It’s time for the London Kids Weekend Scoop and it’s also my bookiversary! Today marks one year since the publication of Bringing Up Race and what a year it’s been. I can’t say THANK YOU enough to everyone who has been part of this book’s journey so far.
There have been so many highlights and one of the best parts of being a published author is the kind messages I receive from readers almost daily. I am grateful for each and every one of you. Keep an eye on my social media and make sure you’re signed up to my newsletter for upcoming offers and more celebratory news!
London Kids Weekend Scoop: 11 Things to Do with the Whole Family
Fri: Vigil for Sabina Nessa, Pegler Square, Kidbrooke, Greenwich, SE3 9PL (Kidbrooke rail)
It was devastating to learn this week of the murder of another woman walking through the park. Sabina Nessa was just 28, a beloved primary schoolteacher from south-east London, making a 5 minute walk to meet a friend. As of April 2021, 118 women and girls had been killed by men in the UK. Reclaim These Streets is helping to host a vigil for Sabina in her community in Kidbrooke at 7pm. If you can’t make it there live, please light a candle on your doorstep at 7pm. For more on the campaign to end male violence against women see @ReclaimTheseStreets and SistersUncut (Sep 24)
Fri-Sat: Carousel at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, box office Queen Mary’s Garden, Regent’s Park Inner Circle, NW1 4NU (Baker St tube)
LAST CHANCE: Described as ‘powerful and brave’ the adaptation of Rogers and Hammerstein’s lavish musical Carousel wraps up the season at Open Air Theatre. If you want to hear some gorgeous show tunes under the open skies, don’t miss the final shows. Recommended for ages 11+ (under 4s not admitted). Shows at 7.45pm (Thu-Sat) & 2.15pm (Sat); tickets from £25-£65 (until Sep 25)
Fri-Sun: Chelsea Flower Show, London Gate, Royal Hospital Road, Royal Hospital Chelsea, SW3 4SR (Sloane Square tube/Victoria rail)
For the first time in its 108 year history, the world’s most famous flower show is being held in the autumn instead of spring. This offers a unique opportunity to see a richer, autumnal palette and discover seasonal produce in the Italianate market. Talks, workshops and tons of inspiration for gardeners big and small. 8am-8pm (Thu-Sat) & 8am-5.30pm (Sun); adult and child age 5+ from £83/member from £62. NB: no under 5s permitted (Sep 23-26)
Fri-Sun: Quentin Blake: Gifted, at Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ (Russell Square tube)
LAST CHANCE: See the beloved illustrator’s 24 large-scale drawings from his series ‘Children and Dogs’ and ‘Children, Birds and Dogs’ (created for Foundling Museum). The drawings are accompanied by poems by Jackie Kay, Michael Rosen, Yomi Sode, Opefoluwa Sarah Adegbite, 4 Brown Girls Who Write (Roshni Goyate, Sharan Hunjan, Sunnah Khan and Sheena Patel) and Ben Westwood. Children can write and illustrate their own story chapters inspired by Blake’s drawings (more on the website). 10am-5pm (Fri-Sun); adult £10.50/child FREE (until Sep 26)
Fri-Sun: Van Gogh Alive at The East Albert Lawn, Kensington Gardens, SW7 2AP (South Kensington/High Street Kensington/Knightsbridge tube)
LAST CHANCE: Enter the world’s most visited immersive exhibition and trace Van Gogh’s path through the Netherlands, Arles, Saint Rémy and Auvers-sur-Oise. Set to a classical soundtrack. Nearby, Diana Princess of Wales playground is a treat for younger ones too. 10am-8pm (Sun-Thu), 10am-9pm (Fri-Sat); adult from £24/concs £19/child £14/under 5s go FREE but require a ticket (until Sep 26)
Fri-Sun: London Wonderground at Earls Court 2 Exhibition Centre, end of Empress Place, just off Lille Road, SW6 1TT (West Brompton tube)
LAST CHANCE: Underbelly’s famous upside down purple cow is getting ready to leave Earl’s Court. Get a taste of the last of summer with its urban beach, vintage fairground rides, acoustic music, bars, food stalls and theatre. Family friendly shows include Re:Arrangement, a musical theatre mashup (Sep 26, 5pm, from £18.50). Entry to London Wonderground site is free, various times and prices for shows. (until Sep 26)
Sat: Jack and the Beanstalk, Half Moon Theatre, 43 White Horse Road, E1 0ND (Limehouse DLR)
Fee Fi Fo Fum! We smell a giant new show at Half Moon Theatre. Lyngo Theatre put their spin on the fairytale with CBeebies’ Patrick Lynch narrating the action. Look out for magic beans, enormous shoes, showers of gold and silver and a big, leafy surprise. Ages 3+. 11am & 2pm; £7 (Sep 25)
Sat-Sun: Red at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
The wolves have grabbed power from Queen Sukotai and Alpha Wolf has taken control of the kingdom. But where is RED? Help find the missing character and restore peace to the land. An exciting visual and physical storytelling production with sign language that will let you experience Polka as never before. Wellies recommended! Ages 6+. Various start times; £19.50 (previews from £15.50)/babies under 12 months £1 (Sep 25-Oct 31)
Sat-Sun: UNIQLO Tate Play Make Studio: Transform at Tate Modern (McAulay lunch room), Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark/Blackfriars tube)
Throughout autumn, you and your little ones can drop in on the Uniqlo Tate Play festival. Bring your ideas to life through clay like Auguste Rodin. Make a clay bouquet inspired by the giant still life plant display. Leave it on display or take your art piece home. Select dates for families with kids under 5 (Weds, 10am-3pm) and open to all ages (Sats-Suns, 10am-6pm); FREE with booked ticket (Sep 4-Nov 14)
Sat-Sun: Little Luminosa at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
The brilliant Lost in Translation circus present a family friendly version of their evening cabaret. Enjoy dancing in the sky, daredevil tricks, live music and laughter. It’s the Luminosa with all the rude bits left out! Suitable for all ages. 3pm (Sat-Sun) & 12pm (Sun); from £12.95 (Sep 25-26)
Sun: Morgan & West’s Fantastic Family Magic Spectacular, at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
The time-travelling magic men are back with another dastardly dash of deception and dynamism to keep the whole family in stitches. Their awesomely alliterative acts and fearless facial furniture will delight everyone ages 5+. 2pm; from £9 (Sep 26)
**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue before making a trip!**
London Kids Weekend Scoop (September 16-19, 2021)
