It’s been a busy week (and another heavy week politically) and Easter is already around the corner. There’s a festival glow for families around London this weekend— thanks largely to the Holi festivals popping up in various corners. It’s also St Patrick’s Day on Sunday so expect central London to be action-packed. Have a good one.
What To Do for Families Around London this Weekend
Thu-Sun: Untold Lives at Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, W8 4PX (High St Kensington tube)
Discover the stories behind the names we’ve all learned in history books. These were the cooks, seamstresses, pages and wet-nurses who kept the royal households running. For the first time ever, you can learn more about the forgotten figures and consider those who continue to work tirelessly behind the scenes today. All ages welcome. Diana Princess of Wales Memorial playground is just around the corner for letting some steam out before or after your visit. 10am-6pm (Wed-Sun); adult from £24/child from £12/under 5s FREE (Mar 14-Oct 27)
Thu-Sun: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King in Concert at Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore SW7 2AP (South Kensington tube)
Catch one of the most spectacular cinematic works on a big screen set to a live orchestra as part of the Royal Albert Halls series Films in Concert. The Lord of the Rings saga is played out against the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance of Howard Shore’s Oscar-winning score. Upcoming films in this series include Indiana Jones, Top Gun, Ghostbusters and Harry Potter. Best for ages 12+, kids under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. 7pm (Thu-Sat), 1pm (Sat), 12pm & 6pm (Sun); from £28.50-£133 (Mar 14-17)
Fri-Sat: Red Pitch at @SohoPlace, Charing Cross Rd, W1D 3BG (Tottenham Court Rd tube)
After huge acclaim at Bush Theatre, Tyrell William’s mega-hit production transfers to the West End. Footie fans Omz, Joey and Bilal love hanging out in their neighbourhood although they don’t love how their homegrown area is changing by the minute. When their local football pitch is threatened with demolition, can these boys help save it and their friendships to boot? Best for ages 14+. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Wed & Sat); from £25-£60 (limited £15) (Mar 15-May 4)
Fri-Sun: House of Holi at Cinnamon Kitchen, 9 Devonshire Square, EC2M 4YL (Liverpool St tube/rail)
It’s that time of year again when you can don a protective white suit and pummel your favourite people with coloured powders and paints. The annual Holi celebration at Cinnamon Kitchen is always popular, so do book ahead. Drinks and a delicious feast are on offer for guests (extra fees apply). Various sessions between 12.30pm-10.30pm; from £10-£60 (Mar15-25)
Fri-Sun: Move it Dance Weekend at ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, E16 1XL (Custom House DLR)
Every year, the UK’s biggest dance showcase pops up at ExCel London calling professionals and amateurs, groovers and spectators to the arena. Catch live performances, pick up some new moves and take part in dancing contests. 10am-6.15pm (Fri-Sat), 10am-5pm (Sun); adult day from £31/3-day from £67/child 14 and under from £26.50/under 5s FREE/family discounts available (Mar 15-17)
Sat: Boxed In at The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford SE8 4AG (Deptford/New Cross overground)
Do lines always have to be straight? Why not make they curvy or zig zaggy? In an exciting collaboration between groundbreaking disabled led-theatre company Daryl & Co and the wonderful Half Moon young people’s theatre, Boxed In is a tale about how to make sense of the world when you don’t quite fit in. Join in for a Touch Tour before the 1pm show — get to touch the set, props and costumes to familiarise yourself with the environment, especially helpful for blind or visually impaired audience member or those with sensory issues. Best for ages 3-6. 1pm & 1pm; £8.50pp (Mar 16)
Boxed In is also playing at Arts Depot, N12 on Sunday Mar 17
Sat: Barbican Family Film Club: Encanto at Barbican Cinema 2, Barbican Centre, Beech Street EC2Y 8DS (Barbican tube)
Surprisingly there are still some seats left for Encanto at this week’s family film club screening but you’ll have to act fast. Meet the magical Madrigal family and young Mirabel in this joyful, empowering musical featuring the toe-tapping genius of Lin Manuel Miranda. Best for ages 6+ (no unaccompanied adults or kids). 11am; adult £3.50/child £2.50 (Mar 16)
Sat: Southbank Sinfonia: The Enchanted Forest, St John’s Smith Square, SW1P 3HA (Westminster/St James Park/Pimlico tube)
Take a trip into the Enchanted Forest in the company of Southbank Sinfonia. Bring the little ones along for this family friendly concert that brings alive the music of Ravel, Boulanger and Beethoven in a show filled with birdsong, music and fairytales. 11.30am; adult/child £6 each (Mar 16)
Sat: Dr Emily’s World Whizzing Facts Show at the Royal Institution, 21 Albemarle Street, W1S 4BS (Green Park tube)
Can you block a tickle? Ever heard of the creature who can breathe through its bottom? And why do we make better decisions when we’re desperate for a wee? Join TV Science Superstar and STEM Ambassador Emily Grossman for a lively family quiz show where you can guess the answers and discover some wacky science facts. Copies of her books will be available to buy after the talk. Best for ages 7-70 (younger ones welcome, under 13s must be accompanied by a paying adult). 2pm-3.15pm; from £7.75 (Mar 16)
Sun: Magic of India Holi Colour Dance Party at Swiss Cottage Fountain Area, By the Cherry Blossom Trees (near the Library), NW3 3NR (Swiss Cottage tube)
Another Holi event, another excuse to put on some old rags and prepare to be pelted with colour. The powders are skin-safe and it’s a joyous way to celebrate the Hindu festival and welcome spring with your family. The fun includes live music, food stalls, Bollywood dancing, DJ, drummers and more. 11am-4pm; adult £28/child £18 (Mar 17)
Sun: St Patrick’s Day 2024, Trafalgar Square, Westminster, WC2N 5DN (Charing Cross Rd tube/rail)
Celebrate St Patrick, patron saint of Ireland (and also my birth country Nigeria), at this huge all-day event in central London. Follow the parade from Hyde Park Corner through the capital’s streets or head straight to Trafalgar Square for activities including film screenings, community choirs, food stalls and Irish dancing. 12pm-6pm; FREE (Mar 17)
Sun: Sunday Papers Live, One Marylebone, 1 Marylebone Rd, NW1 4AQ (Great Portland St tube)
Enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon with the papers as they come alive at this thought-provoking event series. You’ll hear from commentators on politics, food, culture, music and more while you chill on sofas, play crosswords and quizzes, go for walks, browse market stalls or generally unwind. You can even tuck into a full Sunday roast (separate charges for food and drink). All ages welcome. 12pm-9pm; adult general admission £39.50/evening admission from 5pm £20/child under 12 FREE (Mar 17)
Booking Ahead
- For Crying Out Loud Family Concert at Wigmore Hall, W1 (Mar 20)
- Ideal Home Show at Olympia London (Mar 22-Apr 7)
- Open Air Theatre season at Regent’s Park (Mar 23-Sep 21)
- UNIQLO Tate Play: Yoko Ono, Do It Yourself at Tate Modern (Mar 30-Apr 14)
- Easter Family Day at Brixton Windmill (Mar 31)
- Beautiful Buildings: Family Friendly Art Workshop at Fitzrovia Chapel, W1 (Apr 14)
- Astro Nights Sleepovers at Science Museum, SW7 (Apr 19, May 17, Jun 21 & Jul 12)
- The Roc King Club at Porchester Hall, Paddington (coming May 2024)
- The Paddington Bear Experience at County Hall, Southbank (opens May 2024)
- Assassin’s Creed Symphonic Adventure at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre (May 29-30)
- Mean Girls the Musical at Savoy Theatre, WC2 (Jun 6-Oct 27)
- Aurora Orchestra: Far, Far Away: Mendelssohn and the Moving Machines at Kings Place, N1 (Jun 29-30)
**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue (or the latest government guidelines) before making a trip!**
For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy (Theatre Review)
