Mother’s Day Weekend Scoop for London Families (Mar 15-18)

In a special extended edition of our Weekend Scoop, we highlight some of our top picks for Mother’s Day in London as well as more family-friendly things to do around town. Happy Mama’s Day!

Babes Choice: Things to Do on Mother’s Day

Thu-Sun: All about Eve: the Photography of Eve Arnold at Art Sensus, 7 Howick Place, SW1 (Victoria tube)
An unmissable retrospective to mark the life and work of a pioneer in her field, the first woman to join Magnum Photos. 10am-6pm(Tue-Fri), 11am-5pm(Sat); FREE (until Apr 27)

Thu-Sun: Selfridges Presents: The Film Project at the Old Selfridges Hotel, 400 Oxford St (Orchard St entrance), W1 (Bond St tube)
A short film collection to celebrate the launch of the Women’s Designer Galleries, featuring Alexander McQueen and more. Plus on Selfridges Kids 3rd floor, kids can make a Mother’s Day card (Mar 15-17). Short films showing 12-8pm (Mon-Fri), 12-6pm (Sat-Sun), FREE (Mar 15-25)

Fri-Sun: Ideal Home Show at Earls Court London, Warwick Rd, SW5 (Earl’s Court tube)
All the latest in home inspiration from high-tech gadgetry to warm interiors, cool furnishings and funky design. 10am-6pm daily (late night Thu until 9pm); adult £12-£14 adv/£16-£18.50 door/under 16 FREE but require ticket (Mar 16-Apr 1)

Fri-Sun: Florimania at Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9AU (Hampton Court rail)
The annual weekend event showcases baroque-inspired arrangements plus ‘make your own’ bouquet demos. 10am-4.30pm; general entry adult £16.95/under 16s £8.50/under 5s FREE (Mar 16-18)

Sat-Sun: Mother’s Day Weekend at Caramel Baby & Child, various locations
Book in for a special weekend of treats including goodies from Cocomaya, pampering from 9 London and a family photo shoot offer at Pavilion Rd; create a Mother’s Day bouquet and sample chocolates from Melt in Notting Hill and the chance to win prizes if you spend over £50 at any of the 3 locations. 10am-6pm (Sat), 12-5pm (Sun); free entry (Mar 17-18)

Sun: Mwalimu Express at Rich Mix, Bethnal Green Rd, E1 (Shoreditch High St overground)
Every 3rd Sunday, the pan-African party pulls into a different destination on the continent. For Mother’s Day, it’s Kinshasha with live Congolese rumba, soukous and salsa, parent and toddler dance workshops, craft stalls, games (Oware), bar and a rare screening of the documentary On the Rumba River. 12-6pm, FREE (Mar 18)

Sun: Vintage Fashion Fair at Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Rd, NW1 (Regent’s Park tube)
There are free handmade chocs awaiting the first 20 mums to arrive at this fashion showcase featuring stalls, crafts, jewels and other goodies. 11am-5pm, £3 (Mar 17)

Sun: Mother’s Day Ruin Gin-Making Workshop at the Forge, 3-7 Delancey St, NW1 (Camden Town tube)
Treat mama to a gin-making masterclass with expert Ian Hart, featuring chat and DIY gin-mixing, 11 botanicals to taste and a chance to mix your own martinis and G&Ts. 2.30pm, £25 (includes all ingredients) (Mar 18)

More Family Events

Fri-Sat: Circles in the Sand at Polka Theatre, 240 the Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 (Wimbledon tube)
A show for the very young, Tam Tam Theatre presents a tale told in sand not words, with a chance to play in the sand afterwards. For ages 6 months-3 years. Look out for more shows in June! 10.30am, 12pm & 2.05pm; returns only (Mar 16-17)

Fri-Sun: Future Cinema presents Bugsy Malone at the Troxy, 490 Commercial Rd, Spitalfields E1 (Limehouse DLR)
The crew behind cult live cinema experiences including Secret Cinema are back with another retro trip to Fat Sam’s famous speakeasy. Featuring live song and dance, boxing and custard pies all over the Grand Slam. Nab your seats for special child-friendly matinees! 12.30pm & 7.30pm (varying dates); adult £25/concs £17.50/under 16 £10 (Mar 16-Apr 14)

Sun: St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Trafalgar Square, WC2 (Charing Cross tube)
Paint the town green at the largest celebration of Irish culture, taking over central London with floats, bands, crafts, foods and more than 100,000 revellers. 12-6pm, FREE (Mar 18)

We also like:
Hop along for Frog Day at Greenwich Park Ecology Centre (Mar 18); snap up a deal at the Affordable Art Fair (Mar 15-18) in Battersea, with free creche; there’s a Family Concert at Wigmore Hall (Mar 17); the funfair’s here in Barnard Park, N1 (Mar 15-18); and hurry up if you want to visit the Obliteration Room at Tate Modern – going, going, gone after Mar 18

Mwalimu Express image via www.worldmusic.net