January can be a tough month, what with the chilly weather, dim sunshine and all the resolutions you’re already failing. But fear not, my lovelies, as I’ve found 19 Things to Look forward to in London 2019. From culture and circus, to art shows and blockbuster films, there’s something fabulous for all ages. Here’s to another fantastic year in the Capital.
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19 Things to Look Forward to in London 2019
1. London Borough of Culture
Waltham Forest is the first ever London Borough of Culture and they have BIG plans for 2019. Around 70k revellers turned up for their opening party. Over the coming months, there’s Africa Express with founder and local lad Damon Albarn, dance residencies with Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, tin toy workshops, a mass bike procession, a free art festival and a range of family-friendly activities. Get involved. (Age guidance for some activities, check ahead.) (Jan 1-Dec 31)
2. Cirque du Soleil: TOTEM
The world’s most famous circus brings their most popular show Totem back to the Royal Albert Hall. Jaw-dropping acrobatics and dazzling spectacle trace the evolution of mankind, from our first journey out of the deep to the skies and beyond. Babes in arms free on parent’s lap, kids aged 3+ must have own seats. From £33-£98 (child discounts available); 11am, 3pm, 3.30pm, 7.30pm, 8pm (Jan 12-Feb 26)
3. Disney Pyjama Party
Spend a whole night immersed in Disney classics at the hugely popular Disney Pyjama Party. Held at Prince Charles Cinema (home of Singalonga Sound of Music and more), you can watch The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Toy Story, Hercules, Monsters Inc and a mystery Disney movie in succession. That’s if you and your munchkins can keep your eyes open. Fancy dress encouraged, sleep suits and blankets recommended. All children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Best of luck! 9pm-9.10am, £20/£17.50 members (Jan 26)
4. Vault Festival
You’re invited to the Lovely Bug Ball (Feb 23-26) in a secret world, beneath Waterloo Station. It’s part of VAULT, London’s largest arts festival, back for another year of immersive and subversive fun for all ages. More child-friendly shows: escapades with Alf the Highwayman (Jan 26-Feb 3); laughs a-plenty with Comedy Club 4 Kids (Jan 26-Mar 9); interactive alien adventure Boh Boh Finds Home (Mar 3-17); and rubber ducks adrift in One Duck Down (Feb 17-Mar 10). Don’t miss it. Multiple times and prices. (Jan 26-Mar 17)
5. Christian Dior at V&A
There’s set to be a fashionista frenzy at V&A Museum, for their grand retrospective of one of the 20th century’s most revered designers. Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams will show off stunning couture and accessories, marking his ongoing influence. Also look out for the major exhibition on Mary Quant (from Apr 6). Take your mini models along for a first-class lesson in style. Tickets £20-£24. (Feb 2-Jul 14)
6. Imagine Children’s Festival at Southbank Centre
It’s another 12 days of non-stop family fun at the Imagine Children’s Festival, taking place throughout February Half Term at Southbank Centre. Enjoy more than 180 events including Screaming with Laughter (comedy for parents with babies under 1), Fun DMC hip hop block party, The Singing Mermaid musical, the popular Bedtime Stories and giant bed, Oily Cart’s Hippity Hop, Peppa Pig: My First Concert, Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure for Kids, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Live, Chineke! Juniors, author talks and workshops, outdoor games, model city building, giant chalkboard and tons more. Plus there’s the street food market for yummy bites before and after, and always a great vibe and gorgeous views over the river. Multiple dates/times/prices, lots absolutely FREE. All ages welcome. (Feb 16-24)
7. The Animals and Children Took to the Streets
Live music, animation and storytelling combine in what’s described as ‘like a graphic novel burst into life’. It’s 1927 in the Bayou, a feared part of town, Agnes Eaves and her daughter arrive late one night and it’s the start of something great… or grizzly. Highly imaginative and critically acclaimed, The Animals and Children Took to the Streets is aimed at older kids age 10+ and their grown-ups. £10-£42. (Feb 19-Mar 16)
8. Pirates Sleepover at Museum of Childhood
Aarrrgh! Pirates ages 6 to 12 (and their fearsome adults) are in demand at V&A Museum of Childhood. Prepare for a swashbuckling adventure after dark in one of London’s most beloved museums. Go on torch-lit tours around the museum, play grizzly games, and hear pirate stories at the Pirates Sleepover. 7pm-9am, £40 per person. (Mar 2)
9. AniMalcolm the Musical at Arts Depot
David Baddiel’s bestselling book for kids gets a musical makeover in AniMalcolm, produced by Story Pocket Theatre. Malcolm is forced to confront his dislike of animals when a Year 6 trip lands him on a farm. After the smash-hit premiere at Edinburgh Fringe in 2018, AniMalcolm romps into Arts Depot in March. Wild times for ages 5+. 3pm, from £9 (Mar 9)
10. To Kill a Mockingbird in Kingston
The 20th century classic tale by Harper Lee is revived for the stage, in this powerful production, first shown at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Legal eagle Atticus Finch and his brave little girl Scout try to help a small-town community change its ways, during a racially charged trial. To Kill a Mockingbird is at Rose Theatre Kingston, £20-£35, select seats at £10. Age recommendation from 6+. (Mar 12-23)
11. Lord of the Flies in Greenwich
What happens when you abandon 11 kids on a deserted island? Absolute mayhem, as you can imagine. William Golding’s searing take on children running amok gets a bold staging by Lazarus Theatre Company in Lord of the Flies at Greenwich Theatre. Parental guidance: only for kids ages 12 and over. 7.30pm (Wed), 2.30pm (Thu/Sat); £10-£25 (Mar 20-30)
12. The Cat in the Hat
Watch out, there’s a frisky feline about. Dr Seuss’s best known character twiddles his whiskers at Rose Theatre Kingston. The Cat in the Hat brings mischief, music, circus and rhyming to the theatre. Hugely entertaining production for ages 4+ and nostalgic adults. £15-£30 (Apr 10-21)
13. Woman Power at Tate Britain
See works by Dorothea Tanning, Sarah Lucas, Mona Hatoum and other leading figures of the British art scene. From April, Tate Britain’s galleries will be dedicated to female artists who have shaken things up over the past Sixty Years (opens Apr 22). Over at National Portrait Gallery, there’s more girl power with a tribute to Pre-Raphaelite Sisters (Oct 17-Jan 26, 2020). Both venues are child-friendly, with family tours and frequent kids’ activities inspired by the displays. (from Apr 22)
14. A Royal Baby
We’re still swooning over the memory of the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan last April. It was a feature on our 18 Things to Look forward to in 2018, and we’re thrilled at the announcement of a due date for their baby, expected towards the end of April or early May. Bookies are convinced it’s a girl, but we’ll just have to wait. Either way, I’m sure their baby will be gorgeous. (April/May)
15. Kerb Seven Dials
Kerb street market was where my man Big Apple Hot Dogs found his footing, back from when they were still called Eat.St. So we’re delighted to hear the street food collective is branching out to its first bricks and mortar space. Seven Dials Market will host a variety of foodie stalls, offering a quick and yummy option for Covent Garden crawlers. Take the kids along for a tasty treat. All ages. (opens Summer 2019)
16. The Lion King: Live Action
All together now: ‘Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba’ (trans: ‘here comes a lion, Father’). Following in the footsteps of Cinderella, The Jungle Book, and Beauty and the Beast, Disney’s latest live-action remake happens to be one of my absolute favourite films. The new version features vocals from Chiwetel Ejiofor, Beyonce, and original Muphasa – James Earl Jones. Early trailers for The Lion King look epic and baby Simba is simply too cute for words. Just brace yourself (and keep the tissues handy) for the wildebeest stampede. Rated PG. (opens July 19)
17. Mary Poppins on Stage
We can’t wait for this one. Mary Poppins Returns (as featured in our 18 Things to Look Forward to in 2018) seems to have divided audiences and critics alike. But we’re sure this umbrella-twirling, toe-tapping production will be a hit across the board. Mary Poppins arrives in autumn to massive acclaim from Broadway. Sign up asap for priority booking, as tickets will fly faster than Mary herself. Recommended age 5+. (Aug 1-Aug 1, 2020)
18. Fame the Musical
Anyone who grew up in the ‘80s remembers Fame: chorus lines, kids dancing on cars, sweaty auditions and leotards. It was the ultimate follow your dreams movie, and the stage musical is set to capture a whole new generation of fans. Mica Paris and Keith Jack star in the smash-hit touring show, high-kicking its way into Peacock Theatre Sadler’s Wells this autumn. What a feeling. Recommended age 12+. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Sat), 2pm & 7pm (Sun); £18-£65 (Sep 11-Oct 19)
20. Star Wars IX
Lightsabers at the ready for the latest entry in the blockbuster franchise, taking place in a galaxy far, far away. Star Wars should close the year in epic style, with the highly-anticipated Episode 9. Daisy Ridley and John Boyega lead the cast along with Mark Hamill and, curiously, the late Carrie Fisher making appearances. Excited we are. Rated 12A. (Dec 19)
This post reminds me of all the times I used to write and say I wish we lived back in London, and now we do-well close enough! There is SO much on, I want to do and see it all! Can’t wait to see the main attraction: you guys in half term xx
Aww yes there is a crazy amount of stuff to do in London! Wish we could fit it all in, but it’s enough to know we’re living in such a fun and creative hotspot. Glad you’re closer too and can’t wait to catch up with you and your crew x