- Spring into London features free outdoor art and performances to encourage Londoners and visitors into the city this half-term and beyond
- Immersive light installations by world-class artists, pop-up performances and discounted theatre ticket and restaurant offers
- The programme marks the latest phase of Sadiq’s ‘Let’s Do London’ campaign – the biggest domestic tourism campaign the capital has ever seen
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced a free programme of fantastic outdoor art and performance events to encourage Londoners and visitors to rediscover the capital’s world-class culture safely this spring.
‘Spring into London’ will include immersive light installations by globally-acclaimed artists, pop-up performances and discounted theatre tickets and meal deals. The programme is the latest instalment of the Mayor’s Let’s Do London campaign, the biggest domestic tourism the capital has ever seen.
London’s culture and creative industries represent a significant part of the capital’s economy and have been heavily impacted by the pandemic. Live performance venues, museums and galleries have experienced huge drops in footfall, theatre shows have been cancelled or postponed and self-employed creatives have experienced immense job instability. The Mayor’s Let’s Do London campaign was launched last year to champion the capital’s businesses, cultural institutions and attractions and, through a range of unique experiences and attractions, it has already contributed around £70m into the economy.
A light installation trail will illuminate the City of London from11-20 February. ‘City Lights’ features internationally renowned and artists includes the work Colour by Light, which invites the public to transform the City into a colourful canvas with their smartphones.
From 17-20 February, central London streets will once again host pop up performances with some of the capital’s finest grassroots creative talent putting on free performances from storytelling to puppetry, dance, music and much more, celebrating the capital’s diversity.
The Mayor is also partnering with Society of London Theatre (SOLT) for the Official London Theatre’s New Year Sale so audiences can enjoy the wonder of London’s West End with tickets from just £10 for 60 incredible shows. From extravagant musicals to heartfelt dramas, tickets are available to book via the Official London Theatre website.
Discover and enjoy some of London’s world-class restaurants, cafes and bars with a discount as part of the Mayor’s partnership with Hot Dinners, London's biggest independent restaurant website, with exclusive dining deals through until March.
London has so many safe and enjoyable events taking place during half term, including the Imagine Children’s Festival (9-20 February) at the Southbank Centre. The biggest children’s festival of its kind in London, Imagine returns for its 20th anniversary with 160 events showcasing the very best of children’s theatre, comedy and literature. The festival celebrates the individuality of every child, with a great range of free accessible events that will keep the whole family entertained.
A new ‘Southbank to City Lights & Bites’ walking trail will help to direct visitors on a short scenic walk along the Thames to take in attractions like the Illuminated River as well as enjoy local places to eat and drink on the way to experience the City Lights installations.
On 9 March, fabric nightclub and English National Opera are collaborating for an evening of electronic music with live performances from Frank Wiedemann, Rival Consoles, LCY and Josh Caffe in the iconic setting of the London Coliseum for ‘fabric at the Opera’.
Visitors can look forward to brilliant exhibitions in the capital’s museums and galleries including the Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature exhibition at the V&A, and Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules at Somerset House. There are also Rainbow Week family workshops at the National Maritime Museum to celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month and Legacies: London Transport’s Caribbean Workforce at the London Transport Museum, celebrating the generations that have shaped London’s transport history and culture.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “London really comes to life in the spring and it’s a great time for Londoners and visitors to explore our city. From the brilliant installations lighting up the City to the fantastic performances taking place on London’s streets and in theatres, ‘Spring into London’ means there is something for everyone to enjoy safely this half-term. With all this and more taking place in the heart of our city as part of my ‘Let’s Do London’ campaign, there is no better time for everyone to experience the best the capital has to offer and help the creative industries drive our economic and social recovery from the pandemic.”
Jemma Read, Global Head of Corporate Philanthropy, Bloomberg L.P. said: “London has a wealth of diverse, dynamic artists who continue to play a leading role in our city's economic and social recovery. Outdoor public art installations, such as City Lights, offer a unique experience for Londoners and their families to discover immersive artworks in everyday settings, as they explore the City's streets. We’re delighted to build on our support of the Mayor’s 'Let’s Do London' campaign, showcasing Amelia Kosminsky's work 'Celestial Brainstorm' in the public plaza outside the front of Bloomberg's European headquarters, in the heart of the City.”
Wendy Hyde, Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee, said: “City Lights will illuminate the Square Mile – the creative heart of a world-leading city of culture. The arts are bringing Londoners together as we recover from Covid and people return to the office. Events like these enrich us all - unlocking London’s imagination, creativity, and innovation.”
Elaine Bedell, CEO of the Southbank Centre, said: “We’re delighted to support the Mayor’s Let’s Do London campaign bringing visitors back to central London. We’re looking forward to welcoming families back for the 20th anniversary of our Imagine Children's Festival, which features the very best children's theatre, comedy, music, literature and music. This year, we have 160 events and over half of the festival is completely free, and there’s a special focus on wellbeing and mindfulness. We have a wide range of accessible events to ensure we can bring Imagine to as many families and children as possible.”
Nic Durston, CEO South Bank BID said: "South Bank London is very pleased to support and participate in the Mayor’s Spring into London programme, as part of the highly successful Let’s Do London campaign. We are looking forward to welcoming people back to enjoy South Banks signature cultural, tourism, hospitality, and leisure destinations in what is one of London’s most exciting, creative, and vibrant neighbourhoods.”
Kate Nicholls, CEO UK Hospitality, said: “With the Government’s ‘work from home’ guidance rescinded, it’s a great time to reacquaint ourselves with the incredible venues and experiences that London offers, and start celebrating a return to normality. The ‘Spring into London’ schedule has something for everyone, just like the capital’s world-class hospitality offer. Better still, the partnership with Hot Dinners means that exclusive dining deals will benefit diners and venues alike, as we look to speed economic recovery and welcome more visitors back into town.”
Jorge Nieto, Fabric Creative Director said: “We are very excited to be able to showcase such a landmark show at the London Coliseum. It’s a chance to explore beyond our home on Charterhouse Street and make way for other artistic expressions, beautiful spaces and fellow institutions that will elevate electronic music as a true art form. This will be the beginning of a long-term collaboration with the aim of blending different artistic expressions in unique spaces and showcasing electronic music to new audiences.”
Julian Bird, Chief Executive of the Society of London Theatre, said: ‘London’s theatres have always been a vital part of the West End, central to a thriving domestic tourism, hospitality and nightlife economy. We are delighted to be part of the Spring into London season, welcoming people back into central London to experience world-leading live entertainment for less. There is truly something for everyone across a diverse range of shows, and there has never been a better time to book your theatre tickets.’
Holly Khan, artist, said: “The last two years have been a time of great uncertainty and, undoubtedly, hardship across the creative and live performance sector, whatever the art form. The Mayor’s Pop Up London programme has been a lifeline for a significant number of artists and performers, enabling us to bring our work to a live audience again in some exciting London locations. I can’t wait to connect, provoke and entertain over the February half-term week.”
Notes to editors
For images: https://we.tl/t-CtMW6LtCnx and https://we.tl/t-4PFr7moUad (Pop Up London)
Spring into London programme includes a range of free and discounted events and activities for all to enjoy during February half term and throughout Spring.
City Lights
Every night from 11 – 20 February, unique and historic City of London sites will be illuminated with vibrant and interactive artworks. This is a free, non-ticketed trail of lights suitable for all the family.
Five incredible light and sound artworks to be enjoyed across the City of London:
Imminence by Novak in St Paul’s Churchyard (North side, by Temple Bar)
Harmonic Portals by Chris Plant at St Mary Aldermary Church
Colour by Light by Floating Pictures in St Mary le Bow Churchyard Square
Celestial Brainstorm by Amelia Kosminsky in Bloomberg Plaza
Keys of Light by Mr Beam in Guildhall Yard
Find out more: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/citylights
Pop Up London
Discover an exciting free festival of outdoor theatre, circus, dance, magic, music, puppetry and more across central London this February half-term from 17 to 20 February.
Where can I watch Pop-Up London?
Pop-Up London is appearing in public spaces across central London over February half-term, including, Borough Market, Canary Wharf, King's Cross station.
Be dazzled by a lineup of exciting performances during Pop-Up London, including music, dance, theatre and more. Please note that performances and timings are subject to change and weather permitting –follow the #LetsDoLondon hashtag for all the latest updates.
The full schedule can be found here - https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/lets-do-london/pop-up-london
Official London Theatre offers
London is the theatre capital of the world and to celebrate you can get amazing deals on tickets at Official London Theatre. With top London shows on offer from just £10 - £50 and money-off at restaurants and hotels plus a free 'Performance by Rankin' exhibition at the FujiFilm House of Photography you can really make a day of it. Treat your family, finally organise that meet up with friends or plan a date, because there's a show for everyone right now.
Treat your family, finally organise that meet up with friends or plan a date, because there's a show for everyone right now. Get booking at www.OfficialLondonTheatre.com.
Hot Dinners
Hot Dinners presents your guide to dining out this spring, find out the latest culinary information here, including a 48-hours guide to London, the best family-friendly restaurants, and a guide to Chinatown including where to celebrate the Lunar New Year. www.hot-dinners.com/letsdolondon
Throughout February Hot Dinners will be hosting exclusive restaurant, café and bar deals and offers across central London on the London Restaurant Deals Hub. Discover and experience London’s world class food and drink offer here: www.hot-dinners.com/londondealshub
Society of London Theatre
The Mayor is also partnering with Society of London Theatre (SOLT) for the Official London Theatre’s New Year Sale so audiences can enjoy the wonder of London’s West End with tickets from just £10 for 40+ incredible shows. Tickets are available to book via the Official London Theatre website. Plus, look out for special theatre pop-ups inside Waterloo Station (9 - 13 Feb), Victoria Station (16 - 20 Feb) and Charing Cross Station (23 - 27 Feb), as Official London Theatre and Lucky Voice will be partnering with Network Rail, putting commuters centre stage for some musical karaoke as well as featuring performances from some incredible West End shows.
fabric at the Opera
fabric london and the English National Opera embark on a brand new musical project, bringing live electronic music to the iconic London Coliseum for the very first time. Launching Wednesday 9 March, four forward-thinking acts from across the spectrum of electronic music – Frank Wiedemann, Rival Consoles, LCY (Live Debut) and Josh Caffé (with Vogue Dancers) – will perform Live in the stunning surrounds of the historic West End venue. Find out more: https://www.eno.org/whats-on/fabric-at-the-opera/
Southbank Centre – Imagine Children’s Festival
The Southbank Centre’s Imagine Children’s Festival turns twenty in 2022 but has no intention of growing up any time soon! The biggest children’s festival of its kind returns with 160 events (more than half are free!), including the very best in children's theatre, comedy, family parties, music, literature, dance, immersive experiences, relaxed mindfulness sessions and full-on fun for children and their grownups in the February half term.
Find out more: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/festivals-series/imagine-childrens-festival
South Bank to City – Lights & Bites walking trail
See fantastic free light installations and enjoy great food and drink along the way. Whether it’s iconic art and architecture, street food, bars and restaurants, or enjoy London’s most scenic walk - it’s all here. And be sure to check out the fantastic LONDON Lights installation and City Lights interactive light and sound installations in the City of London.
Find out more: www.southbanklondon.com
More fun activities for families
Battersea Power Station Light Festival
The Light Festival at Battersea Power Station has returned as one of the best free activities to do in London this winter, brightening up the dark nights. Running until 27th February 2022.
Find out more: https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk/whats-on/detail/light-festival-2022
Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules
Curated by artist and lifelong Beano fan Andy Holden, The Art of Breaking the Rules has rounded up his own band of raucous rule-breakers and maverick mayhem-makers with work from the worlds of art, photography, literature and music, including Phyllida Barlow, Holly Hendry, Hardeep Pandhal and Alex Wheatle and more. Til March 2022.
Find out more: Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules | Somerset House
BFI Future Film Festival, 17-20 February
The BFI Future Film Festival is for aspiring filmmakers aged 16 to 25 who want to progress and learn from people already experienced in film and the screen industries. We aim to connect aspiring young filmmakers with industry experts, as well as giving opportunities to meet peers, find collaborators, and build networks.
Find out more https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/futurefilmfestival/Online/
British Museum: Minecraft Masterpieces: Rome
Explore Roman history through Minecraft in this free, drop-in event. Be inspired by different types of Roman construction and have a go making your own unique creation. Find out more: Minecraft masterpieces: Rome | British Museum
Canary Wharf Ice Rink and Children’s Floor Games
There’s still plenty of time to get your skates on at this amazing ice rink until Saturday 26 February. There are also amazing children’s floor games to get involved with; whether it’s hopscotch or space invader line maze, it’s the perfect afternoon entertainment
Find out more: https://canarywharf.com/whats-on/childrens-floor-games-ss21/ and here
https://canarywharf.com/whats-on/ice-rink-canary-wharf-oct-2021-feb-2022/
The Courtauld: Van Gogh Self Portraits
Check out the new Van Gogh Self-Portraits exhibition at The Courtauld Gallery, located in the magnificent historical setting of Somerset House. It will be the first time that the full span of Van Gogh’s self-portraiture has been explored in an exhibition.
Find out more: Van Gogh Self-Portraits - The Courtauld
Fujifilm House of Photography; Performance by Rankin
This exhibition by Rankin featuring photographs of the cast and creatives behind some of the West End’s best productions and theatres, alongside some of the biggest names in the London theatre industry, is open now and extended until 12 March. Entry is free but donations encouraged (and will support the Theatre Artists Fund and the Mayor’s Youth Homeless Charities).
Find out more: Performance by Rankin
Imagine Children’s Festival 9 – 20 February 2022
The Southbank Centre’s Imagine Children’s Festival turns twenty in 2022 but has no intention of growing up any time soon! The biggest children’s festival of its kind returns with 160 events (more than half are free!), including the very best in children's theatre, comedy, family parties, music, literature, dance, immersive experiences, relaxed mindfulness sessions and full-on fun for children and their grownups in the February half term.
Find out more: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/festivals-series/imagine-childrens-festival
Images here: Southbank Centre | Bynder
Legacies: London Transport’s Caribbean Workforce
Over February half-term families can explore a brand-new exhibition at the London Transport Museum that celebrates the generations of Caribbean people that have shaped London’s transport history and culture and join family activities inspired by its themes. From 12-20 February, you can join interactive storytelling sessions and design new posters. Kids go free.
Find out more: February half term | London Transport Museum (ltmuseum.co.uk)
Museum of London
Join free creative workshops at the Museum of London this half term including pom pom making and metal colouring techniques from a metalsmith; inspired by the current exhibition, London Making Now which explores 15 contemporary makers working in London today. Find out more: What's on and things to do in London | Museum of London
National Gallery
Visit the National Gallery during half term and join the family sketching salon, capturing paintings and places in playful ways; free, for families of all ages. And check out their brilliant exhibitions including Durer's Journeys: Travels of a Renaissance Artist and Kehinde Wiley: The Prelude.
Find out more: The National Gallery, London
National Maritime Museum
Badge making and BSL craft workshops are just some of the activities for Rainbow Week Half-Term Family Workshops taking place to celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month.
Find out more: https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/national-maritime-museum/rainbow-week-half-term-family-workshops
Natural History Museum
Explore the natural world in all its fragility and diversity at the annual Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards, with over 100 photographs on display. Find out more: What's on | Natural History Museum (nhm.ac.uk)
Science Museum
Visit the interactive Wonderlab for hands-on experiences including live shows and demonstrations, and check out their blockbusting exhibition, Science Fiction: Voyage to the Edge of Imagination, exploring visions of the future through the science of today. Find out more: Science Fiction: Voyage to the Edge of Imagination | Science Museum
Tate Modern
Make and create with others to build something from everyday materials that has never been seen before. Create a 3D world of life-size sculptures for everyone to enjoy or get inspired and add your stamp to a creation someone else has made.
Find out more: https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/festival/uniqlo-tate-play/holiday-make-studio
V&A, Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature
This family friendly exhibition will take visitors on a journey to discover Potter’s life as a scientist and conservationist, exploring the places and animals that inspired her most beloved characters. From 12 February; in collaboration with the National Trust.
Find out more: Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature - Exhibition at South Kensington · V&A (vam.ac.uk)
Wellcome Collection
Bring some joy into your life with this free exhibition exploring the diversity of euphoric experiences and the effect of positive emotion on the body. Including new artist commissions by Harold Offeh, Amalia Pica and David Shrigley, plus artworks and historical objects dating back to the 15th century. Running until 27 March 2022.
Find out more: https://wellcomecollection.org/exhibitions/YLi_BhAAACEAebzp