From the anniversary of the Great Fire of London to London Fashion Week, Open House and London Design Festival, September sees some big events rolling into town. The Resident picks out 33 of the best things to do in London in September
1The Great Fire Anniversary weekend, 2-4 September
The Great Fire Anniversary weekend, running 2-4 September, commemorates 350 years since the Great Fire of London. Built to mark the Great Fire of London, The Monument, a grade I listed building, is the tallest isolated column in the world. It offers unrivalled views across the London skyline and visitors can explore significant locations from its viewing platform 160 feet up, including the spot where Samuel Pepys scaled a church to watch the fire progress. This year also sees London Fire Brigade, one of the largest firefighting organisations in the world, celebrate its 150th anniversary.
See themonument.org.ukk and visitlondon.com/greatfire350
2Wimbledon College of Arts Postgraduate Summer Show, 1-8 September
Check out the budding talent at the Wimbledon College of Arts Postgraduate Summer Show from Thursday 1 September until 8 September and take the opportunity to meet the artists of tomorrow, with examples of theatre design, drawing, painting and digital theatre.
Merton Hall Road SW19 3QA; 020 7514 9641; arts.ac.uk/wimbledon
3Totally Thames, 1-30 September
Totally Thames will be taking place throughout the month of September, bringing the river to life via an exciting season of arts, cultural and river events down the 42-mile stretch of water. Around the South Bank, in particular, look out for some highly distinctive, artistic, river and waterfront inventions, with a host of installations, exhibitions and performances to keep all and sundry happy. And, of course, look out for extraordinary vessels in a variety of river races, regattas and rallies.
totallythames.org
4The ROI Paints Greenwich, 2 September-2 October
This September, M1 Fine Art welcomes The Royal Institute of Oil Painters to its central Greenwich gallery space for The ROI Paints Greenwich. All works to be exhibited feature diverse views of the local landscape in a variety of signature styles from this collection of world class artists. From 2 September-2 October is a chance to see one of London’s most famed locations captured in an entirely unique way.
20 Nelson Road SE10 9JB; 020 8269 0906; m1fineart.com
5Peckham Rye Traditional Fête, 3 September
Now in its 11th year, the Peckham Rye Traditional Fête is a unique celebration of timehonoured entertainment that connects across the generations – a Children’s Fancy Dress Competition, Sack Race, Dog Show, Punch & Judy, Coconut Shy, Pimms and Beer Tent, Tea and Homemade Cake Marquee and a myriad of stalls celebrating local businesses, charities and community projects including plants, vintage books and clothes. All profits each year are used to fund the Community Nature Garden in Peckham Rye Park. 12-5pm.
peckhamryepark.org
6Salon Prive, 1-3 September
Fancy a day trip out of town? Salon Privé, the UK’s most eagerly anticipated automotive garden party, brings some of the world’s most spectacular modern, classic and super cars to Blenheim Palace in September. Famous for combining supercars, style and elegance like no other event, Salon Prive has become a destination to which visitors flock to indulge in their shared passion of all things luxury and automotive, set against the sensational backdrop of historic Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.
salonpriveconcours.com
7Shakespeare in 10 Acts, until 6 September
Finishing on 6 September, Shakespeare in 10 Acts at The British Library focuses on 10 key performances that were the making of the Bard. Visitors will be granted access to original Shakespeare artefacts, such as the only surviving playscript in his hand, plus authentic costumes from the 1955 performance of Macbeth. As part of London’s celebration of the 400th anniversary since Shakespeare’s death, this exhibition offers unrivalled access into Shakespeare’s personal life and the most iconic performances of his work.
96 Euston Road NW1 2DB; bl.uk
8No Man’s Land, 8 September
Opening at Wyndham’s Theatre on 8 September, No Man’s Land will see two theatre titans, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart, reunited on stage together. One summer’s evening two ageing writers meet in a Hampstead pub. As the pair become increasingly inebriated, and their stories more unbelievable, the lively conversation soon turns into a revealing power game, further complicated by the arrival of two sinister younger men.
0844 482 5120; NoMansLandThePlay.com
9Records and Rebels 1966-70, from 10 September
From global civil rights, multiculturalism, environmentalism, consumerism, computing, communality to neoliberalist politics, the world we live in has been vitally influenced by five revolutionary years: 1966-1970. You Say You Want a Revolution? Records and Rebels 1966-70 at the V&A, opening on 10 September, will investigate the upheaval and the explosive sense of freedom.
Cromwell Road, South Kensington SW7 2RL; 020 7942 2000; vam.ac.uk
10The Art Deco Fair, 10-11 September
Can there be a better setting than our very own Eltham Palace for a fair full of the decadence and the splendour of the 1930s? The Art Deco Fair returns on 10-11 September and is a fabulous day out for all the family, featuring an abundance of vintage stalls that will satisfy the most demanding shopper. If it does all get a little too much for you, take some time out and enjoy an opulent journey into Eltham Palace’s past.
Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich SE9 5QE; english-heritage.co.uk
11OnBlackheath Festival, 10-11 September
OnBlackheath festival returns to London for a third year on the weekend of Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September 2016. Scottish rock icons Primal Scream, who will have just released their much-anticipated album Chaosmosis, are headlining on the Saturday night, with a performance from electronic band Hot Chip too. Then, on Sunday, indie-pop band Belle & Sebastian take to the stage alongside James, who are set to release their new album, Girl at the End of the World. Roisin Murphy, Lonelady and Rosie Lowe will all appear on the Main Stage on Saturday night, and confirmed to headline Stage 3 on Saturday is Neneh Cherry playing an exclusive DJ set. Other attractions include the John Lewis Food Village for food demonstrations with celebrity chefs, and the new Puffin World of Stories in the Under 12’s area. The event is sponsored by John Lewis, so you know there’s good food and fanciness afoot.
OnBlackheath.com
12Peckham Festival, 8-11 September
Peckham Festival runs from Thursday 8 September to Sunday 11 September showcasing the best of the area’s creativity and community projects, from yoga workshops to the chance to find out more about Peckham Coal Line to a Pedal Powered Cinema. Taking place on 8 September at 7pm, this open-air cinema screening of the Blues Brothers in Copeland Park is not to be missed. Electric Pedals are a local outdoor cinema company that operates solely on human pedal power, with a selection of SE15-inspired shorts on the billing as well.
peckhamfestival.org
13The London Flower Show, 8-11 September
Set in the stunning grounds of the Georgian country estate Osterley House and Park, the London Flower Show will open its doors on 8-11 September for the first time ever as a family event, in celebration of the UK’s blooming and fruitful harvest season. For four days, show gardens, flower and produce displays, live entertainment, art installations and growing competitions will all come alive in west London. Expect vibrant colours, imposing installations and something for all the family at this weekend event.
londonflowershow.co.uk
14Urban Food Fortnight, 9-25 September
Urban Food Fortnight connects restaurants and retailers with London’s edible gardens and small producers to showcase the best food and drink on offer in the city with special menus, one-off events, workshops and supper clubs. Run by London Food Link, the fortnight throws the spotlight on the hidden delights of the capital’s good food scene, giving Londoners the chance to enjoy ultra-local food. Eateries across the capital are busy creating dishes, cocktails, and even entire menus for garden dinners and polytunnel parties to showcase the best of London’s local larder.
For details of specific events, see urbanfoodfortnight.org
15LAPADA Arts & Antiques Fair, 13-18 September
The LAPADA Arts & Antiques Fair returns for its eighth year at the suitably breathtaking surrounds of Berkeley Square, Mayfair. The Fair, running from 13-18 September, offers an unmissable opportunity to source and buy some of the world’s most coveted works of art, antiques, design and decorative arts.
Berkeley Square W1J 6EB; 020 7823 3511; lapadalondon.com
16Winifred Knights, Dulwich Picture Gallery, now until 18 September
Inspired by the masterpieces of Italian Early Renaissance artists, painstakingly exact in her working methods, and even declared a genius, Winifred Knights (1899-1947) is one of the most original, pioneering British artists of the first half of the 20th century. The first major retrospective of the award-winning Slade School artist, this exhibition – running until 18 September – will reunite all her completed paintings for the first time since their creation, including the apocalyptic masterpiece The Deluge, 1920, which attracted immense critical acclaim.
Gallery Road SE21 7AD; 020 8693 5254; dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk
17The Kate Inside – Iconic and Unseen Photographs of Kate Bush, 13-30 September
Respected Italian music photographer Guido Harari collaborated for over a decade with the extraordinary Kate Bush from 1982-93. His new limited edition book, The Kate Inside, contains over 300 amazing images, many unseen and unexpected photographs, Polaroids, contact sheets, personal notes from Bush and outtakes. Head to the Art Bermondsey Project Space to catch the highlights in the exhibition, The Kate Inside – Iconic and Unseen Photographs of Kate Bush by Guido Harari an exhibition.
project-space.london
18A Great and Noble Design, 13 September-28 October
A new exhibition exploring the life of the British decorative artist Sir James Thornhill and his masterpiece – the Painted Hall at Greenwich (painted between 1708 and 1727) – is to open at the Stephen Lawrence Gallery. The exhibition, curated by the Old Royal Naval College, explores the story of the commission through numerous preparatory sketches made by the artist, including rarely-seen original drawings on loan from the National Maritime Museum. A Great and Noble Design coincides with the start of a major conservation project on this extraordinary cycle of baroque mural paintings.
University of Greenwich, 10 Stockwell Street SE10 9BD; ornc.org/thornhill
19Nur Tucker’s photography exhibition, from 14 September
Photographer Nur Tucker loves nature and animals, but her passion for horses is second to none. She is passionate about the enigma behind how horses have had such an effect on humans throughout civilisation and across many cultures. Opening on 14 September at The Showroom Presents, this is an unmissable opportunity to truly see the majesty of the horse.
25 Effie Road, Fulham SW6 1EL; nurtucker.com
20London Fashion Week, 16-20 September
The highlight or the sartorial calendar, London Fashion Week hosts catwalk shows from the best names in fashion the world over, from Mulberry and Burberry to DAKS, Anya Hindmarch and Teatum Jones. This season over 150 designers will showcase new collections in the Designer Showroom. The showroom space, designed by David Collins Studio will be host to a number of exciting events. Look out for London Fashion Weekend too, the ultimate fashion experience giving consumers exclusive access to catwalk shows, curated talks, designer shopping and trend presentations (22-25 September at the Saatchi Gallery).
londonfashionweek.co.uk
21Open House London, 17-18 September
Returning on 17-18 September, Open House London is the capital’s greatest architectural showcase. It is a unique opportunity to get out and under the skin of London’s amazing architecture with over 750 buildings – from homes to landmarks – opening their doors, plus neighbourhood walks, cycle tours, architects’ talks and debates also planned.
openhouselondon.org.uk
22‘Beyond’ Travel Festival by Steppes Travel, 17-18 September
The ‘Beyond’ Travel Festival is an inspiring weekend of talks and events curated by experts and explorers, conservationists and adventurers in aid of wildlife and conservation, from Sir Ranulph Fiennes to Chris Packham and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, Alastair Humphreys. A conservation panel discussion with heavyweight conservationists will be complemented by an action-packed programme of seminars by leading travel authors, photography masterclasses, art exhibitions, travel clinics and travel documentary screenings and talks from big name producers and film makers.
Royal Geographical Society, 1 Kensington Gore SW7 2AR; steppestravel.co.uk
23London Design Festival, 17-25 September
The London Design Festival is an annual event, held to celebrate and promote London as the design capital of the world and as the gateway to the international creative community. One of the world’s most important annual design events, the festival programme is made up of over 400 events and exhibitions. There are seven official Design Districts spread across the capital, where distinct concentrations of design activity and events that can be traversed easily on foot – new for this year is the Brixton Design Trail, which premiered last year independently.
For the full event listings see londondesignfestival.com
24Richmond Running Festival, 18 September
A day for all you runners and fitness fanatics out there, and a perfect way to make the most of the last of the summer sun, Richmond Running Festival is back on 18 September. The day is made up of the Richmond Marathon, Richmond Half Marathon, Kew Gardens 10k and NIKE kids’ mile races, along with the Richmond Fitness expo and music festival. The marathon is a new addition this year and has been three years in the making, but is now expected to raise over £500,000 for charity and will tour London’s greenest borough.
Find out more information at richmondrunningfestival.com
25Gerald Laing: A Retrospective, 19 September-13 October
The Fine Art Society in Mayfair will stage the first major retrospective of the British Pop artist and sculptor Gerald Laing on the fifth anniversary of his death, featuring over 70 paintings and sculptures. The exhibition will trace the entire career of the artist, from the 60s Pop Art he produced in London and New York to the abstract metal and figurative bronze sculptures he created in the Scottish Highlands. During his later years, he returned to the Pop idiom, producing a body of work criticising the Iraq War as well as portraits of celebrity icons including Kate Moss, Amy Winehouse and Victoria Beckham.
148 New Bond Street, Mayfair W1S 2JT; 020 7629 5116; thefineartsociety.com
26Ceramics in the City, 22-25 September
The Geffrye Museum’s Ceramics in the City returns from 22-25 September, bringing together the work of 50 potters from across the UK in a riot of colour, style, texture and technique. A wide array of objects for the home will be on sale.
136 Kingsland Road, Hockney E2 8EA; geffrye-museum.org.uk
27Cybernetic Art, 23-25 September
The Hospital Club will be hosting Cybernetic Art, showcasing the extraordinary work of Ivan Moscovich, from 23-25 September. The artist’s career has been integral to the pioneering of mathematical art including the Harmonograph.
24 Endell Street WC2H 9HQ; 020 7190 9100; thehospitalclub.com
28Nunhead Art Trail, 24-25 September
Among the most established cultural events is the Nunhead Art Trail, now in its fourth year, which takes place on 24-25 September. An opportunity for local artists and craftspeople to show their work in their own homes, studios or public venues in the area, visitors can buy everything from ceramics, collage, sculpture and textiles to jewellery, glassware and handmade furniture, as well as original artworks direct from their creators. There will be 82 exhibitors across 50 venues including the chapel ruin in Nunhead Cemetery.
nunheadarttrail.co.uk
29A Logo for London, 24 and 25 September
Join London Transport Museum at their Depot in Acton to celebrate the world-famous London logo: the roundel. The Museum Depot, usually closed to the public, will be opening its doors for the A Logo for London Open Weekend. The event will explore how the roundel, chosen as a transport Design Icon in a public vote held to celebrate public transport, has made London Transport one of the most recognisable brands in the world. Take part in themed arts and crafts activities, curator-led tours, and also discover restored buses, trams and Tube carriages, listen to talks and get involved in family fun. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £8 for concessions.
To buy tickets see ltmuseum.co.uk
30Zurich International Orchestra Series, from 26 September
Cadogan Hall presents the tenth Zurich International Orchestra Series with 16 concerts performed by 11 international orchestras and an array of celebrated conductors. Starting on 26 September, with dates through to 2017, highlights include Edward Gardner conducting the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra (pictured) in works by Grieg, Elgar and Bartók.
5 Sloane Terrace SW1X 9DQ; 020 7730 4500; cadoganhall.com
<img data-attachment-id="47494" data-orig-file="http://theresident.wpms.greatbritishlife.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2016/08/Victoria-Peel-Nunhead-Angel.jpg" data-orig-size="800,1162" data-comments-opened="0" data-image-meta='{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0","keywords":"Array"}' data-image-title="Victoria Peel, Nunhead Angel" data-image-description="<p>See Nunhead Angel by Victoria Peel at Nunhead Arts Trail</p>
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