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Spring preview 2018

Unmissable spring events in London

Find the absolute best things to do in London during spring 2020

Written by
Things To Do Editors
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Spring in London is finally on its way. The days are getting warmer and lighter, people are starting to smile occasionally and Londoners are beginning to inch away from cosy pub fires and venture into the great outdoors. Plus, the city is coming to life with events and activities from March through to May 2020. 

Whether you’re after the latest art exhibitions, new theatre shows, the best gigs, restaurant openings or other great things to do in London, our spring round-up will keep your social calendar as fresh as a daisy. 

RECOMMENDED: Your ultimate London events calendar

The best spring events in London

  • Film

Attenborough is done mollycoddling his audience with calming narrations on the lives of baby rhinos and the wandering albatross. His next big project is ‘A Life on Our Planet’, is not so much a documentary but a terrifying ‘witness statement’ about our collective failure to address climate change. Sir David will be introducing the film as part of a live Q&A with Michael Palin at the Royal Albert Hall for a very-much-sold-out screening. The good news is that the RAH event will be beamed into Picturehouse Cinemas across the city on the night. The bad news is… well, you’ll find out when you watch the film.
Various London cinemas. April 16. Prices vary.

‘Joker’ screening ft live orchestra
  • Film
  • Film

As if Joaquin Phoenix’s turn as Arthur Fleck wasn’t dramatic enough, you can rewatch ‘Joker’ in Hammersmith while a live orchestra performs the film’s Bafta- and Oscar-winning cello score from Icelandic composer Hildur Guðnadóttir. Let’s hope they leave ‘Rock n Roll Part 2’ off the set list… Eventim Apollo. Hammersmith tube. April 30. From £44. Find out more here

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  • Shopping
  • Markets and fairs
  • Exmouth Market

Who would have guessed that, last year, Rick Astley would have a hand in bringing Denmark’s coolest brewer to London? More true to form, he’s now repeating on the success by helping bring Mikkeller Brewpub to Exmouth Market in May. This time, it’ll be brewing on site as well as serving up Copenhagen-style scran. Laura Richards
Mikkeller Brewpub at Exmouth Market. Opens spring 2020. Find out more here

Violet Corner (tbc)
Photograph: Courtesy of Violet Bakery

4. Violet Corner (tbc)

Claire Ptak, the baker behind the royal wedding cake, will rise to the occasion and give the public what they want: a second, larger bakery, but this time with wine. Violet Corner (name TBC) will open on the intersection on Westgate Street and Mare Street. The new two-floor space will double up as an evening wine bar and day-time cafe. Let there be cake! Violet Corner. London Fields Overground. Opens spring 2020. Find out more here

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  • Restaurants
  • West African
  • Fitzrovia
  • price 4 of 4

‘Masterchef Professional’ finalist William JM Chilila’s is bringing West African food to a wider Londoners audience with his debut restaurant opening, Akoko. One speciality to look forward to is the barbecued baby aubergine maafe, a staple peanut or groundnut stew that’s traditionally made with beef, sweet potato and carrots. The name means ‘the first’ or ‘time’ in Yoruba and we’re watching the clock until we can call up to book a table. 21 Berners St. Goodge St tube. Opens April 2020. Find out more here

Hackney Moves
Photograph: Stefania Curto

6. Hackney Moves

Move on up for the return of the UK’s largest outdoor fitness festival Hackney Moves. The fitness weekender might’ve got a shiny new name change, but don’t fret though, there’ll still be loads of races, free fun fitness activities and classes for all. Various areas in Dalston, Haggerston and Hackney Wick. May 15-17. Prices vary. Find out more here

Whatever you do, get outside in London this spring

  • Things to do

If you're gagging to explore the great outdoors, here's where to go to catch an open-air film, take a dip in a local lido or simply wander through one of London's many pretty parks.

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