Summer’s over but cinema saves the day!
by Jen (follow Jen on Twitter: @JenBarnes207)
And that’s all folks- with a few impressive storms it seems that summer is over. But don’t fret- there’s enough going on indoors to distract you from the weather and the lack of light in the evenings. In fact- there’s enough film festivals alone to keep you busy all month! As always, some of my fellow BrokeinLondoners have some more ideas for you in the Free Entertainment in London section.
#1 Portobello Film Festival | 4th -20th September
Image: Portobello Film Festival
The Portobello Film Festival is the answer to all of your summer-is-over woes: it’s totally free and there’s at least one venue showing multiple films every night between the 4th and the 20th September. You won’t find big blockbusters but you will find international shorts, films by Londoners and music documentaries.
When: 4th September-20th September
Where: Venues Across W10/W11
#2 London Design Festival | 19th September – 27th September
Image: London Design Festival
The London Design Festival is a 3-week festival made up of over 400 events and exhibitions around London. Not all of these are free- but there are loads of pop-ups and installations that are! I recommend stopping by the V&A to see “You Know You Cannot See Yourself So Well”, a temporary pavilion in the courtyard by Mexican architect Frida Escabedo.
When: 9th September – 27th
Where: Across London
#3 Bermondsey Street Festival | 19th September
Image: Bermondsey Street Festival Facebook
If you love food and you only do one thing this month, let it be the Bermondsey Street Festival. More than thirty of the amazing local restaurants will be serving out of market stalls and you’ll find the pubs serving drinks in the park! If that’s not enough, there will be musicians, dancers, actors and fashionistas performing on stage and there’s even a dog show (if you read this column regularly you’ll know how much I love a dog show!).
When: 19th September, 11:00-18:00
Where: Bermondsey Street, London SE1
#4 Open House London | 19th & 20th September
Image: TimeOut
If you walk around London wondering what’s behind every closed doors and ornate facade then you’re in luck. Architecture and interior design junkies rejoice- Open House London is back! You can now spend a weekend traipsing around other people’s residences and offices… but you might have queue up first! Check the programme here before you go and remember to wear your trainers.
When: 19th & 20th September
Where: Across London
#5 MERGE Bankside Festival | From 18th September
Image: Merge Bankside Festival
Need an excuse to explore contemporary art and music? Merge Bankside is a month-long free arts festival with site specific installations by the likes of Marcus Lyall and Rob Thomas (visual effects masters for the likes of Metallica and the Chemical Brothers) and everyone’s favourite duo: Bompas and Parr. Prefer music? The Riverside Stage will be showcasing new talent outside Tate Modern.
When: From 18th September
Where: Bankside, London
#6 Peckham & Nunhead Free Film Festival | 3rd – 13th September
Image: Peckham & Nunhead Free Film Festival Facebook
Peckham Rye, Nunhead Cemetery, All Saints Church, The Ivy House- what do all of these places have in common? They will all host films for the Peckham & Nunhead Free Film Festival! Whiplash, Shaun the Sheep (you know you want to) and Robocop have made this year’s line-up. The screening of Whiplash will be bike-powered: how cool and appropriate is that!?
When: 3rd-13th September
Where: Across SE15
#7 Fiona Banner: Font | From 18th September
Image: Frith Street Gallery
Fiona Banner has developed a new font that is based on all of the typefaces she has previously used and this is the title of her new exhibition at Frith Street Gallery. In her words: “the final font is an unpredictable bastardisation of styles and behaviours”. Upon arrival at the gallery you’ll find sculptures, text-based works, video installations and I promise you’ll be intrigued by what you see.
When: From 18th September, Tuesday to Friday 10am—6pm | Saturday 11am—5pm
Where: Frith Street Gallery, Golden Square, London W1F 9JJ
#8 Streatham Free Film Festival | 17th – 20th September
Image: Streatham Free Film Festival
Here’s a film festival for all you South West Londoners- the inaugural Streatham Free Film Festival runs from the 17th-20th September. There’s a Frozen sing-a-long on the 19th at Streatham Library and a screening of Northern Soul at the White Lion on the 20th. I’m sure you can find something to tickle your fancy.
When: 17th-20th September
Where: Across Streatham
#9 Totally Thames Festival | All Month
Image: Totally Thames Festival
Can’t get enough of the river? Born under a water sign? Whatever your reason for loving the body of water flowing through the capital, you’ll find something you love at the Totally Thames Festival. It takes place all month-long with art, music, talks, walks and river-related events. Check out the Tower Beach Open Day on the 5th September to frolic by the water. There’s a few more free events- check out the listings on the website!
When: All Month
Where: Along the Thames
#10 More London Free Film Festival | 2nd-24th September
Image: Londontown
I told you there were enough free film festivals to keep you occupied all month-long. You might not want to check out the More London Free Film Festival unless the weather’s nice- but the line-up is pretty fantastic. Paddington (the best kids movie ever), The Theory of Everything, Moulin Rouge and Zoolander made the list.
When: 2nd-24th September, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 730pm
Where: More London, Bankside
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You may want to check out the free films in London this month.
