Rosie Hewitson

Guess what: it’s somehow half-term again. It might seem like mere days since Christmas ended, but the kids are getting yet another holiday this February, which means that it’s only a matter of time before somebody complains that they’re bored and you’re racking your brains for something to do besides plonking them in front of the telly.    Luckily, London has plenty of brilliant kid-friendly museums and galleries that really come into their own when school is out. And February half-term is a particularly good ’un because it plays host to the Southbank Centre’s sprawling Imagine Children’s Festival, a week-and-a-half long multievent extravaganza boasting endless fun things to do for families and kids of all ages.  When is February half-term this year?  This year, half-term falls from Saturday February 11 to Sunday February 19. Whether you’re after some rainy day fun, outdoor play or some budget-friendly free activities for families, London absolutely has you covered. Here’s our roundup of all the best things to do with your children this February half-term. 

Si sou d’aquelles persones que en marxar de viatge organitzeu al mil·límetre les vostres activitats, és probable que no us sobri temps per fer una escapada improvisada. Però si, en canvi, sou dels que ho deixeu tot per últim moment i doneu la benvinguda a tot el que se us presenta, pot ser que això us interessi, i més si esteu de visita a Londres. Voleu fugir de les típiques atraccions turístiques de la City? Aquí teniu una selecció de sis ciutats on podeu anar i tornar en un dia des de la capital anglesa.   No t'ho perdis: 33 escapades molt a prop de Barcelona

Give yourself a pat on the back. You’ve managed to slog it through the first, and what always feels like the longest, month of the year. The days are gradually getting longer and lighter, it’s less treacherous to walk around outside and spring is just around the corner. And what’s more, February just so happens to be absolutely jam-packed with fun things to do. This week, get ready for warmer days by visiting Kew Garden’s annual Orchid Festival. It’s got a Cameroonian theme this year and will see the hot and steamy Prince of Wales Conservatory filled with your fave floral animal sculptures. Or you could head check out ‘Saint Jude’, an immersive, AI-powered, choose-your-own-adventure alternative theatre show. Yeah, really. Or, check out eye-popping art, including The Perimeter’s show dedicated to Joseph Yaeger’s paintings of found imagery and film snippets and the Castor gallery’s show of Clyde Hopkins’s big, splashy canvases.  Head out of the cold and underground for more off-the-beaten-track happenings, like guided tours of the Postal Museum’s hidden Mail Rail tunnel and Vault Festival, London’s subterranean celebration of new theatre with over 500 theatre and comedy shows. Or, add a bit of cheer to the cold winter days by heading to the Grimaldi Clown Service – back in baggy-trousered person for the first time in two years.  Still got some gaps in your diary? Fill your eyes with neon at Battersea Power Station’s winter light festival. Make some time to check out London’s

February 2023 Congratulations, London; we’ve made it through the most miserable month of the year, spring is just around the corner and you finally have licence to abandon whatever dismal health kick you’ve been on without worrying that everyone will judge your lack of willpower. And for the shortest month of the year, February is surprisingly jam-packed with great things to do in the city. You’ve got romantic things to do for Valentine’s Day and half-term activities galore, plus Imagine Children’s Festival, Fashion Week, the long-awaited return of Vault Festival and countless other cultural hits. Feeling the pinch a bit after putting the heating on for half an hour last week? We’ve got you covered with cheap eats and free things to do, plus 50 great ways to spend a fiver if you can stretch to that. Cozzie livs be damned! No matter what your vibe, tastes or interests, there is always something to do in London. In the winter, the city turns into an illuminated paradise, its pubs are lit with cosy fires and a new cultural season brings huge blockbuster shows to the city’s most illustrious galleries and theatres. When the sun’s out, London’s parks turn into leafy social clubs, restaurants dust off their outdoor seating, fountains erupt from dusty concrete squares and suddenly the city air is filled with alfresco theatre.  Whether you want to see cutting-edge art exhibitions, iconic attractions, secret spots, world-beating theatre, stunning green spaces, it’s all here and you can

Look, we get it. It’s cold, it’s dark and we are truly in the depths of winter. But it’s not all rubbish, we swear! It’s the first weekend of February, which means brighter, longer days and the promise of spring on the horizon. In fact, as we transition into a brand new month London’s cultural scene is packed full of events and things to do. This weekend, get ready for warmer days by visiting the return of Kew Garden’s annual Orchid Festival, which opens on Saturday with a Cameroonian theme this year and will see the hot and steamy Prince of Wales Conservatory filled with your fave floral animal sculptures. For alternative theatre, head to ‘Saint Jude’, an immersive, AI-powered, choose-your-own-adventure tale – no, we’re not making any of that up. Or check out eye-popping art, including The Perimeter’s show dedicated to Joseph Yaeger’s paintings of found imagery and film snippets. or Castor gallery’s tribute to Clyde Hopkins’s big splashy canvases.  For something a little different, hit up All Saint’s Church in Hackney on Sunday to see dozens of clowns paying their respects to OG funny man Joseph Grimaldi. Or head underground to Vault Festival, London’s subterranean celebration of new theatre with over 500 theatre and comedy shows.  RECOMMENDED: sign up to our incredible newsletter and get to know London better than all your friends.  Still got some gaps in your diary? Fill your eyes with neon at Battersea Power Station’s winter light festival. Make some time to check out Lo

Dust off your suitcase, set up your out-of-office, and find those swimming trunks shoved in the back of the wardrobe (or your scarf and wooly hat ), there is nothing better than a well-deserved break right on home soil. Yeah, you could fly to some tropical paradise or European city, but the UK has some incredible hidden gems worthy of a staycation.  We're all about celebrating the bits that make the UK great. Diverse climates, lush environments, gorgeous coastlines, and good ol' pub grub. With a wealth of countryside, forests and secluded sandy beaches there are endless opportunities to explore the country. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best Airbnbs in the UK for you to take a look at. Happy reading. Anyone making a cuppa? 🏊 Dreamy UK holiday cottages with swimming pools💕 The best romantic weekend getaways in the UK🪵 Amazing cabins and cottages in the UK🏛️ Incredible UK buildings where you can stay the night🧘 The best wellbeing breaks and yoga retreats in the UK This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Grab the mini toiletries, fetch your suitcase from the attic (dust it off) and get texting your pals: it’s time to sort your next big trip away. And we have a good idea. Hey, it’s not exactly rocket science –or one you’ve not thought of before – but it is a good one. You see, getting a group of you means you can book a massive Airbnb and it won’t cost the earth. And boy are there some massive Airbnbs hanging about. While you might fancy sunning it in the Caribbean rather than heading to Manchester or the Lake District, we’re pretty sure a getaway with your nearest and dearest could be a pretty good alternative. Plus, with what Airbnb has on offer – including a whole host of super-luxe properties that become totally affordable when there’s a bunch of you – we reckon this could be an awesome way to get away on a getaway.  With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the coolest Airbnbs for groups of eight to 16 across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, from a converted church in Essex to a hunting lodge in the Scottish Highlands. So what are you waiting for? Start that ‘Belfast Boys 2k22’ group chat and get booking! This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.RECOMMENDED: 🏰 20 castles you can actually stay in ⛺ The best UK campsites🏛️ Incredible UK buildings where you can stay the night🚗 The best road trips in the UK🚴 The most beautiful bike trails in the UK

Listen, we all know that the UK is home to some incredible outdoor actvities (when the weather allows, at least). But it’s not just our brilliant beaches, picturesque beer gardens and outdoor pools that should get all the glory. England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are also home to gorgeous gardens, open-air museums and outdoor galleries that allow for a rare dose of alfresco artwork. From a metalwork safari in Shropshire and a contemporary art haven in Norfolk to a changing programme of renowned artists in a scenic spot near Edinburgh, you’d be surprised at just how much outdoor art is on offer. For those looking to indulge in some culture as well as fresh air, we’ve rounded up nine of the best sculpture parks and trails in the UK. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in the UKRECOMMENDED: The best UK Airbnbs with swimming pools

From parks and museums to play areas and activity centres, when it comes to entertaining little ones London has plenty to offer. But every now and then it’s good to get out of the city. So whether you’ve got a weekend, half term or summer holiday to fill, you’ll find lots of fun ideas for animal lovers, daring adventurers and little ones who just love to run about in the great outdoors on this list. From ancient castles and retro theme parks to enchanted trains and real-life steam engines, these family-friendly day trips are all within easy reach of London.  RECOMMENDED: The best day trips from London RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in London

As dazzling as London can be in the summer, there’s really only one place that everyone wants to be at the height of summer: the beach. And if the British seaside is calling to you, siren-like right now, you’ll be pleased to know that London is actually within easy reach of plenty of gorgeous seaside towns and scenic coastal walks – not to mention some of the best beaches in the UK.  From the vast unbroken expanse of Camber Sands to the eerie other-worldly beauty of Dungeness, we’ve rounded up the 15 best beaches within two hours of the capital. Whether you’re after secluded spots or bustling resort towns, we’ve got you covered.  So pack your swimming cozzie, grab your bucket and spade, and head to one of these gorgeous beaches near London. Just don’t forget the factor-50. It might be England, but it can still get scorching out there. RECOMMENDED: The best day trips from LondonRECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in London  

Good for the legs, good for the mind and good for the soul: you can’t beat a scenic stroll through the English countryside. While there are plenty of walking routes in London, if you fancy something a bit more rural - the kind of trek where you’ll actually feel like you’re in the wilderness rather than two minutes from a bus stop - then the green and pleasant land beyond Zone 6 has plenty to offer.  From pink-cheek inducing seaside stroll along the white cliffs of Seven Sisters to a ramble through the valleys of Box Hill with epic views, lace up your hiking boots and head out on one of these ridiculously beautiful countryside walks near London. And if you’re feeling a little thirsty, why not plan a stop at one of these brilliant pub gardens too? RECOMMENDED: The best walks in and around London RECOMMENDED: the best Airbnbs near London  

As glorious as the capital is in the summer – think 9 million of us Londoners careening towards the closest beer garden, green space or rooftop bar – the sheer volume of revellers thronging the city can occasionally leave you feeling a tad claustrophobic.  Thankfully, this year has seen domestic travel open up properly again, with day trips and overnight stays in Airbnbs, campsites and hotels. And that means we can once again hit the coast, hike a forest trail or explore a postcard-perfect village whenever the Big Smoke gets a bit much. Planning a quick getaway? Here’s some fuel for your own day(trip)dreams. These are 17 of our favourite day-tripping spots, complete with cute pubs and ace restaurants – all close enough to London to get there and back in one glorious day. RECOMMENDED: 101 incredible things to do in London insteadRECOMMENDED: the best Airbnbs near London This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Always a highlight of the London Games Festival, Somerset House’s annual celebration of experimental video games returns in April, this time showcasing games themed around love in all its many forms. Details will follow, but expect a fascinating programme of talks and screenings, plus a fascinating programme of playable exhibits from around the globe.

Founded all the way back in 1978, London’s annual festival celebrating the life, works and legacy of George Frideric Handel returns for its 45th anniversary this February with a varied programme of talks and recitals honouring the eighteenth-century maestro. From lunchtime recitals at St George’s Hanover Square and a supper club soundtracked by Handel-inspired violins to an evening celebrating English stage actress and muse Kitty Clive and a night of ‘glitchy beats and classical remixes’ at the Village Underground, you’ll find something to like among the twenty-plus events taking place across the four-week festival, whether you’re totally new to Handel’s work or have been listening to his Baroque bangers for years.

The UK’s largest queer film event, BFI Flare returns to the BFI Southbank (and to the BFI Player online) over ten days this March to showcase the best new LGBTQ+ cinema from around the world. Tune into the BFI’s YouTube and Facebook channels on February 15 to catch the programme announcement and make your picks ahead of the general ticket on-sale shortly afterwards. 

Arsenal legend Ian Wright, England-capped goalie Ben Foster (aka The Cycling Goalkeeper) and former English and Scottish rugby internationals Andy Goode and ‘Big’ Jim Hamilton are some of the celebrated athletes who’ll be in attendance at the inaugural edition of Pod Live Sport, a five-day festival celebrating the best sports podcasts in the game (no trophies for guessing that.) Check out live recordings of a host of popular pods including ‘The Socially Distant Sports Bar’, ‘The Race F1 Podcast’ and 2022 Sports Podcast of the Year ‘Morning Kombat’, plus a host of exlusive events and experiences taking place around King’s Cross throughout the festival. Game on. 

Plenty of young kids seem to go through a period of intense obsession with all things vehicular at some point or other, but your little one doesn’t have to harbour an unusual fascination with buses and trains in order to be entertained by the London Transport Museum’s jam-packed programme. From supersized games of Connect 4 with a transport-themed twist and a quiz trail around the museum’s various galleries to a soft-play bus garage and an Elizabeth Line train driving simulator, there’s all sorts of half-term fun to be had at the interactive centre in Covent Garden. Better yet: kids go free, so you only need to get a ticket for yourself. 

Kensington’s Design Museum is a great place to entertain your brood during the half-term holidays, not least because it’s hosting a varied programme of day-long workshops suitable for youn’uns aged from 8 to 14, where they can learn about all sorts of design disciplines. Got an 8 to 11-year-old? Pack them off to the Robot Olympics (Tuesday February 14) where they’ll learn the fundamentals of coding while programming their own Micro:Bit robot to compete in various races (after which they get to take the robot home) or book them a space on Escape from Thunder Island with architecture firm Kennedy Woods (Wednesday February 15) where they’ll complete all sorts of design-based tasks and challenges in order to steer their pirate ship away from the treacherous Thunder Island to safety. Or if you’ve got secondary school-aged kids, they can join a digital collage workshop inspired by the museum’s surrealist exhibition ‘Objects of Desire’ (Wednesday February 15) or spend a day crocheting their own phone cdase with womenswear designer Peju Obasa (Monday February 13.) 

Live art legends and all-round funny people Sh!t Theatre bring their enjoyably ridiculous spin on ‘A Muppet Christmas Carol’ to Battersea Arts Centre for a run this December. A cult Christmas tradition that’s been going for nine years and counting, it’s essentially a screening of the much-loved festive movie mixed with plenty of interactive comedy silliness. Expect free whisky, plenty of sing-a-long fun and in-jokes for both Muppet fans and Muppet virgins, plus suitably festive turns from different guest artists every night. 

Christine and the Queens will follow in the footsteps of David Bowie, Yoko Ono and the Smiths Patti and Robert in curating the 28th edition of the Southbank Centre’s long-running summer music fest, Meltdown. The genderqueer pop prince (also known as Chris, Redcar or plain old Héloïse Letissier) has promised ‘musicians that have some gut-wrenching quality’ over the course of a fortnight of free and ticketed events in June 2023, with more details due to follow in the spring. Last year’s Grace Jones-curated event featured Peaches, Skunk Anansie, Honey Dijon and Sky Ferreira, while Chris’s previous collaborators include the likes of Charlie XCX, Caroline Polachek and 070 Shake, so expect the forthcoming line-up to be studded with plenty of stars. 

The Clapham Grand has all sorts of camp festivities going on over the Christmas period, including an extensive programme of festive film nights, where you can catch all the classics on the historic venue’s massive 25ft screen while also enjoying sing-along carols, snow machines, quizzes, dance battles and all sorts of raucous festive fun. Head down on Saturday December 3 for a prosecco-soaked ‘drink-along’ screening of ‘Love Actually’ featuring crowdsurfing Hugh Grant cardboard cut outs, revisit ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ at a gothic Christmas night out hosted by Joe Black on Thursday December 8 or join Gonzo, Rizzo, Kermit and the gang for ‘A Muppet Christmas Carol on Saturday December 10. Fancy dress very much encouraged for all.  

Gay Times honours (or, to give it its full government name, GAY TIMES Honours 2022 sponsored by Meta Quest) is back for its sixth year to celebrate the people and organisations that have positively impacted the LGBTQ+ community in the UK over the past twelve months via a star-studded ceremony at Greenwich’s Magazine London. A whole host of camp icons feature on the varied line-up, from ‘Drag Race’ star Gottmik and Swedish pop queen Tove Lo to disco-heavy London label Glitterbox, queer Bollywood clubnight Hungama and poet Kai-Isaiah Jamal. Best of all, tickets are available via a ten quid donation to Amplifund, the Gay Times’ philanthropic initiative supporting LGBTQ+ organisations across the world. A great night out and a great cause.  

Get your Christmas shopping sorted by selecting pressies from the beautifully designed and handcrafted accessories, prints, clothing and homewares on sale from a wonderful roster of talented local makers at Crafty Fox’s Christmas Market. It’ll be moving from its usual location at Mercato Metropolitano to The Crossing in Kings Cross for the occassion, which means it can fit in over 100 traders – no excuses for bad presents then! 

London restaurants large and small will come together for this week-long celebration Japanese food, drink and culture, which features a packed programme of craft workshops, masterclasses, supper clubs and collaborations between parts of London’s thriving Japanese scene. Expect film screenings, sake tasting with Kanpai – the UK’s first sake brewery, coffee sessions from Ueshima Japanese coffee master, origami workshops from expert Coco Sato and food from Toyama Sake Supper Club, M Threadneedle Street, Tokyo Sukiyaki Tei, Machiya, School of Wok, Apothecary East and Koji, Benihana, Novikov Restaurant & Bar, Ginza St. James.

It’s a crisp, sunny Monday lunchtime in late October and a spontaneous round of applause has erupted from the astroturf pitches above Hoxton’s Britannia Leisure Centre.  For the past hour or so, a low hum of excitable chatter has been punctuated only by the periodic thwack of footballs against walls. Forty-odd amateur players, from a host of local women’s teams, stand around doing keep-ups and taking turns to fire off shots at a goalkeeper on the far end of the pitch. But now Lioness Chloe Kelly is here, giving a meek wave as she steps onto the turf, and everyone is cheering like it’s July 31 all over again.   Five months earlier, the reaction of even the most ardent of women’s football fans to the arrival of the England forward might have been a little more muted. But that was before 23 million Brits tuned in to watch her punt the ball over the line in the 110th minute of extra time at this summer’s Women’s Euros Final, securing the Lionesses’ first ever major trophy in front of a record-breaking Wembley crowd.  That was before her instantly iconic celebration – pausing just long enough to check that the goal would stand before whipping off her shirt and helicoptering it overhead, sports bra on full display – or an equally memorable post-match interview where she ran off with the microphone mid-sentence to join her teammates in an ecstatic rendition of ‘Sweet Caroline’.  In short, that was before the 24-year-old from Ealing became a household name literally overnight.   Comi

Transport for London is fast becoming one of English football’s most sought-after signings. First, north London club Arsenal collabed with TfL on that tasty little Piccadilly line training kit. Then there was the bus route named after Euros-winning west Londoner Chloe Kelly. And now, England and Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling has gone and released a pair of London bus-inspired football boots. The Brent-raised footballer collaborated with his boot sponsor New Balance on the signature ‘Route to Success’ design, which features a pattern based on a fabric moquette found on London buses in the 1990s. The recently revived design is one that Sterling knows well from the countless hours he spent travelling across London with his older sister to attend training at QPR’s academy five times a week during his youth.  Photograph: New Balance ‘Three buses to get to training: 18, 182 and 140. I’ll never forget those numbers,’ the four-time Premier League winner tweeted about his journey. ‘No matter what, my big sister Lakima with me every single day. My latest boot is dedicated to her and all those moments we shared together.’ The 79-cap England star debuted the design in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, and the Furon 7 boots are on sale now for £220. We’d suggest pairing them with some Elizabeth Line socks. Stunning. Everything you need to know about October’s London train and Overground strikes. Tube cleaners and other low-paid workers will get free travel on TfL.

After 70 years on the throne, the sad announcement was made on Thursday September 8 that Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, had died at the age of 96.  The announcement has set off a series of carefully planned official events, marches and memorials. Plans are currently being put in place for her state funeral, which will take place on Monday September 19. She will be the first British monarch to have her funeral at Westminster Abbey since 1760 and her coffin will lie in state for five days beforehand (Wednesday September 14 to Monday September 19) in Westminster Hall where the general public will be able to walk past the coffin to pay their respects.  As well as changes to strike action and transport services, many major events will be postponed and landmarks closed as a mark of respect on Monday September 19. Here’s a list of all the major London events and landmarks that will be closing and cancelled on the day of the Queen’s funeral. Museums and galleries  Alfred Waterhouse’s Romanesque cathedral of nature, the Natural History Museum, will be closed all day on Monday September 19, as will its neighbour the Science Museum. The art world also pays its respects on Monday, The National Gallery, Tate Modern and Tate Britain all closed too.  Tourist attractions Queen Elizabeth II was a patron of London Zoo. As a mark of respect, the London landmark and its Whipsnade sister site announced that both will close on Monday. ZSL said in a statement: ‘Her passion f

Craft brewing monolith BrewDog announced yesterday that it is closing three of its 24 London bars as a result of rising energy costs, with another further three locations closing nationally.  The brewery’s Dalston, Farringdon and Old Street branches are the London locations that will shut down permanently, with BrewDog chief executive James Watt explaining that ‘It was going to be simply impossible to get these bars even close to financial viability in the foreseeable future. We had no choice but to close them.’ ‘Costs are rising to such a degree... that these very difficult decisions have to be made,’ the multinational’s founder said in a scathing LinkedIn post criticising ‘zombie government still intent on this bizarre leadership farce instead of getting to grips with the kind of challenges that will result in more business casualties than the pandemic’. The BrewDog closures come just days after executives from six of the UK’s biggest pub chains and breweries – Greene King, JW Lees, Carlsberg Marston’s, Admiral Taverns, Drake & Morgan and St Austell Brewery – signed an open letter to the government warning of the catastrophic effect that the energy crisis will have on the industry and calling for financial support to help businesses and venues survive after energy bills have risen more than 300 percent in some cases.  Watt confirmed that BrewDog employees affected by the closures have been offered roles at nearby locations, which the company was able to do ‘due to the stre

We’re always wanging on about Yard Sale Pizza at Time Out. And they’re not even bribing us with free slices or anything (although if you’re reading this, Yard Sale, it wouldn’t hurt to send a couple of 18 inch-ers to the Time Out office one lunchtime, just sayin’.) The East London gang just happen to be really flipping good at making pizza pies – good enough that you, the London public, crowned them the winner of our inaugural Clash of the Slices competition a few months back – and keep launching dream #collabs (YSP x Dom’s Subs, YSP x Off Menu, YSP x Four Legs) that make even us jaded journos think ‘that sounds quite sick to be fair.’ Now, hot on the heels of a restaurant pop-up with Top Cuvée, they’ve only gone and launched a competition with beloved Vicky Park music festival Field Day, which celebrates its fifteenth anniversary in August with a banging line-up that includes the likes of Daniel Avery, Peggy Gou, Floating Points, Kraftwerk 3D, Heléna Star, Erol Alkan and The Chemical Brothers. Here’s the deal: over the course of June, ten golden stickers will be affixed at random to the bottom of ten Yard Sale pizza boxes. Anyone who finds them will bag some serious swag, including a pair of VIP tickets to the festival, a £100 festival bar tab, £50 to spend on pizzas and loads of swanky merch from both brands.  All you’ve gotta do to be in with a chance of winning all this is order a takeaway pizza between now and 6 July (or when stocks last… so the sooner the better.) Obvio

Abba. Jedward. Bisexual Italian glam rockers maybe or maybe not doing lines under the table. Australia, for some reason. The Eurovision Song Contest truly has it all. The 2022 edition takes place in Turin this weekend, and with London’s bars, cinemas and nightlife venues able to host proper screenings for the first time since 2019, it’s likely to be bigger, camper and more fun-filled than ever. To help you make the most of the occasion, we’ve rounded up the best screening events happening across the city. The smart (and morally aware) money is on Ukrainian rap group Kalush Orchestra this year, of course. Head to Bethnal Green’s famous drag queen-hosted screening Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club is doing its rowdy and irreverent Eurovision screening party. In the main space, drag performers will be hosting a ‘shout-a-long, dance-a-long and boo-a-long’ screening of the song contest complete with ‘Wogan-worthy off-the-cuff commentary’. You have been warned. Downstairs, you’ll find more subdued screenings in two other rooms for those who’d prefer not to miss a single note. Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club. 7pm-2am. From £8. Tickets available on the door.  Scream for your favourites while stuffing your face with fancy cheese After a more sophisticated Eurovision soirée? Hit London Art Bar’s wine and cheese event, where you can gobble a load of proper fancy fromage while cheering on Kosovo or Finland. Guests are encouraged to come in costume with flags in hand, and tickets include

Excellent news, Londoners It’s the fifth of the fifth today, which means Cinco de Mayo celebrations are happening all across the city. Cinco de Mayo, for the uninitiated, is a holiday marking the anniversary of the Mexican army defeating the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 during the Mexican-French War. But it’s also a great excuse to feast on Mexican food and smash a couple of margaritas, something which us gringos are more than happy to do at the slightest opportunity. And to help you do just that, we’ve rounded up five cracking Cinco de Mayo events happening in London over the next few days.  Practise your Spanish at a Mexican mezcal tasting Fancy brushing up on your Español? This Cinco de Mayo celebration is a great way to learn a few key phrases. Language class Stripey Spanish is hosting a night of mezcal-fuelled fun where you’ll get to try a selection of artisanal varieties of the agave spirit from small Mexican producers. And you’ll also learn a variety of alcohol-related Spanish phrases in the process, which — let’s be honest — are probably some of the key parts of the language to master if you’re ever going to head off on a Mexican holiday. The event is suitable for beginners and all with up to 6 months of learning. And if you mess up, everyone will just blame it on the a-a-a-a-a-alcohol. The Impact Hub, EC1V 8BR. Thu 5 May. £30. Tickets available online here. Hear some mariachi magic while feasting on enchiladas Covent Garden barbecue restaurant temper is put

From the Natural History Museum to the V&A, the Museum of the Home to the Horniman, London’s museum offering is genuinely world class. But despite this city’s proclivity to open museums around everything from neoliberalism to vaginas, we haven’t ever had one focused on LGBTQ+ history. But it’s not just London that has been lacking in this department. The entire country has, too, which seems like a pretty big oversight when you consider how rich, diverse and endlessly fascinating Britain’s queer history is.  Which is why we were thrilled when a new charity called Queer Britain was founded back in 2018, with the aim of opening the country’s first-ever LGBTQ+ history museum.  After much anticipation following its four-year search for a suitable site, Queer Britain will open at 2 Granary Square on Thursday May 5. Located on the fully accessible ground floor level of the building, which is being leased to Queer Britain by national arts charity Art Fund, the museum will be an inclusive and free-entry space that welcomes everyone regardless of sexuality and gender identity, and celebrates ‘the stories, people and places that are intrinsic to queer community in the UK and beyond’.  Photograph: Queer Britain The museum’s inaugural display has been moulded by Historic Royal Palaces curator and queer history specialist Matthew Storey. ‘Welcome to Queer Britain’ is a small, temporary collection of photographs and artefacts from the growing Queer Britain archive. These will be displayed

It’s a sad day for fans of ‘Eastenders’, as London’s longest-running soap opera today announced that beloved former Albert Square resident June Brown passed away peacefully at home yesterday at the grand age of 95.  Best known for playing the iconic character of Dot Cotton, Brown was one of the east-London-set soap’s longest-running cast members, having appeared in a staggering 2,884 episodes of the show prior to her retirement in 2020. Born in Suffolk in 1927, Brown trained as an actor at the Old Vic Theatre School in Lambeth before taking on a host of television roles including parts in ‘Coronation Street’, ‘Doctor Who’, police drama ‘The Bill’ and cult sci-fi series ‘Survivors’.  She joined the cast of ‘EastEnders’ in 1985 and appeared in the show until 1993, before reprising her role in 1997 and eventually retiring in February 2020.  Over the course of more than 30 years on Albert Square, Brown’s character was responsible for many of the soap’s most iconic moments, including being the victim of a murder plot by her son Nasty Nick and assisting in her terminally ill best friend Ethel’s efforts to end her life with a morphine overdose. Brown also earned a Bafta nomination in 2009 for her appearance in a powerful solo episode of the soap in which Dot delivers an emotional monologue following her husband’s stroke; she was awarded an MBE for services to drama in the same year.  Announcing the news of Brown’s death, an ‘EastEnders’ spokesperson said: ‘There are not enough words

ロンドン自然史博物館からV&A、ミュージアム・オブ・ザ・ホームからホーニマン博物館まで有するロンドンは、博物館が充実していることで世界的に有名だ。新自由主義からヴァギナまで、あらゆるジャンルの博物館を開設してきたこの都市だが、これまでLGBTQ+の歴史に焦点を当てたものはなかった。 それどころか、イギリスにも一つもないのである。この国のクィア史がいかに豊かで多様、そして限りなく魅力的であるかを考えると、これはかなり大きな欠陥のように思われた。 だからこそ2018年、イギリス初のLGBTQ+歴史博物館の開設を目指した、Queer Britainという新しいチャリティー団体が設立された時、我々は感激した。同団体は、4年間にわたる候補地探しを経て2022年初め、キングス・クロスに博物館の場所を確保したことを発表。その後、開館に関する詳細も聞こえて始めていて、感動はさらに増している。 そして、その名も「Queer Britain」というLGBTQ+歴史博物館が、2022年​​5月5日（木）にオープンすることが決定した。博物館が入るのは、アートチャリティー団体であるArt FundがQueer Britainに貸与している建物の1階（番地は、2 Granary Square）。 セクシュアリティーや性自認に関係なく全ての人を歓迎し、「英国やその他の地域のクィアコミュニティに内在する物語、人々、場所」をたたえる施設となることが目指されていて、入場は無料。バリアフリー対応もされている。 Photograph: Queer Britain オープニングを飾る展覧会は、Historic Royal Palacesのキュレーターであり、クィア史の専門家であるマシュー・ストレイがキュレーションする『Welcome to Queer Britain』。拡大する同博物館の収蔵品から写真や品物を集めた、比較的でコンパクトな「コレクション展」となる。 またワインブランド、Madame Fがスポンサードするクィアクリエーティビティーをテーマとしたアートアワード『Madame Prize』の第1回応募作品の上位2人、セディ・リーとポール・ハーフリートによる作品も展示されるという。 『Welcome to Queer Britain』は、 Queer Britainとそのミッションを紹介するために8週間開催。夏には、本格的な展覧会がスタートする予定だ。 原文はこちら 関連記事 『東京、LGBTQ＋フレンドリースポット11選』 『新宿、LGBTQ＋フレンドリースポット27選』 『東京、学びのクィアスポット6選』 『東京レインボープライド』 『東京、セクマイのライフサポートスポット』 東京の最新情報をタイムアウト東京のメールマガジンでチェックしよう。登録はこちら

As a season, spring symbolises rebirth, rejuvenation and renewal. It’s when the days really get longer and the London weather becomes a little friendlier – at least in theory. So, this makes it a perfect time to expand your horizons and start saying yes to the things you passed on in January and February. With this in mind, here’s a guide to some unmissable events taking place in London this spring, from cool cultural happenings to tasty food festivals. Watch a huge star on stage or a high-profile revival After weathering another tricky winter, the London theatre scene is absolutely buzzing this spring with a mix of big-name debuts and feverishly anticipated revivals. Mark Rylance reprises his Olivier and Tony-winning turn in ‘Jerusalem’, Jez Butterworth’s wickedly funny modern classic. Jodie Comer makes her West End debut in ‘Prima Facie’, a hard-hitting monologue with music by recent Time Out cover star Self Esteem. Photograph: Jodie Comer in ‘Prima Facie’ by Helen Murray Amy Adams also makes her West End debut, in a revival of Tennessee Williams’ early masterpiece ‘The Glass Menagerie’.‘Six’ director Lucy Moss steers the first major revival of ‘Legally Blonde the Musical’, taking place at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.Dubbed ‘Sexy Oklahoma’, US director Daniel Fish’s radically inclusive take on the classic Rodgers & Hammerstein musical ‘Oklahoma!’ finally hits London. Tempt your tastebuds at a food fest or buzzy bar opening Now that the weather is warming up a bit, it’s

After two years of online-only action, the UK’s biggest festival of LGBTQ+ films is back IRL for its 36th edition this March, and we’re really, reeeeally looking forward to it. This year’s packed programme features six world premieres, 56 features and 84 shorts hailing from 42 different countries, most of which will be screened in-person at the BFI Southbank, with a small selection available to view online for free. As usual, to help you navigate your way round the epic list of flicks, the programme has been split into a few different strands. There’s the Hearts strand, which features films about love, romance and relationships of all kinds. There’s Bodies, exploring sex, identity and physical transformation. And there’s Mind, reflecting on art, politics and community.  But that ain’t all! On top of that you’ve got the opening and closing night galas, several different collections of short films and a host of cracking events ranging from panel discussions to DJ nights. There’ll also be another chance to catch some of the best queer cinema released in the last year, including Pedro Almodóvar’s latest masterpiece Parallel Mothers and Jonas Poher Rasmussen’s stirring animated documentary Flee.  With such a massive wealth of brilliant movies to see during the ten-day festival, you may well be at a loss as to what you should be booking. So here five excellent picks that you can still nab tickets for in case you need some inspiration:  This Is Not MeTwo young Iranian trans men begi