What's on in London this week: 19 – 25 June 2023

Discover our pick of things to do in London this week: 18 – 25 June 2023.

Explore London

Cinch championships 2023

London's tennis championship season kicks off in June with the prestigious Queen's Championships sponsored by Cinch. Held since 1889 at The Queen's Club in West Kensington, this ATP Tour tennis event showcases top men's singles and doubles players. While general tickets are currently sold out, hospitality packages are still available for those who are eager to attend. Additionally, tennis enthusiasts can catch the tournament's action through the broadcast on BBC iPlayer and Prime Video. Don't miss the thrilling warm-up to Wimbledon!

Date: 19 - 25 June 2023. Location: The Queen's Club, Palliser Rd, London W14 9EQ. Price: General admission from £25.Book now.

Image: Darko Nesic

All Things Orchestral
The Hyde Park BST 2023 series commences with a spectacular live orchestral experience. Hosted by Myleene Klass and headlined by the acclaimed Alfie Boe, the internationally renowned Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra graces the iconic Great Oak Stage. This Friday, music enthusiasts have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the magic of All Things Orchestral, marking the beginning of the highly anticipated American Express presents BST Hyde Park 2023. Prepare for a mesmerising musical celebration that is not to be missed!

Date: 23 June 2023. Location: Hyde Park, Bayswater, London, United Kingdom W2 2UH. Price: from £13.45. Book now.

Celebrate Windrush Day at the Southbank Centre

To commemorate Windrush Day on 22 June 2023, the Southbank Centre has planned two special events in honour of the 75th anniversary of the Windrush generation's arrival. The celebrations kick off with a remarkable lineup of leading British and international musicians as part of the free gig series futuretense. Following this, the Royal Festival Hall will host the acclaimed 35-piece band Jazz Jamaica All Stars, featuring the vocals of Aswad's Brinsley Forde, Dem Three, and the Jazz Jamaica All Stars Choir. These events bring the spirit of the Caribbean, both old and new, to the heart of the South Bank.

Date: Thursday 22 June 2023. Time: from 5pm 7.30pm. Location: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX. Price: fiture tense is free, Jazz Jamaica All Starts Choir £30 ⁠–⁠ £40. Book now.

Image: Saxophonist, David Kayode. Image courtesy of Brighton Jazz Festival

Richmond Arts & Ideas Festival 2023

Richmond Arts Service will be launching the Arts & Ideas Festival on 16 June 2023. The festival will explore the theme of ‘Together & Change.’ It coincides with national and international events such as Refugee Week, Pride Month, Dalloway Day, Summer Solstice, London Architecture Festival, the 75th Anniversary of the Windrush, and Eid Al Adha 2023. With an aim to inspire, engage, and provoke thought, the festival boasts an exciting and inclusive program, showcasing themed tours, performing arts, vibrant maker markets, enchanting music, and insightful talks. Click here and explore the full program.

Date: 16 June-2 July 2023. Location: Various location. Website: richmondartsandideas.com

lululemon X International Day of Yoga 2023

Join lululemon as they celebrate the International Day of Yoga with a guided flow. This special event aims to bring people together and honour the practice of yoga. Led by instructors Sarah Drai and Heather Hearts, the guided flow will be followed by light bites and post-practice treats, supported by KXU. The event is open to individuals of all ability levels.

Date: 21 June 2023. Date: 6:30 - 9pm Location: Duke of York Square, 80 King's Road London SW3 4LY. Book now.

Maurizio Pollini at Royal Festival Hall

Don't miss the exquisite solo recital of the legendary pianist Maurizio Pollini in London. With over 60 years of pianistic brilliance, Pollini's performances are characterised by intellect, insight, and captivating clarity. From winning the International Chopin Competition to interpreting a diverse repertoire from Bach to Boulez, Pollini's career is marked by idealism and creative exploration. As a selfless performer, his aim is to express the composer's intentions with precision and sincerity. Prepare to be enthralled by an unmissable musical event.

Date: 23 June 2023. Time: 7.30pm. Location: Royal Festival Hall,  Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX. Price: £15 ⁠–⁠ £65. Book now.

Image: Maurizio Pollini © Mathias Bothor

The Gut Life Weekend with Stylist x Yakult

Join Stylist and Yakult for The Gut Life weekend on June 24-25, where you can dive into sessions covering live-cooking, breathwork, and sleep to kick off your summer with gut health hacks. Explore a range of expert-led sessions, sample Yakult Plus, and receive an exclusive goody bag. Tickets are available for each session, with a portion of the proceeds going to charity. Participants also receive an exclusive goody bag.

Date: 24-25 June 2023. Location: Underwood Lofts, 6-14 Underwood Street 3rd Floor London N1 7JQ. Price: from £11.55. Book now.

Pottery classes at art’otel

art'otel and Muni have joined forces to offer weekly pottery classes at the art'otel studio. Their special class, "Batter-tea Time," teaches participants how to craft contemporary tea tumblers and saucers using hand building techniques. All skill levels are welcome, with Muni's tea-cher providing guidance. Attendees can find inspiration from curated pictures or bring their own ideas. Muni has also created templates inspired by art'otel's interiors and Battersea Power Station. Embrace this clay-tastic opportunity to express your creativity and be part of a delightful collaboration.

Date: 24 June 2023. Location: art'otel, 1 Electric Blvd, Nine Elms, London SW11 8BJ. Price: £52. Book now.

Image: Robin Hood. The Legend. Re-Written. at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. Design and Photography Feast Creative

Robin Hood: The Legend. Re-written

Experience the magic of Sherwood Forest as Regent's Park transforms into a captivating setting for a modern retelling of Robin Hood: The Legend. Re-written. Join Robin and his Merry Men in their fight against injustice, with a thrilling twist on the British medieval folk tale. Written by Carl Grose and directed by Melly Still, known for their creative flair in productions like The Grinning Man and Captain Corelli's Mandolin, this play promises humour and heart. Set against the backdrop of Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, immerse yourself in the ancient forest and soak up the enchanting atmosphere as the story unfolds.

Date: 17 June 2023 - 22 July 2023.  Location: Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. Price: from £25. Book now.

The Next Generation Festival 2023

Experience the vibrant and promising future of dance at The Next Generation Festival. This exciting event celebrates emerging artists from junior companies and premier dance schools across the UK, Europe, and beyond. With captivating performances by esteemed groups such as ZooNation Youth Company, Finnish National Youth Ballet Company, McNicol Ballet Collective, The Royal Ballet School, BRB2, and Rambert School, the festival offers a remarkable showcase of talent.This week The Royal Ballet School and Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance will showcase at Royal Opera House.

Date: 20–21 June 2023. Location: Royal Opera House, Bow St, London WC2E 9DD. Price: from £13. Book now.

Image: Chineke! Blaize Henry. Photo by Ntando Brown.

Chineke! Orchestra: Coleridge-Taylor, Goodyear, Price

Experience the captivating musical fantasy of Stewart Goodyear's Callaloo, a vibrant portrayal of the Trinidadian Carnival. The composer himself takes the stage at the piano, immersing audiences in a thrilling journey. The five-movement composition blends Jamaican mento, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and inter-island soca, creating a rich and exhilarating tapestry of sound. In addition, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's dramatic Othello Suite, with its operatic flair and poignant moments, and Florence Price's Third Symphony, which beautifully expresses her African American heritage, add depth and variety to the performance. Prepare to be swept away by this extraordinary musical experience.

Date: 24 June 2023. Time: 7.30pm. Location: Queen Elizabeth Hall,  Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX. Price: £15 ⁠–⁠ £40.

London’s Borough Yards street party

Experience the ultimate summer celebration at London's Borough Yards district on 22 June. This bustling shopping, restaurant, and leisure hub is hosting a spectacular street party that brings together new and existing tenants for a day filled with fun, food, and festivities. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as you explore pop-up stalls, bars, and in-store offers, all accompanied by vibrant live music. With renowned retailers like Paul Smith, MALIN+GOETZ, Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse, Ace & Tate, Vinoteca, Brother Marcus, and Parrillan joining the festivities, this event promises an unforgettable experience. Celebrate the summer season in style at Borough Yards, where Victorian-era buildings and open spaces have been transformed into a dynamic 140,000 sq ft destination for shopping, dining, and relaxation!

Date: 22 June 2023. Time: 12-7pm. Location: Borough Yards, Stoney St, London SE1 9AD. 

Image: Borough Yards

Open Air Cinema in London

London's summer outdoor cinema tradition is a true delight, with a plethora of free and paid options to choose from. From the renowned rooftop film club in East London offering breathtaking sunset views to free movie screenings along the scenic canal in Kings Cross, the city offers an abundance of incredible venues.

Image: Outdoor Cinema at The Barbican. Photo by Justin Piperger 

Outdoor Cinema at the Barbican

Barbican Cinema’s late summer programme of open-air evening screenings returns in the magnificent setting of the Sculpture Court. This year's Outdoor Cinema series offers a diverse range of films, including Andrei Tarkovsky's Mirror, Yimou Zhang's Hero, Martin Scorsese's The Last Waltz, Hayao Miyazaki's Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window, Sydney Pollack's Amazing Grace, Jennie Livingston's Paris Is Burning, Ryan Coogler's Black Panther, and the beloved Singin' in the Rain. Enjoy complimentary Campari Spritz or Crodino with every ticket and savour the magic of cinema in the heart of the city.

Date: 23 August - 3 September 2023. Location: Barbican Centre Silk St London EC2Y 8DS. Price: £18 +£1.50. Book now.

Rooftop Film Club

Rooftop Film Club is back with an exciting lineup of films for July at the Bussey Building in Peckham and Roof East in Stratford. From action to animation, there's a movie for everyone against London's stunning skyline. With comfy seating, waterproof blankets, and food delivery to your seat, it's the ultimate big-screen experience. Highlights include Milestone Movies and daytime screenings with LED screens for more viewing options. Whether it's a date night or family outing, Rooftop Film Club has it all.

Location: Bussey Building Peckham and Roof East Stratford and  Price: from £12.95/£5.95 (Adult/Kids). Book now.

Image: Rooftop Film Club, Bussey Building, Peckham.

Everyman Screen on the Canal

Everyman Screen make a triumphant return to the picturesque Canal at King's Cross this summer. Delight in an exceptional lineup of blockbuster hits, beloved family classics, and cult favorites, all set against the stunning backdrop of the canal. Get ready for an unforgettable movie experience on a balmy summer evening, and the best part? It's completely free. Everyman presents a carefully curated selection of films that cater to audiences of all ages.

Date: 22 June - 6 August 2023. Location: Canalside Steps, Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4AB. Price: Free. Website: kingscross.co.uk

Arts & Culture

Opening this week

Dear Earth: Art and Hope in a Time of Crisis 

Dear Earth: Art and Hope in a Time of Crisis will showcase the ways in which artists will are reframe and deepen our psychological and spiritual responses to the climate crisis. The exhibition will inspire care, empathy, and promote a sense of political and social activism. Through the works of 14 artists, including Ackroyd & Harvey, Andrea Bowers, and Cornelia Parker, it will explore the interdependence of ecologies and ecosystems, as well as our emotional connection with nature. Dear Earth aims to foster environmental awareness and encourage positive change.

Date: 21 June - 3 September 2023. Location: Southbank Centre, Hayward Gallrey Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX. Price:from £15. Book now.

Image: Andrea Bowers, Step It Up Activist, Sand Key Reef, Key West, Florida, Part of North America's Only Remaining Coral Barrier Reef, 2009. © Andrea Bowers. Courtesy of artist and Andrew Kreps Gallery. Photo credit: Thomas Mueller.

Carrie Mae Weems: Reflections for Now  

The Barbican Art Gallery will host a groundbreaking exhibition on Carrie Mae Weems, an influential American artist. It's her first major UK exhibition, exploring her work on identity, power, and social justice. The exhibition includes photographs, films, objects, and installations spanning three decades. Weems critically examines representations of race and challenges systemic racism. Her work is performative and cinematic, featuring iconic pieces like the Kitchen Table Series and The Shape of Things, which explores the history of violence in the US. She confronts dominant narratives in science, architecture, photography, and mass media.

Date: 22 June – 3 September 2023. Location: Barbican Art Gallery, Silk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS. Price: from £16. Concessions available. Book now.

Image: Carrie Mae Weems, portrait by Jerry Klineberg. © Carrie Mae Weems. Courtesy of the artist, Jack Shainman Gallery, New York / Galerie Barbara Thumm, Berlin.

Gabriel Masson and Collaborators: Third World - The Bottom Dimension

Experience Third World: The Bottom Dimension, an immersive exhibition, video game, and web3 token project by Brazilian artist Gabriel Massan. This transformative exhibition challenges our worldview and explores themes of ancestral knowledge, healing, and ecological awareness. Engage with site-specific designs, sculptures, sounds, and films, and participate in the creation of a public archive through participatory digital tokens on the Tezos blockchain.

Date: 23 June - 22 October 2023. Location: Serpentine North, West Carriage Drive,
London W2 2AR. Price: Free.

Image: Image: Whitney Houston performing at Wembley Arena, London 5 May 1988. © David Corio

DIVA

From the Opera goddesses of the Victorian era to today’s global megastars, DIVA will celebrate the power and creativity of iconic performers, exploring and redefining what it means to be a diva and how this has been subverted or embraced over time across opera, stage, popular music, and film. Featuring fashion, photography, design, costumes, music and live performance drawn from the V&A collection and loans from across the world, the exhibition looks at how the performer has intersected with society and driven change through their voice and art. It will consider how the diva has been reclaimed and redefined and will examine the external and internal forces that contribute to shaping and worshipping the diva.

Date: 24 June 2023 - 7 April 2024. Location:  Victoria and Albert Museum, South Kensington, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL. Price: £20. Book now.

Image: Yinka Ilori, Types of Happiness (2019)

The Line - Yinka Ilori: Types of Happiness
The Line's vibrant summer program begins with an installation by Yinka Ilori titled Types of Happiness. Presented in collaboration with the Royal Docks Team, the artwork features two 10 ft high sculptural chairs adorned in a Dutch wax print, representing various forms of happiness. This major installation can be viewed near City Hall starting from Monday. The Line, a collection of public art sculptures in East London that connects Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to The O2 along waterways and the Greenwich Meridian, offers an exciting lineup of events for the summer. Visitors can enjoy exhibitions, art tours, wellbeing walks, creative activities, and talks as part of this immersive experience. Click here for the full line up of events.

Location: The Line Sculpture Trail, Olympian Way, London, 0AX. Website: the-line.org.

#FLOFAVourites

Alexandra Zarins & Gokula Stoffel: The moon between my teeth

The Moon Between My Teeth exhibition presents the captivating works of Gokula Stoffel and Alexandra Zarins, both known for their exploration of figuration and creation of mysterious, dreamlike realms. Through their use of a darker palette and recurring motifs, both artists evoke a sense of intrigue and enchantment. Zarins' oil paintings navigate the psychological aspects of portraiture, while Stoffel's works blend traditional techniques with unconventional materials, resulting in abstract textures that materialize memories and psychological states. This exhibition showcases the convergence of these two artists' distinctive visions, offering viewers a glimpse into their magical and enigmatic universes.

Date: 16 June – 22 July 2023. Location: Elizabeth Xi Bauer Gallery, Fuel Tank, 8-12 Creekside, London SE8 3DX.

Image: The moon between my teeth, works by Gokula Stoffel and Alexandra Zarins, at Elizabeth Xi Bauer Gallery.Photograph: Richard Ivey. Courtesy the Artists and Elizabeth Xi Bauer Gallery, London.

Cinema

The Swimmers: A special screening with panel discussion

Experience a special screening of the biographical drama The Swimmers at the National Maritime Museum, followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion on the challenges faced by refugees. This inspiring film depicts the journey of two Syrian swimmers who triumph over adversity to reach the Rio Olympics. The panel, hosted by Dalia Al-Dujaili, will delve into topics such as displacement, refugee rights, and promoting compassion within our communities. Guest speakers Julie-Yara Atz, a filmmaker, and Ulrike Schmidt, an Amnesty International activist, will share their insights. Don't miss this valuable opportunity to gain perspective and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Date: 21 June 2023. Time: 5.30pm. Location: National Maritime Museum, Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF. Price: Free. Book now.

Pop-ups & Venues

Image: Gem Oral Care

Gem oral care pop-up 

Gem, the groundbreaking oral care brand created by visionary Australian entrepreneur Georgia Geminder, is gearing up for an exciting pop-up event this Wednesday, commemorating its debut in Boots stores nationwide this month. Gem's dentist-approved range seamlessly merges the art of dentistry with cutting-edge formulas that prioritise your well-being, devoid of harmful elements like parabens and SLS. With an impressive global sales record of over 1 million units, Gem offers a portfolio of high-performance products enriched with oral probiotics and natural oils, ensuring a healthier and more exuberant smile. Prepare to embark on this extraordinary oral care journey as Gem exclusively debuts in Boots stores nationwide in June 2023.

Date: 22 June, 22 June 2023  10am-6pm,  24 June 10am-1pm. Location: Electric Space, 11 Rathbone Pl, London, W1T 1HR. 

Searcys Bubbly Show

Experience The Bubbly Show by Searcys, a two-day celebration of sparkling beverages at Carlton House Terrace in London. Guests can discover a wide selection of Champagne houses, small growers, and English sparkling wine producers through tastings, talks, masterclasses, and the opportunity to indulge in the renowned Searcys Champagne afternoon tea.

Date: 23 - 24 June 2023 Time: 23 June 4pm – 9 pm, 24 June 10am – 6pm. Location: 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St. James’s, London SW1Y 5AH. Price: from £49 (includes 8 Tasting Glasses and access to various free talks). Book now.

Image: Black Owned Hackney Market. Photo by MTotoe

Black-Owned Hackney Market

Celebrate Black-owned businesses at Bohemia Place Market! This weekend extravaganza invites everyone to indulge in a delightful array of food, drinks, shopping, and live entertainment, carefully curated by Black Eats LDN. On Friday, from 6pm to 10pm, they will host a night market, followed by an energetic after-party at Hackney Social. Then, on Saturday and Sunday, from 12pm to 6pm, visitors can immerse themselves in a world of street food delights, signature cocktails, and the opportunity to support these incredible small business owners.

Date: 23 June 2023. Time: 6pm - 10pm. Location: Bohemia Place Markets, Bohemia Place London E8 1DU. Book now.

Salad Days Festival: Small Biz Market, Street Food and Craft Beers

Salad Days will be hosting a full day festival at Gipsy Hill Brewery Taproom! Experience a day filled with shopping, food, drinks, dancing, and sunny fun. Browse and shop from the UK's most amazing small brands, featuring handmade and vintage products across fashion, ceramics, art, jewellery, homeware, and more. After shopping, enjoy Gipsy Hill Brewery's finest pints, cocktails, G&Ts, and delicious street food from KERB+.

Date: 24 - 25 June 2023. Time: 10 am - 4pm. Location: Gipsy Hill Brewery Taproom, 160 Hamilton Road London SE27 9SF. Book now.

#FLOFavourites: Pick of the week

FREE EVENT of the week

London Festival of Architecture RIBA Late

Don't miss the exciting lineup of events at London Festival of Architecture (LFA) RIBA Late, taking place this week. The Late will explore this year's LFA theme, 'In Common,' through live performances, installations, talks, and tours. Highlights from the Late will include a DJ set by artist Chooc Ly Tan, a film installation by Jim Stephenson, and the Cities of the Night exhibition. Don't miss the collective night walk led by Alisa Oleva and the den-making session in the Clore Learning Centre. It will be an unforgettable evening of creativity and connection. The event is free to attend, but you must register.

Date: 22 June 2023. Time: 7pm to 10pm. Date: RIBA, 66 Portland Place, London, W1B 1AD. Book now.

Food of the week

 Lusin Mayfair 

Image: Famed rose-flavoured Ice cream with candyfloss cloud. Lusin Mayfair. Photo by MTotoe

Lusin offers a unique dining experience behind an elegant gold vault door in Mayfair. As the first American restaurant in the city, it delivers an exquisite culinary experience with a focus on aromatic Armenian specialties. The warm and chic ambiance sets the stage for indulging in a tasty menu that caters to both meat lovers and vegetarians. From the smoky Mutabal Smoked Eggplant to the comforting Manti Dumplings, each dish showcases the rich flavours of Armenia. The menu also features mouthwatering kebabs prepared to perfection. To top it off, the dessert selection, including a signature rose-flavoured Ice Cream delicately presented with a cloud of candyfloss and a layered Honey Cake, featuring honey biscuits and cream, provides a delightful sweet ending. With exceptional flavours, impeccable service, and an intimate atmosphere, Lusin is the perfect choice an exceptional dining experience. Location: Lusin Mayfair,16 Hay Hill, London W1J 8NY. Website: @lusinmayfair

Interview of the week

We had a chat with Pelumi Odubanjo and Katy Barron

Image: Pelumi Odubanjo and Katy Barron, Portrait by Bernice Mulenga, 2022

Pelumi Odubanjo and Katy Barron curated this year's Photo50 exhibition at the London Art Fair. The theme was "Beautiful Experiments," featuring the work of multigenerational women photographers exploring diasporic heritage, domestic life, and the power of the home as a space of memory and generational exchange. Photo50 provided a critical forum for contemporary photography.

Click here to read the full interview.

Cause of the week

akt

Image: akt

akt supports LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25 facing homelessness or a hostile environment in the UK. They provide safe housing, employment assistance, and educational support in an inclusive and celebratory environment. Through housing specialists, mentors, and emergency support, akt helps young people stay safe, find accommodation, access specialised assistance, and achieve their goals. LGBTQ+ youth are at higher risk of homelessness due to coming out, and akt aims to improve their life outcomes by offering inclusive support. Founded in 1989 by Cath Hall, akt addresses the unmet needs of LGBTQ+ youth.  Click here to discover ways to volunteer with akt.

Website: akt.org.uk