September is probably the busiest month of the year in my calendar. The diary is full of inspiring and exciting things to do in London this month. It begins with festivals galore and a fashion exhibition that will have everyone talking.
Everyone returns from summer holidays with a revived zest for life, visitors arrive enjoying the cooler days and less crowded footpaths. Finally parents, relieved that back to school gives them the time to breathe again. So with all that optimism in mind, please enjoy this rather full September Super Seven for 2023.
FT Weekend Festival 2 Sept : This is a day of live talks in various tents at Kenwood House. It’s is an absolute winner. This is everything and more for inspiration, education and conversation. It is where #curiousmindsmeet . This year’s line up is just as impressive as previous years. Jesse Armstrong, Simon Schama, Cornelia Parker, Robin Lane-Fox, Amber Rudd, Pierre Marcolini, Joia founder Henrique Sà Pessoa and former MI6 chief Alex Younger. I cannot recommend this more highly.
Festivals landing in London this month worth checking out;
GDI Festival 25 Aug – 10 Sept | Underway already, but always a fabulous festival to dip in and out of in East London. Most events are free, some require booking. Expect crowds.
London Design Festival 18-24 Sept | Always worth checking out at the various destinations for design inspiration. Lots of free events.
Chelsea History Festival 26 Sept – 1 Oct | Lots of history talks on the area from rock n roll residents, to fascinating historians talking intelligence, and architecture. There is something for everyone. Booking essential for the talks.
Open House 2023 6-17 Sept : This is a fabulous opportunity to see behind the scenes into some of London’s most incredible and historic buildings – many usually closed to the public. Katie at Look Up London is always my go-to for her top choices if you want to be guided on what to see. The website can feel rather overwhelming. Even if you pick just two.. they could be the game changer to your weekend.
Gabrielle Chanel | Fashion Manifesto opens 16 Sept at the V&A : The fashion exhibition of the year is already sold out up to November. If you are a member there is no need to book, however there will be no daily tickets as in previous exhibitions. If you are thinking ahead for Christmas, my advice is to book your tickets NOW. The museum is running some great talks, and follow LLW on instagram and I may just have another ‘in conversation’ opportunity that is going to be utterly intimate and chic with only 25 tickets available.
Strawberry Hill House & Garden | Flower Festival 22-24 Sept : Floral drama, demonstrations and masterclasses at this inspiring flower festival that returns for its 5th year. You will totally succumb to being under their floral spell. Tickets available for individual classes so you can tailor your visit.
Back to School..? Calling all Harry Potter fans.. 1 Sept at Kings Cross station at 11.am The Hogwarts Express departs London on Platform 9 3/4 for the start of the Hogwarts school term. Until 4th September, there will be Harry Potter events at Kings Cross to remind you of the wizardry magic of JKRowling with lego and playstation. Everyman Cinema at Kings Cross will be showing all eight Harry Potter films if the weather isn’t playing ball!
Let’s have some Rock ‘n Roll… Freddie Mercury’s A World of His Own ‘House Sale’ at Sothebys has been a phenomenal success, and this is before the sale takes place. If you want to preview the exhibition be prepared to queue before it closes on 5th Sept at 1pm. The Sothebys website is full of information about the collection if you can’t get to London and want to bid.
Next up is Rolling Stone Charlie Watts | Gentleman Collector, Rolling Stone. A two part auction for this unique collection from the drummer of the Rolling Stones who passed away last year. An avid collector of literature and devoted to jazz, this promises to gather the same fevered interest from fans and collectors. 15-19 September 2023 at Christies.
British Art Fair 28 Sept – 1 Oct at The Saatchi Gallery
Pub in the Park 1-3 Sept at Chiswick House
Frans Hals at the National Gallery Opens 30 Sept
Spies, Lies and Deceptions opens at The Imperial War Museum 29 Sept.
Frieze Sculpture opens in Regent’s Park on 20 Sept with 22 global artists taking part.
Colourscape Music Festival on Clapham Common 9-17 Sept. Inflatable tunnels with musicians along the way. Different I know, but aren’t you curious?
Rebel : 30 years of London Fashion at The Design Museum 16 Sept.