7 Glorious Things to do in London this Weekend (25-27 October 2019)
This weekend, shop to your heart's delight with a McQueen pop-up in Harrods, take part in one of the UK's largest Vegan festivals, and watch snowboarders jump across Battersea Power Station (almost)
Alexander McQueen Harrods Pop-Up, Knightsbridge
Alexander McQueen hosts its first pop-up inside Harrods’ Exhibition Windows…as if you didn’t have enough of a reason to visit the store after the refurb of its multi-million pound Beauty Hall. The display will focus on couture-level showpieces, something the late designer was so renowned for. The looks on display all take inspiration from roses, with show-stopping pieces ranging from tailored tuxedos to taffeta gowns inspired by a rose in full bloom. Exclusive accessories to be displayed include the Jewelled Satchel and Four Ring Clutch. And because it’s a pop-up that can only mean one thing: one-off pieces.
Date: 5 October-2 November 2019 Location: Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL Closest Station: Hyde Park Corner
Website: harrods.com
Natural History Museum Lates: Doctor Who – Science in the Fiction, South Kensington (Friday)
Exhibition Road in South Kensington is home to some of the world’s finest museums. Visit the Natural History Museum and celebrate all things science fiction, with a Doctor Who ‘Lates’ exhibition. Opening late until 10 pm, the museum’s fabled corridors come alive this Friday. Doctor Who, which started in 1963, is the longest-running science fiction television series in the world. Take a picture with the tardis, chat to scientists about the real-world science that inspires the storylines, meet the Doctor Who special effects team Millennium FX and code a Martian rover using high-tech LEGO. Kids and adults are sure to enjoy this dedicated exhibition in atmospheric surroundings.
Date: 25 October 2019 Time: 6-10pm Price: free entry Location: Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD Closest Station: South Kensington
Website: nhm.ac.uk
Secret Forest Grotto, Harrods, Knightsbridge
One of London’s most iconic department stores is working a little magic this Christmas. A wishing well has appeared in the Childrenswear department on the fourth floor of Harrods, granting lucky rewards members the chance to win a visit to Father Christmas in the Harrods x Swarovski Christmas Grotto, a wintery wonderland full of surprises. This is one special ticket any child would love to win.
Date:Until 3rd November Time: 11am-5pm Price: £20, for Harrods Rewards customers who are tier Green 2 and above Location: Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL Closest Station: Knightsbridge
Lucian Freud: The Self Portraits Exhibition, Mayfair (Sunday)
An unprecedented and unmissable exhibition on the hugely popular British artist. Spanning nearly seven decades, his self-portraits give a fascinating insight into both his psyche and his development as a painter – from his earliest portrait, painted in 1939, to his final one executed 64 years later. They trace the fascinating evolution from the linear graphic works of his early career to the fleshier, painterly style he became synonymous with. The exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts is a display of more than 50 of his paintings and drawings, which give us an insight into both his psyche and his development as an artist as they represent his study into the ever-changing phases of ageing.
Date: 27 October 2019-26 January 2020 Time: Sunday to Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday 10am-10pm and Saturday 10am-8pm (excluding 23 November) Price: Tickets £18 (without donation £16) Location: Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 0BD Closest Station: Piccadilly Circus
Website: royalacademy.org.uk
Ski and Snowboard Festival, Battersea (all weekend)
Apparently 1.5 million Brits go on at least one ski holiday every year. We may not be blessed with alpine peaks like the Swiss or French, but do they have Battersea power station as a backdrop? The UK’s favourite winter sports event, offering the latest tech, clothes, activities and events for newbies and veterans. There is an array of things to see and do; an ice skating rink, a vintage Ferris wheel, live bands, dog sledding and a chance to meet real Olympians. The newest additions to the festival in 2019 are the Action Sports zone, Crystal Curling Lanes and the latest Red Run Après on Friday night. Not to be missed.
Date: 24-27 October 2019 Time: Thursday 10am-8pm, Friday 11am-10pm, Saturday 11am-8pm and Sunday 11am-5pm Price: £21.65 entry price, prices for activities are on the website Location: Battersea Evolution, Queenstown Road, London SW8 4NW Closest Station: Battersea Park
Website: skiandsnowboard.co.uk
HURR launch fashion rental pop-up, Belgravia (all weekend)
Founded in 2018, HURR is like the Airbnb of the clothing world. The pop-up shop will allow current and new HURR members the opportunity to physically interact with the products before choosing which item, or items, they wish to rent for a 2 or 7 day rental period. Non-members will be able to sign up to HURR (which is a members-only platform) in-store before hiring their items. They will have hundreds of designer dresses and accessories available, including vintage one-offs and contemporary designers such as Chanel, Dolce and Gabbana and Bottega Veneta.
Date: 25 October-29 November 2019 Time: Monday to Saturday 10am-7pm and Sunday 12-5pm Location: 37 Elizabeth Street, Belgravia, London SW1W 9RP Closest Station: Victoria
Website: hurrcollective.com
Diwali: Festival of Light, Greenwich (Saturday)
Celebrate Diwali at the National Maritime Museum with dance, music and art under the rejuvenating . Offering revellers a chance to get creative, organisers promise an evening of lantern making, a drumming workshop, a performance by Bollywood Co and a Diwali Parade. With the incredible backdrop of the City from the heights of Greenwich park, we’re keeping our fingers crossed for a starry night.
Date: 26 October 2019 Time: 11am-4.30pm Price: free entry Location: National Maritime Museum, Park Row, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 9NF Closest Station: Maze Hill
Website: rmg.co.uk
VegFestUK, Hammersmith (Saturday and Sunday)
Returning for its 7th year, VegFestUK will be bigger and better than ever. There will be around 370 stalls this year and away from food, the event will include stand up comedy, food demonstrations, theatrical plays, kid’s storytelling, cookery classes and rainbow yoga. The Food Village will be featuring food from vegan masters such as: PH (Power of Health), Indian street food gurus North Meets East, the Arancini Brothers serving risotto balls and burgers and Bad Ass Cakes. Go at your peril.
Date: 26 -27 October 2019 Time: Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-5pm Price: £13.20 a day Location: Hammersmith Road, Hammersmith, London W14 8UX Closest Station: Kensington Olympia
Website: vegfest.co.uk