St. Patrick’s Day, free laughs and a little bit of magic
by Jen (follow Jen on Twitter: @JenBarnes207)
Apparently Spring is just around the corner – but I don’t believe it. 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 and in our free film screenings page.
#1 | Do Ho Suh at Victoria Miro | Until 18th March
Image: TimeOut
You’ve probably seen it on Instagram, and if you haven’t you can be the first of the friends to post it. Do Ho Suh has recreated his past studios and homes out of colourful mesh fabric in Victoria Miro gallery. You’ll find 2D versions on the lower floors, but keep travelling up until you get to the top to find the instagram worthy 3D structures.
When: Until 18th March, Tuesday – Saturday 10am-6pm
Where: Victoria Miro, 16 Wharf Rd, London N1 7RW
#2 | Roald Dahl Portraits | All Month
Image: The British Library
Who didn’t love Roald Dahl stories when they were a kid? To mark his 100th birthday, the British Library are exhibiting portraits of some of his most famous characters illustrated by Sir Quentin Blake. You’ll recognise your favourites and might just learn about some new faces. £10 says you’ll end up going home with a book or two.
When: All Month
Where: Second Floor Gallery, The British Library, 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB
#3 | St Patrick’s Day | 17th – 19th March
Image: Visit London
St Patrick’s Day is a 3-day event in London starting on the day itself, 17th March, and running through the weekend. On Friday 17th March there will be Irish music and poetry on the Underground at Victoria, Waterloo, Tottenham Court Road and Covent Garden. On the 19th March is the annual parade along Piccadilly. You can also join a free walking tour to celebrate London’s Irish connections.
When: 17th – 19th March
Where: Across London – Parade along Piccadilly
#4 | Nest Collective | 5th March
Image: Vault Festival
It’s your last chance to enjoy free musical entertainment from the folks at The Nest Collective. On Sunday night they’ve lined up BYOBrass to play the last set of Vault Festival. I think their words sum it up pretty well: “Expect the naughtiest noughties mashups, spine-tingling hip-hop licks, some tasty latin and tropical flavours, and a generous portion of original bass for your face.”
When: 5th March, from 730pm
Where: Vault Festival, Leake Street, SE1 7NN
#5 | Ten Days Six Nights | 24th March – 2nd April
Image: Tate
Ten Days Six Nights is the first BMW Tate Live Exhibition in The Tanks inviting a group of international artists to create inviting spaces for visitors and other artists. The daytime installations are free to Tate visitors, however the nightly events are ticketed so it might be worth saving your pennies for one. You might recognise Fujiko Nakaya’s fog sculptures so be sure to check out the South Terrace!
When: 24th March – 2nd April
Where: The Tanks, Tate Modern, Bankside, London, SE1 9TG
#6 | Head of the River Race | 25th March
Image: Visit London
The Oxford Vs Cambridge boat race isn’t the only boating game in town- there’s also the Head of the River race. 400 teams take to the water to battle it out over a 6.8km stretch of the river from Mortlake to Putney. Historically it was a way for crew teams to practice long rows during winter, but now I think it’s just a good excuse for some tradition and competition.
When: 25th March, 230pm
Where: Mortlake to Putney along the Thames
#7 | Harry Potter Graphics | All Month
Image: Visit London
Somehow I’ve totally missed that there’s an exhibition of Harry Potter graphics in London!? Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima are the dynamic duo behind all of the graphics that you see in the films and now you can see them up close and personal at MinaLima. Pace yourselves – there’s four whole floors to cover!
When: All Month, Monday to Sunday 12pm – 7pm
Where: House of MinaLima, 26 Greek Street, LondonW1D 5DE
#8 | Women’s Day at Women of the World Festival | 8th March
Image: Southbank Centre
You can celebrate Women’s Day at The Women of the World Festival at the Southbank Centre with inspiring speakers and funky music. Jude Kelly will open the evening with more speakers being announced soon. If you stay until 730pm you’ll be treated to music from Scratch, an all female DJ collective, in the Clore Ballroom.
When: From 4th October, Tuesday-Saturday 10am – 6pm
Where: The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall
#9 | Music and majesty in the court of Louis XV | 24th March
Image: The National Gallery
Take a step back in time to the Rococco period and immerse yourself in the music and majesty of the court of Louis XV. The Florentine Arts Ensemble will draw parallels between art and music in this hour-long concert. It’s a civilized start to your weekend – so go ahead, you know you wanted something different for your Friday night.
When: 24th March, 6pm – 7pm
Where: The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
#10 | Angel Comedy Club | All Month/7 days a week
Image: Angel Comedy Club
Because I feel like we could all use some cheering up – I thought I’d remind you of the best place in London for free laughs. There are free shows 7 nights a week so you don’t really have an excuse. Pick a night, check the calendar, and get down the Angel for a pint and a laugh. The laughs don’t cost extra, so you’ve got nothing to lose.
If you want more options, check out some more free comedy nights in London.
When: All Month
Where: Angel Comedy Club, 2 Camden Walk, London, N1 8DY
