Winter in London

Read what Sandip has to say about experiencing London in the winter months.

It’s not long now until the clocks go forward, and the warm autumn breeze is replaced by dark and chilly winter nights. But have no fear, for there’s no better place in England than London to spend your winter evenings. It might be warmer and cosier indoors, but trust me there’s plenty going on in the capital to keep you entertained. You could indulge yourself at the theatre, step aboard the Alternative London Tour, or be dazzled by the Lord Mayor’s fireworks display. Here’s my list of the best things to do this winter in London.

Popular theatre shows
You’ve not experienced London until you’ve been to the theatre, and this winter there are some jaw-dropping shows that will keep you thoroughly entertained. Firstly, Beverly Knight returns to the West End in new hit musical Memphis; whilst Cats returns at the London Palladium for a twelve week residency starring music superstar Nicole Scherzinger. Off-West End there’s the fierce and disturbing World War Two epic The Curring Room, and The Way Back Home at the Southbank Centre. You can find London’s theatre programme here.

Alternative London Tour
Scape East students, you’ve been living in East London for a while now, maybe you’ve already experienced some of the events I shortlisted for Scape. If not, this leftfield tour is a must, see your local area as you’ve never experienced it before. An original tour taking you on a non-stop journey into the heart of London’s vibrant and diverse East End.

Experience terror at the British library
Britain’s most comprehensive display of Gothic literature and artefacts goes on display at the British Library in their new exhibition, Terror and Wonder: The Gothic Imagination. This is a more intellectual and informative day out, and ties in nicely with upcoming Halloween! If you want to explore the dark-side of British literature, delve into vampire slaying-kits, or even experience how gothic heritage has infused our daily lives, then you and this exhibition are an ideal fit.

The Lord Mayor’s firework display
This year on Saturday November 8th, London celebrates the new Lord Mayor. For over 799 years the new Lord Mayor (not Boris Johnson, but the newly elected Ambassador of the City of London) has walked, trotted and even fought his way through the congregated crowds to swear an oath of loyalty. This year the celebrations begin with a morning river pageant, followed by an afternoon procession through the centre of London, and finishing in the evening with an impressive fireworks display.

Halloween events in London
It’s almost that time of year again, when London is gripped by ghost stories, and spooky goings-on. There are plenty of events to keep you entertained for this year’s celebrations. There are plenty of parties taking place across the capital, all you need to do is get down to your local costume shop and pick out something that will scare. There are also a number of Halloween themed events across London ready to give you the scare of your life.

This was by no means an exhaustive list of things to do this winter in London, but it’s a good starting point. Remember to stay safe, and more importantly have fun.

A Day Of African Culture in London

Paula Pennant tells us of her day spent in London museums, exploring African cultural exhibits. 

African Worlds

In the heart of suburban Forest Hill, the Horniman Museum does on first impression seem rather unusual. Its majestic and well-kept exterior makes you want to find out more. It’s really lush. Really green. Really beautiful. It could almost be a botanical garden.

Opened in 1891, the museum in its first incarnation was the home of Frederick Horniman. Horniman had travelled the world and wanted to show the public the amazing smörgåsbord of art that existed. The fact that it still looks great today proves that the Horniman has been preserved in its full glory.

So what about inside? On this particular day, a Saturday, there was a farmers market. So that’s another reason to check it out. The Centenary Gallery has a very spacious feel. It is really interesting, and the layout is conscious and deliberate. Have you ever had a museum to yourself? Even though it was a Saturday, there were moments when I was alone in the Centenary Gallery. African Worlds is a small and unique collection that shows different elements of African life. It’s fair to say, that it’s more of a lifestyle curation than a formal collection. If you do like African culture then it can’t hurt to take a visit. Furthermore, the Horniman Museum has so much to offer and it is definitely one of the most interesting museums in London, and free! There are also some lovely gardens to take a stroll around, and an aquarium on the lower level!

Travel: From North Greenwich take the Jubilee line to Canada Water, then the Overground to Forest Hill. From Mile End take the Hammersmith and City/District line to Whitechapel, change for the Overground to Forest Hill.

Sugar & Slavery

The Sugar & Slavery exhibition at Museum of London Docklands is less about art and more about history. Unlike the ‘African Worlds’ collection, this permanent exhibition reflects a horrific act from civilisation. London, and the whole of Britain, was involved with the slave trade and Sugar & Slavery is a concise chronology of this dark era. There is so much to see and so much to learn.

The exhibition is beyond educational though.By the end of it, it is clear that is has to be one of the best visual historical depictions around. It is difficult to imagine but this colonial trade provided the necessary investments for hundreds of prominent banks, art galleries, companies and private estates. The cold hard facts are difficult to digest. Without the slave trade, Great Britain would not be the country it is today.

The exhibits are realistic to say the least, and here’s why. Fascinatingly, the site of the museum was where sugar was stored after it was grown, cut and ground by slaves. The exhibition is incredibly sad, but instead of inducing any bitterness, it does the complete opposite. Sugar & Slavery serves as proof of the higher aspects of humanity. It is estimated that up to 15 million people lost their lives and were enslaved. The exhibition forces us to never forget the strength, courage and endurance of those who survived the slave trade and caused its extinction.

Travel: From North Greenwich take the Jubilee line to Canary Wharf. From Mile End you can take either the 277 or D6 bus. Or the Central line to Stratford and change for the Jubilee line to Canary Wharf.

Verdict

The focal point of both exhibitions is Africa, however the two museums could not be any more different. One focuses on art, the other history; but both meaningful. The best thing about both is that entrance is free. Demonstrating, perfectly, that culture does not have to be expensive or exclusive.