This March is packed out with exciting launches, pop-up collaborations and, of course, International Women’s Day events. We’ve handpicked our favourite events in London this month, from AllBright’s International Women’s Day summit to the James Bond-themed experience taking over Harrods.
International Women’s Day Events
Wednesday 8th March marks International Women’s Day, the global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. These are the best events to get involved with this IWD…
AllBright Step Forward Summit, The Design Museum
In true style, female members’ club AllBright is going all out this year with their Step Forward Summit. Taking place on Friday 10th, the summit will see over 200 business leaders, gender equality champions and industry experts come together for a series of roundtables and keynote speeches, networking events and pop-ups, in partnership with Pandora, Rituals and Boden.
Expect the likes of TV presenter and activist Katie Piper OBE; author and psychotherapist Anna Mathur; model and activist Munroe Bergdorf; founder of the MOBO awards Kanya King; and award-winning comedian Viv Groskop, plus many more fantastic experts and leading names.
Although sold-out, this mega event is well worth mentioning. You can catch up on all of the talks the day after the event by joining AllBright Plus.
When: 10.03.2023
Where: The Design Museum, 224-228 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG
Website: www.allbrightcollective.com
‘House of Pankhurt’, Kimpton Fitzroy London
Luxury Bloomsbury hotel, Kimpton Fitzroy London, will be launching its inaugural residency this International Women’s Day. Paying homage to Bloomsbury’s literary heritage, this year’s focus is poetry.
Taking inspiration from the hotel being the site of Suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst’s former home, the residency celebrates how poetry was used as a vehicle to progress the women’s movement through history. The hotel’s first creative resident is up-and-coming poetry star Hayley Frances, who has beautifully penned a poem inspired by the hotel’s history and architecture.
There is a quarterly programme and a monthly creative open house, featuring everything from poetry slams to evening talks with industry leaders.
Launching: 08.03.2023
Where: 1-8 Russell Square, Bloomsbury, WC1B 5BE
Website: www.kimptonfitzroylondon.com
WOW: Women of the World Festival, Southbank Centre
Having reached three million people across six continents, the WOW festival is the world’s biggest festival celebrating women, girls and non-binary people. This year’s WOW London festival takes place this weekend, providing three days of life-changing conversations, performances and interactive workshops.
Some sections are ticketed however some are completely free for all to join. Expect panels discussing everything from sex to politics, grandmotherdom to divorce, childlessness to career changes.
When: 10.03.2023 – 12.03.2023
Where: southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX
Website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk
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International Women’s Day Brunch, Annabel’s
Annabel’s is hosting its annual International Women’s Day brunch on Wednesday 8th. Hosted by multi-award-winning journalist and author Yomi Adejoke, expect a brilliant panel of speakers featuring Dr Barbara Sturm (Founder, Dr Barbara Sturm Skincare), Kenya Hunt (Editor-in-Chief, ELLE UK), Ruth Davison (CEO, Refuge UK) and a special performance by multi-platinum singer-songwriter Birdy. The topic of discussion will centre around this year’s IWD theme ‘Equity’.
Emma-Louise Boynton’s Clit Fest, The London EDITION
Don’t let the name of this one put you off – Emma-Louise Boynton’s Clit Festival is London’s first sex and pleasure-focused literary festival, celebrating of the writers, powers and activists whose work explores sex, love, desire and gender.
Taking place at The London EDITION, the event will feature a panel discussion on ‘Rebel Bodies: Tackling medical misogyny and the sex myths that perpetuate it’ and a live poetry reading with Monika Radojevic, the author of Teeth in the Back of my Neck. The day will be a chance to have important conversations around why discussions around sex are inseparable from discussions around gender (in)equality.
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The Success Club: International Women’s Day Edition, The Sloane Club
From financial risks to uncertainties and stress, running your own business takes time, dedicate and determination. This International Women’s Day, The Sloane Club is hosting an evening of inspirational talks with women who get their all to their businesses and are here to offer their tips and tricks of the trade.
Moderated by Geeta Sidhu-Robb, a seasoned entrepreneur herself, the evening will see names such as Joanna Wood, the owner of Joanna Wood interior design practice; Alexandra Robson, founder of Augustine Jewels; Thandi Ojeer, founder of Tandi Fashion; and Philippa Dempster, managing partner at Freeths LLP.
More events in London this month
From rainbow-filled Holi celebrations to top chef takeovers, these are some of the top events in London this month…
Head down to Harrods and experience The Macallan’s Immersive James Bond Exhibition
One for the whisky and Bond lovers, The Macallan has launched an exciting James Bond-themed interactive experience at Harrods to celebrate the release of a brand-new single malt whisky from the world’s leading whisky distiller, The Macallan.
On display until March 21st, visitors are invited to travel through an interactive journey filled with memorabilia and moments from the legendary films. You’ll be able to explore key figures and moments from the films, including the original Little Nellie, the compact autogyro flown by Sean Connery in You Only Live Twice (1967), Bond’s Passport from GoldenEye (1995), his government Whitehall ID from Skyfall (2012) and a gold bar from Goldfinger (1964) signed by Sean Connery and more.
The experience celebrates the release of The Macallan James Bond 60th Anniversary Release. It’s a collection of six limited-edition bottles of single malt scotch whisky. Each expression is wonderfully presented in six individual packaging designs, featuring illustrations to bring the Bond films to life. Grab a bottle at the end of the experience and cheers to six decades of iconic Bond films.
House of Holi
Celebrate the ancient Hindu tradition and festival this month and spread some colour courtesy of Cinnamon Kitchen’s #HouseOfHOLI festivities. Returning for its 6th year to its Devonshire Square venue, you’re invited to jump into a protective white suit and join in on some paint-pelting fun.
From Sunday 5th until Sunday 12th March, the restaurant’s legendary paint pod will be open for business, offering you the chance to embark on a rainbow-filled paint fight with your friends and family. Over the week, look forward to other activations too including the Holi Supper Club on Tuesday 7th and a cooking masterclass with Vivek Singh on Saturday 11th.
It Takes A Village – Anya Hindmarch
Another month, another Anya Hindmarch pop-up. This month sees the popular accessories brand team up with The Women’s Institute to celebrate their aligned philosophies. Open until March 26th, the pop-up brings together a curated collection of beautiful products and dynamic workshops, all celebrating women and craft.
Taking over the Anya Hindmarch village, inside is a range of Hindmarch’s raffia, crochet and hand-beaded pieces, alongside a line-up of crafted items from independent brands, from tufted rugs to apparel made from patchwork, hand-stitched quilts to hand-knitted socks. There’ll be a series of workshops across the month too, including a craftivist collective workshop that’ll see you perfecting your stitching.
Comedy Night at The Richmond Club
Award-winning private members’ club The Richmond Club hosts a series of events available for both members and guests throughout the year. Looking for a laugh? Head down on March 26th for its monthly comedy club that’ll see comedians Lily Phillips and Matt Bragg perform.
Having both appeared on stage and screen in shows such as ITV2’s Stand-Up Sketch Show and BBC Three’s Period Dramas, you know you’re in for a good treat. The evening will be hosted by comedy legend Alistair Barrie, starring at 7:30pm.
When: 26.03.2023
Where: 115-117 Kew Road, Richmond Upon Thames, TW9 2PN
Website: www.therichmondclub.uk
BFI Flare 2023
For those looking for the cultural event to book this month, get your fix at the BFI Flare Festival, London’s leading LGBTQIA+ film festival celebrating queer cinema.
Spread across 11 days, the festival is jam packed with leading names and rising stars. The opening night gala kicks off with The Stroll, the Kristen Lovell and Zackary Drucker award-winning documentary telling the history of NYC’s Meatpacking District from the perspective of trans women of colour.
Other festival highlights include 1980s high-school dramedy Before I Change My Mind, the moving HIV narrative How To Tell A Secret; Lisa Cortés’ Little Richard: I Am Eveything, the doctumenary exploring American’s whitewashed pop culture; the 1980s set narrative Blue Jean; and the closing coming-of-age film from Hannes Hirsch.
New for 2023 will be a selection of immersive storytelling works, including the ‘We Are Here Because Of Those That Are Not’, an archive of Black trans existence that posts existential questions around collective memory and self-expression.
Cookery Classes at Eataly
Looking to expand your culinary skillset? London’s leading Italian food destination Eataly is the place to head for all things Italian. From fresh pasta to stretching out pizza and perfecting Italian desserts, each class is led by their school chef Matteo and will see you turn from novice to pro in a matter of hours. After every class you’ll be able to chow down on the dishes you’ve cooked served with a glass of wine straight from Eataly’s wine cellar.
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Smoking Goat Chicken Shop
Smoking Goat might be renowned for being London’s coolest Thai barbecue bar and restaurant, but this month sees it turn its hand to, er, fried chicken.
Having found the ultimate Thai-style fried chicken spot when travelling through Bangkok, the Smoking Goat team decided to transform its Shoreditch restaurant into a fried chicken store for March.
The result? Dreamy fried chicken marinated in fish sauce and coriander root, served with heaps of crispy garlic – need we say more?
Finnjavel x COMO The Halkin
Belgravia’s luxury five-star hotel has teamed up with Finnajävel to pay homage to the best of Nordic cuisine. For two weeks, the world’s only Michelin-starred restaurant serving Finnish food will take over The Halkin to offer Londoners the chance to experience traditional Nordic dishes made with local and seasonal ingredients.
The exclusive menu, created by Finnish chef Tommi Tuominen, will feature dishes such as Karelian pie and glassblower’s salmon and blood pancakes.
When: 21.03.2023 – 01.04.2023
Where: 5 Halkin Street, Belgravia, SW1X 7DJ
Website: www.comohotels.com
Earth Hour Yoga at The Westin London City
Earth Hour sees individuals, businesses and organisations unite in the largest environmental event in history by turning non-essential lights off for one hour from 8:30pm. During this hour The Westin London City will be hosting a yoga class.
To celebrate Earth Hour on March 25th, the class will be led by certified yoga instructor Lauren Tai. The class will focus on reconnecting to nature and to our roots followed by a meditative contemplation to set our pledges to the environment. All benefits will be donated to the London Wildlife Trust.
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Ha’s Đặc Biệt x Oranj
Taking over winebar Oranj this month will be New York-born Vietnamese food pop-up, Ha’s Đặc Biệt.
The month-long pop-up will see the team cooking up a full Vietnamese feast, from oyster with green chilli nuoc mam to five spice chicken liver pate on toast, rump steak tartare with kumquat nuoc mam and toasted rice to half lobster slathered with tamarind butter and served with new potatoes.
for more events in London this month, check out our what’s on section
