Cultural activities
What cultural activities do you enjoy in London? What stops you doing more?
What cultural activities do you like to do in London? What stops you doing more? Is there anything you’d like to see or do that you don’t think is available in the city currently?
The discussion ran from 23 March 2018 - 10 August 2018
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Community Member 7 years agoOther cities in the world have a card for their residents which gets them reduced price entry to their own city’s attractions. We pay for them through our taxes and yet we get charged the same as rich tourists. I never do the tourist bits...
Show full commentOther cities in the world have a card for their residents which gets them reduced price entry to their own city’s attractions. We pay for them through our taxes and yet we get charged the same as rich tourists. I never do the tourist bits of London as it is ridiculously expensive. I would also love to be able to bypass a queue of foreign tourists and be allowed to see my own culture. Sadly for me London is now too busy and I want to leave ...
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 7 years agoWell...just remember that you can be a "resident" by providing a postcode. An illicit trade in these cards would start up very quickly.
alan elliott
Community Member 7 years agoI would like to see far more opportunity for live music-artists, bands, groups etc. However there has been a huge drop in venues due to several factors.
New property development for investors, usually foreign, has no respect for...
Show full commentI would like to see far more opportunity for live music-artists, bands, groups etc. However there has been a huge drop in venues due to several factors.
New property development for investors, usually foreign, has no respect for communities and small local venues. Sometimes there is conflict between venues and new local residence who have moved into the locality knowing there is live music and in these cases judgement has unjustly sided with the residents.
Top musicians need to play live as part of their necessary experience/training and this is so for the whole of their career- including when first stepping out to play in the small local venues that are so important to upcoming musicians. The UK has an admirable history of producing world class musicians but this may soon be at jeopardy if the small music venues continue to vanish.
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 7 years agoI most strongly disapprove of publicly subsidised cultural activities- these invariably subsidise the pleasures of the rich at a non-trivial cost to the poor.
Show full commentWe should instead
(1) Require all live cultural performances to be broadcast live...
I most strongly disapprove of publicly subsidised cultural activities- these invariably subsidise the pleasures of the rich at a non-trivial cost to the poor.
Show less of commentWe should instead
(1) Require all live cultural performances to be broadcast live digitally to cinemas, both private sector and in public spaces for at least 1 performance every 2 months
(2) Encourage cultural activities by participation at schools, youth clubs, etc
Glenys Law
Community Member 7 years agoHear, hear!
Anonymous - account deleted
Community Member 7 years agoI agree with (1). University researchers who get government funds are now obliged to publish their reports, articles or other outputs in open repositories of learning. Should apply to arts funding, too. I have seen a live Shakespeare play...
Show full commentI agree with (1). University researchers who get government funds are now obliged to publish their reports, articles or other outputs in open repositories of learning. Should apply to arts funding, too. I have seen a live Shakespeare play broadcast simultaneously to a local cinema, so it can and does happen.
Also with (2). Cultural education starts at home but is broadened at school into wider appreciation and understanding. Interacting with performers can be so effective and productive.
Show less of commentVonnie
Community Member 7 years agoThe Arts in schools have been adversely affected by cuts to education spending in London. We need our children to enjoy the arts from Early Years onwards. Otherwise, it will be the lucky few who are privately educated who will participate...
Show full commentThe Arts in schools have been adversely affected by cuts to education spending in London. We need our children to enjoy the arts from Early Years onwards. Otherwise, it will be the lucky few who are privately educated who will participate in the arts as performers or as audiences in the future.
Show less of commentpodvodo
Community Member 7 years agoI enjoy theatre, opera, concerts, museums and galleries, promenade performances, etc. The main challenge are prices: it would be good to see some schemes that make accessing culture in the city more affordable for Londoners.
sanwell
Community Member 7 years agoIt's difficult to do any cultural activities in central London at weekends as there are always transport issues (engineering works, etc), especially as regards the railways. Probably not a problem that can be resolved but very frustrating.
Glenys Law
Community Member 7 years agoThis another comment that fits in with the idea of encouraging local areas's culture by discounting tickets for those who live nearby.
Anonymous - account deleted
Community Member 7 years agoWell exactly. In order to resolve this problem, with need to place more emphasis on weekend transport. We also need to control the population growth, as most of the people on public transport at weekends are in fact tourists. Perhaps...
Show full commentWell exactly. In order to resolve this problem, with need to place more emphasis on weekend transport. We also need to control the population growth, as most of the people on public transport at weekends are in fact tourists. Perhaps they generate income for the economy? Well then use their income to increase bus and train services.
Show less of commentcardriver
Community Member 7 years agoI enjoy the art galleries, museums, theatre, cinemas, London landmarks and parks. All cultural activities should be free or discounted to people who live in London which would attract more people. What prevents me doing this is, the cost...
Show full commentI enjoy the art galleries, museums, theatre, cinemas, London landmarks and parks. All cultural activities should be free or discounted to people who live in London which would attract more people. What prevents me doing this is, the cost ie rail fares, venue prices, food shop prices; not feeling safe in London; and the fact that a lot of these places are not family friendly.
Show less of commentMM
Community Member 7 years agoSadly it is too expensive to go to the theatre a lot in London. I would like to go more often but can't afford it. I do try and go to a lot of the free festivals and cultural events and always enjoy it.
Show full commentSadly it is too expensive to go to the theatre a lot in London. I would like to go more often but can't afford it. I do try and go to a lot of the free festivals and cultural events and always enjoy it.
Show less of commentVonnie
Community Member 7 years agoSouthwark Playhouse at the Elephant and Castle produces brilliant theatre and prices are very reasonable. From £12 for a front row seat.
Show full commentSouthwark Playhouse at the Elephant and Castle produces brilliant theatre and prices are very reasonable. From £12 for a front row seat.
Show less of commentAlat72
Community Member 7 years agoTheatre, art galleries, opera, gigs. The only thing that sometimes stops me is cost, particularly opera and theatre tickets. Travel is no problem because I have a Freedom pass. JAXM's idea of London residents getting reduced-price tickets...
Show full commentTheatre, art galleries, opera, gigs. The only thing that sometimes stops me is cost, particularly opera and theatre tickets. Travel is no problem because I have a Freedom pass. JAXM's idea of London residents getting reduced-price tickets would be great, if it were possible.
I agree with Judith L's comments about smaller music venues and over-gentrification.
I also like walking in London's parks.
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 7 years agoOld people are the ones who take advantage of London's cultural attractions. The rest of us have neither time nor money to do so. Old people get lots of financial benefits, e.g. Freedom Passes on public transport, Silver Screen at the...
Show full commentOld people are the ones who take advantage of London's cultural attractions. The rest of us have neither time nor money to do so. Old people get lots of financial benefits, e.g. Freedom Passes on public transport, Silver Screen at the cinema, OAP discounts... They also got hold of our property while it was still affordable. Many of them have virtually no housing costs at all, yet they are treated as though they are the poorest group in our society. Far from it.
I think City Hall ought to focus on the basics a little more. Cutting bus services is not the way to go in a growing city that needs to reduce its traffic congestion. More buses, cleaner buses, less congestion, etc. would go a long way towards enabling people to take advantage of cultural attractions.
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 7 years agoYou can get cheap tickets for shows but then you add on the price of the travel and it's just too expensive to go into Central London unless you can spend hours on the bus
Glenys Law
Community Member 7 years agoI agree. A previous comment suggested cut price tickets to theatre, cinema, concerts, etc for local residents, or residents of that borough, should be a policy. This would not only make travel cheaper, but reduce travel altogether, thus...
Show full commentI agree. A previous comment suggested cut price tickets to theatre, cinema, concerts, etc for local residents, or residents of that borough, should be a policy. This would not only make travel cheaper, but reduce travel altogether, thus improving the environment and encouraging people to walk, ie good for their health.
Show less of commentTalk London
Official Representative 7 years agoIn our most recent Annual London Survey, Talk Londoners told us that while culture is seen as one of the best things about living in London, negatives like cost of living are major drawbacks.
What do you think? Does London's cultural offer help make up for the higher cost of living compared to the rest of the country? If so, why is that?
Talk London
Anonymous - account deleted
Community Member 7 years agoThe problem is that the cultural attraction promotions website visitLondon.com comes across as an elitist service provider, getting a small museum listed which is both free and wheelchair accessible (like the International Heritage Centre...
Show full commentThe problem is that the cultural attraction promotions website visitLondon.com comes across as an elitist service provider, getting a small museum listed which is both free and wheelchair accessible (like the International Heritage Centre free museum of the Salvation Army in Champion Park, Camberwell, London) is a nightmare! You should place more emphasis on promoting wheelchair friendly places than you currently do.
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 7 years agoAs someone who lives in London and has no intention of moving anywhere (even in London) for a while, then yes, London’s culture does make up for its expensive house prices. However, for people from outside London who are ‘priced out’, it...
Show full commentAs someone who lives in London and has no intention of moving anywhere (even in London) for a while, then yes, London’s culture does make up for its expensive house prices. However, for people from outside London who are ‘priced out’, it means that coming to London is a rare treat. This is because in order to make the train fare worth it, you have to find multiple things to do, so you wouldn’t just come in for one free museum... But for those in more rural London and the suburbs, London’s culture is a draw, as getting in and out is relatively easy, so it’s worth taking advantage of our free museums etc.
Show less of commentkeela319
Community Member 7 years agoI'd wish that the Mayor concentrated to give Londoners a decent night's sleep, rather than on his silly notion of a '24 hour' society. We don't need this. Instead, concentrate on social housing for all, reducing the number of 'investor'...
Show full commentI'd wish that the Mayor concentrated to give Londoners a decent night's sleep, rather than on his silly notion of a '24 hour' society. We don't need this. Instead, concentrate on social housing for all, reducing the number of 'investor' havens (i.e. repossess property developers) and stop building a high-rise, concrete deserts of 'towers of Sauron'.
Show less of commentGlenys Law
Community Member 7 years agoHear hear!
Show full commentHear hear!
Show less of commentdataforensics
Community Member 7 years agoAgree, the culture of shops opening 24/7 and food and drink licences active to 2 or 3 am makes for a miserable existance if you like peace and quiet.
Eugeniusz Gurban
Community Member 7 years ago- think that there should be places geographically located in 4 places in London, where amateur musicians could present their skills for 15 minutes. For example 2-3 times a week from 5 pm to 10 pm.
keela319
Community Member 7 years agoLovely thought, but the Mayor is not interested in 'niceties': He only cares about big business.
TimD
Community Member 7 years agoMaybe major rail stations could do this, I know there are street pianos in St Pancras and that TfL have a plan with Yamaha for tube pianos. How about on a night tube at the weekends?
Anonymous - account deleted
Community Member 7 years agoThere are many cultural activities that take place in London and mainly by established arts & cultural organisations
WE need a weekend of cultural celebration by the community for the community : Faith together: Dance Together: etc
This...
Show full commentThere are many cultural activities that take place in London and mainly by established arts & cultural organisations
WE need a weekend of cultural celebration by the community for the community : Faith together: Dance Together: etc
This will allow say a small church group to present gospel singing to a youth group to showcase there talent of street dance to a hindu temple meditation prayers. If we come together at local level first and then showcase over a weekend at a major venue like trafalgar square.
The next two years from April UK will hold chair commonwealth, 52 nations and 52 Common Wealth of arts, culture,dance, architecture so a celebration of 52 nations cultures which is Londondener. So this could be a first project.
What is important is it must be by the community for the community. ( No Arts Council funded or other established org)
Amrish
Show less of commentRaeE
Community Member 7 years agoI agree. I do go to lots of the established cultural stuff, but agree there is a huge need for this approach too.
Show full commentI agree. I do go to lots of the established cultural stuff, but agree there is a huge need for this approach too.
Show less of commentAnonymous - account deleted
Community Member 7 years agoArgentine tango: dancing to it, listening to concerts.
Blues music: more live music in pubs, more jam sessions, more open mikes. Small music venues are fantastic.
More places like the Sound Lounge in Tooting, which had to close because of...
Show full commentArgentine tango: dancing to it, listening to concerts.
Blues music: more live music in pubs, more jam sessions, more open mikes. Small music venues are fantastic.
More places like the Sound Lounge in Tooting, which had to close because of developers.
Show less of commentTalk London
Official Representative 7 years agoThanks everyone for sharing your experience with London's culture so far.
Moving away from museums and galleries, do any of you think of other things as cultural activities? For example, how many of you go to a football game, visit a park or café, or eat jellied eels.
Do you think of these as part of London’s culture? If not, why not?
Talk London
LondonerFromAbroad
Community Member 7 years agoYes, everything that happens in London is part of its culture: parks, the river, flea markets, buskers, jellied eels if you wish. I don't think our government needs to add new things to the list. (Garden Bridge was an expensive near-useless...
Show full commentYes, everything that happens in London is part of its culture: parks, the river, flea markets, buskers, jellied eels if you wish. I don't think our government needs to add new things to the list. (Garden Bridge was an expensive near-useless idea.) But our government has a BIG role to play in avoiding cultural losses. What if developers were given free rein to gentrify Dalston, for example? Several tiny but vital cultural gathering-places would disappear. The biggest threat to London's culture is developers, and our government seems inclined to give them too much.
Show less of commentWarren Edwardes
Community Member 7 years agoParks such as Hyde Park are superb and a London gem. It is a pity that the peace and quiet in them is damaged by pop concerts.
fudgesmum
Community Member 7 years agoI love ballet and opera. I have a very talented opera singer in the family who performs in London regularly for very little wage- the latest opera she part wrote and performed in is nominated for an Olivier award. I feel they are not...
Show full commentI love ballet and opera. I have a very talented opera singer in the family who performs in London regularly for very little wage- the latest opera she part wrote and performed in is nominated for an Olivier award. I feel they are not likely to get it because they are such a small fish in a huge pond. The arts are not funded properly. Opera brought to the people, the youth and shared is a wonderful thing, as is ballet- we need our young people to look with love at some of the most beautiful music ever created. Sport gets more money than they need, as does pop culture- please remember the classical beauty that will outlast all our lifetimes.
Show less of commentJAXM
Community Member 7 years agoI used to love going to the museums and art galleries but now have mobility issues so using public transport is difficult. A lot of places are expensive like the Tower of London and tickets for the theatre are very expensive. Luckily we...
Show full commentI used to love going to the museums and art galleries but now have mobility issues so using public transport is difficult. A lot of places are expensive like the Tower of London and tickets for the theatre are very expensive. Luckily we have a local art centre which hosts affordable events
I'd love to see a scheme where anyone resident in a London Borough can get reduced prices to the Theatre and places of Interest.
Show less of commentBekiJM
Community Member 7 years agoTotally agree with reduced prices for Londoners! I've also seen schemes where you pay entrance fee but it entitles you to free entry for the rest of the year so more likely to benefit locals than one off visitors.
clbm
Community Member 7 years agoTotally agree!
Anonymous - account deleted
Community Member 7 years agoPoetry, theatre, museums and galleries, street festivals.... More affordable participatory events/workshops,/classes.
Judith L
Community Member 7 years agoI love live music and it is important that the smaller venues are able to survive and that some remain independent. I think the gentrification of some areas (eg part of Soho), whilst very popular, it is important they don't lose their...
Show full commentI love live music and it is important that the smaller venues are able to survive and that some remain independent. I think the gentrification of some areas (eg part of Soho), whilst very popular, it is important they don't lose their identity or become totally commercial.
Also, now that I have more time, I will go to exhibitions art galleries, museums etc and more recently have been going to my independent local cinema more frequently as well as occasionally volunteering as a steward in an architecectural/historical lesser well known building in London.
Show less of commentHEATHER HAMPSON
Community Member 7 years agoI totally agree, we need to do more to ensure smaller live music venues remain open, and that areas like Soho keep their identities.
Diane
Community Member 7 years agoI love to go to theatres, museums, galleries (independent as well as the biggies). I go to the National Theatre as part of a writing group - we enjoy the cultural background and the ability to be a part of something even if it is only in a...
Show full commentI love to go to theatres, museums, galleries (independent as well as the biggies). I go to the National Theatre as part of a writing group - we enjoy the cultural background and the ability to be a part of something even if it is only in a quiet way. I love being surrounded by other cultures - world-wide - as well as having access to 'cultural' bases - theatres etc. I like the fact that as a Lambeth resident I can go to the Young Vic and be part of a discussion group as well as going to actual performances. And even though I no longer join in, I love the fact that the Old Vic gives 'ordinary' people the opportunity to be part of projects. The only things that stop me are time and energy. Luckily now that I'm retired I can do more but - living in London means that there is almost limitless access to cultural activities. There are places I can go to dance and to sing - even to knit!! We are sooooo lucky!!!
Show less of comment