What's on in London this week: 10 – 16 July 2023

Discover our pick of things to do in London this week: 10 – 16 July 2023

Explore London

Kew the Music

Get ready for the ultimate summer music festival, Kew the Music, at the iconic Royal Botanic Gardens this week! Enjoy these delightful picnic concerts featuring headliners Bastille, Jools Holland, The Haçienda Classical, The Vamps, The Human League, and Jack Savoretti. With a relaxed ambiance, open-air bars, and delicious food, it's the perfect setting for music lovers of all ages.

Date: 11-16 July 2023. Locaton: Kew Gardens, Kew, TW9 3AB. Price: from £61.25. Book now.

Image: Kew the Music

On Wang Xiaobo: Ai Weiwei, Xiaolu Guo and Tania Branigan

Join Tania Branigan as she hosts an evening of conversation about the literary significance of Wang Xiaobo's work. This event follows the release of the first full English translation of his modern classic, Golden Age, and a collection of his essays titled Pleasure of Thinking. Renowned artist Ai Weiwei and acclaimed novelist and filmmaker Xiaolu Guo will join Tania Branigan to discuss Wang Xiaobo's influence, style, and cultural importance. The event promises an insightful exploration into the satirical and thought-provoking world of one of China's most celebrated authors.

Date: 14 July 2023. Location: The Auditorium (Level 6) at Foyles, 107 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DT.  Price: £8 General Admission / £18 Book and Ticket, inc. a copy of Pleasure of Thinking (RRP. £14.99) / £5 Livestream Ticket. Book now.

María Dueñas at Wigmore Hall

Experience the talent of María Dueñas, an exciting young Spanish violinist and Radio 3 New Generation Artist, as she performs enchanting sonatas by Beethoven, Schubert, and Debussy live from Wigmore Hall. Despite her young age, Dueñas has already achieved remarkable success, including winning prestigious awards such as the first prize and audience prize at the Menuhin Competition in 2021. Her extraordinary skills led to her debut recording of the Beethoven concerto, which has been released to critical acclaim. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this rising star's incredible musical journey firsthand. Julien Quentin will be on the piano.

Date: 10 July 2023. Time: 1.00pm. Location: 36 Wigmore Street, London, United Kingdom. Price: £16 (concessions £14). Book now.

Image: María Dueñas

Artist Food Stall

Uncover a distinctive fusion of food, art, and sustainability at the Southbank Centre Food Market this summer. Artists and artist collectives specialising in cuisine, eating experiences, and food products will host stalls, showcasing and selling their creations. Immerse yourself in this lively market, engage with the artists, and explore their culinary artistry. This weekend discover Mobile Apothecary.

Date: 14 – 16 July 2023. Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX. Price: Free. Click here for more.  

Image: Luisa Brimble

National Geographic Traveller Food Festival

Eat your way around the world at the National Geographic Traveller Food Festival, held at the Business Design Centre in Islington. Hear from cookbook authors, and watch live cooking demos and masterclasses, so you can attempt to recreate your favourite dishes at home. 

Date: 16-17 July 2023. Location: Business Design Centre, 52 Upper St, London N1 0QH. Price: from £25. Book now.

First night of the Proms 2023

The 2023 BBC Proms season begins with a Nordic-themed concert featuring Grieg's passionate Piano Concerto, Sibelius's Finlandia, and Britten's The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra. Ukrainian composer Bohdana Frolyak presents a world premiere piece titled "Let There Be Light." Join the BBC Symphony Chorus, BBC Symphony Orchestra, and BBC Singers, conducted by Dalia Stasevska, for an unforgettable evening of music. 

Date: 14 July 2023. Time: 7pm. Location: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP. Book now.

Alma - Sara Baras © Sofia Wittert. Flamenco Festival, Sadler’s Wells

Flamenco Festival 2023

The Flamenco Festival has returned to Sadler's Wells. The festival features a variety of performances that celebrate Andalusian culture and explore flamenco's roots. Highlights include Sara Baras' Alma, Vicente Amigo's boundary-pushing guitar concert, and Olga Pericet's surreal solo performance, La Leona. Other acts will explore flamenco's history, gender dynamics, and contemporary interpretations. The festival will conclude with a DJ night combining electronica, queer flamenco, and experimental reggaeton. It promises to be a vibrant and diverse celebration of flamenco at one of London's renowned venues.

Date: 5 July - 15 July 2023. Location: Sadler's Wells, Rosebery Ave, London EC1R 4TN. Price: from £15 - £75. Book now.

Hear it Live! at Horniman Museum and Garden

Experience an extraordinary evening celebrating the richness of musical diversity and an exceptional instrument collection at Hear it Live! held at the Horniman Museum and Garden. On 13 July, prepare to be enchanted by the mesmerising traditional kora performance of Senegalese virtuoso Kadialy Kouyate and the electrifying bass artistry of Ylenia Tilli. Discover the magic of meticulously restored historical keyboard instruments, including a rare Neapolitan virginals, a stunning square piano, a Kirckman harpsichord, and an exquisite English chamber organ.

Date: 13 July 2023. Time: 3.30pm - 4pm . Location: Horniman Museum & Gardens. 100 London Road, Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ.

Image: Horniman Museum & Gardens

Islington Festival of Music and Art

The Islington Festival of Music and Art returns this week, featuring a diverse program inspired by Van Gogh's Starry Night over the Rhône. Highlights include Chopin's Nocturnes, Schoenberg's Verklarte Nacht, Mozart Masterpieces, solo Bach, street photography workshop, live sketching, photography exhibition, yoga with harp music, and a Bastille Day celebration. Early bird passes, bundles, and free tickets for young people available.

Date: 13-22 July 2023. Location: Various locations in Islington. Click here for the full programme of events

Happy Place Festival

Experience the joy and inspiration of the Happy Place Festival as it returns to Chiswick House and Garden this weekend. Join Fearne Cotton and guests, including Vicky Pattison, Adele Roberts, Kate Holderness, Jonny Wilkinson, Tom Grennan, Giovanna Fletcher, Tom Fletcher, Sophie Morgan, and Aaron Roach Bridgeman. Engage in uplifting conversations, immersive workshops, and delicious food. This festival promises a celebration of happiness and well-being.

Date: 15 - 16 July 2023. Location: Chiswick House and Gardens, Burlington Ln, Chiswick, London W4 2RP. Price: from £35. Book now.

Hidden gems in London

Discover the city's best-kept secrets and uncover hidden gems in London. Find solace in the serene ambiance of The Hill Garden and Pergola in Hampstead. Take in the breathtaking city views from The Garden at 120, situated 15 storeys high. These remarkable locations offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and peacefulness in London.

Image: The Garden at 120, Fen Court Building. © MTotoe

The Garden at 120

The Garden at 120, situated atop the Fen Court building at 120 Fenchurch Street, is the largest public rooftop space in the City of London. In recent years, as London's skyline  has continued to evolve, offering a many extraordinary viewpoints, The Garden at 120 stands out as a must-see destination. Located 15-storey high, visitors can experience 360-degree views of the City and the greater London area for free.

Location: 120 Fenchurch St, London EC3M 5BA. Price: Free. Website: thegardenat120.com

Image: Crossrail Place Roof Garden. June 2023. © MTotoe

Crossrail Place Roof Garden

Crossrail Place Roof Garden in Canary Wharf is a serene oasis amidst the skyscrapers. Designed by Foster + Partners, the garden showcases diverse plants reflecting the area's history. Divided into hemispheres, it also features an amphitheatre where an exciting program of festivals, performances, and music is offered. The unique structure creates a microclimate for delicate plants. Visitors can explore pathways, relax, and enjoy free access until evening.

Location: Crossrail Place, Canary Wharf, E14 5AB. Price: Free.

Click here to discover more of London’s hidden gems.

Arts & Culture

Opening this week

Herzog & de Meuron

Uncover the renowned Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron (H&dM) at the Royal Academy of Arts exhibition. Co-curated by the architects themselves, it showcases their innovative methodology and groundbreaking projects. From Tate Modern to Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, explore H&dM's diverse range of iconic designs, including museums, hospitals, stadiums, and public buildings. Experience objects, photography, films, and an interactive hospital patient room, gaining unparalleled insight into H&dM's creative vision and global architectural impact.

Date:14 July – 15 October 2023. Location: Herzog & de Meuron, The Gabrielle Jungels-Winkler Galleries, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD. Price: from £13. Concessions available. Book now.

Image: Herzog & de Meuron. Tate Modern, London, 1995-2000, 2005-16. Photo © Iwan Baan

Catherine Morgan Thomas: Embracing the Void

Experience the solo exhibition Embracing the Void by artist Catherine Morgan Thomas at the Ice House Gallery in Holland Park. Discover emotionally engaging glass sculptures that explore strength, fragility, and the ethereal nature of the medium. Reflect on themes of loneliness, connection, and light, as you engage with the void within.

Date: 15 - 23 July 2023. Location: Ice House Gallery, Holland Park, London W8 6LU. Price: Free.

#FLOFAVOURITES: THIS WEEK

Image: Life is GoodJapanese Titl/不小心摔了一跤. Artist Jenny Kaori

WAVE: Currents in Japanese Graphic Arts

Discover the vibrant diversity of Japanese graphic arts at WAVE: Currents in Japanese Graphic Arts. This bold exhibition features works by 60 Japanese artists, showcasing a fusion of fine art, commercial illustration, and counterculture. From pop art to surrealism and the concept of heta-uma, challenge your perception of beauty and skill. Curated by Hiro Sugiyama and Takahashi Kintarō, WAVE offers a rare opportunity to explore the dynamic world of Japanese illustration and graphic arts outside Japan.

Date: 6 July 2023 – 22 October 2023. Location: 101-111 Kensington High St, London W8 5SA. Price: Free. Book now.

Lagos, Peckham, Repeat:
Pilgrimage to the Lakes


This major group exhibition explores the connections between Lagos and Peckham, showcasing the works of over ten Nigerian and British Nigerian artists. Through sculpture, installation, photography, and film, the exhibition delves into themes of transnational exchange, sense of place, and the contemporary metropolis. Highlights include a large-scale installation evoking the Lagos marketplace and a Lagos-inspired beer brewed specifically for the exhibition. Through this exhibition, witness the artistic reflections of Nigerian diaspora communities and the journeys that shape their creative practices.

Date: 
5 July – 29 October 2023
. Location: South London Gallery, Main Building 65–67 Peckham Road, London, SE5 8UH. Price: Free. Book now.

Image: Adeyemi Michael, Entitled, 2018. Lagos, Peckham, Repeat:Pilgrimage to the Lakes
. South London Gallery

Frameless London

Frameless London is an immersive arts venue situated at Marble Arch Place. It presents four galleries that beautifully exhibit 40 interactive digital interpretations of timeless masterpieces created by celebrated artists such as Cezanne, Kandinsky, Monet, Canaletto, Rembrandt, and Klimt. With cutting-edge 4K resolution and interactive projection technology, Frameless pushes the boundaries of traditional art.

Location: 6 Marble Arch, London W1H 7AP. Price: £15/ £25 Child/ Adult. Book now.

Image: Christ in the Storm on the Lake of Galilee Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669). Frameless London. June 2023. © MTotoe

Korean Art London

Korean Art London is currently open at the Mall Galleries, presenting the works of South Korea's prominent artists and emerging talents. With 33 exhibitors, the fair provides a comprehensive view of contemporary South Korean art. Through booth-style presentations, curated displays, and satellite exhibitions, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the diverse and vibrant South Korean art scene.

Date: 7-22 July 2023. Location: Mall Galleries, The Mall, London SW1. Price: from £10.80. Concessions available. Book now.

Image: Jin Hyun Nam at Korea Art London 2023.

cinema

Carrie Mae Weems: (Re)Constructing History

The impactful short film, (Re)Constructing History, delves into the themes of re-appropriating history, constructing identity, and migration stories. It was created by multidisciplinary artist Sandi Hudson-Francis and a group of Young Creatives, and it engages in dialogue with the work of Carrie Mae Weems. Through intimate discussions, the film unearths personal migration stories and explores how they shape individual and collective understandings of identity. By utilising public and personal archival materials, newly created images, and redacted texts, the film re-appropriates and re-molds narratives to reflect the multidimensionality of personal stories and colonial legacies.

Date: until 15 Jul 2023. Location: Level G, Barbican Centre Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS. Price: Free. Click here for more.

Image: Carrie Mae Weems, The Louvre, from Museum Series, 2006

Pop-ups & Venues

Salad Days Market at The Hoxton Hotel

Image: @saladdaysmarketlondon

Join Salad Days Market for a one-day pop-up at The Hoxton Hotel in Southwark. Discover handmade fashion, jewellry, accessories, and beauty from over 20 small brands. Try on pieces, meet the makers, and enjoy a fabulous shopping experience in a comfortable and sophisticated setting. Indulge in freshly baked treats, encounter a live portrait artist, and explore products made in the UK. The venue is dog and child-friendly, and there are plenty of nearby attractions to explore, such as Borough Market and The Tate Modern.

Date: 15 July 2023. Time: 11am - 3pm. Location: The Hoxton, Southwark 40 Blackfriars Road London SE1 8NY. Price: Free. Book now.

#FLOFavourites: Pick of the week

FREE EVENT OF THE WEEK

Image: Vauxhall Pleasure Garden. Photo by Neil Massey

Free outdoor screening at the Pleasure Gardens Vauxhall

Experience free outdoor screenings of feel-good movies in the Pleasure Gardens this July. Don't miss the tribute screening of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever this week, where the Kingdom of Wakanda fights for their nation. Indulge in delicious street food, popcorn, and drinks. Register for a free Eventbrite ticket for a chance to win the 'Best of Vauxhall' prize draw.

Date: 11 July 2023. Time: 7 - 10pm. Location: Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens Vauxhall Walk London SE11 5HL. Price: Free. Click here to register now.

Food of the Week

Toklas

Image: Toklas Restaurant. June 2023. © MTotoe

Toklas is a trendy and chic restaurant owned by Amanda Sharp and Matthew Slotover, founders of the Frieze Art Fair. With a Mediterranean menu and stylish indoor and outdoor dining options, Toklas has quickly gained a reputation for its seriously good food. From their exceptional sourdough bread to creative dishes like Sicilian aubergine and vegetarian pesto linguine, the menu offers a fusion of flavours. Don't miss their tempting desserts, including a signature chocolate cake and heavenly lemon tart. Whether for a romantic date or exceptional dining experience, Toklas impresses with its exceptional cuisine and inviting atmosphere.

Location: 1 Surrey St, Temple, London WC2R 2ND. Instagram: @toklas_london

Interview of the week

In conversation with Emily Moore

Image: Emily Moore. Photo credit Isabelle Young

Emily's artistic journey has been a non-linear path, culminating in her successful showcases at esteemed galleries such as the Royal Academy of Art, Gagosian, and White Cube.Click here to read the full interview.

Cause of the week

Literacy Pirates

Image:@literacypirates

Founded by Catriona Maclay, a passionate teacher in North London, Literacy Pirates started as a pilot project in 2010 with the support of Bootstrap Company. Their program focuses on reading, writing, and boosting children's self-esteem as learners. Utilising local resources and volunteers, Literacy Pirates offers a unique pirate-style learning experience in Hackney. With dedicated learning centres called Ships in Dalston and Tottenham, they have expanded their reach. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Literacy Pirates quickly adapted and launched a virtual learning platform, continuing to teach and provide engaging activities. Join them as a volunteer, no prior experience necessary, and embark on an incredible journey with Literacy Pirates to support young learners in their literacy journey. Click here to discover ways to volunteer with Literacy Pirates.

Website: literacypirates.org