The Circus, Chocolate & More
With another weekend here, there are plenty of events happening across the city this weekend, whether you’re looking for your next masterpiece, or fancy a night at the circus, there’s something for everyone! And that’s not all, check out what we recommend should be on your radar for the next four days!
Affordable Art Fair, Battersea (Thursday 16th to Saturday 20th October) The Affordable Art Fair has returned to the beautiful Battersea Park this October, and this year they’re celebrating their 25th Anniversary! Join the party and explore their showcase of the best in contemporary art from over 100 leading galleries from all over the globe. Special highlights include curated exhibitions, tours, talks, workshops, and lots more. Make a day of it with the fabulous bars, cafés and food-trucks, you can even enjoy the fair after hours at the adults-only Art After Dark Lates, or bring the kids along to Family Morning on the weekend, packed with fun activities for the whole gang. Book here!
Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular (Until March 2025) A brand new circus spectacular now playing at Earl’s Court. Enjoy an unforgettable evening at Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular as it starts its run at The Empress Museum in Earls Court. Enter a 700-seater Big Top arena, where all the circus spectacle meets musical theatre fun. You can expect all the popular songs from the film from This Is Me to Rewrite the Stars, alongside a brand-new story! Due to popular demand they have extended the season, so this is definitely not one to be missed! Book here!
Chocolate Unwrapped (Saturday 19th October) Chocolate Unwrapped is an indulgent, multi-sensory journey of chocolate in all its forms. Open for one day only, treat your senses to a selection of exclusive chocolate creations from top pastry chefs, bakers, chocolatiers and chocolate makers. Ticket holders will explore all four floors and be taken from bean to bar starting with cocoa beans and finishing with chocolate cocktails. On the first floor, discover how origin affects flavour with some of the best bean-to-bar makers in the UK. Then move on, to discover the artistry behind truffles, ganaches and pralines and explore the finest filled chocolates. Finish your journey in The Chocolate Bar where cocktails and hot chocolate are reimagined for the ultimate tasting experience. Book here!
JOIA Rooftop Closing Party (Saturday 19th October) After an amazing summer of DJs, live music and delicious drinks on the rooftop the time has sadly come for JOIA rooftop to close for winter – but they’re throwing one last party to say goodbye against the iconic backdrop of the Battersea Power Station. Dance the night away with an exclusive DJ set from Becca Dudley, who has played major festivals City Splash and Boomtown, whilst sipping on a delicious selection of cocktails. Tickets are £50pp, which includes 2 tokens which can be redeemed on either a sandwich from the rooftop menu and a cocktail/house drink or two drinks. Entry from 5:30pm is encouraged and Becca Dudley will be on the decks from 6pm – 10pm. Book here!
Tequila Tasting and Chocolate Pairing Workshop (Friday 18th October) Tequila Tasting, Chocolate Pairing, and Cocktails – what is not to love? A delicious combination of chocolate tasting, tequila tasting, and Melt’s original cocktails. Tequila and Chocolate share many similarities, both originate in Mexico and Latin America, both are at their best when produced in an “artisanal” way, and both share the importance of their “terroir”. For both Chocolate and Tequila – fermentation is key for creating the flavour and complexity – which is why they make such good pairings. Join your talented chocolatiers in their passion to bring the rich Aztec civilization to life through cocktails and chocolate! A London experience not to be missed. Book here!
The Devil Wears Prada The Musical (Available from 24th October) A new musical based on the blockbuster film and bestselling novel, featuring an original score by Elton John, lyrics by Shaina Taub & Mark Sonnenblick, book by Kate Wetherhead and direction & choreography by 3-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde, Pretty Woman, Hairspray). Tony Award nominee Vanessa Williams, best known for her celebrated TV roles in Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives and as a multi-award winning singer, will play the iconic role of Miranda Priestly! She’s joined alongside Georgie Buckland, making her West End debut as Andy and many more big names! Hilariously fun and fabulously stylish, this much loved movie tells an inspiring story about discovering what kind of person you truly want to be! Get your tickets now.
The Devil Wears Prada Afternoon Tea (Available from 25th October) At The Soho Hotel, the talented pastry chefs have created a themed afternoon tea to celebrate the hotly-anticipated musical adaptation of The Devil Wears Prada making its debut at The Dominion Theatre this October. Created in partnership with the West End show, the menu captures iconic scenes and memorable motifs in the form of fabulous treats. From a Cerulean macaron and an edible Fruit punch lipstick to a Runway raspberry Opera cake, complete with an intricately designed (edible) magazine topper. Book your slot now!
Rebellious Wine Club (Thursday 7th November) An unconventional wine club hosted by some of the most exciting female talent from the UK’s wine industry. Born from a desire to debunk some of the more common wine ‘myths’ and rules, the series of evenings aim to take the stuffiness out of wine tastings; keeping things fun, informative and a little bit mischievous. Erika is the founder of Mai Sake, a boutique Japanese fine sake merchant, and co-owner of Moto, the UK’s first independent sake bar. Her mission to make sake accessible to everyone will be the focus of this session, “Sake Essentials: What You Need to Know to Start Your Sake Journey.” Whether you’re a complete novice or have a budding interest in this beverage category, Erika will provide you with all the foundational knowledge you need to fall in love with this delicious drink. Book here!
Pottery Making Class (Friday 18th and Saturday 19th October) Looking for chilled-out London activities to help you escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Sit back, relax and get creative with clay at this pottery making workshop in Stoke Newington! During this beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn all the tips and tricks needed to transform handmade clay into bespoke pottery pieces. Your expert guide will demonstrate hand-building techniques using coils and slabs before covering wheel throwing as you prepare to get hands-on with your clay! Whether you’re a complete beginner or a more experienced clay crafter, this workshop is a great chance to unwind in a London pottery studio as you let your creative side take over. Book here!
Candlelight: Tribute to Elton John (Saturday 16th November) Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in London. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Elton John at St Mary’s Church, Marylebone under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Taste of Eataly (Thursday 24th October to Sunday 26th October) Taste of Eataly Festival is back! Celebrating all things Italian, Taste of Eataly Festival, from Thursday 24th to Sunday 27th October 2024, welcomes guests to a weekend of walk-around tastings, dining, drinking, and celebration at Eataly London. This year we are bringing together a very special line-up of dishes and drinks for four days of feasting. From homemade tiramisù and crispy pizza alla pala to fresh oysters and cheesy lasagne. Get ready for drink stations from Campari, illy, and more. The ultimate foodie festival to book this autumn. Book here!
Serial Killer: The Exhibition (Until January 2025) This 2000 square-metre exhibition reveals the intricate world of criminal investigation and profiles of some of history’s most infamous serial killers. Explore notorious serial killers of the past and present, and learn about various typologies, murder methods, and the sinister goals that drive these individuals. Accompanied by engaging graphics and narrated audio stories, journey through the myths, curiosities, and investigations of serial killers. With over 1000 original artefacts, such as Jeffrey Dahmer’s glasses and Armin Meiwes’ refrigerator, and reconstructions of famous crime scenes like those of Ted Bundy and the Zodiac Killer, this exhibition offers a comprehensive exploration into this criminal phenomenon—all while honouring the names and faces of the victims. Get your tickets now!
Waiting for Godot (From 13th September to 14th December) One of the greatest plays of the 20th century, Waiting for Godot explores the meaning of life and the absurdity of existence. Didi and Gogo wait by a tree for a man named Godot. They don’t know who he is, why they are meeting or what time he is coming – only that something incredible could happen when he does. In a 1998 poll of more than 800 theatre professionals conducted by the UK’s Royal National Theatre, Waiting for Godot was voted the most important English-language play of the 20th century. Ben Whishaw is the recipient of two Emmys, two BAFTAs and a Golden Globe. Lucian Msamati was the first black actor to play Iago in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s acclaimed 2015 production of Othello. He has also starred in the Olivier award-winning Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and Amadeus, and the multi-award winning Clybourne Park. Book here!
ECLIPSE (Until the 8th December) Recently opened, and presented by Lumen Studios, brings a groundbreaking spatial light and sound experience to London. Created by the acclaimed Japanese-French duo NONOTAK, this immersive exhibition showcases the pinnacle of audiovisual art. NONOTAK, known for their ethereal and immersive installations, have garnered international acclaim. Their work has been featured in prestigious publications such as Vice, Dazed, and The New York Times. The duo has also collaborated with luxury brands including HERMÈS, Adidas, and Stella McCartney, cementing their status as leaders in the world of audiovisual art. Set in London’s trendy Bermondsey district, ECLIPSE invites visitors to explore over 1,000 square metres of mesmerising installations. Book here!
NAOMI In Fashion (Until 6th April 2025) NAOMI: In Fashion explores the unequalled 40-year career of fashion model and cultural icon Naomi Campbell. After being scouted in Covent Garden aged just 15, Campbell quickly rose to prominence in the industry, and made history a few years later when, at 18, she became the first black model to feature on the cover of Paris Vogue, in 1988. The first exhibition of its kind exploring the extraordinary career of the fashion model. Through the work of leading global designers and photographers, this exhibition celebrates her creative collaborations, activism and far-reaching cultural impact. Book here.
Putt in the Park (Check website for availability) Since opening their first branch in the Summer of 2013, Putt in the Park has established itself around the parks of London to create the best miniature golf experience out there! Tee off your weekend with 15% off for all Knightox members, with three Courses across Wandsworth, Battersea, Acton Park in South London, and a course in Colchester, they have ensured each carefully designed hole equipped with tunnels, jumps and bridges will suit all ages and challenge even the most experienced golfer. Book now!
Fragile Beauty (Until January 2025) A new exhibition is arriving at the V&A this Saturday and it’s not to be missed! Dive into a diverse collection showcasing the work of renowned photographers from around the globe. Explore a wide range of subjects, from fashion and celebrity to reportage and studies of the male body. Each image offers a glimpse into modern and contemporary photography, highlighting iconic moments and diverse perspectives. Book tickets here!
Stranger Things: The First Shadow (Opens 17th November) Written by Kate Trefry and original story by the Duffer Brothers, Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a gripping West End play that takes you back to the beginning, revealing Hawkins’ story before the world turned upside down. Experience theatrical storytelling and stagecraft to a whole new dimension in this Stranger Things prequel at Phoenix Theatre, located in the heart of the West End between Soho and Covent Garden. Get your tickets!
Make the most of a city of boundless opportunities, which caters to every taste and curiosity, providing a diverse array of thrilling and immersive encounters. Whether you’re an art lover, music enthusiast, or looking for some culture there is plenty to discover.
