What's on in London this week: 12 – 18 June 2023

Discover our pick of things to do in London this week: 12 – 18 June 2023.

Explore London

Great Exhibition Road Festival 2023

Experience a fun-filled weekend at the Great Exhibition Road Festival in South Kensington, where renowned institutions like Imperial College London, the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and V&A come together to offer a wide range of free events for all ages. Immerse yourself in workshops, talks, music performances, and installations hosted by these esteemed institutions. Engage in hands-on activities, learn from experts, and be inspired by the wealth of knowledge and creativity they bring to the festival.Click here for the full line-up of events.

Date: 17 - 18 June 2023 Time: Noon - 6pm. Location: Exhibition Road South Kensington London SW7 2QG. Book now.

Image: Great Exhibition Road Festival. @exrdfestival

Mid-summer celebration at Ally Pally

Ally Pally is hosting another thrilling summer celebration this weekend, and we couldn't be happier! Indulge in a tasty array of Greek street food, fried chicken, hot dogs, steak sandwiches, Cornish pasties, stone-fired Italian pizzas, and delightful ice creams. Savour refreshing cocktails, craft beers, and more as you enjoy live music and breathtaking panoramic city views. Space is limited, so arrive early to secure a table on the sunny south-facing terrace!

Date: 17- 18 June 2023.  Time: Noon – 11pm. Location: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London, N22 7AY.

Aperol Spritz® Aperidisco 

Don't miss out on the final week of the Aperol Spritz pop-up at Battersea Power Station, as Aperol brings the sun-soaked vibes of Italo-Disco to London. Running until 14 June, the Aperol Spritz Aperidisco offers a free Italian disco experience beneath the iconic chimneys of Battersea Power Station. With Aperol Spritz flowing and DJ sets creating the perfect ambiance, the pop-up is open daily from Noon-10pm, inviting Londoners (over 18) to enjoy impromptu Aperol Spritz moments with friends. The venue features a disco-inspired setting, offering Disco Yoga sessions, make-up transformations, Aperol Spritz masterclasses, quizzes, and Italian tombolas, ensuring a memorable and entertaining experience that captures the essence of a London summer.

Date: until 14 June 2023. Time: Noon - 10:00pm. Location: Power Station Park, Battersea Power Station. Book now.

Image: Aperol Spritz® Aperidisco at Battersea Power Station. © MTotoe

Outlander: The Experience

Step into the world of Outlander at Outlander: The Experience. Join LIONSGATE+ for an epic adventure through time, celebrating the highly anticipated Season 7 of the show. This immersive event is free and open to the public, exclusively for those aged 18 and over.

Date: 16 - 17 June 2023. Location: St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square London WC2N 4JJ. Price: Free. Book now.

Taste of London

Taste of London is back! Regent's Park will be transformed into a food lover's paradise for five days of delicious dishes. Experience the UK's biggest food and drink festival, featuring 36 of the city's best restaurants, including Norma, Joia , Yopo at The Mandrake, Jam Delish and much more.

Date: 14 – 18 June 2023. Location: Marylebone Green, Outer Circle, Paddington, NW1 4NR. Price: from £24. Book now.

Image: Amirali Mirhashemian

What's Your Blood Type?

Head to the Barbican for the ‘What's Your Blood Type?’ event in partnership with the NHS. Discover your blood type, register as a blood donor, and gain confidence in giving blood. NHS staff will be on hand to take a small blood sample from your finger and determine your blood type in just 5 minutes. There will also be a film screening of Three Songs on Pain, Time and Light by Black Audio Film Collective, highlighting the life and art of Donald G. Rodney, who found solace in his work while battling Sickle Cell Anaemia. Join the panel discussion hosted by the Barbican's Global Majority Network and the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust Charity. This free event runs from 10am to 2pm, and refreshments will be provided.

Date: 12 June 2023. Location: Foundation Room, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS.

Meltdown Festival

Christine and the Queens, the French musical phenomenon, is set to curate Meltdown 2023, the UK's longest-running artist-curated music festival. Known for her explosive debut album Chaleur humaine and subsequent chart-topping releases, Christine and the Queens has reached new heights in the music industry. Her curated lineup will feature artists who have influenced her own musical identity, as well as those who continue to shape it today. The festival, taking place at the Southbank Centre, will showcase ticketed shows and two weekends of free outdoor gigs, performances, and activities. Don't miss this celebration of Christine and the Queens' creative vision with a lineup including Django Django, Kokoroko, Oxlade, Sigur Rós & London Contemporary Orchestra, Warpaint, and more, along with sensory experiences, club nights, and a free multi-artform programme.

Date: 9 – 18 June 2023. Location: Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX. Price: Each event is individually ticketed. Prices start from free. Click here for the full line-up of events.

Tipsy

Tipsy, presented by Wallfrog at The Cockpit theatre, is an outrageous and hilarious production by Edie Walwyn. It takes audiences on a vivid exploration of Maria, an overworked young woman seeking solace in a nail salon. As secrets spill and booze flows, Maria's thoughts overflow, leading to disastrous consequences. Tipsy delves into the process of oversharing, tackling taboo subjects and prompting conversations on relationships, sexual health, and mental health.

Date: 13 –17 June 2023. Location: The Cockpit Theatre, Gateforth Street, London, NW8 8EH. Price: from £13. Book now.

Image: Leake Street Tunnel, London. © MTotoe

Graffiti Workshops at Leake Street

Discover your inner artist at an unforgettable graffiti workshop hosted by Leake Street. Led by Artist in Residence, Marc Craig, participants will receive expert guidance in creating their own graffiti masterpieces. With a blank canvas on the iconic walls of Leake Street, attendees will learn how to use spray cans to bring their visions to life. The workshop also includes a tutorial on creating a Graffiti Galaxy painting to take home. Protective gear such as masks, overalls, and gloves will be provided. The workshop is open to individuals aged 12 and above.

Date: Thursday - Sunday at 12-2pm, 2-4pm, 6-8pm, 8-10pm (depending on the day). Location: Leake Street Arches, Leake Street London SE1 8SW. Price: £35 - £45. Book now.

The Merry Wives

Gary Thomas presents a witty and modern comedy musical based on Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of Windsor as part of the Wandsworth Fringe. This delightful production, filled with bubblegum pop music, offers a fresh take on the classic story. The Merry Wives combines jubilant music, hilarious dialogue, and a contemporary twist to engage both Shakespeare enthusiasts and newcomers. The performance will take place at The Bedford, enchanting audiences with its uproarious and spirited tale of comeuppance.

Date: 12 June 2023
. Location: The Bedford, 77 Bedford Hill, Balham, London, SW12 9HD. Price: from £7. Book now.  

Image: The Merry Wives

Yoga in London

Experience London's coolest yoga classes in serene and unique settings. From iconic locations to free sessions, find your zen and reset your mind and body with our guide to the coolest places to do yoga in London.

Image: Sky Garden Sunrise Yoga

Sky Garden Sunrise Yoga

Discover yoga magic at London's highest green oasis, Sky Garden. Join their summer yoga series for one-hour vinyasa flow classes amidst lush greenery and stunning city views. Classes held Tuesday -Friday at 7am, weekends at 8am. Led by talented local instructors, this iconic indoor oasis is a tranquil escape from central London's chaos. Click here for dates and to book now.

Time: Weekdays 7 am. Weekends 8am. Location: 1, Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF. Price: from £27.

Immersive Yoga at Frameless

Experience extraordinary yoga at Frameless London's immersive exhibition space. They are hosting monthly Sunday morning sessions led by Adam Husler and accompanied by a soothing sound bath. You’ll get to immerse yourself in 'The World Around Us' gallery for a yoga experience amidst inspiring art. Click here for dates and book now.

Time: 8am – 9.15am. Price: £35. Location: Frameless, 6 Marble Arch, London W1H 7AP.

Image: Yoga at Frameless London

 JivaYoga

Experience transformative yoga under Gaia, the impressive floating earth artwork by Luke Jerram. Led by Jivamukti specialist Gillian Reeves at the Landmark Arts Centre, this unique session combines grounding Vinyasa sequences with inner balance and serenity. Enjoy a 90-minute session followed by a delicious vegan brunch. Bring your mat, water bottle, towel, and an open mind to embrace this extraordinary experience with Gaia.

Date: 18 June 2023. Time: 10.45am. Location: Landmark Arts Centre, Ferry Road, Teddington, TW11 9NN. Price: £23. Book now.

Click here for more of the coolest places to do yoga in London this summer!

Arts & Culture

Opening this week

Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition 2023

The Royal Academy of Arts presents the 255th Summer Exhibition, featuring contemporary art and architecture. Coordinated by David Remfry RA, the exhibition explores the theme of ‘Only Connect,’ inspired by E.M. Forster's novel Howards End. It provides a platform for artists at all stages of their careers, showcasing new works by a diverse range of artists including Lindsey Mendick, Paul Dash, Jenkin van Zyl, Harminder Judge, Ida Applebroog and more. The exhibition also features works by Royal Academicians and Honorary Royal Academicians, including Frank Bowling, Tracey Emin, Gillian Wearing, Mimmo Paladino, Pipilotti Rist, Kiki Smith, and newly elected members Roger Hiorns, Hew Locke, Veronica Ryan, and Barbara Walker.

Date: 13 June – 20 August 2023. Location: Burlington House,
Piccadilly, London, W1J 0BD
. Price: from £20; concessions available. Book now.

Image: Royal Academy of Arts Secretary and Chief Executive, Axel Rüger and exhibition co-ordinator David Remfry RA at Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition 2023.

Gaia at Landmark Arts Centre

Gaia, the remarkable floating earth artwork by Luke Jerram, will once again grace the city this week. Prepare to be mesmerised by Gaia's awe-inspiring display of NASA imagery, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of our planet's surface. Following its successful appearances at Canary Wharf and the Painted Hall in Greenwich, Gaia will be making a highly anticipated return to the Landmark Arts Centre from 16 June - 2 July 2023. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to witness the remarkable beauty of Gaia, and be sure to have your camera or phone ready to capture the unforgettable moment. Additionally, the exhibition will feature a range of exciting events, including music concerts, family activities, yoga classes, and more, creating a truly immersive experience for visitors of all ages.

Date: 16 June - 2 July 2023. Location: Landmark Arts Centre, Ferry Rd, Teddington TW11 9NN. Price: Free. Book now.

Image: Gaia, 2019. W5, Belfast

Between Two Worlds: Vanley Burke and Francis Williams

The V&A commemorates the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush with a season of events. The program will feature displays, talks, workshops, and more, showcasing the stories and legacies of the Windrush generation. Through objects from the V&A Collection and beyond, the events will highlight artists and designers associated with Windrush, exploring the Caribbean influence on art, design, and culture in Britain. One of the exhibitions, Between Two Worlds, opens on 12 June and examines portraits of Jamaican scholars Vanley Burke and Francis Williams, spanning three centuries. The display prompts reflections on identity, cultural memory, racism, and colonial legacies in British and Caribbean history.

Date: from 12 June 2023.Location: Rooms 88a and 90, V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL. Price: Free.

Image: Self-portrait, photograph, by Vanley Burke, 2023, Birmingham, England. © Vanley Burke

#FLOFAVOURITES: THIS WEEK

Draw! A Barbican Library Foyer Exhibition

Experience the London Festival of Architecture at the Barbican Library, where Anna Gibb's stunning drawings will be on display. Anna, an architect and illustrator, uses drawing to dissect the built environment and explore architectural connections across time. Join her on June 17, and 24 from 12-4pm in the library gallery for a sketching session—pens provided, just bring your imagination!

Date: 2 - 28 June 2023. Location: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS. More.

Image: Christina Allan, UK solo exhibition Cosmic Zoo at OMNI

Christina Allan: Cosmic Zoo 

Christina Allan's Cosmic Zoo exhibition at OMNI gallery explores the fascination with aliens and conspiracy theories. Through vivid, detailed paintings inspired by documentaries and her own spirituality, Allan delves into the mysteries of the universe. The exhibition reflects on the historical presence of aliens in art and pop culture, inviting viewers to contemplate their enduring allure.

Date: 8 June – 1 July 2023. Location: OMNI 56-57 Eastcastle Street, London W1W 8EG. Price: Free.

Last chance

Souls Grown Deep Like the Rivers

Image: Souls Grown Deep Like the Rivers: Black Artists from the American South, Royal Academy of Arts London. © MTotoe

Souls Grown Deep Like the Rivers: Black Artists from the American South features a collection of 64 works by 34 artists. Spanning from the mid-20th century to the present, these thought-provoking pieces reflect the South's complex history, including enslavement, Jim Crow policies, racism, and the Civil Rights Movement. The exhibition showcases the enduring impact of these artists' creativity, resonating with the region's legacy.

Date: until 18 June 2023. Location: The Gabrielle Jungels-Winkler Galleries
, Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, London, W1J 0BD. Price: from £13.Concessions available. Book now.

Cinema

My Imaginary Country

Image: 2023 USA dir Patricio Guzman. Image courtesy of the Barbican

In this explosive documentary, acclaimed Chilean filmmaker Patricio Guzmán captures the 2019 uprising in Santiago. The film follows the powerful demands for change as over one million people took to the streets, seeking democracy, improved living conditions, and a new Constitution. Guzmán's lens focuses on determined young individuals, particularly women, who refuse to back down in their fight for transformative societal shifts. Witness the unwavering spirit of the people of Chile in this compelling portrayal of political unrest and the quest for social justice.

Date: 9 - 15 June 2023. Location: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS. Price: from £13 + £1.50 booking fee. Book now.

Pop-ups & Venues

Smart Works Fashion Sale

Image: Lucas Hoang

Smart Works are having a Fashion Sale on 17- 18 June at the Truman Brewery on Brick Lane. Shop for incredible deals on vintage and sample pieces from top brands. All proceeds directly support Smart Works, a UK charity empowering unemployed women through clothing, coaching, and confidence-building. Early access tickets available, and afternoon sessions are free. Make a difference with financial or clothing donations and revamp your wardrobe while changing lives!

Date: 17 - 18 June 2023. Location: The Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane London E1 6QR. Price: £0 - £6.13. Book now.

#FLOFavourites: Pick of the week

Free event

The British Academy Summer Showcase 2023

Image: British Academy London

Experience a world of ideas at the British Academy's annual Summer Showcase this weekend. The Academy throws open its doors, inviting curious minds to indulge in a free festival of engaging workshops, pop-up talks, film screenings, panel discussions, and performances. Engage with pioneering research from leading thinkers in the social sciences and humanities, shaping our world and challenging conventional wisdom. Explore the magnificent Nash-designed, Grade I-listed building at Carlton House Terrace, offering breathtaking views of the Mall and St James's Park. The Summer Showcase welcomes the public on 17 June, with dedicated days for schools and early career researchers on 16 June. Expand your knowledge, discover the unexpected, and gain fresh perspectives on the world around you.

Date: 17 June 2023. Time: 11am – 5pm. Location: The British Academy, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace London SW1Y 5AH. Book now.

Food of the Week

Outcrop launches this July: a three month pop up at 180 The Strand

Image: Outcrop founders & AngloThai. Photo by Ben Broomfield Photography

Johnny Smith and Daniel Willis, founders of Luca, have joined forces with Tom Allott, Andrea Moccia, and Sabrina Goreeba, former members of Secret Cinema, to launch Outcrop. This new restaurant and arts space will open its doors at 180 The Strand on 7 July . Overseeing the restaurant is John Chantarasak from AngloThai, who will showcase his signature Thai cooking using locally sourced British ingredients. The menu will feature seasonal British vegetables, native breed animals, and line-caught fish, all prepared over charcoal. Outcrop aims to create an urban oasis in London's West End, providing guests with a unique connection to nature. Bookings are open now! Book now.

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

Interview of the week

In conversation with Maryam Eisler

Image: Maryam Eisler

Maryam Eisler is an Iranian-born, London-based photographer, author, and Chief Contributing Editor to LUX magazine. Her photographic work revolves around the concept of the Sublime Feminine, and she has exhibited at various prestigious galleries and art fairs around the world. Maryam has also made significant contributions to publications such as Vanity Fair, Harpers Bazaar Art, Harpers Bazaar Interiors, and Vogue Arabia.

Click here for the full interview.

Cause of the week

Refugee Week

Refugee Week is a dynamic festival celebrating the resilience and contributions of refugees and those seeking sanctuary. Founded in the UK in 1998, it takes place annually around World Refugee Day on 20 June, Refugee Week 2023 will be it’s 25th anniversary. Refugee Week takes places between 19-25 June 2023. The 2023 Refugee Week theme is Compassion. Through diverse arts, culture, sports, and educational events, Refugee Week fosters connections beyond labels and promotes understanding of displacement. The festival provides a platform for refugees to share their experiences and creative work.

Image: Compassion Mural at Southbank Centre and artist Murugiah. Photo by Simon Tang

A mural commissioned by Choose Love is now on show at the Southbank Centre to commemorates the 25th anniversary of Refugee Week. Designed by surrealist artist Murugiah in collaboration with Counterpoint Arts, the mural represents compassion and solidarity, influenced by discussions with young asylum seekers. It emphasises the significance of small acts of kindness in creating meaningful change and encourages us to recognise the interconnectedness of our global community.

Click here for how you can get involved in Refugee Week this year.

Upcoming events

Angélique Kidjo to perform 40th anniversary concert at Royal Albert Hall as part of EFG London Jazz Festival

Image: Angélique Kidjo

Angélique Kidjo, the five-time Grammy Award winner, will be performing a special concert at the Royal Albert Hall on 17 November 17 2023, as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival. Accompanied by her band and the Chineke! Orchestra, she will celebrate her 40-year career with special guests. This concert will kick off her year-long world tour. Kidjo has received numerous accolades and is praised for her fusion of West African traditions with R&B, funk, jazz, and other influences. Tickets go on sale this Friday.

Date: 17 November 2023. Time: 7.30pm Location: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP. Price: from £35. Book now.