sea off the Libyan coast, a girl fleeing ISIS in Mosul, Iraq, and a Japanese android called Erica. Held at the National Portrait Gallery each year, the 15,000 pound prize consistently attracts a high level of expertise yet the 'open to all' caveat means there's always an element of surprise. The In Focus display at this year's exhibition shows previously unseen prints from a new body of work by American photographer Todd Hido.
Tara Fitzgerald plays Elizabeth I as Matthew Dunster directs Anders Lustgarten's historical thriller in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at Shakespeare's Globe. Lustgarten's new play The Secret Theatre has strong contemporary echoes and ventures to the blackened heart of Elizabeth I's court where spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham, played by Aidan McArdle, presides over a vast surveillance network. He promises to thwart the enemy's attempts at espionage and blackmail, by any means necessary.
In anticipation of the opening of the new restaurant and sherry bar in 2018, Pilgrim presents a series of supper clubs that promise to serve a unique dining experience. Following a successful inaugural run, which was a sell-out success, the supper club will see guests feast on a six-course menu of dishes inspired by the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage that has been made since the 9th century to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. Made using the finest Spanish produce from some of the UK's most reputable farmers, butchers and fishmongers, dishes include a salt-baked scallop, cider-braised Iberico short rib and a decadent olive oil poached apple tart. The supper clubs come in partnership with XECO Wines, a contemporary brand of sherry wines, in order to add a distinct dimension and an authentic yet modern touch. Guests can choose between a wine pairing menu to accompany the meal or buying individual drinks on the night. Purchase tickets here.
Throughout late November and December a large area of Hyde Park near Hyde Park Corner is transformed into a Winter Wonderland, complete with fairground rides, giant wheel, circus, Christmas market, food and drink stalls, Santa's grotto and, of course, an ice rink. Now in its ninth year, Winter Wonderland has become a favourite in many Londoners' calendars. There's a huge choice of things to do from the ice rink to the Magical Ice Kingdom where you can go on a Deep Sea Adventure. Other popular features are the 53-metre-high Observational Wheel, Zippos Circus - always a hit, especially when temperatures plummet - and traditional Christmas Market with wooden chalets and Bavarian-style bars and cafes. (Remember: advanced booking on the main attractions is advised while you'll need to buy tokens from kiosks dotted around the fair for the many rides.) Free entry to the site means you can just walk around and absorb the festive ambiance - but it will take a strong will not to succumb to the smells and fun on offer.
New York based dancer and choreographer Kyle Abraham combines balletic and hip hop movements in his latest piece, which is inspired by the 1991 John Singleton film Boyz N The Hood, the writings of American civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois and Abraham's own childhood. Pavement comes under Sadler's Wells Debut, offering audiences a chance to discover the work of rising choreographers new to the Sadler's Wells stage, with a special ticket price and a free post-show talk.
Rhys Ifans plays penny-pinching miser Ebenezer Scrooge in Matthew Warchus' staging of Charles Dickens' timeless classic at the Old Vic. In this joyous new adaptation by Harry Potter playwright Jack Thorne, four ghosts visit Scrooge on Christmas Eve and shepherd the curmudgeon between past, present and future. Music and cheer abound as Scrooge races against time to thaw his heart in time for the festive season in an uplifting story ideal for families with children aged 11 and above.
This Christmas, Harlem meets Hackney in the classic rags to riches tale of Cinderella.West End performer Aisha Jawando (most recently seen as Martha Reeves inMotown the Musical) steps into the glass slippers of the title role. Hackney Empire pantomime legends Tony Whittle and Kat B are the Ugly Sisters, Darren Hart (seen on Justin's House and Gigglebiz) plays Buttons and writer and director Susie McKenna, once again at the helm of this year's panto, takes on the role of Wicked Stepmother. Throw in Chris Jenkins as Prince Charming, glittering sets, big song and dance numbers, slapstick comedy plus a flying horse and you get a knockabout comedy adventure of one girl and her glittering glass slipper, punctuated with puns galore. The perfect family treat for Christmas in the East End.
Back for a third year, Hamleys Toy Parade is the largest parade of toy characters in the world and sees Regent Street transformed into a traffic-free, all-day extravaganza attended by close to a million children and families last year. A cast of hundreds, including marching bands, dancers and toy cars, parade along Regent Street, finishing at Great Marlborough Street in the free event. Much loved characters include CBeebies favourites, Lego characters, Barbie, Fireman Sam and The Transformers plus there's street theatre and music from Magic FM. It's Hamleys brought to life.
Following a hugely successful opening at the Dorfman Theatre in June, the Barber Shop Chronicles returns to the National Theatre as part of its autumn season. Directed by Bijan Sheibani, the National Theatre's co-production with Fuel and West Yorkshire Playhouse explores the timely concerns, personal trials and tribulations of the customers and staff of barber shops. Leaping from London, Johannesburg, and Harare to Kampala, Lagos and Accra, Inua Ellams' dynamic drama animates one day across six cities with a thousand stories.
Pulitzer Prize-nominated drama Yellowman is staged at The Young Vic this November, with Genesis Future Directors Award winner Nancy Medina directing. Set in South Carolina in the 1970s, Dael Orlandersmith's powerful play reflects on internal racial prejudice and colourism within the black community. The play follows children Alma and Eugene, who struck up a friendship, blissfully unaware of their differences. However, while growing up, their developing affection is met with opposition, with prejudice and violence complicating their relationship.
The sequel to The Gruffalo, which proved such a hit and a popular Christmas outing in the West End, The Gruffalo's Child is a stage version of Julia Donaldson's classic picture book story that kiddies just love, enchantingly told by Tall Stories with a winning simplicity. This time it's the Gruffalo's child who ventures into the 'deep, dark wood', against the advice of her sleeping father. On the search for excitement and a 'big, bad mouse', she meets creatures who come close but are nothing like the scary mouse - a snake, an owl and a fox. The cast of three manage to transform the book into a live stage show with remarkably few props and a host of infectiously catchy songs, not to mention some superb dance routines and non-stop drama. Recommended for children aged 3 and above.
A chorus of singing trees, a giant light-up piano keys connected to a real-life piano and laser beams over water await visitors to the mile-long illuminated trail that forms the centrepiece of Christmas at Kew. In 2017, for the first time the great broad walk borders form part of the trail, transformed by hundreds of shining petals and gigantic flower pots. After dusk, Kew Gardens is lit up by giant light sculptures, a fire garden and light projections on the Palm House. Stop off to see Santa and his elves performing panto along the way, enjoy carousel and helter skelter rides as well as mulled wine, mince pies and traditional festive fare.
White Cube Bermondsey marks the 50th anniversary of Gilbert & George with its new exhibition, Gilbert & George: The Beard Pictures and Their Fuckosophy. Running across all four of the Bermondsey galleries, it sees the pair, who started working together as students at St Martins School of Art in 1967, at their weird and wonderful best. The Beard Pictures sees the pair sport beards out of everything from beer foam to snake tongues while The Fuckosophy serves up a collection of nearly 4000 pronouncements and mottoes.
The Last Days of Shoreditch pop-up returns with a seasonal makeover, transforming into Winter La La Land. Taking place in the heart of east London, it will boast a line-up of events against a wintery backdrop of roaring fire pits and an intimate dance floor. Ernest Hemingway inspired cocktails will be served in the old fashioned Stirred Not Shaken bar and street food will be served by Cheeky Burger, Biff's Jack Shack and cult pop-up Smokey Tails, who will offer a menu of American breakfasts and bottomless brunch. The star-studded DJ line-up includes Stuart Patterson, Dave Jarvis and Friends and Lucky Voice will be presenting a karaoke experience.
This November, Tate Modern takes a journey through Amedeo Modigliani's career with a major new retrospective. Responsible for some of the most memorable art of the 20th century, Modigliani continuously evolved his career, developing his own distinctive visual language. The exhibition will begin with the artist's arrival in Paris, exploring the creative contexts that shaped his life and work, before moving on to his best-known work, his nudes. Bringing together just under 100 artworks, this exhibition will explore how Modigliani pushed the boundaries of the art of his time.
After taking over Victoria Park for the past few years, Winterville moves to Clapham Common for 2017. South London's answer to Winter Wonderland, the town of Winterville brings together a number of classic Christmas season favourites, including an ice rink, a fairground and Christmas market. Backyard Cinema will be creating an enchanted forest named The Winter Night Garden while Plonk Golf and the roller disco will provide alternative entertainment. The Spiegeltent also returns with a line-up of cabaret, comedy and family Christmas shows and Street Feast's Winter Feastopia will offer a tempting array of street food and drinks.
After the roaring success of the original Vegan Nights market - the queue stretched all the way down Brick Lane - it's coming back this November. Hosted by the Truman Markets and King Cook of Cook Daily fame (the widely popular vegan cafe and Instagram account), it will take place at the Boiler House on Brick Lane and feature an array of delicious vegan dishes, including Yoga Fire, made out of spiced chickpeas, sweet potato curry and dhal; the Rainbowl, a colourful stir fry; and a vegan friendly full English with tofu eggs, greens, veggie sausages and beacon.
This staging of Raymond Briggs's The Snowman by Sadlers Wells, suitable for children aged 4 and over, staged in the Peacock Theatre, has become a much-loved festive tradition in London. Translating the beautifully-illustrated book to dance, the respected ballet company creates a winter wonderland of a stage show at their West End theatre. This is the theatrical equivalent of going to see Father Christmas except infinitely more spectacular as a young boy's snowman comes to life and the two of them fly across the sky. When Father Christmas does appear it's in a shimmering woodland, surrounded by magical reindeer, dancing penguins and a host of snowy friends. As the first notes of Walking in the Air fill the theatre, the heart-melting factor will not disappoint as awe-struck children (and adults) are mesmerised by the dazzling light show of snow.
King of boogie woogie, Jools Holland, and his 20-piece Rhythm & Blues Orchestra bring their energy-fuelled show to the Royal Albert Hall as part of a 33-date UK tour. The composer, pianist, bandleader and broadcaster is joined by Grammy Award winner Jose Feliciano who, with his mix of Latin and pop styles, has had hits with covers of The Doors' 'Light My Fire' and the Bee Gees' 'And the Sun Will Shine', as well as the much-loved Christmas classic, 'Feliz Navidad'. Awarded an OBE in 2003 for his services to the British music industry, Jools has been bringing new music and legendary stars to our living rooms for two decades through his TV shows 'Later with... Jools Holland', and Jools' Annual Hootenanny.
Robert Webb, Simon Amstell, Kevin Powell and Alan Hollinghurst are just four of the speakers lined up for this year's BAM - Being A Man festival, providing a platform for conversations on how men's roles are evolving in the 21st century. Panel discussion topics include 'strong men' like Trump and Putin, masculinity in the Middle East, body image and what it means to be a gay, bisexual or transgender man today. The programme also includes a Build a Dad session with the LEGO Group, a Nordic shouting masterclass with the Finnish Scream Men's Choir Huutajat, and Men in Sheds workshops.
For the first time Hyper Japan is bringing Illuminight, a festival of lights, to Tobacco Dock, which sees traditional Japanese lantern crafts get a modern makeover. Another new feature is the Ramen Experience where you can try four different dishes and vote for your favourite. Twice a year, Hyper Japan showcases Japanese performers, special guests, exhibitors, food stalls, creative workshops - and most importantly - plenty of kawaii and kooky gift ideas. This winter event is perfectly timed for Christmas shopping. Visitors will be able to browse stalls, play retro computer games and take part in craft courses ranging from paint-your-own kistune (fox) masks, to kokeshi doll decoration. Sample all kinds of food from Japanese curry to traditional wagashi sweets, vote for your favourite tipple in the Sake Cocktail Awards and enjoy live entertainment from acrobatic groups to pop singers.
The Olivier Award-winning La Soiree cabaret switches its spiegeltent for the West End this winter, taking up residency at the Aldwych Theatre. Billed as the same cheeky show in a more grown-up location, it will see the traditional theatre transformed into an intimate cabaret club with in-the-round seating and will showcase the company's signature cocktail of cabaret, comedy, circus sideshow and contemporary variety. Debuts include a show of strength from The Chilly Brothers Cradle Act, acrobatics from Mallakhamb India, aerial hoop from Lea Hinz and hula hoop from Michele Clark while returning favourites include comic powerhouse Amy G, puppeteers Cabaret Decadense and slapstick duo Daredevil Chicken Club.
Since becoming the first ever group to win the X Factor in 2011, Little Mix have been working hard to ensure they don't fall under the same umbrella as many previous unsuccessful winners. Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall have succeeded in their mission with three number one singles, a platinum selling debut album and the highest ever US chart debut by a British girl group - beating even the Spice Girls. Now the BRIT-nominated four-piece present pop, R&B and hip hop hits including Black Magic and Salute at two London gigs - at Greenwich Music Time and at London's O2 Arena.
The BRIT award winning pop five-piece has had a phenomenal comeback since reuniting five years ago. Now, in celebration of its 20th anniversary and with a new album, Tears On The Dancefloor, Steps is back and stopping off at Wembley Arena where they hold the record for the highest number of consecutive sold-out nights. It may have been a Tragedy for Steps fans when Claire, Faye, Lisa, Lee and H decided to part ways and say their sorry goodbyes to the land of cheesy pop back in 2001 but they're still producing new music like latest single, Dancing With A Broken Heart. Hailed as the Abba of their time, Steps had 14 consecutive top 5 hits in their heyday. Their album Steptacular went four times platinum and they went on to sell a staggering 15 million records. If you remember hits like 5,6,7,8, Stomp and Deeper Shade of Blue then you will love this nostalgic 90s pop-fest. NOTE: You can also see Steps at The O2 as part of this arena tour.
Set in 1940s Bombay and performed in the as yet unopened Dishoom in Barkers Building, Kensington, Night at the Bombay Roxy is a site specific production and an immersive Indian noir. It's Bombay, 1949, and an unexpected and exciting jazz scene is flourishing. Despite the heavy monsoon weather, there is a jostling of people outside the Bombay Roxy. The man behind the club's reinvention is the charismatic Cyrus Irani, whose name was once synonymous with Bombay's racketeers. But now Cyrus intends to put the Bombay underworld behind him in this play based on Naresh Fernandes' critically acclaimed book, Taj Mahal Foxtrot. NOTE: Suggested age recommendation: 18 and over.
The American group, fronted by vocalist Brandon Flowers, perform their rock material in support of their fifth studio album, Wonderful Wonderful. The Killers are back on tour in November after a busy summer playing a sold out show in Hyde Park and a spectacular, hit-laden surprise set at Glastonbury - their first time at the festival since their 2007 headline Pyramid Stage show. These two gigs at London's O2 Arena, on 27th and 28th November, come at the end of the tour which begins in Birmingham.
A new exhibition at the Serpentine presents the work of British artist Rose Wylie, showcasing her ability to take inspiration from day-to-day sources - from an olive oil label to a scene from Quentin Tarantino's iconic Kill Bill films - to create visually compelling and vibrant pieces. Filling the Serpentine Sackler Gallery with her large-scale canvases, the exhibition will show paintings and works dating from the late 1990s to the present day, some of which have never been exhibited before. One painting being shown has been created especially for the show and is based on Wylie's memories of living close to Kensington Gardens as a child for a short period during the Blitz.