Remember remember, the 5th of November is coming and Bonfire Night fireworks are set to explode across London. Some of the usual displays are cancelled again this year (no Coram’s Field Fireworks) but Ally Pally is throwing a massive festival to keep London popping. It’s also the Festival of Light today (Nov 4) so Happy Diwali and here’s wishing all of our readers light and love in this season and ongoing.
11 Kid Friendly London Activities + Bonfire Night in London
Thu & Sat: The LEGO Group and Yinka Ilori present the Launderette of Dreams, 133-135 Bethnal Green Road, E2 7DG (Bethnal Green tube/Cambridge Heath rail/overground)
Check out this bold collaboration between the toy giants and designer Yinka Ilori. The installation reimagines a community launderette as a LEGO-built play space. Inspired by Ilori’s childhood memories of visiting his local launderette on Essex Road, the design also features ideas from local primary school children. All ages welcome, play activities for ages 6+. 10am-6pm; FREE entry + ticketed workshops available to book (Nov 4 & 6)
Thu-Sun: Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules at Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube/rail, Temple tube)
Visit Somerset House to catch this landmark exhibition on Brit icon Beano. The world’s longest-running weekly comic is led by the prankster in the stripy jumper, Basher and the gang. The show includes rare artefacts, comic drawings and works by leading designers and artists inspired by the spirit of Beano. 10am-6pm (Sat-Sun & Tue), 11am-8pm (Wed-Fri); adult £16.50/concs £12.50/family of 3 £22/family of 4 £38/under 6s FREE (Oct 21-Mar 6)
Thu-Sun: Spirit of Christmas Fair, Olympia London, Hammersmith Rd, W14 8UX (Kensington Olympia tube/overground)
After a 2020 hiatus, the Spirit of Christmas fair is back at Olympia London. Explore 600 indie brands and stalls, from high-end sustainable crafts to artisan food and drink. Soak up the festive vibes while you look out for gifts or luxury additions to your home. 10am-6pm (Mon-Sat), 10am-9pm (Thu), 10am-5pm (Sun); adult £21/ ages 13-16 £14/under 13s FREE (Nov 1-7)
Thu-Sun: Diwali at Canary Wharf, Jubilee Park, Canary Wharf, E14 (Canary Wharf tube/rail/DLR)
Honour the Festival of Light in Canary Wharf where there’s a flotilla of dazzling flowers swimming along the Jubilee Park water fountain. It’s a kaleidoscopic whirl of colours from the light display inspired by traditional rangoli style patterns. Diwali is a Hindi festival celebrated across the globe, marking the triumph of light over dark. 5pm-11pm; FREE (Nov 2-7)
Thu-Sun: Southbank Centre Winter Market, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
It’s that time of year again when the South Bank lights up for its Winter Market. Get in the festive mood and have a wander around the stalls, selling everything from mulled wine and bratwurst to seasonal veggie treats. If you hurry, you can book a snow globe for a private dining experience or indulge in gourmet fare at Jimmy’s Winter Lodge. There’s live entertainment from Between the Bridges and Clapham Grand or why not have a go at the Christmas inspired golf course?
Thu-Sun: Anicka Yi: In Love With The World at Tate Modern (Turbine Hall), Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark/Blackfriars tube)
Forget Squid Game. Anicka Yi’s alien robots are set to haunt your imagination in her latest Tate installation. The exhibition imagines a world in which AI gets wild and evolves on its own. Taking over the Turbine Hall, the large post-industrial space at the heart of Tate Modern, Yi’s giant floating machines do resemble robot squid. They’re called aerobes and based on ocean life and mushrooms. Trippy. All ages welcome. 10am-6pm; FREE with pre-booked timed ticket (until Jan 16)
Thu-Sun: Autumn Trail: The Mystery of Morden Hall Whodunnit? at Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Road, Morden, SM4 5JD (Morden rail)
Fancy some outdoor fun? Go on a whodunnit interactive trail at Morden Hall Park. You and your family can travel back in time to uncover the mystery of Mr. Hatfeild’s stolen birthday cake. Pick up a trail map to discover the list of suspects, scan the QR code to unlock hints, and get clues from the only witnesses… talking trees! All ages welcome. Pick up point: Garden Centre, Cafes and Information Point (when open over the weekend). 10am-3pm; £3 per trail (Includes a trail, a pencil and the script from the talking trees) (until Nov 21)
Fri: Angel Sings with Little Angel Theatre, Little Angel Studios – 132 Sebbon Street, N1 2EH (Highbury & Islington tube/overground, Angel tube)
Come and raise your voices at the new weekly playtime for the smallest theatregoers. Angel Sings is a playful and educational session designed for a variety of ages, from guided activities for babies to crafting for toddlers. Taught by the Little Angel team. For ages 0-4. Sessions: Friday 5 November – Friday 3 December 9:30-10:30 (3 to 18 months), 11.00am- 12.00am (18 months to 4 years), 1:30pm – 2:30pm (Babies and Toddlers); £55 for 5 weeks, £35 additional sibling (until Dec 3)
Sat: Ally Pally Fireworks Festival, Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, N22 7AY (Wood Green tube/Alexandra Palace rail)
The capital’s biggest and baddest fireworks festival is back with a BANG. Head up to Alexandra Palace for a heady mix of fairground rides, bonfires, live music including Spice Girls tribute band Wannabe!, StEAT Life with DJ Trevor Nelson, ice skating, fire jugglers, the UK’s largest German bier festival, film screenings in the Victorian Theatre and top it all off with the legendary display of fireworks. Gates open 4pm-ends 10.45pm; adult from £8.50/child from £6.50/under 10s £1 (Nov 6)
Look out for more firework displays at: Barnes, Battersea Park, Beckenham, Chiswick Park, Dulwich, Harrow, Morden Park, Wimbledon Park and LEGOLand.
Sat: Mum at Soho Theatre: Parent & Baby, 21 Dean Street, Soho, W1D 3NE (Tottenham Court Rd/Leicester Square/Piccadilly Circus tube)
Here’s a special Parent & Baby matinee performance for adults who want to see some grownup content. From the producers of Fleabag, Mum is ‘a feverish journey through every parent’s worst nightmare’ and explores mental health, identity and terminal illness. Babies under 1 admitted with parent/guardian for matinee show 3pm on Nov 6 at 3pm (ages 14+ for regular shows 3pm & 7pm running until Nov 20); £12 (Nov 6)
Sat: The Regent Street Motor Show, Regent St, W1 (Oxford Circus/Piccadilly Circus tube)
Get your motor on for this vibrant display of vintage, modern and classic cars. One of central London’s busiest streets is closed to general traffic for the day while the cars are on show. There’s live entertainment and family activities throughout the day plus the chance to do some early Christmas shopping. 10.30am-4pm; FREE (Nov 6)
Sun: English Touring Opera: Back Into the World at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
It’s been a strange old couple of years and this production aims to help kids explore some of the challenges they faced in lockdown. The story follows Lexie from Exie who sets off on an adventure when the town’s happy-o-meter plummets. It’s an interactive, participatory show examining friendship, teamwork, diversity and the natural world through music. For ages 4-8. 11am & 2pm; from £9 (Nov 7)
**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!**
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