What's on in London this week: 22 – 29 May 2023

Discover our pick of things to do in London this week: 22 - 29 May 2023.

Explore London

Breakin’ Convention Presents: The Ruggeds - State Shift  

Breakin' Convention presents The Ruggeds, a Netherlands-based collective, at Sadler's Wells Theatre. The UK premiere of State Shift features two choreographed pieces by Roy Overdijk: Waterbrothers, a powerful duet exploring brotherhood, and Turns, an autobiographical solo by Virgil 'Skychief' Dey. The Ruggeds, known for their groundbreaking breaking style, have won over 200 competitions and bring their innovative artistry to the theater stage.

Date: 26 - 27 May 2023. Time: 7.30pm. Location: Sadler’s Wells Theatre, EC1R 4TN. Price: from £22. Book now.

Image:  Breakin’ Convention Presents: The Ruggeds State Shift   © Emile Vrolijk

Ally Pally's 150th Birthday Party

Celebrate 150 years of Ally Pally at a massive FREE Birthday party on Saturday 27 May! Enjoy a day filled with music, DJ sets, live broadcasts, silent disco, film screenings, guided tours, ice skating, street food, craft beer, family-friendly activities, performances, markets, and more. This special event offers a unique opportunity to explore the Palace and Park. The party runs from 12pm to 9pm, with free entry and some paid activities requiring booking. Don't miss this once-in-150-years celebration!

Date: 27 May 2023. Time: 12pm – 9pm. Location: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY. Price: Free.  

Colors Festival

London is set to host the most vibrant and colourful experience of the year with the launch of the Fever and Colors Festival exhibition. Following its success in Paris the exhibition will immerse visitors in an artistic universe of colour, creativity, and diversity. Taking place at Camden Market Hawley Wharf, the London exhibition will feature the works of 40 established and emerging artists from around the world across a spacious 1,000m² area.Visitors can expect to encounter an exciting blend of street graffiti, striking art, inspiring illustrations, and vibrant photography, offering a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums.

Date: from 26 May 2023. Location: Camden Market Hawley Wharf Unit M120 - M133 Water Lane, Hawley Wharf London, NW1 8JZ. Price: from £10.50. Book now.

Image: © Jo Di Bona

Chelsea Barracks Spring Fair 2023

Experience the second Spring Fair collaboration between Chelsea Barracks and House & Garden magazine, an extraordinary event showcasing the best of British craftsmanship and creativity. Indulge in the Artisans' Market, where remarkable creations await, while insightful seminars hosted by House & Garden editors delve into the worlds of interiors, art, design, and gardens. Engage in workshops, from flower growing to jewellery design, and immerse yourself in a realm of inspiration and hands-on artistry.

Date: 24-27 May 2023. Location: Chelsea Barracks, SW1W 8BG. Price: £0 - £10. Book now.

City Splash

City Splash is a vibrant one-day event held at Brockwell Park, celebrating Caribbean and African culture. The festival showcases reggae, dancehall, and Afrobeats across seven stages. Attendees can enjoy a wide range of black-owned food, drinks, and creative markets. The festival pays homage to the undeniable influence of reggae and Caribbean/African culture on the UK's music scene for over 50 years. The confirmed 2023 lineup includes renowned artists such as Chronixx, Koffee, Shenseea, Skillibeng, Ayra Starr, Gyakie, Stylo G, Jah9, and more.

Date: 29th May 2023. Price: from £29.50. Location: Brockwell Park, Herne Hill, London. SE24 9BJ. Book now.

Image: City Splash Festival

Wide Awake

The highly anticipated Wide Awake Festival is set to make its return to Brockwell Park on 27 May 2023. The festival is renowned for its diverse music lineup, spanning various genres such as leftfield indie, post-punk, electronica, techno, and jazz. This year's edition will feature Caroline Polachek as the headliner, joined by talented artists like Alex G, Osees, Oneohtrix Point Never, Daniel Avery, and Shygirl.

Date: 27 May 2023. Location: Brockwell Park, Brixton.Price: from £49.50. Book now.

The Misandrist

Lisa Carroll, writer of the acclaimed play Cuckoo, returns with a penetrating new comedy exploring true intimacy, sexual equality, and top-notch tupperware. In this story, Rachel and Nick's one-night-stand turns into a journey of self-discovery and mutual destruction. Rachel takes control through playful pegging, leading them to uncover new parts of themselves and each other. The show features themes of sexual assault, harassment, substance abuse, violence.

Date: 10 May – 10 June 2023. Location: 24 Ashwin Street, London E8 3DL. Price: from £12 - £30. Book now.

Image: The Misandrist

HomeGrown+ is Bringing the Biennale Back

HomeGrown+ and RESOLVE Collective collaborate to discuss the Venice Biennale of Architecture and how aspiring creatives can participate in future biennales. As one of the most important architectural events, this year's Biennale signifies a significant shift in the global industry with over half the participants being African, and the British Pavilion curated by a dynamic team from the Global Majority. These showcases, occurring biennially or triennially, play a vital role in the careers of architectural practitioners. However, they often remain mysterious for many aspiring practitioners, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. To conclude the event, an after-party will be held in the Barbican Conservatory.

Date: 26 May 2023. Time: 7.30pm. Location: Auditorium 1, Level 4 , Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS. Price: £5 +fees. Book now.

London in Bloom

London is gearing up for two fabulous floral festivals this week. Chelsea in Bloom 2023 coincides with the renowned Chelsea Flower Show, transforming Chelsea into a botanical wonderland. Nearby, Belgravia offers its own enchanting flower festival.

Chelsea in Bloom

Image: Cinquecento, Chelsea in Bloom 2022. Chelsea in Bloom

From 22 May 2023, the streets of Chelsea will be transformed into a breathtaking display of fresh flowers, as retailers, restaurants, and hotels compete for coveted awards. This year's theme, 'Flowers on Film,' draws inspiration from iconic movie characters and storylines, promising stunning floral installations that pay homage to the silver screen. Winners will be chosen by an expert panel and announced on 23 May,

Belgravia in Bloom

Belgravia in Bloom is back from Monday also. The ‘Into the Wild’ theme celebrates King Charles III and biodiversity. Visitors can enjoy nature-inspired activities and explore floral experiences throughout Belgravia's shops and restaurants.

Click here for more on London in Bloom next week.

Arts & Culture

Opening this Week

V&A Photography Centre

V&A is opening phase two of its Photography Centre this week, creating the largest permanent space for photography in the UK. The expansion includes four new galleries alongside the existing three, showcasing the museum's extensive and diverse photography collection. The new spaces will feature global contemporary photography, rotating displays, and interactive exhibitions on camera history.

Image: Installation view, Once Again... (Statues Never Die), Tate Britain, 2023. Photo_ Jack Hems. © Isaac Julien, Courtesy the artist and Victoria Miro.

#FLOFAVOURITES THIS WEEK

Isaac Julien: What freedom is to me 

Tate Britain presents the first survey exhibition of British artist and filmmaker Isaac Julien. Spanning four decades, the exhibition showcases his pioneering films and immersive installations, exploring themes of politics, identity, and artistry. Highlights include Looking for Langston and Lessons of the Hour. Don't miss this compelling celebration of Julien's influential career.

Date: until 20 August 2023. Location: Millbank, London SW1P 4RG. Price: from £17. Concessions available. Book now.

Sarah Sze : The Waiting Room

Sarah Sze has transformed a disused waiting room at Peckham Rye station in London with her site-specific sculptural work, Metronome. The exhibition, titled The Waiting Room, explores our relationship with images, time, and materiality. Sze's immersive installations integrate everyday materials, torn photographs, and videos. Metronome is a dynamic structure resembling a globe, illuminated by moving images from 42 projectors. It reflects the fragility of life and captures the speed of modern existence.

Date: 19 May – 17 September 2023. Location: The Waiting Room, Peckham Rye Station,SE15 4RX. Price: Free.

Image: Sarah Sze, Metronome, 2023. The Waiting Room, Peckham Rye Station. Commissioned by Artangel © Sarah Sze, Courtesy the Artist. Photo by Thierry Bal.

Rita Maikova: Bones and Ribbons

Ukrainian artist Rita Maikova's exhibition Bones and Ribbons at Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery showcases surreal and magical paintings exploring the duality of existence and the healing power of art. Maikova's compositions feature drooping creatures symbolising the body (bones) and soul (ribbons), seeking resolution and celebration after conflict. Inspired by her Ukrainian upbringing, the artworks depict fluid forms and hybrid characters against desert or sea backdrops, embodying interconnectedness and community. The exhibition introduces a new figure with a luminous pearl, representing feminine energy and secret knowledge. Maikova's paintings create a harmonious world where healing and celebration prevail.

Date: 3 June 2023. Location: Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery, 533 Old York Road, SW18 1TG. Price: Free. 

Handel Hendrix House

London's Handel Hendrix House has been fully restored, offering a fascinating exploration of the lives of two musical icons: George Frideric Handel and Jimi Hendrix. The museum showcases Handel's meticulously recreated residence, while also featuring exhibits dedicated to Jimi Hendrix, who resided in an adjoining flat. Visitors can delve into Handel's historic rooms, view acquired artwork, and enjoy live music performances. The restoration project celebrates the remarkable legacies of both Handel and Hendrix, making it a must-visit destination for music enthusiasts.

Date: ongoing. Location: 25 Brook Street, W1K 4HB. Price: from £10. Book now.

Image: HandelHendrix House. Photo credit Christopher Ison

Last Chance

Aladdin Sane: 50 Years Exhibition

Don't miss the final week of the Southbank Centre's exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of David Bowie's album. This exhibition delves into the creation of the album's iconic 'lightning bolt' cover portrait, captured by photographer Brian Duffy. The exhibition focuses on the photo session that produced Bowie's unforgettable image, exploring the ongoing transformation of Bowie's persona and his collaboration with Duffy in redefining notions of sexual and gender identity.

Date: until Sunday 28 May. Location: Exhibition Space, Level 1, Royal Festival Hall. Price: £5. Book now.

Image: Peter Doig, Alpinist, 2022. © Peter Doig, All Rights Reserved. DACS 2023

Peter Doig

This week is the last chance to see Peter Doig’s exhibition at The Courtauld Gallery. The exhibition showcases a captivating ensemble of paintings, all crafted since the artist's relocation from Trinidad to London in 2021. The collection of works presented at the exhibition are deeply intertwined with the places where the artist has resided and created, including the UK, Canada, and Trinidad. Alongside the new paintings, you will also find a series of prints, created by Doig in response to the poetry of his late friend and collaborator, Derek Walcott. 

Location: The Courtauld Institute of Art, Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 0RN Date: until 29 May 2023. Price: from £14. Concessions available. Book now.

Cinema

Currents*

Currents is a collection of short films from the Caribbean, showcasing the works of contemporary filmmakers from the region. These shorts have been carefully selected from the 17th edition of the trinidad+tobago film festival, which revolved around the #Seeyuhself concept. The programme aims to delve into self-representation using the medium of film. By featuring a diverse range of languages, cultures, political landscapes, and available resources, this collection explores various aspects of contemporary life and provides a unique perspective not commonly seen by UK audiences. The screening contains themes related to discrimination, sexual assault, and child abuse.

Date: 24 May 2023. Location: Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 , Beech Street, EC2Y 8DS. Price: £13 + fees. Book now.

 *part of Snapshots: Caribbean Cinema Up Close

Pop-ups  & Venues

Black-Owned Hackney Market - City Splash Warm Up

Image: Black-Owned Hackney Market, April 2023. Photo by MTotoe

Join us for the official City Splash Warm-Up Event on 26-27 May, in partnership with Black Eats LDN. Get ready for a weekend filled with music, food, and culture, setting the perfect vibe for the upcoming City Splash Festival on 29 May. Enjoy reggae, dancehall, and afrobeats from top DJs, accompanied by mouthwatering street food.

Date: 26 May 2023. Time: 6pm - 10pm. Location: Bohemia Place Markets Bohemia Place London E8 1DU. Price: Free. Book now.

Salad Days Makers Market at Battersea Power Station

Salad Days is hosting a three-day pop-up makers market in Battersea Power Station's Turbine Hall B from 27 - 29 May. The market will feature 30 small businesses offering sustainable and ethical handmade items, including jewellery, homeware, art, skincare, and accessories. Salad Days is run by twin sisters Daisy and Liv Tinker, who have organised more than 70 events across the city.

Date: 27 - 29 May 2023. Time: 10am - 6pm. Location: Ground Floor, Turbine Hall B, The Power Station, Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW11 8AL. Book now.

#FLOFavourites: Pick of the week

FREE EVENT OF THE WEEK 

Image: Massimo Virgilio

Tate Lates
Get ready for an exciting evening as Tate Lates returns on Friday 26 May. This month's event shines a spotlight on the remarkable art, activism, and protest of Richard Bell. Enjoy DJ sets, workshops for crafting protest signs and banners, thought-provoking talks, and engaging films. Connect, learn, and be inspired at this vibrant event at Tate.

Date: 26 May 2023. Time: 6pm - 10pm. Location: Turbine Hall, Bankside, SE1 9TG.

 

Food of the week

Café Kitsuné

Image: Café Kitsuné, Belgravia

Café Kitsuné joins Belgravia in Bloom, offering a special edition of their iconic fox cookies. From 15 May - 11 June, discover fox cookies donning green wellies, accompanied by Iced Rose Chocolate. Look out for their floral installation on Motcomb Street from May 22nd.

Location: Café Kitsuné at Pantechnicon, Ground Floor, 19 Motcomb St, London SW1X 8LB. Instagram: @cafekitsune

Interview of the week

We had a chat with Soojin Kang

Image: Soojin Kang. © Markus Schroder

Soojin Kang is a Korean artist now based in Germany, whose practice is based on the exploration of textiles as a sculptural medium. Using the ritualistic actions of weaving, knotting, winding and unwinding, she transubstantiates raw materials into structures that retain unmistakeable traces of their biotic origins through rough surfaces and natural dyes. Alongside this palpable attachment to the natural landscape is an implication of mutation, as Kang experiments with the evocative power of fibre to entangle the organic and the bodily with something other-than-natural.

Click here for the full interview. 

Cause of the week

Canary Wharf Group x The Felix Project

Image: Canary Wharf Group x The Felix Project

Food distribution charity The Felix Project has teamed up with Canary Wharf Group to address the pressing issue of food poverty. They are actively seeking volunteers to participate in delivering 1,200 meals per week. Currently, one in ten Londoners has less than £3 per day to spend on food. The partnership aims to repurpose 504kg of food that would have otherwise gone to waste, creating meals for those in need. Volunteers from the estate will collect surplus food from retailers and distribute it directly to local charities, schools, and community organisations. Retailers such as Waitrose, M&S, and Joe Blake's have already committed to the cause. The Canary Wharf Green Scheme will expand to encompass 15 distribution routes across East London, engaging more volunteers in the effort to combat food poverty. Anyone can sign up to volunteer to join the Canary Wharf Green Scheme. Click here to volunteer now.