There’s a lot to do in London this April, so much so that we’ve managed to find you an activity for every day of the month. Get your diaries out and start planning what you’re going to do in this grand city in spring
1 All Of This Belongs To You, V&A
1 April – 19 July 2015
Timely and educational, this exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum aims to explore public institutions and their role in modern life. Through a number of specially-commissioned installations and displays, it will ask questions such as ‘what does it mean to be responsible for a national collection'; ‘what is the role of design and architecture in defining civic identity'; and ‘what are the obligations and limits to participation in this national institution’. Relevant at a time when Britain will be going to the polls, this is an exhibition to check out. Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL; vam.ac.uk
William Boyd presents at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly
2Pin Drop presents William Boyd, BAFTA 195 Piccadilly
1 April 2015 (7pm)
Acclaimed writer William Boyd will be reading one of his short stories and offering guests the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the work at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly on 1 April. Following a drinks reception, guests will move into the iconic David Lean Room for the reading and discussion. About the event William Boyd has said, “Pin Drop is a wonderful and rare conception. It provides us with a special opportunity to celebrate the short story on its own unique terms. The perfect antidote to the sound-bite culture.” 195 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LN; pindropstudio.com
Sensational Butterflies kicks of the Natural History Museum’s spring exhibitions
3Sensational Butterflies, Natural History Museum
2 April – 13 September 2015
The Sensational Butterflies exhibition at the Natural History Museum takes visitors on an enchanting journey as they follow the butterfly’s lifecycle. Watch as caterpillars turn into butterflies and experience the magic of the species from as far as Africa, Asia and South America. Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD; nhm.ac.uk
The Orchid Show heads to the RHS in April
4London Orchid Show, Royal Horticultural Society Halls
9-12 April 2015
Professional growers, orchid societies and botanical gardens from around Europe congregate at the Royal Horticultural Society’s four day Orchid Show from 9 to 12 April. Traders of new hybrids and unusual species will have them on show often for the first time, and it’s set to be a visually spectacular event. Chat to the orchid experts who will share their growing tips or delve deeper at one of the London Orchid Show’s talk. 80 Vincent Square, London, SW1P 2PE; rhs.org.uk
Limited-edition Penfold Press prints will be shown in East Dulwich (E is for Elephant by Emily Sutton)
5This Way for Fun, East Dulwich
10-20 April 2015
This Way for Fun, an exhibition of limited-edition Penfold Press prints, runs from 10-20 April at the Jeannie Avent Gallery in East Dulwich. Emily Sutton’s E is For Elephant (above), part of her sought-after Alphabet Series, is among the works to be exhibited. Free storytelling sessions run on 11 and 18 April. 14 North Cross Road SE22 9EU; jeannieavent.com
6Quintessentially Weddings Atelier, Somerset House
10-11 April 2015
It has been called the world’s most luxurious wedding planning event and the list of brands backs this claim up – future brides can expect to see Chanel, Jimmy Choo and Ladurée, just to name a few at the Quintessentially Weddings Atelier on 10 and 11 April at Somerset House. There, Quintessentially Weddings have curated an emporium of premium florists, designers, jewellers and gastronomes to provide brides and grooms with one-on-one expert advice. Visit the website for tickets. Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA; quintessentiallyweddings.com
Oxford takes on Cambridge in the traditional boat race this spring
7Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race, River Thames
11 April 2015 (from 4.50pm)
A great excuse to get out into the sunshine or head to a pub, the annual Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race will this year have the women’s race at 4.50pm and the men’s at 5.50pm – the first time in 161 years that they will be held on the same day and on the same course. Over the 4.25 miles from Putney to Mortlake there are plenty of pubs to choose from, so get in early for a prime spot to soak up the lively atmosphere and some sun. theboatraces.org
If boats aren’t your thing, perhaps goats are…
8Oxford vs Cambridge Goat Race, Spitalfields City Farm
11 April 2015
If boats aren’t your thing you might prefer to check out the Oxford vs Cambridge Goat Race, held on the same day at Spitalfields City Farm. Dubbed as “London’s most famous pun-based animal satire sporting event”, it follows two goats named Oxford and Cambridge as they race through the streets to take glory. The ticket sales support the Spitalfields City Farm animals directly, and the welfare of these illustrious goats is the highest priority. Spitalfields City Farm, Buxton Street, E1 5AR; thegoatrace.org
Find crafty trinkets at the Crafty Fox Market in Brixton and Peckham
9Crafty Fox Market, Brixton and Peckham
11-12 and 25-26 April 2015
Described as ‘shopping with soul’, the Crafty Fox Market is the kind of place you can find just about anything, as long as it’s handmade, design-led and super creative. The stalls are run by the people who created the wares, and the stock has a huge range – think cushions with unique prints, handmade crockery, jewellery and just about anything else crafty. DJs, workshops and tea and cake round it off! CLF Art Cafe, The Bussey Building, Peckham, 11 & 12 April/The Dogstar, Brixton, 25 & 26 April; craftyfoxmarket.co.uk
The Moet Academy comes to the South Bank
10Moët Academy, Oxo Tower Wharf
13-24 April 2015
Moet & Chandon is launching a Champagne school on the South Bank to show consumers how French Champagne differs from other sparkling wines. Join independent Masters of Wine Susie Barrie and Peter Richards on a journey for all senses as they take you through the Champagne region from the grape to the final, delicious product. The experts will teach novices and experts about the vineyards of the region, the varieties like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and about the wine making process. Of course, there will also be tastings of the world-class Champagne, Moët & Chandon. Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, South Bank, London, SE1 9PH; moethennessy-selection.co.uk
National Gardening Week marks the beginning of spring
11National Gardening Week, Various
13-19 April 2015
National Gardening Week from 13-19 April will see events happening all over the UK. The Royal Horticultural Society (rhs.org.uk) is holding a plant fair from 14-15 April, where the theme this year is ‘English Gardens’. Stock up on plants and flowers and take away some knowledge and advice from those in the know and on 14 April, there will be an English Garden Party with classical music, bunting, Pimm’s and cucumber sandwiches. At the four RHS Gardens, including Wisley in Surrey, there will be a free opening on 17 April for National Open Gardens Day, as well as on 18-19 April for Spring Gardening Weekend, where you can investigate gardens throughout London and get top tips along the way. See nationalgardeningweek.org.uk for more details
Cameron Contemporary Faye Anderson, Sunny Day in Charcoal 56cm x 78cm £1750 @ChelseaFineArt
12Chelsea Art Fair, Chelsea Old Town Hall
16-19 April 2015
Bringing together 30 leading galleries from the UK and abroad, The Chelsea Art Fair, held in the elegant Chelsea Old Town Hall, invites both viewers and purchasers to enjoy the incredible range of art on offer. The fair will showcase both leading and emerging artists with limited edition prints and a wide variety of styles. A percentage of the proceeds will go to the Children’s Hospital Trust Fund to raise money for children and babies who need specific treatment. Chelsea Old Town Hall, King’s Road, Kensington and Chelsea, SW3 5EE; chelseaartfair.org
Join in the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch
13Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch, the Guildhall
16 April 2015
Now in its eighth year, the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch raises money for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and involves 800 lunch-goers feasting on curries in the prestigious Guildhall. Esteemed guests will include a member of the Royal Family, some of the biggest names in sport and Government, high-ranking members of the British Army and recently returned soldiers from Afghanistan. To raise funds during the lunch, there will be a silent auction that will see diners bidding on prizes like a five night stay for two at the One&Only Cape Town Resort. Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HH; bigcurry.org
14Matthew Bourne’s ‘The Car Man’, various
16 April – 23 May 2015
After winning the Evening Standard Award for ‘Musical Event of the Year’ and the Los Angeles Drama Critics Award for ‘Best Choreography’ in 2000, ‘The Car Man’ is returning from an eight year break with a UK tour that includes Bromley, Wimbledon and Sadlers Wells in London. The talented cast will bring this acclaimed dance thriller to life, telling the dramatic and violent story of greed, lust, betrayal and revenge in small town America. Catch it on various dates in April. Check the website for details. atgtickets.com
Ceramic Art London shows the best of London’s pottery
15Ceramic Art London, The Royal College of Art
17-19 April 2015
Running from 17 to 19 April, Ceramic Art London is the perfect place to delve into the world of beautiful pottery. There will be 80 artists from around the world – both established and emerging – showcasing their work. Pieces range from £30 to £10 000, and cover everything from teapots and bowls to figurative sculptures. There will also be a series of talks and workshops aimed at budding ceramicists. Tickets cost £12 for a day ticket, £9 for concessions and £25 for a 3-day ticket. 63 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3BF; ceramics.org.uk
Prove records aren’t dead on Record Store Day 2015
16Record Store Day, various
18 April 2015
With exclusive releases, performances and sales happening all around London, Record Store Day is a great celebration og independent record stores, artists and music in a way Rob Fleming of High Fidelity would have been proud of. Stores all around London are hosting special events, so head to the website to find out what’s going on. recordstoreday.co.uk
Join at three of London’s top chefs at the Almeida
17Once upon a dine…, Almeida
20 April 2015
Almeida invites guests on a nostalgic journey back into childhood for one night only. The evening will be centred on a three course meal inspired by fairytales and folklore created by three prestigious head chefs – Tommy Boland of Almeida, Tim Allen of Michelin starred Launceston Place and Tom Cook from Pont de la Tour. The aim of the night is to raise money for the NSPCC – a charity that fights to end child abuse in the UK and protecting at risk children. Additional funds will be raised through silent and live auctions throughout the night. 30 Almeida Street, London N1 1AD; almeida-restaurant.co.uk
Get ready for Glyndbourne with Music Talks
18Music Talks Focus Days, Queen’s Gate
22 and 29 April 2015
Music aficionados are invited to join Music Talks for a series of Focus Days in April. There’s ‘The Great War and the English Composer’ on the 22 April;and ‘Gearing up for Glyndebourne: Bizet’s Carmen, Ravel’s L’heure espagnole and L’enfant et les sortilèges’ on the 29 April. The talks include extensive musical examples and a light lunch with the presenter. See the website for details on registration. 49 Queen’s Gate Terrace, London SW7 5PN; musictalks.org.uk
One of the prints at the London Original Print Fair, S.Miyamoto Red Fuji as shaved ice, Courtesy Gallery Jin
19London Original Print Fair, Royal Academy
23-26 April 2015
London’s longest running art fair has much to celebrate for its landmark birthday, with a special separate exhibition of 30 prints from the Royal Collection to be held in Gallery II of the Main Galleries, featuring prestigious names including Dürer, Raphael, Castiglione and Canaletto. In addition to prints, a range of portraits, topographical prints, maps and prints of historic events will be displayed, and works made by the Royal Family will even be on show – Queen Victoria and Prince Albert among them. Prices start from £100. Royal Academy, Burlington House, London W1J 0BD; londonprintfair.com
Planet Under Pressure, Moth Collective will be shown at Pick Me Up
20Pick Me Up, Somerset House
24 April – 5 May 2015
This live contemporary graphic arts festival, now in its sixth year, features a line-up of established and emerging artists who will create new work in front of visitors and showcase their techniques and craft. Pick Me Up attendees can expect everything from traditional screen and risograph printing to animation and paper craft, as well as talks, debates and presentations. Artwork will also be on sale. Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA; somersethouse.org.uk
Dog Day returns to Marylebone Village in April
21Dog Day Afternoon, Marylebone Village
25 April 2015
Back by public demand, Cabbages and Frocks lifestyle market in Marylebone Village is putting on another Dog Day Afternoon on 25 April. There are prizes up for grabs – from Best Dog Trick to Lookalike (dog and owner) – and masses of stalls to choose accessories for your pet. See more at cabbagesandfrocks.co.uk
Lavender Hill clothing pop-up hits Portobello Road
22Lavender Hill Clothing pop-up, Portobello Road
25 April – mid-May 2015
Lavender Hill Clothing will be running a pop-up shop on Portobello Road from the 25 April until mid May, where shoppers will be able to pick up its range of simple, wardrobe staples, made with material from Austria and manufactured in England. While it’s on, the pop-up will be open seven days a week. 201 Portobello Road, London W11 1LU; lavenderhillclothing.com
Alexa Chung is among the celebrities at Vogue Festival (image: Featureflash / Shutterstock.com)
23Vogue Festival, Royal College of Art
25-26 April 2015
Talks, masterclasses, makeovers and ideas all about fashion will fill the Royal College of Art in Kensington from 25-26 April at this year’s Vogue Festival. In association with Harrod’s, the Vogue Festival promises a whole range of events over the two days, with participants such as Alexa Chung, Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Louboutin and many more. Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2EU; vogue.co.uk
10-year-old Henry Patterson will be reading his book in Wimbledon
24Henry Patterson book reading, Wimbledon
26 April 2015
At nine years old Henry Patterson opened a shop and published his first book. Now at the age of 10, he is holding a book reading and question and answer session at Igloo in Wimbledon on the 26 April. Claiming the title of Britain’s youngest entrepreneur, Henry will be there to speak and sign copies of his book, Pip gets a job, and there will be homemade treats as well, making it a great family event. Igloo, 62 Wimbledon High Street, London SW19
Join the crowds at the London Marathon (image: Michaelpuche / Shutterstock.com)
25The London Marathon, various
26 April (from 9am)
35,000 runners will take on the 26.5km course on the 26 April in the 34th annual London Marathon. Support the runners as they take on the challenge and watch the stream of celebrities, fancy dress and professional sports men and women run past in the name of charity. It’s definitely a day when you’ll feel proud to be a Londoner. There are viewing spots throughout London and along the river Thames, plus pubs, bars and cafes all get into the spirit of things too. Find where to watch the London Marathon here virginmoneylondonmarathon.com.
26Face to Face, The Drayton Theatre
28 April – 23 May 2015
Co-produced by Lonesome Schoolboy Productions and Changing Spaces Theatre, Face to Face is a new play from Heather Jeffery and will be coming to the Drayton Arms Theatre from 28 April. The play follows the story of a young artist recovering from a serious injury who develops a relationship with her sitter, until a newcomer injects an element of distrust between them, bringing up questions about how to know the difference between an overactive imagination, or a genuine threat.
Drayton Arms Theatre, 153 Old Brompton Road, London SW5 0LJ; facebook.com/events
27Literary Lunch with Jessie Burton, South Kensington
29 April 2015 (12-2.30pm)
Join Jessie Burton, author of the much talked about novel The Miniaturist, for lunch, drinks and a talk all in the name of charity. First Story is a creative writing charity inspiring creativity, literacy and confidence in challenging UK secondary schools and their communities. Hosted by them, this event will raise money, as Jessie Burton talks about her experiences and her bestselling novel. Ognisko Polskie, 55 Princes Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 2PN; firststory.org.uk
The Cutty Sark’s spring programme launches in April
28 Cutty Sark Performances, Cutty Sark
All of April 2015
The world’s sole remaining tea clipper, Cutty Sark, has launched its new season of performances for spring 2015 featuring Alan Johnson, Arthur Smith, Alexei Sayle and Robin Ince. The lower hold, where precious cargoes of tea and wool were stacked over a century ago on Cutty Sark’s famous voyages, now features an eclectic 92-seat studio theatre. Full programme details can be seen at rmg.co.uk/cuttysark/studio-theatre
Polly Morgan’s Lightning Never Strikes Twice
29Taxidermy is Dead (Long Live Taxidermy), Horniman Museum
All of April 2015
Featuring new work by groundbreaking artist Polly Morgan, Taxidermy is Dead (Long Live Taxidermy) is now open at The Horniman Museum and Gardens. This is the first exhibition to take place in a new display area at the entrance of the historic Natural History Gallery. ‘The Horniman was always something of a mythical place for me,’ says Polly. ‘When I moved to London as a young woman I made a pilgrimage with a friend. I can’t overstate how crucial visits like that were to my artistic development.’ Running until 7 June. Free. horniman.ac.uk
Hyde Park’s Look Out is the venue for yoga, photography and cooking workshops this April
30Royal Parks Foundation workshops, Hyde Park
All of April 2015
As spring rolls around, it’s time to get outdoors to start enjoying Hyde Park. The Royal Parks Foundation is putting on a number of events through April, including a Photography Masterclass with an emphasis on wildlife and nature photography on the 12 April, a Mandala Flow Yoga workshop on the 13 April and a Seasonal Eating workshop about Spring on the 27 April. Isis Education Centre, Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH; supporttheroyalparks.org