Top 10 Free Events in London January 2014

10 events to beat the back to work blues

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

January is hard. The holidays have come and gone, the weather is crap and all those New Year’s resolutions are already falling by the wayside. To take your mind off things, check out these 10 events, hand-picked to bring a smile to your face!

#1 The London Ice Sculpting Festival | Jan 10-12th

Have you ever dreamed of deciding the winner of an international ice sculpting festival? Now you can! 20 international ice sculptors will compete over three days and you can vote for the winner! How many people can say that?
When: Jan 10-12th
Where: Wood Wharf

#2 London Short Film Festival Opening Night | Jan 10th

Lagunitas Brewing Company is hosting opening night of the London Short Film Festival at the ICA. DJs from 2 Hot 2 handle will keep the beats playing well into the night. Party starts at 8!
When: Jan 10th
Where: ICA

#3 3D: printing the future | All month

3D printing is about more than just building models…it might just save your life one day. This free exhibit tells the stories of replacement body parts and even the future of the retail industry.
When: All month
Where: Science Museum

#4 Lego Robot Night & Drink, Shop & Do | Jan 15^th

Art is in the eye of the beholder. Legos can be art, too…right? Drink cocktails and build you own Lego robots. Entry is free from 7pm (but you’ll have to pay for cocktails!)
When: Jan 15^th
Where: Drink, Shop & Do

#5 The Sunflowers | From Jan 25th

For the art purists among you, London has quite the treat. Two of Van Gogh’s sunflowers will be on display in the National Gallery from the 25th of January.
When: From Jan 25th
Where: The National Gallery

#6 Just Glass: the art of the possible | From Jan 24^th  – March 8^th 

An entire exhibition of, you guessed it, just glass. Sculpture, wall hangings, vases and chandeliers will fill the gallery until the beginning of March.
When: Jan 24^th-March
Where: PM Gallery & House, Ealing

#7 Science Museum LATES: Large Hadron Collider | Jan 29^th

An adults only night with DJs, a silent disco, a pub quiz, bars on 3 floors of the museum and the large Hadron Collider. Need I say more?
When: Jan 29^th
Where: Science Museum

#8 Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2013 | All Month

Maybe 20013 wasn’t your favourite year…or maybe it’s the best you’ve ever had? Either way, contemplate life while viewing stunning images of the cosmos taken last year. If you’re feeling inspired, submissions for the Astronomy Photographer of Year 2014 open soon!
When: All Month
Where: The Royal Observatory Greenwich

#9 Walk out to Winter | Jan 25^th & 26^th

How many of you listed “exercise more” as one of your New Year’s Resolutions? Well, now you can exercise while exploring the wonderful city many of you call home. Walk London are hosting a series of free led-walks around the capital that are sure to lead to some new discoveries.
When: Jan 25^th & 26th
Where: Across London

#10 Continuum of Repair: The Light of Jacobs Ladder | All Month

French Algerian artist Kader Attia’s first UK exhibition has been met with much acclaim. Guardian writer Laura Cumming says “…everything here – in this combination of art gallery, library, museum, theatre and observatory – is concerned with human aspiration, the urge to understand, to believe, to make sense of the cosmos, the endless desire to know more.” Sounds like a good state of mind to have at the beginning of a new year!
When: All Month
Where: Whitechapel Gallery

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

Find more posts by Jen.