9 Wonderful Weekend Plans To Banish The Winter Blues
Whether you’re looking for cosy spots to stay inside or you fancy exploring a new exhibition, we’ve rounded up the very best things to do this January weekend. From the return of Bankside’s age-old Frost Fair to getting active with Joe Wicks, here’s what to do.
Things To Do This Weekend, From Bankside’s Frost Fair To Burns Night Celebrations
Explore this giant poster art gallery
Calling all art lovers: this weekend, head down to London Transport Museum’s new gallery, in Covent Garden, which is dedicated to all things poster art and design.
The Global Poster Gallery’s inaugural exhibition, How to Make a Poster, showcases an iconic line-up of historical pieces, exploring the power of the poster and its influence on mass communication. Sponsored by Global, the Media & Entertainment Group, it journeys from the 1900s through to the present day, with more than 110 poster artworks and posters on display.
Peruse this weekend and explore the creativity behind pre-digital designs, including the Underground’s first pictorial poster titled ‘No need to ask a p’liceman’ by John Hassall, dating from 1908.
When: until 2025
Where: London Transport Museum, WC2E 7BB
Website: www.ltmuseum.co.uk
See a movie at this film festival
If you’re a lover of film, you’ll want to bookmark the Soho London Independent Film Festival that’s landing this weekend. Dedicated to short films, it gives a spotlight to the voices that need to be heard and the stories that need to be told.
Taking over 75 Dean Street, this year’s line-up looks hugely exciting, with up-and-coming directors, writers, producers and actors on show. With over 50 films to watch across the four days, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Highlights include Sister Interrupted; I Am Light; FLITE; All Girls; Hottebaka; and Care.
WHEN: 25.01.2024 – 28.01.2024
WHERE: 75 DEAN STREET, SOHO, W1D 3SQ
WEBSITE: WWW.SOHOLIFF.CO.UK
Celebrate Burns Night
While Burns Night – the Scottish celebration dedicated to legendary poet Robert Burns – may land on Thursday 25th January, that isn’t stopping Big Penny Social from going all out.
The evening will kick off with a traditional bagpipe performance, alongside captivating live music to set the tone. A menu of haggis, neeps and tatties will be available for those who get peckish in between all of the dancing.
When: 26.01.2024 & 08.02.2024
Where: 1 PRIESTLEY WAY, E17 6AL
Website: www.bigpennysocial.co.uk
See the lights at this illuminating festival
Battersea Power Station’s annual Light Festival returns this month, complete with an even more illuminating and interactive experience than before.
From 25th January, the neighbourhood will be transformed with a free light art trail where Londoners can explore seven light art installations from British and international artists. Expect everything from giant diamonds to illuminated butterflies, playable light pianos to cycling light battles.
WHEN: 25.01.2024 – 25.02.2024
WHERE: ACROSS BATTERSEA POWER STATION
WEBSITE: WWW.BATTERSEAPOWERSTATION.CO.UK
Soak up Somerset House’s adorable exhibit
An exhibition so adorable you’ll say ‘awww’, CUTE is Somerset House’s major new retrospective centred around the irresistible nature of cuteness in contemporary culture.
On view from 25th January until 14th April, the exhibition will take a look at how everything from video games to plush toys, emojis to internet memes have gained traction for being just so cute.
WHEN: 25.01.2024 – 14.04.2024
WHERE: SOMERSET HOUSE, STRAND, WC2R 1LA
WEBSITE: WWW.SOMERSETHOUSE.ORG.UK
Celebrate winter at Bankside Frost Fair
Did you know that the River Thames used to freeze over? In fact, from 1605 to 1814, the surface of the iconic river froze over a total of 24 times, bringing trade across the water to a standstill. It was during this time, however, that locals took to the ice, creating ‘Frost Fairs’, a series of markets filled with food, games, pubs, shops and entertainment. Hoping to bring this sense of community spirit to life once again is Bankside London’s Frost Fair taking place this weekend.
Following a successful year in 2023, the fair returns this weekend and sees Sumner Street transformed to celebrate this area’s long history. Reinvented for the 21st century, expect a mix of traditional games, music, dance, workshops and artisan stalls to be on offer across the three-day celebration. There might even be a realistic life-sized costume elephant walking around the street.
When: 26.01.2024 – 28.01.2024
Where: Across Sumner Street, Bankside
Website: www.banksidelondon.co.uk
Watch The Old Vic’s newest show
Whether you were there on the day or you’ve always dreamt about living out the experience, The Old Vic’s newest production lets you relive the story of Live Aid and those united by it.
Written by John O’Farrel (Mrs Doubtfire, Something Rotten) and directed by Luke Sheppard (& Juliet, The Little Big Things), it follows how just for one day, 1.5 billion people put their differences aside to unite for a day dedicated to music.
Featuring songs by the likes of Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Who U2, Queen, Paul McCartney, Elton John and more, it’s a chance to immerse yourself in this monumental musical moment.
When: 26.01.2024 – 30.03.2024
Where: The Old Vic, 103 The Cut, SE1 8NB
Website: www.oldvictheatre.com
2 Events Worth Travelling For
Get moving with Joe Wicks
If you’re tired of the same workout routine you’ve been using all month, it’s time to give it a revamp with a little help from MOVE Manchester, a new fitness experience led by Joe Wicks and powered by lululemon.
This weekend, Joe Wicks aka The Body Coach will be helping you to re-energise your routine with a series of fitness and self-care activities. From HIIT parties with a live DJ to relaxing sound baths and yoga, there’s a whole host to get involved with.
Alongside the main classes, you can also take part in a programme of free interactive sessions and pop-ups dedicated to all ages and abilities.
When: 26.01.2024 – 28.01.2024
Where: The Warehouse, Aviva Studios, Water Street, Manchester, M3 4JQ
Website: www.factoryinternational.org
Make the most of Brighton Museum’s annual free weekend
If you’re looking to get your culture fix this weekend, jump on a train down to the seaside to soak up Brighton Museum & Art Gallery’s free annual weekender.
Celebrating the purchase of the Royal Pavilion by the town of Brighton in 1850, charges to both the Royal Pavilion & Garden and Brighton Museum & Art Gallery will be wavering their fees. It’s your chance to take a peek inside the historic Pavilion, alongside catching up on all of the exciting exhibitions and displays at the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery.
Pre-booking is not available so be prepared to don a warm coat and queue.
When: 27.01.2024 – 28.01.2024
Where: Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, Royal Pavilion Gardens, Brighton, BN1 1EE
Website: www.brightonmuseums.org.uk