Top 10 Free Events London in February

10 events to beat the back to work blues

Monthly column by Jen (follow Jen on Twitter: @JenBarnes207)

I’ve been told that February is the most depressing month. Maybe it’s because it’s the dead of winter…or maybe it has something to do with Valentine’s day? I’m not entirely sure. No matter what the reason, these events will have you smiling.

#1 Phlegm ‘The Bestiary’ | 1^st February – 05^th March

Sheffield based muralist, Phlegm, has launched a major solo exhibition at the Howard Griffin Gallery. For one month only, you can see the culmination of 6 weeks work (and arguably a lifetime). Phlegm has created his own Bestiary, “an illustrated compendium of animals, half real and half imagined, setting out the natural history of each beast within and its moral significance.”
When: February 1^st  – March 5^th
Where: Howard Griffin Gallery

#2 Welcome to Busseywood | 8^th February – 9^th February

A 16-hour free film festival at Peckham’s beloved Bussey Building. The theme is World Cinema (True Grit) and you can expect to find film, music, spoken word, art, stalls and of course, food. Each floor will host something different so don’t forget to explore.
When: February 8^th – February 9^th
Where: The Bussey Building

#3 Xu Bing ‘Travelling to Wonderland’ | Until March 2^nd

Xu Bing ‘Travelling to Wonderland’ – Pic taken by timeout.com

It’s your last chance to experience Xu Bing’s installation in the courtyard of the V&A. The courtyard space has been transformed into a fantasy garden based on the Chinese Fable ‘Tao Hua Yuan.’ The whole museum is free so spend an afternoon wandering around and stop by the courtyard space after dark!
When: Until March 2^nd
Where: Victoria & Albert Museum

#4 War Games | Until March 9^th

It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt! Take a trip back to your childhood with the War Games exhibit at the V&A Museum of Childhood. Toys have a long history of influence from violence and war, and this exhibit highlights their relationships across the decades.
When: Until March 9^th
Where: V&A Museum of Childhood

#5 Momentum February 13^th – June 1^st

Truly not to be missed, this is a unique installation by the technologically impressive United Visual Artists. The pendulum-like light, sound and movement you experience while in the room, will alter how you perceive the space itself.
When: 13^th February – June  1^st
Where: Barbican

#6 Greenwich Food Fest | February 17^th

Ok, so technically only entry to the festival is free..you’ve still got to pay for the food you eat. BUT it’s all in support of the Greenwich Food Bank and you were going to buy lunch anyways, right? Head south of the river for delicious market food at affordable prices!
When: February 17^th , 11am-7pm
Where: Greenwich Market

#7 Fifty Years of The Who February 6^th – March 23^rd

Both friend and photographer of The Who, Colin Jones has 50 years worth of photos of The Who onstage, backstage, on the road and at home. The exhibition celebrates the 50^th anniversary of the rock band.
When: February 17^th –  March 23^rd
Where: Proud Galleries

#8 Orchestral Artistry Masterclass | February  8^th

Students of Guildhall School will perform and be coached by Paul Silverthorne, LSO Principal Violist. Sit and spend the evening listening to students perfect their craft. Who knows, you might spot the next classical superstar.
When: February 8^th, 7:30pm – 10pm
Where: Jerwood Hall, LSO St Luke’s

#9 Jumble & Pearls Valentines Vintage & Designer Market | February 8^th

Head to The Book Club in Shoreditch for a day of art, designers, jewellery, bikes, clothes, cakes and DJs. Entrance to the market is free but we suggest bringing some cash for all the wonderful one-of-a-kind items you’ll find!
When: February 8^th, 12pm-730pm
Where: The Book Club, Shoreditch

#10 Alternative London Walking Tour | Tuesdays – Saturdays

London’s first pay-what-you-like east London walking tour. Tours depart from Spitalfields Market throughout the day. Make sure you check the website before you go. The tour highlights the creativity in East London, giving you the historical and cultural information you won’t get on a night out in Shoreditch.
When: All month
Where: Spitalfields Market

You may also want to check the Top Free Film Screenings in London in February 2014.

Find more posts by Jen.