Happy 2025. Are we already a quarter of a century into this millennium? Oh yes indeed and we’re almost a third of the way through January! This year, Babes About Town celebrates an astonishing 15 years of blogging. And once again, I’ve put together my guide to 25 cool things to look forward to in London 2025.
Check out the upcoming exhibitions, openings, movies, theatre shows, family festivals and (of course) family raves that should keep your calendars STACKED over the next 12 months. I’ve found cool things for all ages, from babies to big kids and grownups. Dive right in.
25 Cool Things to Look Forward to in 2025
At Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA (Charing Cross tube/rail)
Exploring the world beneath our feet, this groundbreaking exhibition is all about the essential role soil plays in all our lives, an ecosystem as diverse as the galaxies. Explore artefacts and artworks, learn from great thinkers and leave with a sense of hope and urgency. 10am-6pm (Sun-Wed), 12pm-8pm (Thu-Fri), 10am-8pm (Sat); adult £18.50/concs £15/child 6-11 £10/under 6s FREE (Jan 23-Apr 13)
2. Big Fish Little Fish Ultimate Family Rave at Fabric
At Fabric, 77A Charterhouse Street, EC1M 6HJ (Farringdon tube/rail)
After 9 sold-out raves at the legendary nightclub, the world-famous, Glastonbury-playing Big Fish Little Fish crew return for another afternoon of (family friendly) mayhem. Themed Scientists vs Aliens, throw on your best fancy dress and bring the house down with your teeny ones alongside top DJs Neil Wyatt (Antidote/Handmade Cyclist), Richard Norris (The Grid/Beyond the Wizard’s Sleeve), Nookie and DJ Trax. Parties feature: baby chill out, arts and crafts, face painting (separate charge), buggy parking, baby changing, confetti cannons, bubbles, foam, giant balloons and parachute dance finale. Usual timings and prices: 2pm-4.30pm; from adult £15/child £11.86/pre-walkers FREE (Jan 26)
3. Play On
At Lyric Hammersmith, Lyric Square, King St, W6 0QL (Hammersmith tube/rail/overground)
Shake off those January blues with this toe-tapping, shoulder-bopping musical inspired by Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Set in 1940s Harlem in the famous Cotton Club jazz scene, it follows the life and love trials of singer Vy, club owner the Duke and nightclub star Lady Liv. Fusing Duke Ellington’s music and street dance choreography, Play On is helmed by Talawa’s Artistic Director Michael Buffong. Ages 12+. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Wed); £10-£45 (Jan 28-Feb 22)
4. Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu’s Our Mighty Groove
At Sadler’s Wells East, off Stratford Walk, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20 2AR (Stratford tube/rail/overground/DLR)
Sadler’s Wells East explodes onto the scene in February with this dynamic dance floor show where anything goes. Young dancers from east London team up with Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu and her signature blend of club styles – house, waacking and vogue – mixed with African and contemporary dance. Stick around for the afterparty! Ages 5+ (younger ones not admitted). 7.30pm (Thu-Sat), 2.30pm (Sat) & 6pm (Sun); from £15 (Feb 6-9)
5. Animal Farm
At Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, Stratford E15 1BN (Stratford tube/rail/DLR/overground)
“All animals are equal. But some animals are more equal than others.” From a book that is more prescient and pertinent than ever, director Amy Leach and designer Hayley Grindle bring a fresh vision to this beastly tale of power, exploitation and rebellion. Adapted by Tatty Hennessy from George Orwell’s classic. Best for ages 11+. 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Thu & Sat); from £10-£39.50 (Feb 7-Mar 8)
6. Home Song
At Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube/rail)
Cuddle up with your teeny one at this multi-sensory show. It will take you on a magical journey from the streets of Kumasi to the heart of London, with young Adwoa and her mama discovering where home lives. Created by theatre-maker and composer Cassiopeia Berkeley-Agyepong in partnership with Talawa, this features puppets, a cappella singing and interactive soundscapes for you and your baby to join in too. Ages 6-18 months and their grownups. Showtimes from 10am, 11.30am & 12.45pm (times may vary); 1 adult + baby £15-£19.50/2 adults + 1 baby £21-£25.50/extra adult or baby £6 (Feb 7-Mar 9)
7. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy
At cinemas nationwide
It’s been a few years since we’ve seen Bridget on our screens and this time she’s a little older, a little wiser and still torn between two suitors (Leo Woodall and Chiwetel Ejiofor). Oh and she’s now a single mum. Heartthrob Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) has passed on but Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant at his villainish best) is back to cause more havoc. We can’t wait. Rated PG. (out Feb 13)
8. Making Egypt at Young V&A
At Young V&A, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA (Bethnal Green tube)
From Japan to north Africa, Young V&A’s second blockbuster exhibition tackles the land of the Pharaohs. With eye-opening facts and lots to gawp at (see the Great Pyramids built from LEGO), it shows how the ancient Egyptian influence lives on in popular culture. All ages welcome. All ages. Daily from 10am (last entry 4.15pm); £10 (members FREE) (from Feb 15)
9. Clueless the Musical
At Trafalgar Theatre, 14 Whitehall, Westminster, SW1A 2DY (Charing Cross tube/rail)It’s Jane Austen’s 250th birthday year and only fitting that this romcom based on her classic novel Emma should make its stage debut. Clueless the Musical showcases high-schooler Cher playing matchmaker extraordinaire. Can she pull off her latest project or will things go bottoms up? Book by original writer-director Amy Heckerling and music by KT Tunstall. Best for ages 12+ (under 5s not admitted). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Thu & Sat); from £25 (Feb 15-Jun 14)
10. Imagine Children’s Festival
At Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Another year, another spot on our hot list. The Imagine Children’s Festival is the UK’s biggest and most eclectic cultural festival for kids ages 0-11. Come for live performances, creative play, workshops, author chats and a host of free activities. 2025 highlights: Afro Dance with HomeBros, There’s A Bear On My Chair, Supertato Party, The Colour of Dinosaurs, An Afternoon Draw with Rob, Dr Ronx: How To Save A Life, Imagine’s Giant Chalkboard, Rollercoaster juggling, CBeebies Wildlife Jamboree and more. All ages welcome. Various times and prices; 40% of activities are FREE (Feb 18-23)
11. My Neighbour Totoro in the West End
At Gillian Lynne Theatre, 166 Drury Lane, Holborn, London WC2B 5PW (Covent Garden/Holborn tube)
Studio Ghibli fans, rejoice. The multi award-winning, box-office smashing RSC production of Hayao Miyazaki’s beloved animation is making its way to the West End. Featuring original music from composer Joe Hisaishi plus live orchestra and puppets by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, this is sure to delight young and old alike. For ages 6+ (under 4s not admitted). 7pm (Mon-Sat) & 2pm (Thu & Sat); from £25 (from Mar 8)
At Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP (South Kensington tube)
Celebrate WOW at 15 on International Women’s Day with a stellar lineup. The legend that is Angela Davis (activist, author, change maker) will be in conversation with WOW founder Jude Kelly. There will also be live music and more special guests exploring the burning issues of women’s and girls’ empowerment that WOW has championed over the years. Best for ages 14+ (parental discretion advised). Doors 6.15pm, event 7pm; from £20 (Mar 8)
13. Pride and Prejudice at Wilton’s Music Hall
At Wilton’s Music Hall, Graces Alley, E1 8JB (Tower Hill/Aldgate East tube, Shadwell overground, Fenchurch St rail)
There’s more Jane Austen joy at this inventive adaptation of one of her best loved stories. Settle in at the charming Wilton’s Music Hall and see 3 actors bring 17 of Austen’s famous characters to life. Bachelors are on the loose in Meryton and the Bennet family are on the lookout. But will Lizzie Bennett meet her match in Mr Darcy? Best for ages 8+. 7pm; £10-£27 (Mar 10-11)
14. Dear England
At National Theatre (Olivier Theatre), South Bank, SE1 9PX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
The smash hit production returns to the Olivier Theatre at NT. Why can’t the country that gave football to the world ever seem to come up with the goods? Writer James Graham updates his poignant take on the beautiful game to reflect Gareth Southgate’s last hurrah as England manager. Age guidance 6+ (probably best for older kids). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2pm (Wed & Sat); £20-£99 (Mar 10-May 24)
At Hackney Empire, 291 Mare St, E8 1EJ (Hackney Central overground)
Here’s a treat for fans of literature and ballet. The stunning Ballet Black troupe performs another double bill, opening with an adaptation of Oyinkan Braithwaite’s bestselling novel My Sister the Serial Killer. Watch as Korede tries to clean up her sister’s messes, until there’s one victim too far… Also enjoy Brooklyn-born Chanel DaSilva (The Joffrey Ballet), making her British choreographic debut. Her work explores shadow work and how it helps us reveal our truest selves. Ages 12+. 7.30pm; £15-£42 (Mar 13-15)
At National Portrait Gallery, St. Martin’s Pl, WC2H 0HE (Charing Cross tube/rail)
See Edvard Munch as never before in a brand new exhibition. You’ll come closer than you could imagine, with intimate glimpses into how he viewed himself as well as friends, lovers, family members and others in his life. A fascinating look at an artist most famous for The Scream. From 10.30am time slots (until 5pm or 8pm Fri/Sat); from adult £21/child 25 and under £5 on Fri-Sun/members FREE (Mar 13-Jun 15)
17. Ikea Oxford Street
At 538-540 Oxford Street, W1C 1LS (Oxford Circus tube)
You might have spotted the giant blue Ikea shopping bag hanging off the former TopShop building. Well, it’s been a wait and a half but Ikea Oxford St is finally set to open this spring. You can shop multiple floors of homewares, fashion, kids items and more and stop by the deli for those famous meatballs. (opens Mar/tbc)
18. Romeo and Juliet at Hackney Empire
At Hackney Empire, 291 Mare St, E8 1EJ (Hackney Central overground)
Purists, look away now. Shakespeare’s tale gets shaken up with a rap and R&B score. This inventive take on the lovestruck couple’s tragic tale features feuding families, forbidden romance, and the poetry of rap set to perfect pentameters. A co-production with the Belgrade Theatre and Bristol Old Vic, working with local youngsters who have been taken out of mainstream education. Ages 11+. 2pm schools matinees (Wed-Thu) & 7.30pm (Thu-Sat); £16-£46 (Apr 23-26)
19. Boxhall City
At Boxhall City, Metropolitan Arcade, opposite Liverpool Street, EC2M 7PY (Liverpool St tube/rail, Shoreditch High St overground)
You’ve been to Boxpark (maybe in Shoreditch, Wembley, Croydon or as far as Liverpool). Now welcome to Boxhall City, a brand new food hall created by the same team. It promises 14000 square feet of space with roof terrace, panoramic City views, crafted drinks menu, curated restaurants and live performances. All ages welcome. Opening times tbc; FREE entry (opening Spring 2025)
20. V&A East Storehouse and David Bowie Centre
At V&A East Storehouse, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford (Stratford tube/DLR/overground/rail)
We’re buzzed about the David Bowie Centre opening late 2025 at the brand new V&A East Storehouse. Taking over the former 2012 Olympics Media Centre at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the V&A’s new outlet will also house the Glastonbury Festival archive amongst its quarter of a million cultural treasures. The David Bowie Centre will feature stage outfits, instruments, hand-written lyrics and more. (V&A East Storehouse opens May 31 & David Bowie Centre opens Sep 13)
21. Hercules the Musical
At Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street, WC2B 5JF (Covent Garden/Holborn tube)
If you’re a fan of the animated movie, you’ll be thrilled to hear Disney’s Hercules is bursting onto the West End stage this summer. See Luke Brady as the man with all the muscles, in this buoyant musical adventure inspired by the legendary Greek figure who was half-god, half-human. Book by Kwame Kwei-Armah and Robert Horn, music and lyrics by Alan Menken who scored the movie too. Ages 6+ (under 4s not admitted). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat) & 2.30pm (Thu & Sat); from £25 (previews from Jun 6)
22. How To Train Your Dragon (Live Action)
At cinemas nationwide
We’re big fans of the How To Train Your Dragon books and movies. In fact, I wrote a whole chapter on boys and dragons in my latest book Raising Boys Who Do Better. So I’m hoping the Dreamworks live action adaptation does the story justice. If the trailer’s anything to go by this should be a summer blockbuster worth waiting for. Follow Hiccup and new dragon friend Toothless on a magical ride to save the ones they love. Fire emojis ready. Rating tbc. (out Jun 13)
23. Nigerian Modernism at Tate Modern
At Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark tube, Blackfriars tube/rail)
My late uncle, the esteemed painter Ben Enwonwu MBE, features in this thrilling showcase of Nigerian artists who made their name before and after independence in 1960. Nigerian Modernism traces their networks across Lagos, Zaria, Enugu and Ibadan, as well as London, Paris and Munich. See sculptures, paintings, textiles and poetry from over 50 artists e.g. El Anatsui, Lady Koala and Uzo Egonu. From 10am-6pm daily; prices tbc (Oct 8-May 11, 2026)
24. Sumo Wrestling at Royal Albert Hall
At Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP (South Kensington tube)
Enter a world steeped in tradition as the Royal Albert Hall is transformed into a temple of Sumo, complete with dohyō (ring) and a Shinto shrine-style roof. For only the second time in 1500 years, the venue hosts an official sumo tournament, a 5-day basho featuring elite Japanese wrestlers. Book early, this is guaranteed to sell out. All ages, kids under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets on sale early 2025. (Oct 15-19)
25. Wes Anderson at Design Museum
At Design Museum, 224–238 Kensington High Street, W8 6AG (High St Kensington tube)
Wes Anderson fever continues in London 2025 with a retrospective – the first of its kind – at Design Museum. Walk through the imaginary landscape of the idiosyncratic filmmaker (Moonrise Kingdom, The Royal Tenenbaums, Fantastic Mr Fox) and experience stills, costumes, props and more. All ages. 10am-5pm (6pm Fri/Sat); Tickets tbc. (Nov 21-May 4, 2026)
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**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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