Winter is coming….
By Jen (follow Jen on Twitter: @JenBarnes207)
Bonfire night is here and dare I say it, Christmas is just around the corner! There’s shorter nights, colder days, fairy lights everywhere and probably more rain. Don’t let that stop you, though! There is always plenty to do in London and November doesn’t disappoint. As always, some of my fellow BrokeinLondoners have some more ideas for you in the Free Entertainment in London section.
#1 Bonfire Night Fireworks | 1st November – 8th November
The best fireworks in London- pic source: now-here-this.timeout.com
Remember, remember the 5th of November… by watching fireworks almost every night the first week of November! BrokeinLondon already has you covered on this one, so check out this post on the best free firework displays in London for the ones closest to you! Most of them also have a funfair and greasy food so make sure you arrive early!
When: November 1st– November 8th
Where: Across London
#2 Richard Serra at Gagosian Gallery | All Month
Image: Frieze.com
Richard Serra’s sculptures are incredible, enormous pieces of steel that you have to see to believe. Seeing them installed in a traditional white cube spaces makes them seem even more spectacular. You can see four of his works; Backdoor Pipeline, Ramble, Dead Load & London Cross at Gagosian Gallery all month long.
When: All Month
Where: Gagosian, 6-24 Britannia Street, London WC1X 9JD, Tues-Sat 10-6
#3 Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red | Until 11th November
Image: Timeout
It’s your last chance to see the World War I centenary commemoration poppies at the Tower of London. Artist Paul Cummins collaborated with stage designer Tom Piper to create this poignant and stunning installation at the base of the Tower of London. 180 names of those who died in combat are read aloud each evening at twilight while a long bugler plays.
When: Until 11th November
Where: Tower of London, Tower Hill, London, EC3N 4AB
#4 Hyde Park Winter Wonderland | From 21st November
Image: Visit London
It’s back! If you are anything like me, you love the kitschy but lovable Christmas market that is Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland. It doesn’t get better (or maybe it doesn’t get worse) but nothing says Christmas like plastic snowmen and overpriced hot chocolate. Except mass amounts of fairy lights…and Winter Wonderland has those, too!
When: From 21 November
Where: Hyde Park, London
#5 Sir John Soane Museum Late | 4th November
Image: Soane Museum
The Sir John Soane Museum celebrates the life and work of architect Sir John Soane in his amazing former house in Holborn. The first Tuesday of every month the museum stays open late, lit only by candlelight. It’s a beautiful collection and an amazing opportunity to see it in an entirely unique way. It’s super popular, though, so make you sure you arrive at 5:30pm to queue up for tickets.
When: 4th November, 6pm-9pm
Where: Sir John Soane museum, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3BP
#6 Imperial War Museum Short Film Festival | Until 10th November
Image: from Film at Imperial War Museum Website
The Imperial War Museum Short Film Festival wraps up this month with more films inspired by the collections at the museum. Each film explores the causes of war and conflict and its impact on people’s lives. Films are on most days and are played from 11am-4pm so you can stop by anytime and find something you’ll enjoy! Perfect for the rainy days around the corner.
When: Until 10th November
Where: Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Road, London, SE1 6HZ
#7 Friday Night Skate | Every Friday
Image: The Friday Night Skate
I just found out that there’s a weekly free skate event in London on Friday nights and I just had to share! Everyone departs from Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner at 8pm. All abilities welcome as long as you can stop, start and control your speed on hills. You can wear rollerblades or go retro in roller-skates. Sounds like a perfect first date to me!
When: Every Friday
Where: Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner
#8 Richard Tuttle at Tate Modern Turbine Hall| All Month
Image: Tate Modern
We’ve been missing large-scale installations in the Turbine Hall since the Unilever series ended a few years ago. Hyundai is sponsoring new commissions starting from next summer but in the meantime you can check out Richard Tuttle’s latest installation: I Don’t Know – The Weave of Textile Language. It’s a bright and colourful installation sure to inspire.
When: All Month, 10am-6pm Sunday-Thursday; 10am-10pm Friday-Saturday
Where: Tate Modern, Bankside, London
#9 The EFG London Jazz Festival | 14th-23rd November
Image: Time Out
Named one of the best jazz festivals in the world by the Guardian, the EFG Jazz Festival offers a ton of free concerts. Venues range from Pizza Express and Café Nero to the Royal Albert Hall and the Southbank Centre. Head out to a few of them to sample different jazz stylings from around the globe.
When: 14th-23rd November
Where: Across London
#10 SLAMFridays | 28th November
Image: Time Out
It’s been a while since I’ve mentioned them, so I wanted to give a shout out to SLAM Fridays- the last Friday of every month when galleries across London stay open late. You can wander around on your own, or sign up for a tour. The maps are available on their website for Greenwich, Deptford, Peckham, Bermondsey and Bankside. It’s a great way to see what’s going on in the world of contemporary art. This month the spotlight is on Peckham
When: 28th November
Where: Peckham, Deptford, Bermondsey, Bankside, Greenwich.
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You may also want to check out the Free Festivals in London in 2014.
