What a week. It’s Mother’s Day Weekend and mums around the UK have some cause to celebrate. The kids are back in school (whoop!) and we’re slowly easing out of lockdown. Monday was International Women’s Day and this week I was invited to speak on two panels — one with Grazia UK and one for Camden Council — celebrating Women’s History Month. We tackled issues like feminism, intersectionality and what moves we still need to make as a society. Monday was also THAT interview, which I’ve written about HERE.
The week ends with horrific news about the murder of Sarah Everard, who went missing after a walk back home. These events have stirred up painful but necessary conversations about racism, mental health, misogyny, violence against women and accountability. It has also been immensely triggering, especially if you are Black or mixed heritage, identify as a woman, or have experienced suicidal urges.
I’ve put a list of resources at the bottom of this week’s post, in case it’s useful to anyone reading. In the meantime, take extra care of yourself. Find space for joy. Special love goes out to everyone who is experiencing motherhood, mother love, mother loss or mother longing. I see you all.
15 Ways to Celebrate Mother’s Day Weekend
Fri-Sun: Watch The Color Purple at Home
Catch an intimate, beautiful adaptation of Alice Walker’s bestselling novel, streamed to your living room via Curve at Home. The Leicester theatre production features a strong cast and brings Walker’s tale of love, abuse and resilience to life with state-of-the-art lighting and a soulful soundtrack. Watch online; £20 per household (until Mar 16)
Fri-Sun: National Portrait Gallery: Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize (online)
There’s still time to catch this virtual exhibition of the annual Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize. Celebrating 13 years under Taylor Wessing‘s sponsorship, its one of the most prestigious photography awards in the world. Enter the virtual gallery space to explore each of the portraits collectively and in individual focus. All day; FREE (until Mar 31)
Sat: Make a Pop-Up Pond Life Card with Mazy Bartlett Artist (online)
Something for dad (or whoever wants to help out) to do with the kids. Artist Mazy (Corsham Academy, Camp Festival) will shows you how to make a delightful pond life pop-up card. You’ll create a card complete with lily pads and frogs using 3 sheets A4 card (coloured if possible), along with scissors, glue stick, coloured pen or pencils and Mazy’s templates (see Eventbrite page, linked). Learn the art of paper engineering and maybe you’ll never buy a card again! Ages 6+. 11am-12pm; £6 (Mar 13)
Sat: Mother’s Day Vegan Afternoon Tea Masterclass (online)
On the Saturday of Mother’s Day Weekend, why not sign up for an Afternoon Tea masterclass? All About Greens are hosting a free, virtual masterclass for plant-based treats such as cucumber sandwiches, no egg mayo & cress, open no ‘smoked salmon’ and cream cheese, and lemon and raspberry posset. You’ll get a full shopping list and free access to show recording and recipes after the event. Confirm your registration asap and tuck in. 11am-1pm; FREE (Mar 13)
Sat: Mums That Rave’s Nikki Beatnik: Live DJ Set
If you follow @mumsthatrave on Instagram (and if not, why the hell not?!), then you’ll know all about DJ Nikki Beatnik. She’s one of the founders of these afternoon raves for mamas and tomorrow night (Saturday), she’ll be doing a live DJ set on Twitch. It’s part of @wearenightlife_org’s initiative to raise money for London’s flagging nightlife scene. It’s been a rough week. Time to shake it off with some big tunes for Mother’s Day weekend. 8pm; FREE but donations encouraged — download Twitch and follow @djnikkiebeatnik to join in (Mar 13)
Sat: The Vagina Festival (online)
Celebrate body honesty and womanhood with the first ever virtual Vagina Festival. This all inclusive night of storytelling, poetry and art features amazing spoken word and performances from Hollie McNish, Miss Yankey, My Hairy Vag and other open micers and body positive artists. Raising money for The Eve Appeal and MRKH Connect. 6.30pm; £5-£10 (Mar 13)
Sat: Tetiana Galitsyna presents: Film Music Concert Show (online)
Poland’s Got Talent winner Tetiana Galitsyna has created beautiful art shows for children and families using different techniques such as: sand animation, light animation, water art, star show and live acting. She’s adapted a collection of timeless stories and movie moments for all to enjoy. This weekend, you can book a live streaming of her Film Music Concert Show for all ages. 6pm/replay 9pm until midnight Mar 14; £16.99 (Mar 13)
Sun: London Unlocked (online)
Launching this Mother’s Day Weekend, London Unlocked brings that festival feeling into your living room, ahead of a summer (hopefully) of partying and live music. Top nightclub Fabric, in partnership with the Arts Council UK, announce a series of 7 weekly streams by leading electronic artists from the city’s most iconic venues. A true celebration of London with a banging soundtrack. 6pm every Sunday; FREE but donations welcome to #SaveOurVenues (Mar 14-Apr 25)
Sun: PopUp Painting: Paint Monet for Mother’s Day (online)
Baby I got your Monet… fancy doing something a little different for Mother’s Day Weekend? This PopUp Painting online event invites you to have a go at a masterpiece, with music playing, wine glass (or tea cup) in one hand and paintbrush in the other. Join a live Zoom where your instructors will take you step by step through the creative process to paint Claude Monet’s Water Lilies painting. Do it with your mates or meet fellow painters from around the globe. Tools: basic acrylic paints, a cup of water, a selection of brushes, some napkins and a palette – but feel free to join in with whatever you have to hand. 3pm-5.30pm; £17.99 per person/£29.99 family of 4 (Mar 14)
Sun: Mother’s Day Charleston Dance Workshop for Beginners (online)
I like the sound of getting swagged up in my flapper dress and knocking my knees, Charleston-style. Don’t you? We’re officially in our own roaring ‘20s so what better way to spend Mother’s Day Weekend than picking up some old-school moves from the last century? All you need is a laptop with camera, Zoom and a small space to dance like no one’s watching. Spread the love and invite your mama along as a gift. Zoom link will be sent the day before the event. 2.30pm-5.30pm; £9
Sun: Sister2Sister presents ‘Moms Matter’ Mother’s Day Morning (online)
Sister2Sister is a social enterprise set up to empower and equip young BAME females (ages 13-21) with the skills to step into a life of vision and purpose. This Mother’s Day Weekend, Sister2Sister invites you to spend an hour on self-appreciation, after a long period of homeschooling and other challenges. Guest speakers are transformation guru Neusa Catoja and author Renu Ravalia. Bring coffee, Prosecco, whatever you fancy, for some chat and chill time. 11.30am-12.30pm; FREE via Zoom/Meeting ID: 926 0406 2863/Passcode: 953544 (Mar 14)
Mother’s Day Picnic
If you’d rather head outdoors for Mother’s Day weekend, bear in mind that popular spots like Kew Garden or National Trust properties might be choc-a-block. One alternative is to seek out one of London’s hidden gardens for a small, intimate and pretty green space to have a picnic. We recommend Culpeper Garden in Angel and Phoenix Garden in central London.
Keep the Kids Busy
The best gift you can give a mum is rest. Enjoy some free time, while your kids get stuck into virtual puppet theatre with Little Angel; wizardry and crafting with Harry Potter WB Studio Tour; virtual gaming with a Minecraft Escape Room; playful learning with the new Black History School online curriculum. Find links to these in previous editions of the Weekend Scoop.
Last Minute Mother’s Gift Ideas
It’s not too late to show a mama some appreciation. Treat her to a delicious Sri Lankan meal with Hoppers ‘Make Your Own’ Mother’s Day meal kit, free tote bag for Mother’s Day orders (hurry, last orders Fri 9pm); support the London theatre scene with a donation in her name or buy her tickets to an upcoming West End show; order same-day delivery flowers from independent stalls in London and beyond from Floom; deliver an Afternoon Tea kit from Cutter & Squidge; or send a Sunday Roast dinner to her door (lots of restaurants across London listed)
Movie Night
Some of our favourite mum-powered movies to watch with (or without) the kids: Ladybird, The Incredibles and more on this list
Helpful Resources
Has the news (and life) got you down lately? Do you need useful suggestions on opening up difficult conversations with your kids? As promised, here are some links to resources that might help.
London Black Women’s Project
Stand Against Racism and Inequality
Mental Health Support
Samaritans
End Violence Against Women: Get Help (support links and contacts for domestic violence, sexual abuse and assault, stalking, harassment and other forms of violence)
The Feminist Coalition (Nigeria)
Talking with kids about consent
Talking with kids about race
Happy Mother’s Day to everyone celebrating. Have a lovely weekend x
On Meghan, Harry and Baby Archie
