The City calendar is always bursting with things to see, do and experience. And this month is no different. Visitors to the area can expect to check out a whole host of festivals, exhibitions, films and music performances. These are the top events in the City of London this month.
This Bright Land at Somerset House
One not to be missed, Somerset House is transforming its courtyard into the spectacular This Bright Land. The month-long creative celebration will feature free day-and-night performances, music, dance, talks, workshops and more, giving a platform to both established creatives and grassroots communities.
The free family-friendly daytime activities include site-wide treasure hunts, games and pop-up activities. Plus, the courtyard fountains will be on for children to splash about in if the weather hots up.
The Bright Land will also be home to a 35-metre observation wheel which will give you breath-taking views of the City’s skyline – the perfect place to be with a drink in-hand when the sun goes down. Head to Somerset House’s website for the full programme. We can’t wait! See you there!
August 1-29
Somerset House, Strand WC2R 1LA
somersethouse.org.uk
Taste of Ibiza at Sky Garden
Looking for a taste of the Baleriac? Take the short trip to the top of the Walkie Talkie and let Sky Garden whisk you away to sunnier climes with a one-night-only Ibiza-inspired party.
Forget about airport delays, Sky Garden is hosting a night of Ibiza fun overlooking the City of London. Take in the incredible vistas of the City while you dance the night away to music from the Ibiza Live Orchestra, curated by ALR Music. The band will light up the dancefloor with iconic beats before a DJ hits the decks to play all the hit dance anthems. Plus the £55 ticket includes a welcome cocktail too. Up to six of you? Book the party package and sip on bottles of Moët & Chandon Champagne and nibble on cheese and charcuterie sharing boards.
August 19
Sky Garden 1, Sky Garden Walk EC3M 8AF
skygarden.london
Superbloom Afternoon Tea at Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square
Treat yourself to a blooming good afternoon tea this month at Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square. Inspired by the hotel’s new wildflower meadow installation at the entrance, the Rotunda Bar & lounge are inviting guests to enjoy the beautiful Superbloom Afternoon Tea. Executive Pastry Chef Sylvain Goujon has used seasonal British flavours to create a floral spin on the original afternoon tea with a selection of pastries reminiscent of a flowerbed in bloom alongside traditional finger sandwiches and warm scones. A delight for all the senses.
Until September 18
10 Trinity Square EC3N 4AJ
fourseasons.com
S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Experience at the Barbican Centre
Make your way to the incredible free photography exhibition by Kay Rufai at the Barbican Centre. Open across Level G, S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Experience is the culmination of a wellbeing project created by Rufai in 2018.
The project, which took place earlier this year, aimed to address the specific mental health needs of Black boys, whilst challenging negative stereotypes often associated with this demographic in wider society.
Rufai has received numerous accolades for his research-led series of workshops and exhibitions across the country. His award-winning work has been featured on the BBC, Channel 5 News, in the Guardian and HuffPost.
With agency, culture, identity, mental health, and social issues explored in the wellbeing project, the final images of the young boys have been hung around the Barbican Centre for us all to see. A beautiful and evocative display of work, the photos really capture the younger generation of often misunderstood boys.
Until September 4
Barbican Centre, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS
barbican.org.uk
Midsummer Mechanicals
Fill your little ones’ minds with verse and prose with a trip to Shakespeare’s Globe. Suitable for ages five and above, Midsummer Mechanicals will be running at the Globe’s beautiful Sam Wanamaker Playhouse during the holidays. The full-scale production, directed by Lucy Cuthbertson and Kerry Frampton, is the follow-up to the play-within-a-play from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, following the success of their first hit show, Pyramus and Thisbe. We can’t think of anything more appropriate than watching this mid-holidays.
July 28 – August 21
21 New Globe Walk SE1 9DT
shakespearesglobe.com
Family Activities at The Museum of London
To celebrate its 45-year history at London Wall, The Museum of London has created a six-month programme of activities for the family kicking off in August. From Roman picnics and Minecraft Missions to large LEGO builds, the museum will be hosting a wide range of events to coincide with the school holidays. So, transport yourself with the kids to ancient Rome this summer and create historic memories of your own. Visit the museum’s website for more information and dates.
Throughout August
150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN
museumoflondon.org.uk
Kids Summer Splash at the Royal Docks
With record-breaking hot weather gracing the UK this year, heading to the beach is a good idea. You don’t, however, have to go far. Make the short trip with the offspring to Royal Victoria Dock to let them cool off at Kids Summer Splash. The free swimming docks near ExCel and London City airport will include a shallow end this summer so you can enjoy the water with the kids. What’s more, the docks have a super sandpit, places to get delicious food and refreshing drinks too. Who needs the Caribbean?
August 1-21
Royal Victoria Dock E16 1AG
royaldocks.london
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