12 Cultural Events To Book This Weekend
Spring jackets are out, the phone camera is at the ready, primed to snap at every cherry blossom tree walked past, and outdoor tables in the pub are once again an option. Warmer weather is here.
From London’s biggest coffee festival and new exhibits to garden fairs and techno festivals, here’s our pick for the best ways to spend your weekend in London.
Listen to the sounds of Spring at Kew Gardens
Normally, the minute I see a single sprouting blossom, I’m on a train to Kew. Now, with their new collaboration with The Royal College of Music, Sounds of Blossom, it’s even more the place to be.
Music students from the college have composed new music, commissioned by Kew and inspired by the glory of spring. These new compositions are played around the Gardens in Kew’s blossom hotspots. This weekend marks your final chance to experience this, so clear your schedule.
when: until 14.04
where: Kew Gardens,
website: kew.org
Head to Europe’s largest Eid Festival
The London Eid Festival at Westfield is back for its fifth year, after hosting its biggest ever event in 2023.
You’ll find live entertainment, face painting, henna, and some of the best halal food London has to offer including plenty of sweet Eid treats.
What’s more, entry to the three day festival is free.
when: 12.04 – 14.04
where: Westfield square, Ariel Way, London W12 7SL
website: westfield.com
Explore the life of the Sikh Maharaja at the Wallace Collection
This brand new exhibition takes a look at the life of the Sikh leader Ranjit Singh (1780–1839), who emerged in the early 19th century as he emerged as the undisputed Maharaja, establishing the influential Sikh Empire.
The exhibition also features historic objects from his court, courtiers, and family, including items owned by the Maharaja and a collection of Sikh arms and armour, alongside other Sikh artworks for the first time.
when: 10.04 – 20.10
where: Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN
website: wallacecollection.com
Enjoy this unmissable immersive experience
Who doesn’t love a murder mystery? We have the perfect immersive experience for fans and superfans alike – The Great Murder Mystery, The Lost Estate’s new production reimagining the most famous detective story of all time, The Hound of the Baskervilles.
Uncover the mystery of Baskerville Hall all while enjoying a first-class, three-course meal in this combination of theatre and dining. Trust us, this one is worth it.
when: Until june
where: 9 Beaumont Ave, London W14 9LP
Book into this supper club in aid of Gaza
Palestinian restaurant Akub and Ashkar Winery have teamed up for this supper club, where Three wines will be served by Nemi and paired with dishes that honour Palestinian produce reimagined through the incorporation of quality British seasonal ingredients.
Expect freshly baked Zaatar breads with Moutabal, a selection of shattas, Crunchy mansaf, Bukjet, and Dead Sea Salt chocolate cake. Tickets for this will cost £120 with 30% of proceeds going to Medical Aid Palestine, Anera, and Amos Trust to raise vital funds for the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
when: 15.04
where: 27 Uxbridge St, London W8 7TQ
website: akub-restaurant.com
Stock up on plants at this garden fair
Looked around your living space recently and thought it could do with some added greenery? The garden museum is the place to rectify this. Every year at their Spring Plant Fair, expert plant growers and specialist nurseries from around the country gather to sell some of the best garden plants you’ll find in London.
From shade specialists to plants for pollinators, meet the growers and learn what will flourish in your garden, balcony or allotment. Always remember, you can never have too many plants.
when: 14.04
where: Garden Museum, 5 Lambeth Palace Rd, London SE1 7LB
website: gardenmuseum.org
Sample the London Coffee Festival
For the best buzz in town this weekend, the annual London Coffee Festival is back.
Featured events include the Hyde Park bar, where you can try out coffee-inspired cocktails, a coffee-making competition, a late-art showcase, and much more.
when: 11.04 – 14.04
where: The Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London E1 6QR
website: londoncoffeefestival.com
Cool off at a London lido
Our intel is telling us it may hit a scorching 20 degrees this weekend, which means one thing: Lido season is back, at least for those of us too scared to venture during the winter months.
These precious London commodities are a Summer necessity and can be found in London Fields, Brixton, Tooting, and more – read our full guide here.
where: Across London
Take a journey through painting and photography at Tate Modern
It’s safe to say, that for painting, photography was a pretty big development. All of a sudden, that which could only be represented through talent and a brush stroke could be recreated by just about anyone with a single click.
What happened was these two mediums impacted each other, and this exhibition, Capturing The Moment, explores how they did. Discover how artists have blurred the boundaries between painting and photography, creating new and exciting forms of art, such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Pauline Boty, David Hockney, and more.
when: until 28.04
where: Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG
website: tate.org.uk
One to book
Savour the ultimate Champagne experience
Mark your calendars, for The Bubbly Show by Searcys returns on April 26th and 27th at the stunning Carlton House Terrace in Pall Mall.
Explore a curated selection of over 25 of the best Champagnes and English sparkling wines. Indulge in lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea perfectly paired with your favourite bubbly. Engage in tastings, talks, and masterclasses led by industry experts.
Each entrance ticket includes 10 tasting glasses of your choice and light bites. Reserve your spot today here.
when: 26.04 – 27.04
where: 10 Carlton House Terrace
Two events worth travelling for
Visit an open artist studio in York
Want to get a look behind the curtain at how artists work? This weekend is your chance. More than 150 artists are exhibiting in over 100 venues over the next two weekends, inviting you to meet some of York’s most talented artists.
Venues range from small studios in the artists’ homes to large commercial workshops and often offer access to special places not usually open to the public, with the makers ready to show you around in person.
when: 13.04 – 14.04
where: across york
website: yorkopenstudios.co.uk
Head to this Techno festival in Edinburgh
This weekend, Techno fans need not head to Berlin, Tbilisi or even leave the UK. One of the biggest Techno festivals is taking place in Edinburgh, where over 20,o00 fans will descend each day.
Celebrating its 10th year, Terminal is expecting its biggest celebration to date.
when: 13.04 -14.04
where: across Edinburgh
website: terminalv.co.uk
