London is getting ready for the festive season. In November’s Super Seven we can look forward to fireworks, immersive art, jazz, along with some exhibitions that should change the way we live and enjoy life. London is back with a bang this year, so let’s enjoy it.
I have a new collaboration with Tom Rogers, London’s Gourmet Guy. Check out his post on where you should eat this month in his Gourmet Guy Recommends. It’s a bumper month from Little London Whispers!
ATP Champions Tennis 25-28 November: Tennis arrives at the Royal Albert Hall with many of the biggest names playing, including British Open Champion Emma Raducanu. I can’t wait. It’s a fantastic event. Every tennis fan should try and get a ticket.
Bonfire Night: I love seeing the fireworks, particularly on a cold crisp evening. London has a good selection of venues to see the skies light up this weekend:
Battersea Park 6-7 November for the first time there will be two evenings of entertainment; adults on the 6th, doors open at 6pm, and families on the 7th, from 5pm. Booking essential.
Alexandra Palace ‘Ally Pally’ Fireworks 6th November, doors open at 4pm.
Chiswick Park Fireworks 4th November, doors open 5-8pm.
Kempton Park Fireworks 2021 if you fancy a drive, this is spectacular. Doors open 5pm, fireworks at 7.30pm.
EFG Jazz Festival 12-21 November 2021: This hugely popular jazz festival finally returns to London. Get your jazz fix at various brilliant venues around town, including Ronnie Scotts, 606 Club, Cadogan Hall, Barbican and Crazy Coq’s.
Exhibitions well worth seeing:
Fabergé London opens at the V&A. It will transport you.
Waste Age|What Can Design Do at the Design Museum Become seriously informed on rethinking your habits about throwing things away.
Beano at Somerset House This iconic magazine character needs to be seen and rules need to be broken! #ifyouknowyouknow
The Alternatives
The French Dispatch Exhibition at 180 The Strand. Amazing details from cult director Wes Anderson showcasing his new film. Well worth seeing, whether you’ve seen the film or not. Ends 14th November. Booking Essential.
LUX at 180 The Strand. This latest space showcases 12 contemporary artists in immersive art. Booking essential.
London to Brighton Veteran Car Run 2021 : 6th November, 10.30am-4pm. More than 100 vintage cars will be on display on Regent Street ahead of their departure the following day. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see these beautiful cars close up. If you are an early bird, see them depart on Sunday morning at sunrise from Hyde Park.
Bowie 75 years Pop-Up in Heddon Street: This year-long pop-up is celebrating what would have been the iconic David Bowie’s 75th birthday. The location is the site of Bowie’s album cover, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust. Organised by the Bowie estate, expect unseen footage, limited editions, and immersive music experiences. A must for anyone, Bowie fan or not.
Christmas lights Yes they are going up, and there will be discount shopping evenings to further entice you. Look out for:
The Ever After Garden 2021 Grosvenor Square 1- 23 Dec : This unique garden of remembrance began in 2019 with Camilla Morton and Anya Hindmarch creating an illuminated rose garden in memory of the Production Designer Michael Howells raising funds for The Royal Marsden. The idea was that you dedicate your own rose to a loved one from as little as £10. This year funding has already started, and the aim is to have over 25,000 pre-planted ready for you to visit.
Carnaby Street 4th November, 12noon-8pm. 20% discounts at over 100 shops, bars and restaurants.
Selfridges open their Christmas food and music festival at Old Selfridges Hotel. Creative cocktails, Michelin chefs and live music all start on 11th November. The Selfridges Christmas market opens 4 November.
Anya Hindmarch Christmas Grotto opens 15th November – 23th December. Perfect for any child between 2-8yrs old. 30 minute slots must be booked in advance. Gifts for children included, and a hot drink from the cafe for the accompanying adult!