With autumn in full swing, October is set to be an action-packed month in London. Read on to explore the enticing activities and events taking place across the capital.
Art, Film & Literature
The London Literature Festival is taking place from the 21st-31st October, across town at the Southbank Centre. This year, the festival is inspired by the topic of friendship. Keynote speakers and participants include neuroscientist Anil Seth, artist Grayson Perry and authors Clarice Bean, Tahmima Anam, Roisin Kiberd and others. The walking tour company Footprints of London has also created a programme of literature-inspired events, where participants can follow in the footprints of Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, Charles Dickens, Dorothy L Sayers, Virginia Woold and many others on tours around areas of London.
October is also the dedicated month in the UK where institutions, cultures and citizens have the chance to learn more about Black History through exhibitions, theatres and performances. Head to the Zari Gallery in Fitzrovia and explore the “Honour, Remember, Inspire” exhibition, featuring pieces from artists such as Charmaine Chanakira, Lola Okunola and Ohso Fabone.
If classical art is what you enjoy, head to the Cannon Factory to enjoy the immersive and fascinating Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Exhibition through the digital technology of SEE Global Entertainment. The exhibition has been all around the world from Shanghai to Chicago, Phoenix, Berlin and Vienna, and offers a life-size and unprecedented perspective of Michelangelo’s masterpieces.
Food & Drink
This October, the London Restaurant Festival will be returning for its 13th year. The festival features over 40 different experiences such as Restaurant-Hopping Tours, Top Ten Cuisines, Tastings and Masterclasses across the city. Restaurant-Hopping Tours will take place in Notting Hill, St Katharine Docks, Devonshire Square and Regent Street & St James’s.
For those who love cocktails, there is also good news: the largest cocktail festival in the world will be taking place in London from the 1st-31st October. The famous London Cocktail Week – now often referred to as London Cocktail Month – has been recommended by Esquire, Conde Nast Traveller, Elle, GQ and numerous other publications, and is supported by some of the most famous and esteemed beverage brands from across the globe. When you purchase a £15 wristband, you can access £7 cocktails in more than 250 of London’s top bars for the entire month. Signature Cocktails and immersive experiences await in hundreds of the best bars across the city. In Marylebone head to 108 Bar & Brasserie, or to the Cuban-themed party bar Burlock. Whilst in Mayfair, the Mekan Bar at Ruya, Aqua Kyoto or The Aviator at Hush are great to explore. On the other hand, if you find yourself in Canary Wharf, explore The Plateau or The Sipping Room for the best views and delicious cocktails. If events are more your thing, check out the Tequila Cocktail Masterclass with Patron Tequila (19th October) in Southbank. If Brunch Cocktails with Belvedere Organic Infusions sounds good to you, head across to Covent Garden on the 17th of October. Just remember to book your ticket in advance!
Halloween Celebrations
In the lead up to Halloween, London offers many opportunities to get in the mood. Why not try and head to a fancy-dress Halloween Boat Party on the Thames, or book tickets for the 1920’s themed The Candlelight Club’s Halloween Party with a Great Gatsby atmosphere. If you would like to learn more about the history of London Bridge and its chilling past, book in for a guided evening tour starting at The Bunch of Grapes, hosted by an expert.
