Perhaps the title of this post isn't clear enough. This post isn't going to be mainly about living in London (although it is, in fact, all of these posts are), it's more about 'Live' things that go on in London, bands and various other events you'd be foolish not to see whilst in London. And the best part? Most of them are cheap, if not, free.
As a big music buff, I'm going to be mainly talking about music here, but there's a few other bits and pieces I feel morally obligated to throw in, starting with cultural events, which will be my first post in a 3 (ish) part series.
Firstly, there is Chinese New Year, I'm sure you are all more than familiar with London's Chinatown that stretches between Covent Garden and Holborn, a veritable goldmine of dumplings and herbal stores. While Chinatown is great at any time of year, I can not recommend the Chinese New Year celebrations enough. Generally taking place in February, London is still pretty cold and dark, but the sheer magnitude of these events are sure to warm your heart. Firstly, there is a presentation in Trafalgar square, choirs, singers, dancers, dragons and all the various fare. If you then walk back in to Chinatown, (and yes, it gets devastatingly crowded, so take your best sense of urgency with you!), there will be beautiful lanterns, special meals, little stalls full of kitsch Chinese New Year paraphanalia (think red drums and golden cats) followed by a small and smoky firework presentation in Leicester square.
Whilst in Leicester square, I should also mention West End Live, which I believe you may have already missed this year (it was on in October-ish last year, so I didn't expect it to come around so early!). Basically, the Westminster council groups a few of the West End's stellar theatre companies together, and gets them all to perform a short song, dance, snippet from their play, etc. It's fascinating stuff and they also generally include a few stalls full of science projects, maybe face painting, or comic book sort of things (I suppose you could generalise it all as being 'kid friendly'. The best bit? Well, you get to see a bit of a London fesitval for free!
Heading up North a bit now, to Holborn, I wanted to tell you about the Bloomsbury festival, a nice little bricolage of music, dance, theatre, UCL students and food! It generally lasts a few days in October-ish and is a great way to celebrate the end of the British Summer (I can hear all you poor antipodeans grumble, I know, the fun settles down from this point a bit!). The festival has been cancelled for two years before 2010, so I'm not sure if you will be lucky enough to see it again - here is a link for reference: http://www.bloomsburyfestival.org.uk/
Now toward the east, presenting the London Fields Festival! I have told you so many times about the wonders the East (my old hometown) have to provide you with. And I maintain my belief that it is one of the most 'alive' corners on London that you may ever find. Now, London Fields and Brick Lane both have markets every weekend (on the Saturday and Sunday respectively), but around August, London Fields turns in to a wonderful little festival scene, totally free, with a real sense of community pride and happiness. I cannot recommend you go enough. However, I have just checked the site and, in what seems to be an ever more stifling style, it has been cancelled for this year at least, a true pity and I am so sad that you have to miss out on this. If you have ever been, follow my lead and make your complaints known! http://www.littlelondonfields.co.uk/
Fear not however, there are a few more wondrous things that the East has to offer, firstly of course there is the spectacular Guy Fawkes fire work night, held in November-ish most years in Victoria Park, it gets very crowded and if you want any bearable view you need to get there early (yes early, I'm talking to you my Italian friends!!!). It also tends to be freezing, but take a coat and a thermos of tea, and you'll be fine!
Well, I think that's it for cultural events, I may have to present another post later with things I may have forgotten - I hope this has provided a jumping off point for you - there is so much to go and see in London, so please make the most of it!
x
