London events to beat the January blues
There are countless London events going on this winter, from pop-up bars and markets to exhibitions and pantomimes. Many of these are festive themed and will reach peak numbers of visitors throughout December, so you might be wondering what you’ll see and do once the festive period has come to an end. Thankfully, there’s a whole load of new events scheduled for January to help you start 2018 with a bang and get you shaking off those January blues.
New Year’s Day Parade
London’s New Year’s Day Parade will be celebrating its 32nd year in 2018 and it’s sure to be as spectacular as ever. Join thousands of spectators to see marching brass bands, dancers, cheerleaders, acrobats, historic vehicles and representatives from West End shows as the line-up winds its way through the city from 12 noon on 1st January.
Since the first parade in 1987 the event has grown enormously, with the 2018 Parade promising over 10,000 participants from the USA, UK, Europe and beyond. With a street audience of over 500,000 people, this is one not to miss. The parade route runs from Green Park Tube station to Parliament Square via Piccadilly Circus, Lower Regent Street, Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall. You can watch the parade for free on streets along the route, or purchase grandstand tickets for a guaranteed great view of the celebrations.
Lumiere London
Lumiere London is back for the second time in January 2018 and it’s bigger and brighter than before. With the first event held in Durham in 2009, each Lumiere festival invites both local and international artists to create works that light up iconic buildings and public spaces, transforming the cities we know and love. The first London edition of the event was in January 2016, when more than a million visitors came into the city to enjoy the spectacle.
This time, more than 40 artists will transform London’s streets and buildings to create a stunning art exhibition lasting four days. Installations are located both north and south of the Thames and tickets are free.
Lady Windermere’s Fan
As part of the Oscar Wilde Season at the Vaudeville Theatre, new theatre company Classic Spring brings this much-loved Wilde comedy to the stage. Lady Windermere’s Fan tells the story of strait-laced young Lady Windermere, who grows suspicious that her husband is having an affair with another woman. Comedian screenwriter and actor Jennifer Saunders guest stars as the Duchess of Berwick, marking her return to the West End Stage for the first time in over twenty years alongside Samantha Spiro and Kevin Bishop.
The Big London Flea
At the Big London Flea, there’ll be over 50 vintage stalls to rummage through in search of unique treasures and great bargains. The market will be held on the ground floor of Dalston’s former ABC cinema, now known as EPIC Dalston. Handpicked veteran vintage sellers will be flogging their wares alongside locals having a clear out of vintage items, so you never know what you might find. Whether you’re looking for a unique designer dress, a quirky piece of furniture or some vintage items to spruce up your home for the new year, you’re bound to come across some unexpected pieces here. The flea market takes place on Sunday 7th January from 11am-6pm and entry is free.
While enjoying all that London has to offer in January, stop for a bite to eat at one of M Restaurants’ three venues across the city. For steaks sourced from six different countries and mouth-watering seafood, M is the place to be. Whether you’re looking for a pre-theatre dinner in London or simply want to stop for a delicious meal and glass of wine between activities, our central restaurant near Apollo Victoria Theatre is the perfect choice. Book today by calling 020 3327 7776.
