What's on in London this week: 26 June – 2 July 2023

Discover our pick of things to do in London this week: 26 June – 2 July 2023.

Explore London

Chelsea & Kensington Festival 2023

Kensington and Chelsea Festival is returning for its third year this week. Taking place from 1 July - 31 August 2023. The festival will showcase a wide range of live art performances in various venues and outdoor spaces, featuring established artists and emerging talent. It offers a diverse cultural program including theatre, circus, opera, dance, music, outdoor arts, family shows, talks, and more. The festival aims to make culture accessible to everyone in the borough, regardless of budget or spoken language. Highlights include Luke Jerram's Mars installation and an extensive outdoor arts program. Notting Hill Carnival will also collaborate with the festival.Click here for the full programme.

Date: 1 July – 31 August 2023. Location: venues throughout Chelsea & Kensington. Website: kcfestival.co.uk

Image: Mars by Luke Jerram. Chelsea and Kensington Festival 2023. Photo by Luke Jerram.

An evening with the Junior Guildhall Symphony Orchestra

Experience the exceptional talent of the Junior Guildhall Symphony Orchestra as they take the stage at Milton Court. The performance features Debussy's La Mer and Dvořák's renowned Cello Concerto. The mesmerising concerto will be brought to life by soloist Alex Ciulin, recipient of the prestigious 2019 Junior Guildhall Lutine Prize. Guiding this musical journey is conductor Julian Clayton, promising an unforgettable evening of classical masterpieces.

Date: 1 July 2023. Time: 6pm. Location: Milton Court Concert Hall, Silk St, London, EC2Y 9BH. Price: £10 + £4 booking fee. Book now.

Image: Guildhall School of Music & Drama

Adam Nathaniel Furman at Crossrail Place Roof Garden

In collaboration with the charity akt, Canary Wharf Group, in partnership with Brookfield, is hosting a series of talks during Pride month. This weeks talk will feature a conversation with the esteemed artist and designer, Adam Nathaniel Furman. Furman, known for their architectural background and diverse heritage, will delve into the significance of queer spaces. Their recently published book, Queer Spaces: An Atlas of LGBTQIA+ Places and Stories, celebrates the creation of safe and authentic spaces by the queer community. Furman's own artistic practice beautifully integrates queer coded artwork into public spaces, reflecting their commitment to inclusivity. As a highlight of the event, Canary Wharf will proudly unveil Furman's large-scale installation, Click Your Heels Together Three Times, which will become a cherished addition to their permanent art collection. Don't miss this exciting display on Adams Plaza, from 29 June.

Date: Wednesday 28 June 2023. Time: 1pm. Location: Crossrail Place Roof Garden,Crossrail Pl, London E14 5AB. Website: canarywharf.com

Image: Adam Nathaniel Furman

Gaia creator Luke Jerram in conversation at the Landmark Arts Centre

The Landmark Arts Centre will host an exclusive event featuring a talk by Luke Jerram, the creator of GAIA. Guests will have the rare opportunity to enjoy a delightful three-course meal in the presence of Luke Jerram himself, as he shares the inside story of GAIA. This after-dinner talk promises to provide a unique and personal perspective from the artist. The ticket includes a glass of Prosecco to toast the evening.

Date: 30 June 2023. Time: 7pm. Location: Landmark Arts Centre, Ferry Road, Teddington, TW11 9NN. Price: £45. Book now. 

Image: A Strange Loop

A Strange Loop

Experience the groundbreaking musical that everyone is talking about: A Strange Loop. This award-winning production, which has received multiple 'Best Musical' awards and the Pulitzer Prize, follows the journey of Usher, a young, gay, Black writer. As he navigates his own self-perception, Usher writes a musical about a writer who is writing a musical. With a blend of humor and honesty, this show delves into themes of race and sexuality. Don't miss this limited season production that has captivated audiences. 

Date: until 9 September 2023. Location: The Barbican Theatre, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS. Price: from £20. Book. now.

Image: Jamie T. Credit Reuben Bastienne-Lewis

Jamie T in Finsbury Park

Jamie T, acclaimed singer-songwriter, will headline his biggest show at London's Finsbury Park on 30 June 2023. This follows the success of his number one album The Theory of Whatever and the platinum status of his debut album Panic Prevention on its 15th anniversary. With special guests to be announced, it's a highly anticipated event celebrating Jamie T's return to the stage after a five-year hiatus.

Date: 30 June 2023. Location: Finsbury Park. Price: from £52.25. Book now.

Kintsugi Class For Beginner's

Experience the beauty of kintsugi, the Japanese art of embracing imperfections, at a pottery class in London. Suitable for beginners, this class offers the opportunity to learn about the history and philosophy of kintsugi while creating your own ceramic masterpiece. Throughout the sessions, you'll safely break and mend pottery using the kintsugi technique, accentuating the mended cracks with gold. By the end of the class, you'll have gained knowledge of kintsugi pottery and the skill to mend broken ceramics, which you can take home with you. These sessions can be quite therapeutic, providing a sense of tranquility and accomplishment.

Date: 30 June 2023. Time: 7pm - 9pm. Location: Telegraph Hill Centre, Kitto Rd, London SE14 5TY and Locke, 157 Tower Bridge Road, Bermondsey SE1 3LW. Price: £50 - £52. Book now.

Wimbledon Screening

As the Wimbledon Tennis Championships approach, the city of London is buzzing with anticipation. From 3 - 16 July, screens will be popping up all over the city, ensuring that you don't miss a moment of the tournament's excitement. Even if you didn't manage to secure Wimbledon tickets this year, fear not, because London has you covered. Here our some of our top picks of locations in the city to catch all the excitement from Wimbledon 2023.

Image: The Piazza at Covent Garden. Image courtesy of Covent Garden London

Piazza at Covent Garden

Experience the excitement of Wimbledon at Covent Garden's Piazza this summer. Join fellow tennis enthusiasts to catch all the live action on their big screens. Show your support for your favourite players as you indulge in Wimbledon staples: strawberries and cream, accompanied by refreshing Pimm's available at The Crêpe Stop. And if you're keen, complete your Wimbledon experience by visiting Polo Ralph Lauren at 11B King Street to shop the official tournament outfit!

Date: 3 - 16 July 2023. Location:  Piazza, Covent Garden, WC2E 8RF. Website: www.coventgarden.london

Brown Hart Gardens

Experience the excitement of the Wimbledon games at the tranquil oasis of Brown Hart Gardens. Grab one of their comfortable deckchairs and enjoy the thrill of watching tennis in the picturesque surroundings. The matches are screened daily from 8 am to 11 pm, allowing you to relax and treat yourself to a selection of delicious food and drink while savouring the experience.

Date: 3 - 16 July 2023. Location: Brown Hart Gardens, London W1K 6WP. Website: mayfairldn.com

Image: Strawberries & Screen at Duke of York Square.

Strawberries & Screen at Duke of York Square

Mark your calendars for Strawberries & Screen 2023! From 14-16 July, watch the Semi-Finals and Singles Finals on the big screen at Duke of York Square. Bring your picnic baskets and relax on the Green across from the Saatchi Gallery. Enjoy refreshing drinks from the pop-up bars and explore the Fine Food Market. VIP seating is available with pre-bookable comfy deckchairs for up to six people.

Date: 14 - 16 July 2023. Location: Duke of York Square, Chelsea, SW3 4LY. Website: dukeofyorksquare.com

Image: @bigscreen.london

Big Screen London

Big Screen London is back with an exclusive screening of the Wimbledon Tennis finals. Experience a delightful blend of sports, gourmet delights, and alfresco splendour at Dulwich Picture Gallery Garden and Eel Brook Park. Indulge in mouthwatering cuisine, refreshing cocktails, and the timeless pairing of strawberries and cream while celebrating with a glass of exquisite Champagne.

Date: 16 July 2023. Time: 11.30am till 8.30pm. Location: Fulham: Eel Brook Park, New Kings Rd, London SW6 4PT. Dulwich: Dulwich Picture Gallery Gardens, London SE21 7AD. Price: from £24.50. Book now.

Click here for our full guide on the best places in the city to watch Wimbledon 2023.

Arts & Culture

Opening this week

Young Victoria & Albert (V&A) Museum

Young V&A, an exciting new destination in London for children, families, and young people, is poised to open its doors this Saturday. This innovative museum is dedicated to sparking the imagination and creativity of the next generation of artists, designers, performers, and practitioners.Explore the fascinating 'Sound It Out' display, featuring original poems by renowned authors inspired by objects from the V&A's collections. Discover exciting attractions such as life-size puppetry, suspended cars, and iconic characters like Jabba the Hutt from Star Wars. Young V&A offers hands-on activities, captivating collection displays, and a free Summer Festival showcasing the talents of young performers.

Date: 1 July 2023. Location: Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA. Website: vam.ac.uk/young

Image: View of the pre-walker and toddler zone of the Play Gallery. Image by Picture Plane © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Nwando Ebizie: Extreme Unction Vol.2

Nwando Ebizie presents Extreme Unction Vol. 2, a 70-minute guided multi-sensory experience at Toynbee Studios in London. Inspired by Hildegard von Bingen, the performance creates a transformative space where grieving and loss intersect with ecstasy and exultation. The centrepiece of the experience is the Celestial Tent, a sculptural and sonic piece that offers an immersive sound and light experience. Audience members will be guided by a knowledgeable host, have the opportunity to reflect and share, and enjoy curated drinks. Extreme Unction Vol. 2 blurs and pushes the boundaries of traditional performance art. The experience runs from 28 June - 2 July, and admission is Pay What You Can.

Date: 28 June – 1 July 2023. Time: 2-8pm. Location: Toynbee Studios, 28 Commercial Street, E1 6AB. Price: Pay What You Can. Book now.

Image: Kate Montgomery, Sister's Blue Dress, 2023

Kate Montgomery: Pattern Book

Pattern Book is a collection of paintings by Kate Montgomery, influenced by her fascination with textiles and Islamic patterns. The exhibition, opening at Long & Ryle, showcases Montgomery's skillful intertwining of geometric principles and Victorian designs. Her small canvases painted with precision in casein on board become vessels brimming with narratives and nostalgia. Montgomery's work invites viewers to explore private moments and the quiet of domestic life, evoking emotions through vibrant colours and intricate compositions.

Date: 29 June – 27 July 2023. Location: Long and Lyle, 4 John Islip Street, London SW1P 4PX. Price: Free. Website:longandryle.com

Central Saint Martins Show: Postgraduate Art 2023

Explore the artwork of Central Saint Martins Postgraduate Art students at Granary Square. This exhibition marks the culmination of the Central Saint Martins Shows 2023 season, showcasing the talent of a new generation of creative changemakers as they embark on exciting adventures. On show are students from a diverse range of courses, including MA Art and Science, MA Contemporary Photography: Practices and Philosophies, MA Fine Art, MA Fine Art: Digital, MRes Art: Exhibition Studies, MRes Art: Moving Image, and MRes Art: Theory and Philosophy. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the innovative and thought-provoking creations of these talented artists

Date: 28 June – 2 July 2023. Time: 12-8pm. Location: Lethaby Gallery, Lift foyer and Window Galleries and D001 and H010. Central Saint Martins 1 Granary Square London N1C 4AA. Price: Free. Book now.

Image: Slice of Life Painting. Louise Nordh. United Kingdom. Painting, Acrylic on Canvas.Size: 76 W x 61 H x 2 D cm. Price: £637. The Other Art Fair/Saatchi Art

The Other Art Fair

The Other Art Fair is returning for its Summer Session in King's Cross West Handyside Canopy from 29 June. Presented by Saatchi Art, the fair champions itself as deviating from elitism and providing a platform to discover and purchase art directly from emerging artists. With one hundred independent artists, interactive experiences, and a bar, it offers an inclusive and exciting art fair experience.

Date: 29 June - 2 July 2023. Location: West Handyside Canopy 1 Wharf Road Coal Drop's Yard London N1C 4BZ. Price: from £9. Book now.

Totalitarian Props

Totalitarian Props is a thought-provoking exhibition that explores population control, distorted realities, and the perversion of truth under oppressive regimes. Blurring fact and fiction, the artists uncover overlooked colonial histories and delve into the complexities of identity. Through the lens of Libya, the exhibition addresses the psychological processing of severe rule post-trauma.

Date: 24 June – 14 July 2023. Location: The Africa Centre 66 Great Suffolk Street London SE1 0BL. Price: Free. Book now.

Cinema

Image: India, Canada 1998. Dir Deepa Mehta 110 mins

Earth by Deepa Mehta

This film, directed by Deepa Mehta, is part of the London Indian Film Festival. Set during the violent partition of India in 1947, it tells a gripping story of politics, love, and revenge. Through the perspective of Lenny, a young girl affected by polio, the film explores the deep divisions that tear apart her country. As tensions escalate and violence spreads, Lenny's nanny, Shanta, becomes caught between two men, Hasan and Dil Navaz, while trying to ensure Lenny's safety. The impending partition brings devastation to communities, and Shanta's life is thrown into turmoil. This extraordinary film delves into the impact of historical events on personal lives.

Date: 28 June 2023. Time: 6.30pm. Location: Barbican Cinema 2 & 3, Beech Street, London, EC2Y 8DS. Price: £13 + £1.50 booking fee. Book now.

The Last Rider by Alex Holmes

The Last Rider, directed by Bafta-nominated filmmaker Alex Holmes (known for Maiden), is an exhilarating account of the legendary 1989 Tour De France, widely regarded as the greatest cycle race in history. Focusing on Greg LeMond, the only male US cyclist to have won the Tour, the film showcases his remarkable journey from trauma and near-death to a triumphant comeback. This compelling story highlights the resilience of the human spirit, the transformative power of determination, and the miraculous nature of survival.

Date: 23 -29 June 2023. Location: Barbican Cinema 1, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS. Price: £13 + £1.50 booking fee. Book now.

Pop-ups & Venues

Image: The Ice Cream Project: The Sequel, Anya Hindmarch

 Anya Hindmarch's The Ice Cream Project

Anya Hindmarch's Ice Cream Project is back, offering a unique selection of delicious ice creams and sorbets at The Village from 29 June - 27 August 2023. Inspired by pantry staples, the flavours range from Heinz Tomato Ketchup and Blue Dragon sweet chilli to Kellogg's Coco Pops and Tiptree Lemon Curd. Handcrafted in Devon using the finest ingredients, these treats can be enjoyed by the scoop or taken home in 500ml tubs. Click here to discover more on this perfect summer indulgence.

Date: 29 June - 27 August 2023. Opening hours: Monday - Saturday: 10am - 6pm, Sunday: 12 - 5pm. Location: The Village, 11 Pont St, London SW1X 9EH.

#FLOFavourites: Pick of the week

FREE EVENT OF THE WEEK

KCAW x Art Bus Tour

Experience the vibrant spirit of Kensington + Chelsea Art Week and embark on an exciting Art Bus tour organised by The Galleries Association and Portobello Radio. Led by the knowledgeable local broadcaster, Piers Thompson, this unique journey will take you on an exploration of KCAW Public Art Trail through the enchanting backstreets of West London on a traditional red London bus. Discover the area's rich local history, cultural highlights, and counterculture, while connecting with gallery managers and artists along the way. Don't miss this special Art Week event on this Saturday, as the Art Bus takes you around the Public Art Trail locations. Hop on, hop off, and enjoy the ride!

Date: 1 July 2023 Time: 10am - 3pm. Location: Kensington and Chelsea. Book now.

Food of the week

The Magazine Restaurant

Image: The Magazine Restaurant, Serpentine North Gallery

The Magazine, located in the picturesque surroundings of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, offers a delightful breakfast and all-day dining options accompanied by a tempting selection of beverages. Designed by architect Zaha Hadid, the restaurant showcases her iconic style with futuristic elements and seamless integration with the surrounding garden. In addition to an exceptional dining experience, The Magazine collaborates with the Cooking Sections' CLIMAVORE project, addressing urgent environmental concerns. Click here to Discover more about their tasty offerings.

Opening hours: Tuesday -Sunday 9am-6pm, closed Monday. Location: The Magazine, Serpentine North Gallery, West Carriage Drive, London, W2 2AR.

Interview of the week

In conversation with Haley Josephs

Image: Portrait of Haley Josephs in her studio  © Haley Josephs

Drawing inspiration from notions of transformation, mortality, and femininity, Haley Josephs paints solitary figures in fantastical yet foreboding environments that transcend time and space. A recurring character within Josephs' work is the artist's late sister, who is often evoked in bold, almost daring, portraits that amalgamate intimate and personal narratives of the artist with the universal human condition. New York-based Josephs' paintings have been exhibited internationally, including at the Cleveland Institute of Art. Her work is in the collection of the X Museum, Beijing. Click here to read the full interview.

Cause of  the week

The Passage Fundraiser

Image: The Passage Secret Garden Party

The Passage, a homelessness charity, will host their Secret Garden Party at College Garden, Westminster Abbey, the oldest garden in England. The event on 20 July aims to raise funds for homelessness support in Westminster. Guests will enjoy live music, unlimited drinks, delicious food, and support The Passage's vision of a home for everyone. Tickets start at £60, with VIP options available. Click here to discover more on how you can join the party and make a difference.