Culture – Articles about London

The Tower of London has been filled with tens of thousands of red ceramic poppies since May, marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War. The display runs until 11 November, making it a fitting visit around Remembrance Sunday. Almost 30,000 poppies from the original artwork are returning,...

Novikov's Mayfair Christmas Market 2025 is making a return, bringing festive food, cocktails, and shopping to Mayfair. The best bit? This much-anticipated market is totally free to enter. Expect a generous spread of luxurious comfort food, like pasta tossed in a Parmesan wheel, tender porchetta, lob...

After years of speculation, Guinness is finally getting a proper London home, and it's a biggun'. The Guinness Open Gate Brewery will open its doors in Covent Garden on December 11, transforming the historic Old Brewer's Yard into a 54,000-square-foot playground for beer lovers, foodies, and cult Gu...

The St Andrew's Book Festival, London's largest celebration of Scottish literature and culture, has unveiled the full programme for its second edition, taking place across multiple venues from 26–30 November 2025. Founded by Scots in London, the festival brings together acclaimed authors, poets, pol...

The Four Seasons Hotel at Tower Bridge is going full winter wonderland this year, teaming up with Beluga Vodka to turn the Rotunda into a frosty forest of martinis and twinkling lights. Launching Thursday, 13 November, the space will be filled with shimmering Beluga Martini Trees and festive tablesi...

Maps have always been more than lines and landmarks; they're instruments of power, persuasion, and the occasional cover-up. 'Secret Maps', the British Library's new exhibition (24 October–18 January), steps into the shadows to explore how maps have been used to create, control, and conceal knowledge...

On Monday 6 October, The Ivy Club is throwing open its doors for one rare cultural evening celebrating one of Britain's finest theatre legends: Noël Coward. American theatre critic Charles Isherwood will lead a cosy discussion on why Coward's influence is still going strong. Joining him are Oliver S...

This weekend, on Saturday, 4 October, Cecil Sharp House hosts the Black British Folk Revival, a one-day festival that spotlights the sounds, stories, and histories of the African diaspora in British folk. Guest curator Angeline Morrison (recently hailed by MOJO as one of the voic...

The Blackhorse Beer Mile never really needs an excuse for a party, but this weekend, Saturday, October 4, they've got a good one. They're going all out for an old-school harvest festival, bringing together live music, dancing, community vibes, and, of course, plenty of beer. Things kick off on Frida...

Kick off Black History Month with the Black Culture Market in Brixton on 5 and 6 October. The two-day event showcases over 40 traders offering a diverse range of products, including African and Caribbean-inspired food and fashion, gifts, books, toys, natural skincare, and striking artworks. Held at...

'Kerry James Marshall: The Histories' at the Royal Academy of Arts is a major exhibition showcasing one of America's most important contemporary painters. Marshall's influential works place Black figures front and centre, rewriting history painting to include lives and stories that have long be...

At the London Museum Docklands, 'London Sugar & Slavery' doesn't shy away from the city's role in the transatlantic slave trade. The exhibition traces the fortunes built on sugar and the docks, revealing how wealth derived from human suffering flowed into banks, insurance firms, government...

The City of London is packed with monuments, statues and historic plaques, but so many stories never made it onto the walls. This walking tour through Culture Mile, led by Tony Warner from Black History Walks, fills in the blanks. Across quiet alleyways and grand facades, you'll hear stories of revo...

London really starts to feel festive when Covent Garden's lights turn on. And this year, more than 300,000 twinkling lights are back to transform the Piazza, Neal's Yard, Seven Dials, and surrounding streets into a proper winter wonderland, London-style. The official lights switch-on ...

Tufnell Park is opening its front gardens, doorsteps, and stoops for the 14th annual yard sale on Sunday, 28 September. Over 80 households across the streets between Holloway Road, Campdale Road, Tufnell Park Road, and Foxham Road will be selling everything from books, clothes, toys, and bric-a-brac...

One of London's quirkiest annual traditions is baa-ck. On 28 September, the London Sheep Drive takes over Southwark Bridge, with 50 North of England Mule sheep herded across the city by Freemen of the City. And this year, farmer, author, and Countryfile presenter Adam Henson joins in on the fun. The...

Queeriosities is back in London for 2025, running from 26–28 September at Copeland Park in Peckham. The art market is free to attend and showcases the work of over 60 LGBTQIA+ artists, makers, and small businesses, bringing a colourful celebration of queer creativity to the city. Alongside the marke...

The British Art Fair, a prominent event in the art world calendar, is set to welcome over 12,000 visitors this year at the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea. This annual event is renowned for showcasing the finest modern and contemporary British art available for sale. In 2025, the fair introduces 'Unsung'...

Somerset House celebrates its 25th anniversary with a full weekend of free, family-friendly events, performances, and installations, including a pop-up basketball court, an immersive disco featuring iconic 80s and 90s sounds from the “Cute” exhibition, and hands-on drawing workshops inspired by the...

This Christmas, Neverland at Kenwood is making its London debut. From 21 November to 3 January, the historic grounds of Kenwood House will be transformed into an immersive outdoor light trail inspired by J.M. Barrie's timeless story of Peter Pan. Culture Creative, who previously staged an indoor Nev...

Ahoy! More than 50 vintage vessels are mooring up at St Katharine Docks this September for the Classic Boat Festival, part of the Totally Thames Festival. The free two-day event takes place on Saturday, 6 and Sunday, 7 September 2025, right next to Tower Bridge. Now in its 16th year,...

New research has revealed where in the UK is best for pups and their people, and London has snagged second place. The study, by Capital on Tap, looked at 30 major cities and compared everything from green space to the number of pet shops and dog-friendly venues. Manchester came out on top, but Londo...

This September, the London Illustration Fair Pop-Up returns to Old Spitalfields Market, celebrating creativity and showcasing some of the UK's most exciting illustrators and independent artists. Following a successful summer edition, the fair's second instalment takes place on Saturday 13 September,...

Step back in time with the Horrible Histories® Gorgeous Georgians trail at Osterley Park and House, running until 31 August 2025. This interactive adventure brings the Georgian way of life to life with ten fun activities spread across the house, gardens, and parkland. It's the perfect activity for f...

The Queen's Park Book Festival is back on 30–31 August, bringing a jam-packed weekend of author talks, comedy, and children's events to one of London's most creative spaces. This year's lineup includes Hanif Kureishi, Kate Summerscale, and Rob Cowen, promising lively discussions on a range of topics...

This September, celebrASIA returns to Battersea Power Station for a three-day celebration of Southeast Asian culture, food, and performance. From 5–7 September 2025, the free-entry festival will feature top chefs, street food stalls, an artisan market, and live entertainment across the riverside ven...

Royal Docks Originals is a new free biennial arts festival launching in September 2025. Spanning three weeks, it'll present over 50 events including installations, performances, and community art across London's Royal Docks. “Blue Sunset” by Graphic RewildingUnder the theme “Metamorphosis: a celebra...

A new cultural event series, Leadenhall Live, has commenced at The Leadenhall Building, commonly referred to as The Cheesegrater. Running until the end of the month, this initiative aims to enhance the Square Mile's reputation as a lively hub, benefiting professionals, residents, and visitors alike.

From 28 May to 8 June 2025, an iconic 93-foot ship will be moored at St Katharine Docks, right by Tower Bridge – and no, it's not part of a film set. It's the Nao Santa María, a full-scale replica of the ship that carried Christopher Columbus across the Atlantic in 1492. Built in 2018 by a team of s...

This Saturday, 17th May, Abbeville Road will be transformed into a buzzing, traffic-free zone as it celebrates a special 'Car-Free Day'. From 11am to 4:30pm, the street will come alive with community spirit, turning its usual car-lined stretch into a festive space for everyone to enjoy. Expect heaps...

Firsts: London's Rare Book Fair returns to the Saatchi Gallery from 15–18 May, bringing with it a treasure trove of rare books, original manuscripts, letters, and literary ephemera. Whether you're a seasoned bibliophile or just someone who can't resist the smell of an old book, this fair is a must-v...

A cosmic journey awaits at the Barbican as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra presents the world premiere of 'Cosmic Rhapsody', a bold new work by composer Lim. It kicks off at 7.30pm on Monday, 5 May, and is a 42-minute piece for piano and orchestra that draws inspiration from NASA's return to space...

One of London's most picturesque festivals sails back into town this May bank holiday, as the IWA Canalway Cavalcade once again brings colour to Little Venice from 3–5 May 2025. More than 100 beautifully decorated boats, including historic narrowboats, widebeams, and cruisers, will moor in the Pool...

If you've strolled through Covent Garden, chances are you've stopped to watch one of its iconic street performers in action. It's one of the area's most-loved traditions, and even helped launch stars like Eddie Izzard, Dynamo and Stomp. This May, the area is celebrating an impressive 50 years of str...

Magic of India is hosting a colour dance party in honour of Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colours, Love, and Spring. Held at the picturesque Rose Garden in Highgate's Waterlow Park, the family-friendly event celebrates Indian culture through, traditional drummers, dancers, and a live band, along with...

East London will host a vibrant celebration of Women's History Month from 1 to 31 March 2025, organised by Alternative Arts in collaboration with Tower Hamlets Council and various local venues. This annual festival highlights the contributions of contemporary women artists, activists, writers, and p...

Part work of art, part thrill-seekers' delight, the squiggly wonder that is the ArcelorMittal Orbit in East London is reopening on Friday 14 February. Designed by renowned sculptor Anish Kapoor, the eye-catching red structure in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was unveiled to largely negative revie...

The Imagine Festival, London's leading arts festival for families, returns to the Southbank Centre from 18–23 February 2025 for its 23rd edition. Designed for children aged 0–11 and their families, the festival transforms the venue into a cultural playground filled with interactive and creative even...

The Walkie-Talkie Tower Climb, hosted by Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity), is back on Saturday, 8 March. Sprint, run or walk up 20 Fenchurch Street (the Walkie-Talkie), one of London's iconic landmarks, to raise vital funds to help seriously ill children have healthier, happier, a...

Wandsworth Town BID has partnered with Southside Shopping Centre to host a month-long series of free events and activities this October to celebrate Black History Month.  Southside will host several exciting events throughout the month, starting with the renowned artist Kay Rufai bringing his S...

The Black Unity Bike Ride (BUBR) is a 16-mile cycling event celebrating Black Empowerment, Unity, and Love, welcoming participants of all backgrounds with a focus on the African and Caribbean communities. The journey takes place on the 3 August, starting at Leyton Sports Ground in East London and co...

A new survey has ranked major cities around the world according to the number of museums, theatres, concerts, galleries, and other cultural venues and attractions they feature. The analysis took in data on 40 major cities worldwide, from Melbourne and Cape Town to Samarkand and Santa Fe, including o...

Discuss, debate, and share your own words at Extra Second London, a monthly spoken word night with a specific theme each time. The June event takes place on 29th June with the evocative theme of Love & Death. The event has featured poets sharing their own work on the theme, as well as open mic s...

On May 17, Tate Modern is hosting an evening of engaging talks by some of the UK's most exceptional authors paired with limited-edition craft beer from Track, Beak and Verdant. Renowned authors, including Eliza Clarke, the Newcastle-born author of Boy Parts, David Keenan from Glasgow (known for This...

WORDTheatreUK invites you to Ladbroke Hall on 14th May for an evening of stories, poems, and music in support of OCEAN RISING, a​n initiative that encourages the public to engage with the ocean through cultural activities and innovative events.  Established by Schmidt Ocean Institute and Nekton...

We already know that London is one of the world's great hotspots for art, design, fashion, music, and culture, but a new study has officially ranked it as the best capital city in Europe for art lovers. E-commerce platform Ubuy has done the hard work and calculated the top 20 capitals in Europe for...

Taiwan might be pretty far away from London but a new cultural festival is bringing its vibrancy to the capital. Taiwan Festival kicks off on 12th April and continues until 27th April at Notting Hill's The Coronet Theatre, showcasing the work of more than 30 Taiwanese visual artists, theatre-makers,...

Ramadan 2024 is officially underway, meaning Muslims around the globe are embarking on a journey of reflection, prayer, fasting, and community bonding from the evening of Sunday, March 10, until Tuesday, April 9.  On Thursday, March 7, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, flipped the switch to igni...

Last week we brought you news that Wandsworth has been named as the new London Borough of Culture, replacing the outgoing borough of Croydon. As Croydon passes the baton to another South London borough, it's going out with a bang with a closing weekend of exciting cultural activities. Taking place b...

Art really is everywhere in London, and this weekend a British-Iranian artist is bringing a thought-provoking piece of performance art to one of the city's most famous landmarks, Tower Bridge. Artist and wheelchair user Anahita Harding will be on the bridge's glass walkway on 16th March, performing...