Discover London

27/12/2024

Clear, crisp winter air. Empty pavements. Desolate roads. The sound of your own footsteps in central London. Not a creature stirring, not even a siren.

It’s not Covid, it’s not 28 Days Later, it’s better. It’s London at Christmas. At times the capital can be so empty in December that you almost feel like you could swim naked in the Nine Elms sky pool and no one would notice. It is complete, undeniable bliss.
Of course, there are some serious exceptions to this rule. I’m not talking about the Christmas lights and mega tourism epicentres of Oxford Street and Regent Street. No, that’s a hell that runs 24/7, like a casino.

But as soon as the final days of Christmas begin, the streets of London — the ones where we actually live — have an entirely different feel to them.
It’s clear that everyone bar Bridget Jones, Elmo and Scrooge has left the capital, for ski holidays, sunny trips or secondments to their family Agas. To me, that’s brilliant. London quickly returns to the string of villages it was always supposed to be.

During that magical period, we lift ourselves out of our usual busy lives and enjoy what’s always been around us. Suddenly there’s not the same scramble for a seat at your favourite pub. There’s no longer a ridiculous queue outside every sourdough-selling bakery in your area. You can actually bike around London without having to dodge a horde of angry cars and taxis.

Christmas is when we find out what matters most to us as Londoners, finally spending time in the city by choice, not necessity. Busy bus journeys and corporate lunch spots are quickly swapped for actual living rooms and walks through London’s parks.
You forget about the need for Pret a Manger, and it feels extra satisfying seeing them all dimmed into darkness, rendered unnecessary for a handful of days. Meanwhile, when you look through the windows of Londoners’ homes, you see the opposite: light and life, mess and mayhem, and people crowded around undersized dining tables.

One of my favourite traditions is pedalling through central London during the Christmas period. I’m lucky enough to have family on both sides of the capital, even if it does make for quite the festive commute. Quickly you see the city shift in character. Traditions are on show which many never see because they flee the city as soon as it hits December 20.

https://www.standard.co.uk/comment/london-christmas-pantomine-oxford-street-regents-street-b1201566.html

24/12/2024

🎄✨ Merry Christmas! 🎅🎁

To all our wonderful readers, friends, and families—wishing you a joyous holiday filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. May your day be as bright and magical as the season itself! 🌟❤️
Safe travels to everyone journeying near and far to celebrate with loved ones. Stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy every moment of this special time.

Thank you for being part of our community. Here's to a holiday season full of happiness and a new year full of hope!

🎄❄️ Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 🎉🎶

23/12/2024

Things To Do In London Between Christmas And New Year

Looking for things to do once Christmas Day is out of the way? Wondering what's open between then and New Year? Just want to get out of the house and away from the Monopoly/cheese board? Here's what's cooking over Twixtmas.

CHRISTMAS TRANSPORT: Before you make any plans for the upcoming week, check the Christmas transport situation in London. There's not *too* much disruption this year, but there are a couple of big station closures you'll want to know about.

ICE SKATING: London's festive ice rinks remain open throughout the Christmas period and into January. Somerset House, Battersea Power Station and Hyde Park are some of the places you can take to the ice this year — here's a full ice skating guide.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Similarly, London's Christmas lights stay on after the big day, illuminated every evening until early January. Have a read of our guide to London's Christmas light displays for tips on seeing them, either on foot or by bus. We've even put together a self-guided walking route through central London so you can see as many lights and decorations as possible in one go.

WINTER WONDERLAND: Huge festive fair Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is all-systems-go throughout the festive season, closing only on 25 December. Fairground rides, markets, food and drink stalls, circus shows and an ice rink are all part of the fun. Just bear in mind that you need to book entry in advance. Until 5 January

PANTO: From classic Aladdin at the Lyric Hammersmith, to Snow White with a sassy twist, via Jack and the Beanstalk, Dick Whittington and Peter Pan, London's panto scene is absolutely thriving this year. Read our guide to London's pantomimes this year to choose your show.

FESTIVE THEATRE: The Snowman, Cinderella, The Nutcracker — all these festive productions, and a slew more, are staged in London this year. From ballet to circus to musicals, take a look at these fantastically festive theatre shows in London, and book yourself a seat this Twixmas. We've also got a guide to family-friendly shows, if you're treating the whole clan to a festive outing.
https://londonist.com/london/christmas-in-london/things-to-do-in-london-between-christmas-and-new-year

23/12/2024

Top Events to See in London in 2025

London is a city that never sleeps, constantly buzzing with exciting events, festivals, and performances. Whether you’re into world-class concerts, theatrical productions, or cutting-edge cultural happenings, London offers something for everyone. As we look ahead to 2025, here are the top events you won’t want to miss in this vibrant metropolis.

The BRIT Awards (February 2025)
The BRIT Awards, the UK’s most prestigious music awards show, is always a major event in London’s entertainment calendar. Taking place at The O2 Arena, this star-studded night will feature live performances from some of the biggest names in music, alongside the announcement of winners in various categories. It’s a must-see for fans of both established icons and emerging talent, offering an unforgettable night of music, glitz, and glamour and is set to be one of the top London gigs of the year.
London Fashion Week (February & September 2025)
London Fashion Week is one of the “Big Four” global fashion weeks, attracting designers, models, and influencers from around the world. Whether you’re into cutting-edge streetwear or haute couture, this biannual event showcases the best of British fashion. It’s a thrilling week for those looking to spot the latest trends, and many events are open to the public, including runway shows, pop-up exhibitions, and influencer-hosted events.
Wimbledon (June-July 2025)
One of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world, Wimbledon is an iconic event that draws crowds from all over the globe. Held at the All England Club in Wimbledon, this two-week tournament features elite players, incredible tennis, and a classic British summer atmosphere. Don’t forget to enjoy the famous strawberries and cream while watching the action unfold on Centre Court or one of the other courts.
Notting Hill Carnival (August 2025)
The Notting Hill Carnival is one of the world’s largest street festivals, celebrating Caribbean culture with vibrant parades, music, dancing, and delicious food. Every year, West London transforms into a sea of color as over a million people come together to celebrate this historic event. The sounds of reggae, soca, and calypso music fill the streets, while stunning costumes and floats make this event a visual spectacle.
The Thames Festival (September 2025)
The Thames Festival is a celebration of London’s iconic river, with a diverse range of events taking place along the Thames’ banks. From arts performances to community activities, this festival showcases the best of London’s culture and history. Expect light displays, boat races, live music, and family-friendly activities. It’s a great way to enjoy the city’s riverside while immersing yourself in the local community spirit.
London Film Festival (October 2025)
The London Film Festival (LFF) is one of the leading film events in the world, showcasing the best in international cinema. Held in venues across the city, LFF attracts filmmakers, actors, and film lovers alike. The festival features film premieres, Q&A sessions, and special screenings, with awards given for standout performances and productions. For film buffs, this is an unmissable event to discover fresh talent and watch the most anticipated movies of the year.
The Science Museum’s Exhibitions (Year-Round 2025)
Throughout 2025, the Science Museum will host a variety of immersive and interactive exhibitions, exploring everything from space exploration to the latest technological innovations. The museum’s diverse program ensures there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a science enthusiast or just looking for a family-friendly outing. Special exhibits often feature cutting-edge developments in robotics, climate change, and space exploration.
Royal Ballet Performances (Throughout 2025)
For a truly elegant cultural experience, head to the Royal Opera House for one of the Royal Ballet’s world-class performances. With a calendar filled with both classic and contemporary works, this is the perfect opportunity to witness the grace and artistry of one of the world’s finest ballet companies. Expect spectacular productions such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and new commissions from some of today’s leading choreographers.
Vivid Sydney in London (June 2025)
London is known for embracing global festivals, and in 2025, the city’s celebration of art and light will partner with the internationally acclaimed Vivid Sydney festival. Expect installations, light sculptures, and projections transforming key landmarks such as the Tower Bridge, Tate Modern, and Covent Garden. This immersive festival of lights, art, and music will brighten up the summer nights and offers a unique twist on London’s cultural offerings.
Vtubers Live & Influencer Events (Various Dates in 2025)
The world of digital influencers and Vtubers (virtual YouTubers) is booming, and in 2025, London will host some groundbreaking events that bring these online stars into the real world. Fans of Vtubers and virtual personalities will have the chance to attend live shows, meetups, and influencer-led events, featuring some of the most popular virtual performers who have built massive online followings. These events will blend live entertainment, digital avatars, vtuber commission companies and interactive fan experiences, offering a unique fusion of traditional performance and modern technology.
Conclusion
London in 2025 promises an exciting array of events across a wide spectrum of interests. From prestigious cultural and sporting events like Wimbledon and the London Film Festival to vibrant celebrations such as the Notting Hill Carnival and the Thames Festival, the city’s calendar is packed with unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a fashionista, film lover, sports fan, or a Vtuber enthusiast, London is the place to be for incredible live events in 2025.....https://londontheinside.com/top-events-to-see-in-london-in-2025/

23/12/2024

All the Brockwell Park events in 2025 including new electronic music festival
Always nice to have a festival to look forward to

As we prepare to say goodbye to 2024 many of us will be preparing for the year ahead. Whether it’s holidays, new homes, or even new people - we’re all excited to see what 2025 has to offer.

But some of us will be hell-bent on booking our London parties long enough in advance so that we don’t forget to book tickets nearer the time. One of those places is Lambeth’s Brockwell Park, which hosts a number of events throughout the year. From the Lambeth Country Show to Mighty Hoopla, there’s something for everyone there.

There is also a new addition - well new to Brockwell Park. Electronic music festival Field Day has relocated from Victoria Park in East London.

But despite the multitude of community events there, some South Londoners don’t want events held at the park over environmental concerns. Earlier this year, some felt there was inadequate time between The Mighty Hoopla and the Lambeth Country Fair for adequate grass regrowth.

As a result, Lambeth Council installed specialist matting with a thin layer of woodchip on top to minimise mud damage. The technique has been used at a number of other large events, including Radio 1’s Big Weekender in Luton.

The events
Wide Awake Festival - Friday, May 23, 2025
Alternative music festival entering its sixth year featuring a mix of electronic, punk, and indie acts. Headlined by Belfast rap trio KNEECAP, with special guests CMAT and Mercury Prize winners English Teacher. Notable performers include Daniel Avery, Mannequin P***y, Nadine Shah, and Warmduscher. Located in Brockwell Park, returning to its original Friday position. Tickets can be found here

Field Day - Saturday, May 24, 2025
Long-running electronic music festival relocating from Victoria Park back to Brockwell Park. Moving independently after four years of partnership with All Points East festival. Strategically scheduled on Bank Holiday weekend. Confirmed acts include Peggy Gou, Jungle, Folamour, Skream & Benga, and Mall Grab.

Cross The Tracks - Sunday, May 25, 2025
Soul and jazz festival headlined by Mercury Prize winner Michael Kiwanuka. Taking place at Brockwell Park, scheduled for the day after Field Day. Focuses on soul music. Tickets can be found here.

City Splash - Monday, May 26, 2025
Major reggae, dancehall, and afrobeats festival featuring seven stages and over 60 artists. Initial lineup includes Tarrus Riley, Valiant, Teejay, and The Compozers, with more announcements pending. Takes place at Brockwell Park during Bank Holiday Monday. Tickets here.

Mighty Hoopla - May 31 - June 1, 2025
London's self-described "most camp and colourful festival" focusing on pop music and drag culture. Co-headlined by Kesha and Ciara, featuring performances by Jojo, Loreen, Kate Nash, Pixie Lott, and Vengaboys. Weekend tickets available at £139. Additional artists and a surprise guest to be announced. Tickets here.

Lambeth Country Show - June 7-8, 2025
Historic community festival running since 1975, blending urban and rural traditions. Features horticultural shows, sheepdog and owl displays, homegrown vegetable competitions, plus craft and food stalls. Musical programming spans dub, afrobeat, ska, and soul. Maintains free entry with optional donations. Takes place at Brockwell Park.

Brockwell Bounce - Date TBC
A day of music, entertainment, workshops, arts and crafts, street food, dance classes, funfair rides and much, much more! There’s no need to book tickets and it's free. More info here.

Always nice to have a festival to look forward to

23/12/2024

From a little girl discovering flamingos are real to a teenage son and his mum getting to know each other on a whitewater rafting adventure, worldwide travel company Kuoni is putting the spotlight on the reason why people go on holiday, rather than where they go.
It’s a new direction for Kuoni, which has recently revealed its contemporary new premium brand designed to capture the imagination for new clients of all ages, including families.
The “It’s not where, it’s why” campaign has been created in partnership with award-winning creative agency, Special London. It launches on 20 December and appears nationally across channels including TV, radio, digital and outdoor.
There are two TV and three radio executions. One of the TV ads features six-year-old Sophia who thought flamingos were magical creatures, like unicorns or dragons. And so when her parents take her to Lake Nakuru, Kenya to see them in real life, it’s a truly mind-blowing moment.
The campaign also uses localised messaging, with digital out of home sites customised to the area, for example using the line “Because you’ve experienced winter in Manchester” as the real reason to escape to a sunnier destination.
Kuoni’s own research shows that people are motivated to travel for lots of different reasons, to connect as a family, to mark a special occasion or to rediscover a part of themselves that has been a bit neglected and buried with the pressure of busy lifestyles.
“The destination isn’t always the first thing people have in mind when they start planning a holiday, it’s more about the experience they have and the sense of discovery that will light them up,” said Mark Duguid, managing director, Kuoni. “This campaign really reflects one of our core values – experts in travellers - it’s our job to match the feeling that people want to get out of their holiday, with the right experience and that’s where our destination expertise comes into play. We have focused the campaign on those wow moments and the different reasons why people decide to take a trip so they remember the power of a holiday to re-connect and restore themselves to full health and happiness.”
Running until 17 February, the campaign is designed to be high impact and will also highlight a Sale Away range of holiday offers exclusively through Kuoni.

22/12/2024

Come and Discover London in 2025

London, the vibrant capital of the United Kingdom, is a city of endless possibilities and contrasts. If your interested in history, these are the top sites you should come and discover:

1. Historical Landmarks & Monuments

The Tower of London: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this historic castle on the banks of the River Thames has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury. Don’t miss the Crown Jewels and the Beefeaters (Yeoman Warders) who guide tours.
Buckingham Palace: The official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can watch the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony and, during summer months, tour the State Rooms.
Westminster Abbey: A stunning Gothic church and site of royal coronations, weddings, and burials. It’s rich in history, with centuries of royal and national significance.
Houses of Parliament & Big Ben: The seat of the UK government, located along the Thames. The clock tower (now officially called the Elizabeth Tower) is one of London's most famous symbols.
The British Museum: Home to an incredible collection of art, history, and artifacts, including the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies.

21/12/2024

21/12/2024

21/12/2024

20/12/2024

Paul McCartney reunites with Ringo Starr at London concert
Former Beatles bandmates perform together at O2 Arena in final show of McCartney’s Got Back tour

Paul McCartney welcomed his former Beatles bandmate Ringo Starr to the stage while playing to a packed crowd at the O2 Arena in London on Thursday.

Arriving on stage, Starr said: “I’ve had a great night tonight, it’s been a great show.”

The pair then tore through Helter Skelter and Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, before the Beatles drummer left, adding: “I’m off now, I’ve had a great night and I love you all.”

McCartney was also joined by the Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood for the song Get Back, during which McCartney played his original Hofner 500/1 bass for the first time in 50 years, after it was stolen in 1972.

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/dec/20/paul-mccartney-reunites-ringo-starr-london-concert

18/12/2024

Our favourite venues in London right now: Time Out’s 2024 Recommended stickers have hit the streets

Check out our map of the hundreds of venues recognised in the roll out

What do Pavilion Café, magCulture, Kangnam Pocha and the Old Nun’s Head have in common? They’re places that help to make London the varied, vibrant city it is. They’re places that we, at Time Out, love. And they’re places we’ll continue to shout about, whether you like it or not.

Time Out has been putting stickers up in the windows of venues we love for decades. In the last weeks of 2024, we’ve decided to bring it back: sending out 500 stickers onto the streets of London, to celebrate the pubs, bars, museums, shops, cafés, restaurants, music venues, nightclubs and other spots making the city so great. By the end of the year, 500 excellent London venues will have been sent our seal of approval....https://www.timeout.com/london/news/our-favourite-venues-in-london-right-now-time-outs-2024-recommended-stickers-have-hit-the-streets-121724?jw_start=%7Bseek_to_second_number%7D

18/12/2024

All the things you could want to do in London for NYE 2024
From dancing to dining, we've got you covered

Ah New Year’s Eve, the day with the most promise but the most let downs too. With year-long anticipation, it’s so easy for New Year’s to fall flat, and I’m sure most of us have experienced one or two New Year’s parties that we’d be happy to forget. Fear not, as this year will be different! We’ve scoured the web for the best NYE events in London to ring in 2025 with a bang. From day activities and sight-seeing opportunities to club nights and firework shows, there is something for everyone, all that’s left for you to do is find the perfect New Year’s Eve dress (and winter coat) and get that fresh NYE mani (oh, and start that list of resolutions that will *deffo* be forgotten a week later) so you can let January know who's boss.

From dancing to dining, we've got you covered

17/12/2024

School choir bids for UK Christmas number one

A group of talented pupils from St James the Great Primary School in Thornton Heath have recorded their very own Christmas single.

Joy on Christmas Day was written by Ziad Khwiss, the school's choir director in October to get the pupils in the festive mood.

The choir will face stiff competition from the likes of Wham! and Mariah Carey in their bid to top the Christmas charts.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/clyg8xp7kzyo

17/12/2024

The British Fashion Council (BFC) has announced the provisional schedule for London Fashion Week (LFW) autumn/winter 25, set to run on 20-24 February 2025.

Harris Reed will kick off the four days of catwalk presentations at 8pm on Thursday, 20 February.

The AW25 edition of London Fashion Week will also see King Charles III’s birthday honours recipient Roksanda showcase her upcoming collection at 4pm on Saturday, followed by Erdem at 6pm and Richard Quinn at 7pm.

BFC NewGen will return to 180 The Strand to showcase collections from up-and-coming designers including Chet Lo, Di Petsa, Johanna Parv, Kazna Asker, Sinéad O'Dwyer and Yaku.

Similarly to previous editions, Burberry will close London Fashion Week with a presentation scheduled for 4pm on Monday, 24 February.

The British heritage last month outlined a plan to re-ignite the brand dubbed “Burberry Forward” amid an operating loss of £53m for the 26 weeks to 28 September 2024.

https://www.drapersonline.com/news/london-fashion-week-aw25-schedule-announced

17/12/2024

Google Street View now includes 18 London rail and Underground stations, with a further 18 to be added by the end of the year.

Google used 360° backpack cameras to create virtual representations of London’s busiest stations. These will help people plan journeys and more easily identify facilities such as lifts, toilets, benches and help points before they travel.

Feedback from accessibility stakeholders including Transport for London’s Independent Disability Advisory Group and the Inclusive Transport Forum helped to inform the project.

‘Now customers can plan their routes on the London Underground in the same way they would when walking and cycling’, said Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance.

‘By combining Google’s Street View technology with TfL and Network Rail’s expertise, we’re breaking new ground in transport accessibility and wayfinding’, said Debbie Weinstein, Vice-President & Managing Director for Google UK & Ireland.

https://www.railwaygazette.com/uk/london-stations-added-to-google-street-view/68007.article

16/12/2024

The MICHELIN Guide Inspectors’ Favourite Areas of London
Discover where our experts like to spend their time in the UK capital.

London is a very difficult city to describe. A vast, sprawling metropolis, the British capital contains within its boundaries a multitude of atmospheres and aesthetics. It’s a series of interconnected villages, each one with its own unique flavour. That’s why we thought it best to talk you through some of London’s most interesting districts. And who better to do it than the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors? We asked a handful of the team to talk us through their favourite areas of London.

https://guide.michelin.com/gb/en/article/travel/the-michelin-inspectors-favourite-areas-of-london?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=241216_B2C_NL_UK_London_areas&utm_term=pos1_UK_london_inspectors_favourite_areas_travelarticle