It’s Bonfire Night weekend and while huge displays at Ally Pally and Chiswick Park are SOLD OUT, there are still a few spots around town to get some bang for your buck. And it’s starting to feel decidedly Christmassy if you scroll to my Booking Ahead section — the first London ice rink is already open at Canary Wharf. There are still some creepy Halloween-themed events ongoing too. Have fun and remember, remember to stay safe out there. Also, be advised that there’s a tube strike expected on Saturday (Nov 5) so plan accordingly.
What to do in London with Kids on Bonfire Night Weekend
Thu-Sun: The New Black Vanguard: Photography Between Art and Fashion at Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Road, SW3 4RY (Sloane Square tube)
Black creativity (both in front of and behind the camera) is in the frame at this dynamic show of portraiture by 15 global Black photographers. Curated by US writer and critic Antwaun Sargent, the exhibition offers fresh perspectives on race, beauty, gender and power while opening up conversations around the representation of the Black body and Black lives as subject matter. 10am-6pm (last entry 5.30pm); from £10/£5 concs/under 10s FREE (until Jan 22)
Thu-Sun: Winter Festival at Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Is it that time of year already? The Winter Festival is back for a joyous season of alpine-themed events, pop-ups, street food and family experiences. See Ai Weiwei’s new curated exhibition, toast marshmallows at Jimmy’s, try your hand at curling at The Curling Club, watch Hey Duggee: Live, hear seasonal music like Handel’s Messiah, see Christmas family theatre (including a Dolly Parton’s twist on A Christmas Carol) or party away at the New Year’s Eve Spectacular. Various times, dates and prices, many activities are FREE (Nov 3-Jan 8)
Thu-Sun: William Kentridge at Royal Academy of Arts, Main Galleries, Burlington House W1J 0BD (Piccadilly Circus/Green Park tube)
William Kentridge, South Africa’s most celebrated living artist, is the centrepiece of the RA Main Galleries at this sweeping retrospective. See large-scale performance art, animation, charcoal drawings, tapestries and more taking over all 12 rooms and spilling into the RA’s public spaces. His work explores themes such as living through apartheid and its ‘damaged logic’. Unmissable. All ages welcome (PG for some content). 10am-6pm (Tue-Sun); from £22-£24.50 (until Dec 11)
Thu-Sun: Fashioning Masculinities: The Art of Menswear at V&A Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL (South Kensington tube)
LAST CHANCE: From punks to metrosexuals, men’s fashion is always evolving. Fashioning Masculinities takes a look at how maleness has been styled, suited up and reimagined by tailors, designers and fashionistas throughout the ages. 10am-5.45pm; from £20 (until Nov 6)
Thu-Sun: Ice Rink at Canary Wharf, Canary Wharf Tower, E14 5EW (Canary Wharf tube/DLR & Elizabeth Line)
Glide under the stars at one of London’s most popular ice rinks, reopened for the winter season. Enjoy 18 blissful weeks of skating with a roof to keep the rain at bay and 1,000 sparkling fairy lights to add to the magic. 9.30am-10.15pm daily ; adult from £17.95/child from £13.50/family from £53.95 (until Feb 25)
Thu-Sun: Black British Dynasties in Music: A Family Affair at Barbican Music Library, Level 2, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
Containing specially commissioned photographs by Nathaniel Bailey and Dennis Morris (acclaimed photographer of Bob Marley and the Sex Pistols), this exhibition celebrates the giant contribution of Black musical families to the UK industry. It’s curated by The Black Music Coalition, an organisation formed in 2020 to challenge and raise awareness of racism against black UK artists and music professionals. The exhibition also features interviews with the subjects by Capital Xtra DJ Robert Bruce. From 10am; FREE (until Jan 25)
Thu-Sun: Hoxton Street Monster Supplies at Leadenhall Market, 16 Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch St, EC3V 1LT (Monument/Bank tube, Fenchurch St rail)
Fancy a jar of bezoars? How about some human blood vessels, claw and paw soap or a taste of rat brains? The East End’s most famous monster shop is holding a pop-up at their original storeroom in Leadenhall Market. Pick up something gruesome for your gremlins and try not to snack on the Fearless Shopkeepers. 11am-6pm; FREE entry (until Nov 11)
Thu-Sun: Jurassic World: The Exhibition, ExCeL London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1XL (Custom House DLR & Elizabeth Line)
Enter a prehistoric fantasy world, based on the sci fi novels by Michael Crichton, with life-size animatronic dinosaurs and more than a few surprises. All ages welcome. 10am-6pm (Sun-Wed), 10am-8pm (Thu-Fri), 9am-8pm (Sat), 9am-6pm (Sun); from £15/child under 2 FREE (until Nov 3)
Thu-Sun: Phantom Peak: Hallowed Peak, Canada St, Surrey Quays Road, SE16 7PJ (Canada Water tube/overground)
Extended for the spooky season, visit the Halloween edition of this steampunk town, aka the world’s first fully immersive open-world experience packed with 100+ adventures, escape rooms, live gameplay and eateries. Fancy dress optional but encouraged. All ages welcome, under 16s must be accompanied. 5pm-10pm (Wed-Sun), 11am-4pm (Sat-Sun); from £34/child under 3 FREE (until Nov 6)
Thu-Sun: Festival of Fright at KidZania London, Westfield London, Ariel Way, W12 7GQ (Shepherd’s Bush/Wood Lane tube)
The indoor city built for kids is still a ghost town this weekend, featuring Halloween-themed activities for ages 4-14, including a special Halloween BOO-gie. 10am-3.30pm (until Nov 4), 10am-7pm (Nov 5-6)), child ticket from £26/adult from £16 (until Nov 6)
Fri: Coram’s Fields Fireworks, 93 Guilford St, WC1N 1DN (Russell Square tube)
One of the best fireworks displays for families, offering less noisy sparks for toddlers and babies. Premium viewing tickets have sold out but you can still join the event for free (make sure you arrive early for a good spot). Includes fairground rides, food and drink stalls. All ages welcome. Gates open 3.30pm, fireworks from 5pm, FREE (donations welcome) (Nov 4)
More Bonfire Night Fireworks
Fireworks displays are on in Wimbledon Park (Nov 4) and Morden Park (Nov 5); Beckenham fireworks at Croydon Rd Recreation Ground, BR3 3PR (Nov 5); Wembley and Harrow Fireworks event in Byron Park, HA3 7QX (Nov 5); The Walker Ground fireworks display in Southgate, N14 7JZ (Nov 5); Battersea Park Fireworks in Wandsworth (Nov 6)
Sat: Family Film Club: Wolfwalkers + Show & Tell at Barbican Cinema 2, Barbican Centre, Beech Street EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
In a remote 17th century Irish town, hunter Bill Goodfellowe (Sean Bean) is sent to deal with wolf attacks. His daughter Robyn (Honor Kneafsey) feels isolated until she follows her dad into the woods and discovers the legend of the wolfwalkers is true… Lyrical animation best for ages 6+ (adults must be accompanied by a child). 11am; adult £3.50/child £2.50 (Nov 5)
Sun: Family Studio: Make-Do Landscapes at Royal Academy of Arts, Clore Learning Centre, Burlington Gardens, W1S 3ET (Piccadilly Circus/Green Park tube)
Create your own textured landscapes using special printmaking techniques using round and everyday objects. Artist Rachel McGivern leads this interactive session, inspired by Emma Stibbon RA whose work is on display in the Collections Gallery. All ages welcome. 11am-1pm & 2pm-4pm; FREE but booking ahead advised (Nov 6)
Sun: Hulla Balloony Moon Time at Arts Depot, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
After the success of The Hug (Feb 2022, Long Nose Puppets are back at arts depot with this enchanting production, based on the book Pat-a-Cake Baby by Joyce and Polly Dunbar. Grab a spoon and get ready to pitter patter, whisk in sugar, and whip up an enjoyable time filled with rhyme, puppets, music and a special cake. Best for ages 2-8. 11am & 2pm; from £12 (Nov 6)
BOOKING AHEAD
- Club Curling at Coal Drop’s Yard, King’s Cross (Nov 9-Feb 26)
- Enchanted Woodland at Syon Park (from Nov 11)
- Glide ice rink at Battersea Power Station (Nov 11-Jan 8)
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Parent & Baby Screening) at Barbican Cinema 3 (Nov 12-14)
- Making Modernism at Royal Academy, Piccadilly (Nov 12-Feb 12)
- Science Fiction Astro Nights Sleepovers at Science Museum (Nov 12-Mar 24)
- Bring Your Own Baby Comedy at Arts Depot, North Finchley (Nov 17)
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park W2 (Nov 18-Jan 2)
- Illuminature at London Wetland Centre, Barnes (Nov 18-Jan 8)
- Matilda the Musical, UK cinema release (Nov 25)
- Rebel Rebel: Family Day at Barbican Centre (Nov 26)
- For Crying Out Loud Parent & Baby Concert at Wigmore Hall, W1 (Dec 2)
- To the Moon and Back at Barbican Centre (Dec 9-17)
- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Gillian Lynne Theatre (until Jan 8)
- To Kill A Mockingbird at The Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1 (ongoing)
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift at Southwark Cathedral (Jan 4, 2023)
**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!**
Some great ideas here! Thanks
Most welcome!