Let the year of the monkey begin!
by Jen (follow Jen on Twitter:@JenBarnes207)
Spring has sprung! Easter, St. Patrick’s Day, the Spring Equinox- so much to celebrate in March! It also seems to be the month of the weird and wacky: probably because we’re all a little stir-crazy after a long, cold winter. This month is full of free art, performances, films, parades and even a bouncy-castle (I told you it was wacky). As always, if nothing on my list tickles your fancy, some of my fellow BrokeinLondoners have some more ideas for you in the Free Entertainment in London section.
#1 Society of Imaginary Friends Soiree | 4th March
Image: Time Out London
The Society of Imaginary Friends Soiree is an evening of music, comedy, film and poetry from professionals looking for a friendly atmosphere to test new material. In between acts and after the performances are through, DJs will be spinning tracks for you to enjoy. Entry is free and food and drink is available from the bar.
When: Friday 4th March, 730pm
Where: Karamel Restaurant, 4 Coburg Rd, London N22 6UJ
#2 Bullshit Shakespeare’s London | 5th March – 11th March
Image: Visit London
Bullshit London is spreading Shakespearian lies across London for one-week only with their Bullshit Shakespeare’s London walks. Tour guides will take you on a journey through the famous bard’s London all while telling you imaginary facts (which some might call lies) about his life and the city he called home. Take your gullible friends for some extra laughs!
When: Saturday 5th March – Friday 11th March
Where: City of London Information Centre, Cannon St, London EC4M 8BX
#3 Bouncingham Castle | 3rd March – 5th March
Image: More London
Are you ready for this? There’s a massive 7-metre tall bouncy castle that wobbles and smells like raspberries coming to London! I’m not lying- I couldn’t make this up! The bouncy castle apparently celebrates the launch of Candy Crush Jelly Saga (another game to take over your life) so be sure to thank them for all the time you’ve lost staring at your screen.
When: Thursday 3rd March – Saturday 5th March
Where: More London Riverside, London SE1 2DB
#4 The Calder Prize 2005-2015 | Until 5th March
Image: Aesthetica Magazine
If you haven’t been to Pace yet- this is the perfect time to go. The Calder Prize 2005-2015 exhibition invited six contemporary artists to explore the work of Alexander Calder. Those six artists are Tara Donovan, Žilvinas Kempinas, Tomás Saraceno, Rachel Harrison, Darren Bader, and Haroon Mirza; all super-stars in the art world. The art is playful, interesting and enjoyable- you’re sure to find something you’ll want to take home.
When: Until 5th March
Where: Pace London, 6 Burlington Gardens, London W1S 3ET
#5 Mark Wallinger ID | All Month
Image: Hauser & Wirth
Mark Wallinger’s new exhibition has been receiving a lot of coverage in the press. The Guardian calls him a ‘brilliant man’ and The Independent praises his humour and mischief. The exhibition ID at Hauser and Wirth explores identity and behaviour within modern society. Stand and stare at the id paintings – who knows what you’ll see.
When: All Month, Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm
Where: Hauser & Wirth, 23 Savile Row, London W1S 2ET
#6 SOAS Free Community Film Festival | 7th – 12th March
SOAS Free Community Film Festival
The inaugural SOAS Community Free Film Festival is this month and the lineup is killer. You can watch critically acclaimed films and documentaries like Inception, A Syrian Love Story, Girlhood, We Were Children and Before Tomorrow. On Friday 11th there’s also free music in the SOAS Student Union bar which will be open to the public.
When: 7th – 12th March
Where: SOAS University, Check website for exact locations.
#7 The Cancer Research UK Boat Races | 27th March
Image: Visit London
It’s a classic and if you haven’t experienced it yet- what are you waiting for! Every year Oxford and Cambridge square off on the Thames for the Cancer Research UK Boat Race. Head to the river to watch for free and cheer for your favourite shade of blue (light blue for Cambridge and dark blue for Oxford).
When: 27th March, 3:10pm (Women’s Race), 4:10pm (Men’s Race)
Where: River Thames between Putney and Mortlake
#8 St Patrick’s Day Festival & Parade | 13th March
Image: Visit London
St Patrick’s Day is a great excuse for a party so head to Piccadilly on the 13th March for the St Patrick’s Day Parade and follow it to Trafalgar Square for the festival. The parade has floats, Irish dancing and marching bands from all over the UK and the festival has food, comedy, films, ceilidhs and music. Saturday sorted.
When: 13th March
Where: Trafalgar Square & Piccadilly
#9 Women’s History Month in East London| All Month
Alsara at Rich Mix
Women’s History Month in East London is a month-long festival of events celebrating women. There are talks, performances and exhibitions at venues like Rich Mix, Toynbee Studios and Deptford Cinema that cover topics from bras to women’s employment. Check out the full programme from alternative arts to take advantage of all of the events on offer.
When: 1st – 31st March
Where: Across East London
#10 WOW Festival | 8th March – 13th March
Image: Southbank Centre
The Women of the World Festival at the Southbank Centre is back and better than over with loads of free events for you. Check out the full programme on the website to see what tickles your fancy. Highlights include: International Women’s Day with Gemma Cairney, artist Marvin Gaye Chetwynd, and the WOW Near Space Programme.
When: 8th March – 13th March
Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX
