October is here and it’s bringing some autumnal excitement with it. Choose from the best cultural, creative, boozy and geeky celebratory events across the city.
Japan Matsuri Festival | Trafalgar Square
Bringing a slice of Tokyo to the centre of London, this festival delivers music, martial arts demonstrations and of course plenty of delicious food. Details are yet to be revealed but previous highlights have included Taiko (Japanese drum) sessions, karaoke competitions and traditional dance. Okay, it’s actually eleven days and not a week, but who’s complaining? With over 300 bars across the capital taking place, you’ll never be far from a well-made drink – or a class on how to craft them yourself. Wristbands are available online for £15.00 and get you unlimited £8.00 signature cocktails at some of London’s finest cocktail bars, as well as access to pop-ups and entry to the Cocktail Villages. The October edition of the UK’s biggest pop culture event is back in town at ExCel London. From comics and video games to anime and cosplay, the event caters to every kind of geek interest. London Month ofthe Dead is a series of events across London throughout October looking at our understanding of and relationship to death leading up to Halloween. The programme takes in the gothic, the occult, the creepy and morbidly fascinating. With everything from free open sessions for beginners to advanced workshops for the experienced yogi as well as a huge range of yoga-related accessories, this is the largest yoga gathering in Europe. Grab your mat and give it a go. This book-lovers festival is back with a huge checklist of must-see events. This year’s stellar line up of talks, readings, workshops and poetry includes Alan Hollingshurst, Susanna Clarke, Richard Ayoade, Danez Smith, Hanif Kureishi, Lemn Sissay, Rupert Everett, Richard Dawkins and more. Tickets for events sell out fast so be quick! There is a huge range of events in this year’s festival, many of them free: galas, special presentations, screen talks, short film screenings and DJ nights. Check their website, you’re bound to find something special. Trafalgar Square will be transformed into a riot of colour, music and dance as Diwali on the Square hits town. Food stalls, a yoga area, kids’ activities and even a comedy zone; it’s a fun and uplifting way to spend a Sunday. Beat inflation with a cheap day at the power station. Get your south east London culture fix, for free. London gets fully lit up over the dark winter months, come and enjoy the glow. From its Roman origins to Modernist architecture, there's a lot to discover in The City-within-a-city Everything you need for all the festive feels; bundle up in your big scarf and let's go. Bundle up with your big scarf and let's get festive. And save some money while you're at it. And you want to get in for free. Well, we might know a guy who knows a guy... Let us help you save money for what's really important: a nice cup of cocoa or mulled wine. It's panto season (Oh yes it is!). Here's our rundown of the most bonkers seasonal stage shows in town.
London Cocktail Week | Various
Advance sales: £20.00 MCM Comic Con London | Custom House
London Month of the Dead | Various
Advance sales: £12.00 The Om Yoga Show | Ally Pally
Advance sales: £10.00 London Literature Festival | South Bank
BFI London Film Festival 2024 | Various
Diwali on the Square | Trafalgar Square
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