Things to do in London in April 2024
Spring has gracefully descended upon the city, bringing with it a vibrant array of arts and cultural festivities in anticipation of the forthcoming summer. Among these are the eagerly awaited return of the Brick Lane Jazz Festival, Ceramic Art London, and the cherished Spring Festival at the Garden Museum. Discover our pick of must-attend events unfolding in London this month.
Click here to explore our curated selection of art exhibitions to see in London this month.
Much Ado About Nothing
Much Ado About Nothing. © The Other Richard.
#FLODown: Experience the timeless comedy of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing at the Globe Theatre this summer. Set in an idyllic Italian town recovering from war, the play follows the intertwining lives of young lovers Claudio and Hero, as well as the witty banter and romantic entanglements of Beatrice and Benedick. Amidst mischievous games and plots, love takes centre stage as the characters navigate the complexities of relationships in this captivating tale.
Date: 25 April – 24 August 2024. Location: Shakespeare’s Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London, SE1 9DT. Price: from £10 (standing). From £25 (seated). Book now.
Brick Lane Jazz Festival
Brick Lane Jazz Festival. Photo by Chris Bair.
#FLODown: Experience the vibrant energy of the Brick Lane Jazz Festival, a three-day celebration across 10 music venues in and around Brick Lane, showcasing London's diverse music scene. Enjoy an eclectic lineup spanning jazz, hip hop, Latin, neo soul, R&B, reggae, and electronic music, featuring acclaimed artists like Oscar Jerome, Theo Croker, Ojerime, and more. Plus, don't miss out on exciting DJ sets and special events like ‘Way Out East’ Jazz-Dance with The Mighty Zaf & Harv-inder Singh.
Date: 26 – 28 April 2024. Location: Brick Lane. Price: from £34.50. Book now.
Yinka Shonibare CBE RA: Suspended States
Courtesy of the artist and Goodman Gallery, Cape Town, Johannesburg, London and New York, James Cohan Gallery, New York and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London and New York. Photographer: Stephen White & Co. © Yinka Shonibare CBE.
#FLODown: Serpentine will showcase Suspended States, a solo exhibition featuring new and recent works by British Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare. Set at Serpentine South, the exhibition coincides with Shonibare's showcase at the 60th International Art Exhibition — La Biennale di Venezia. This marks his first solo exhibition in a London public institution in over 20 years, returning to Serpentine where he first exhibited in 1992.
Date: 12 April - 1 September 2024. Location: Serpentine South Gallery. Price: Free.
Roof East
Roof East returns in April.
#FLODown: Roof East, London's popular adult playground, reopens this month to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Offering panoramic views, classic games, and tasty street food, it's a go-to destination for summer fun. Highlights include rooftop film screenings, batting cages, and crazy golf. New additions this year include food joints like Chick'n'Sours and the Power Hour for discounted games.
Date: 18 April - end September 2024. Opening hours: Thursday - Friday: 5pm -11pm, Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays Noon - 11pm. Website: roofeast.com.
The Last Caravaggio
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, 1571 - 1610. Salome receives the Head of John the Baptist, about 1609-10. Oil on canvas. 91.5 × 106.7 cm. © The National Gallery, London.
#FLODown: Discover The Last Caravaggio exhibition at the National Gallery this April. Featuring Caravaggio's final masterpiece, The Martyrdom of Saint Ursula (1610), generously loaned from the Intesa Sanpaolo Collection, alongside Salome receives the Head of John the Baptist (circa 1609–10) from the National Gallery Collection. Explore the theme of violence in Caravaggio's late works and its contemporary relevance through various programming. Dive into Saint Ursula's narrative and historical context during your visit.
Date: 18 April – 21 July 2024. Location: National Gallery. Price: Free. Website: nationalgallery.org.uk.
Ceramic Art London
Ceramic Art London. Photo by Tom Crew.
#FLODown: Ceramic Art London, Europe's largest ceramics fair, commemorates its 20th anniversary with an exciting relocation to Olympia. The larger venue will accommodate its growing popularity, showcasing the works of 120 talented makers from around the world. Offering a diverse range of ceramic pieces priced between £50 and £10,000, this event promises a global celebration of ceramic artistry, with participants hailing from places as distant as Guatemala, Greece, and South Korea.
Date: 19 – 21 April 2024. Location: Kensington Olympia West, 12 Blythe Rd, London W14 8UX. Price: from £18.50. Concessions available. Book now.
Monday Monthly Yoga Class at Chelsea Physic Garden
Chelsea Physic Garden to host Monday monthly yoga this month. Photo by Amauri Mejia.
#FLODown: Chelsea Physic Garden hosts a special yoga class led by Live Karma Yoga within the serene setting of their botanical garden. Experience the gentle sway of branches and the peaceful sounds of nature as you practice yoga in the tranquil environment. Whether you're looking for relaxation, rejuvenation, or simply a moment of quiet reflection, all levels are welcome to join and find inner peace amidst the beauty of the garden.
Date: 8 April 2024. Time: 6pm-7pm. Location: Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Rd, London SW3 4HS. Price: £18. Book now.
Hampton Court Tulip Festival
A tulip festival will return to Hampton Court Palace in April. Photo by Aaron Burden.
#FLODown: Experience the beauty of spring at Hampton Court Palace during the Tulip Festival. Explore the royal gardens with over 100,000 tulip bulbs in bloom, including rare varieties inspired by Mary II's collection. The best time to capture the splendid display of the Tulip Festival is mid-April.
Date: 8 April - 29 April 2024. Location: Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU. Price: from £27.20 adult/ £13.60 child. Book now.
London Marathon
The London Marathon is back in the city this month. Photo by Miguel a Amutio.
#FLODown: The London Marathon, established in 1981, is a highly regarded event that attracts participants from around the globe. This month, runners will journey through some of London's most famous landmarks, such as Buckingham Palace, The Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, and Canary Wharf. Whether you're cheering from the sidelines or participating, there's plenty of excitement to be had for everyone involved!
Date: 21 April 2024. Website: tcslondonmarathon.com.
La Linea – the London Latin Music Festival
Nacao-Zumbi
#FLODown: La Linea, the London Latin Music Festival, is back this April, promising a vibrant fusion of Latin rhythms showcased through a series of shows across various venues in London. Featured highlights include performances by Desta French & Friends at the Jazz Café, Domenico Lancellotti and Ricardo Dias Gomes at Cafe Oto, and Nacao Zumbi at the Jazz Café. This event offers a perfect opportunity to celebrate Latin music and culture right in the heart of London. Click here for the full line-up of shows.
Date: 12 - 22 April 2024. Website: la-linea. Instagram: @lalineafestival.
Garden Museum Spring Plant Fair
Spring Plant Fair to take place at the Garden Museum. Photo by Daiga Ellaby.
#FLODown: The Garden Museum Spring Plant Fair is an annual event showcasing expert plant growers and specialist nurseries from across the UK. Attendees can explore a wide variety of garden plants, from shade-loving species to those perfect for pollinators. This year's fair will feature nurseries like Great Dixter Nursery and Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens, offering Londoners a unique shopping experience. The event's programme is curated by Susanna Grant, founder of the Hackney-based shade specialist plant shop Hello There Linda.
Date:14 April 2024. Time:10 am - 4pm. Location: Garden Museum 5 Lambeth Palace Rd, London SE1 7LB. Price: from £5. Book now.
Ray Young: OUT
OUT - Performers Azara Meghie and Bambi Phillips Jordan - Photographer Credit Glodi Miessi.jpg
#FLODown :Ray Young's award-winning production OUT fearlessly confronts homophobia and transphobia, igniting a celebration of Caribbean culture through a uniquely queer lens. Coming to the Lilian Baylis Studio in April, OUT promises a bold reclamation of dancehall and social dance culture, blending personal, political, and cultural elements to create a powerful interdisciplinary performance. Featuring compelling performances by Azara Meghie and Bambi Jordan Phillips, under the visionary direction of Ray Young and bolstered by a team of exceptionally talented creatives, this is more than just a performance—it's a transformative experience that challenges boundaries and amplifies voices that deserve to be heard.
Date: 25 - 26 April 2024. Location: Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadler’s Wells 183 Rosebery Ave, London EC1R 4TJ. Price: £17. Book now.
Taiwan Festival
Fish Trap House. Cheng Tsung FENG.
#FLODown: London's Coronet Theatre presents the inaugural Taiwan Festival in Notting Hill, featuring over 30 Taiwanese artists in a 15-day extravaganza of visual arts, dance, music, and immersive experiences.
Date: 12 – 27 April 2024. Click here for the full festival programme.
Sculpture Trails
Paws on the Wharf
Paws on the Wharf will be on display in Canary Wharf throughout April.
#FLODown: On display in Canary Wharf are charming guide dog sculptures, part of the ;Paws on the Wharf’ exhibition. Created by artists and presented by Guide Dogs and Wild in Art, these sculptures aim to raise awareness and funds to support individuals with sight loss, helping them lead more active and independent lives.
Click here if you would like to know more about the upcoming live auction of sculptures. Sculpture prices will start from a minimum of £2,000 on the night.
Date: 25 March - 17 May 2024.
The Little Egg Hunt
The Royal charity, Elephant Family, and Clarence Court eggs, announce the return of their much-loved egg-shaped sculptures to Chelsea.
#FLODown: After a decade-long break, Elephant Family and Clarence Court eggs reintroduce egg-shaped sculptures to London, aiming to raise funds for conservation. Until 14 April, colourful art installations by renowned artists and designers will be on display throughout Chelsea's streets. The initiative, including the Little Egg Hunt and the upcoming Big Egg Hunt in 2025, supports Asian wildlife conservation through auctions of these artistically decorated eggs.
Date: 20 March - 14 April 2024. Location: Chelsea. Price: Free. Website: elephant-family.org