the Naked City - professor Andrew Wiese
"Living London" Events - Sample List from Summer, 2013
East End Film Festival
A major international film festival situated at the heart of London’s
most dynamic quarter. The EEFF’s mission is to discover, support, and
exhibit pioneering work by global and local independent filmmakers, and
to introduce viewers to innovative and challenging cinematic
experiences.
http://www.richmix.org.uk/whats-on/festival/the-east-end-film-festival-2013/
London Pride Parade
One of London’s most vibrant celebrations, the parade with feature more
than 10,000 marchers, roller-skaters, dancers, and singers. There will
be entertainment in Trafalgar Square and Soho. Free.
http://londoncommunitypride.org/
Rich Mix Cinema / Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm
“Located in one of London's most thriving and art-driven communities,
Rich Mix does exactly what it says on the tin, presenting visitors of
different interests with a colourful range of cultural offerings.”
http://www.richmix.org.uk/
Street Feast –
A street food festival at Brick Lane Yard, with local cuisine from some
of London’s best chefs, accompanied by music and DJs.
www.wefeast.co.uk
City Beerfest
A first for the Guildhall Yard, City Beerfest will see twelve of
Britain’s best-loved breweries providing a wide range of top quality
ales. Plus there will be a delicious array of food to sample, a
coopering display from the Worshipful Company of Coopers and a special
visit from the Youngs Brewery dray horses.
British Summer Time Hyde Park
A new event for London that features artists such as The Rolling Stones
and Elton John, as well as many pubs, cocktail bars, cafes, and food
stalls over two weekends. Dozens of artists through midweek. Check the
schedule.
http://www.bst-hydepark.com/. The Rolling Stones; The Beach Boys; Elton John ...
Carnaby Sound Music Festival
Several stages, 15 live bands and DJ’s playing throughout the area.
‘There is no shopping street in the world that can boast such an
authentic relationship with music and popular culture quite like
Carnaby Street. Known for styling famous musicians such as John Lennon,
Brian Jones and Mick Jagger. Carnaby was not only recognised as a place
where musicians came to shop, but to perform. FREE!
Harry Potter Tour - Warner Bros. Studio - (TOP SDSU ATTRACTION in 2013)
"For the first time, the doors are open for everyone at the studio
where the Harry Potter movies began. Go behind-the-scenes and see many
things the camera never showed. A unique showcase of the extraordinary
British artistry, technology and talent that went into making the most
successful film series of all time.” http://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/
Roxy Bar and Screen / 5- late, daily, check the schedule for events
"...probably the coolest cinema venue in London, if not the UK " Roxy
was created to bring together cutting-edge digital screenings with high
quality drinks & food."
http://www.roxybarandscreen.com/
Cinema at the Barbican
There is no place like the Barbican in North America. A massive
post-WWII modernist urban renewal project for bombed-flattened central
London: world class art, theater and movie space set amidst high rise
housing, aerial walkways, lily ponds and hanging gardens (and don't
forget the city's Roman walls). Shows, exhibits, and festivals all
summer long. http://www.barbican.org.uk
The Coronation Festival 2013
“As part of the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Queen's
coronation, Buckinham Palace gardens are opened to all for three days
of activities inside and out.
Buckingham Palace. coronation.seetickets.com/Content/Coronation-Festival
Henley Royal Regatta:
“The Henley Regatta is a historic occasion, set in a riverside village
that has hardly changed in the last two centuries and bringing some
serious competition to the water in one of Britain's most famous summer
sporting events. It has been running since 1839, and has grown from a
local event into one of the biggest meetings in rowing. But this is
just as much a social event, with thousands gathering to eat picnics
and drink Pimm's aplenty by the waterside.” http://www.hrr.co.uk/
Organ Recital in the Temple Church - Inner Temple
Part of the City of London Festival. Venue is the Temple Church - begun
by the Knights Templar in the 12th century. Can you say, "holy grail
conspiracy theory"? www.templemusic.org
London Symphony Orchestra -
In the dramatic center nave of St Paul's Cathedral. Classical music as
it was written to be heard.
Brick Lane Comedy Festival –
“After four glorious years, the Greenwich Comedy Festival moves
across the river to the Allen Gardens and becomes the inaugural Brick
Lane Comedy Festival. As well as a massive big top hosting superb
line-up shows each night, the festival site includes live music on a
bandstand, bar and food stalls.”
http://www.timeout.com/london/comedy/brick-lane-comedy-festival
The Chap Olympiad:
“Not so much a sporting occasion as a celebration of buffoonery and
sporting ineptitude, orchestrated by The Chap magazine, for gentlemen
(and gentlewomen) of good taste. Bedford Square Gardens, centered on
one of the best preserved set pieces of Georgian architecture in
London. Zany showdowns include 'Umbrella Jousting', using bicycles and
brollies instead of horses and lances, and the 'Tug of Hair' in which
the rope is substituted with a lengthy handlebar moustache." Free.
Bedford Square Gardens.
Dance Nations Dalston
Head to Dalston’s hippest square for a packed day of live music and
dance workshops. For all ages and abilities, this annual event unites
some of east London’s finest talent to create a carnival spirit. Grab
your glad rags and dancing shoes or simply relax and soak up the summer
atmosphere. A dozen different bands and styles over the day – from
roots reggae to swing. Free
Wireless Music Festival
Multiple performers such as: Justin Timberlake, Will.i.am, and John
Legend will be there. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (where the
Olympic Games were played)
http://www.timeout.com/london/festivals/wireless
The Big Kick Off – all day 5v5 soccer match.
‘The Big Kick Off’ will attempt to break the world record for biggest 5
a side match, with new teams each 15 minutes. Spectators welcome -
Free. Royal Hospital Chelsea - famous as home of the red coated
Chelsea Pensioners.
Cricket at the Kia Oval
Watch Victorian England's gift to the world of sport at one of the
nation's most historic grounds. Surrey v Nottingham Kia Oval,
Surrey Cricket Club, Kennington South London.
http://www.kiaoval.com/
British 10K London Run
Scenic 6 mile run around some of London’s most famous landmarks. “Now
in its thirteenth year, this huge annual fundraiser – which is expected
to attract 30,000 runners - has made the second Sunday in July all its
own. "
http://www.thebritish10klondon.co.uk/15/race-information
Championship League Football – Brentford FC v Celtic
For a taste of English football, travel to 2nd division Brentford in
west suburban London. Friendly match against Scottish Premier League
champion Celtic, who reached the quarter finals of 2012 Champion’s
League. www.brentfordfc.co.uk
Holland Park Opera - Every 2-3 nights all month – 7:30pm
Hosted in the remains of the Georgian Holland House, amidst the
beautiful grounds of Holland Park off Kensington High Street, Opera
Holland Park hosts classic opera performances, evenings all month.
Affordable. www.operahollandpark.com
Shopping at Harrods - daily
"Even if you’re not planning to purchase anything at London’s famous
department store, you should still take a peek inside. ... From the
magnificent Egyptian elevator to the extravagant Old world interiors,
the Knightsbridge institution is filled with regal grandeur. Treat
upscale Harrods as an attraction rather than a shopping mall, making
sure to check out the food halls, the perfumery, and the shrine
dedicated to Princess Diana.
http://travel.usnews.com/London_England/Things_To_Do/Harrods_22579/
Portobello Road Market / Mon-Sat; Saturdays for antiques
2 miles of street market through the Notting Hill neighborhood,
includes food, fashion, second hand goods and antiques: "The world’s
largest antiques market with over 1,000 dealers selling every kind of
antique and collectible. Visitors flock from all over the world to
discover one of London’s best loved landmarks."
http://www.portobelloroad.co.uk/the-market/
Brick Lane Market / Sundays from 8-2pm
“Brick Lane Market in London is a large flea market with stalls selling
antiques, clothes, bric-a-brack and all sorts of other weird and
wonderful things. It’s a great place for a bargain. Behind the stalls
you’ll find many restaurants specializing in tasty curry”
http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/place/279336-brick-lane-market
Camden Lock Market / 10am-6pm daily
"London's original arts and crafts market since 1972." Includes
fashion, accessories, art & photography, music, books, & film,
etc. Free (unless you want to purchase).
http://www.camdenlockmarket.com/
Afternoon Tea in the Orangery / 2 - 6pm daily
"Queen Anne's 18th-century Orangery, in the heart of Kensington
Gardens, once the setting for the most lavish of court entertainments,
is the perfect location for an elegant lunch or an indulgent afternoon
tea." Kensington Palace.
East End Pub Tour -
“we’ll follow in the footsteps of East London’s most important
residents on this alternative tour and discover the importance of pubs
and beer throughout history. The tour includes beer tasters in each
pub.
Old Spitalfields market: http://alternativeldn.com/walking_tours.php#pubs
Old Truman Brewery- / Every day from around 10 am-late
“the creative hub of London's East End. To-day more than 200 small,
creative businesses are housed in the Brewery. Fashion designers,
artists and DJ's work alongside graphic designers, architects,
recording and photographic studios.” Exhibits, shops, and night
life activities located either near it or around it.
www.trumanbrewery.com/
Lexington Pub Quiz / 8pm-10pm every Monday
"the Lexington's pub quiz is one for the music geeks. It's far from
serious stuff though, as the potty-mouthed quizmaster guides you
through some pretty silly rounds, including one based on Bob Holness's
'Blockbusters'. A multipack of crisps ges to the team with the best
name, as judged by a 'clapometer'. Up to 6 in a team." £1 per player
http://www.thelexington.co.uk/
London Eye / 10am-9:30pm daily
"On a clear day you can see as far as Windsor Castle, 25 miles away,
from the top of the London Eye, one of the world's largest observation
wheels. A circuit on the Eye will show you the entire city's key sights
in 30 minutes, and each of the 32 pods (one for every London borough)
is equipped with a touch screen to explain what you're looking at." http://www.londoneye.com/
LondonWonderground / Friday, shows starting from 2pm-Late ...
Summer long cabaret festival. “Friday Night Freak show; the twisted
showcase of the best dark and delicious variety old London town has to
offer returns to the wonderground. Shocking, hysterical and downright
weird, some of the finest performers from the alternative cabaret
circuit and the darkest recesses of the comedy world come out to
play.” www.londonwonderground.co.uk
Pub and Club Culture (here's a few to start with)
The Mayflower
Classic Georgian pub. "The current building is 18th century, and looks
every inch the traditional English pub with oak beams and wooden
panelling. A fine (if pricey) dining room can be found upstairs, with
impressive views of the Thames. Oh, and those standing on the outside
decking at high tide: you may get wet."
http://themayflowerrotherhithe.com/
The Bricklayer’s Arms
This compact Victorian gem—with wooden floors, old photos on the walls,
and a central bar—lies hidden away down a small cul-de-sac not far from
the Thames. Home of London's "permanent beer festival."
http://www.bricklayers-arms.co.uk/history/
Princess Louise
High Victorian relic: "a temple of etched glass, bar lamps and wooden
panels... drinkers partitioned off into their own private spaces." Even
the fixtures in the men's room have landmark status (no kidding).
Affordable prices.
http://www.timeout.com/london/bars-and-pubs/princess-louise
Club nights at the House of Wolf
Events throughout the week from the raucous and hilarious Musical Bingo
in the Music Hall to The Burning Beat where DJs, live music and cabaret
and burlesque acts are spread across all 3 floors. Upper Street,
N1
Museums and Exhibits:
Tate Modern
(art museum)/ daily 10-6; Fri-Sat, 10-8 The cutting edge of cool.
"Housed in the former Bankside Power Station on the banks of the
Thames. The awe-inspiring Turbine Hall runs the length of the entire
building and you can see amazing work for free by artists such as
Cézanne, Bonnard, Matisse, Picasso, Rothko, Dalí, Pollock, Warhol and
Bourgeois." http://www.tate.org.uk/
Natural History Museum
/ Monday to Sunday from 10:00-17:50
One of the oldest museums of its kind. Home to the collections of
Charles Darwin and other naturalists who accompanied British
imperialism throughout the world. Consider especially the "Treasures"
exhibit. Free.
British Museum/ 10am-5:30pm daily, 10am-8:30pm on Fridays
One of the world's oldest museums, the British Museum is vast and its
collections, only a fraction of which can be on public display at any
time, comprise millions of objects. First-time visitors generally head
for the mummies, the Rosetta Stone, Lindow Man, and the Sutton Hoo Ship
Burial. Free. www.britishmuseum.org
Dalston House - Interactive Art Installation
Internationally known Argentine artist Leandro Erlich has been
commissioned by the Barbican to create a new installation in Dalston.
Resembling a theatre set, the detailed facade of a Victorian terraced
house – recalling those that once stood on the street – lies
horizontally on the ground with mirrors positioned overhead. The
reflections of visitors give the impression they are standing on,
suspended from, or scaling the building vertically. Free.
http://www.barbican.org.uk/
Victoria and Albert Museum/ from 10 am-9:30 pm.
"The world's greatest museum of art and design."
http://www.vam.ac.uk/
Club to Catwalk: London Fashion in the 80s-
“The V&A summer blockbuster for 2013 homes in on the 1980s, one of
the most bonkers decades in fashion history. It was an era when
experimentation and appropriation was rife and music and club culture
had a massive influence on mainstream fashion.” Free
David Bowie Is:
"the first international retrospective of the extraordinary career of
David Bowie. More than 300 objects that include handwritten lyrics,
original costumes, fashion, photography, film, music videos, set
designs.."
www.vam.ac.uk
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
"In the Royal Academy’s 245th year, a show is presented consisting of
various media in art: painting, printmaking, photography and sculpture
created by known and lesser-known artists." www.royalacademy.org.uk
Museum of London
Price: FREE http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/london-wall/
Museum of London Docklands
Show: Estuary
Fourteen new and contemporary artists showcase their versions of the
Thames river environment and its inhabitants through film, painting,
photography and printmaking. The location is the spectacular West India
Docks - Canary Wharf development, a 1980s renovation of a 19th century
dock facility.
Cost: Free www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands
Exchange: 10,000 Good Deeds-
“the show centers on 1,000 identical cups and saucers, each with an
inscription describing a good deed concealed between the base of the
cup and the plate. Lift the cup and accept the good deed challenge, and
you get to take home the tea-drinking paraphernalia. Only a certain
number of visitors will get the chance to pledge their help: ten
cup-for-deed exchanges will be made each day”
www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk time:
Mobile Orchard / daily
Various Venues around the City
This summer we transform some of the most familiar spaces of the Square
Mile into an extraordinary urban orchard with this spectacular new
commission. Escape the hustle of every day city life and be transported
into a fantastical new habitat designed and constructed especially for
the modern city-dweller. Free
http://www.colf.org/whats-on/703-mobile-orchard
Churchill War Rooms / 9:30am-6pm daily
Bunker where Winston Churchill commanded from during WWII. http://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/churchill-war-rooms
