Every month in London there is a wide range of festivals and fairs that highlight every strand of culture and art, promoting the city as one of the world’s major tourist destinations. Here are five of the finest events taking place in the month of November.
EFG London Jazz Festival
One of the world’s most famous jazz festivals returns with a bumper programme of shows across 10 days, in venues from the Southbank Centre to the Roundhouse in Camden. Top performers will include The Streets, Adam Ben Ezra, -isq, Laura Zakian, Evan Parker, Anjali Perin, Joey Alexander and many more.
Various London Venues, 11-20 November
Winter Olympia Art Fair
Billed as the flagship art and antiques event of the British winter season, this fair will be buzzing with some of the finest art and antiquities of a thriving industry. Expect a huge range of exhibitors and guest speakers to be packed into Olympia for a serious celebration of venerable keepsakes and ephemera.
London Olympia, 31 October – 6 November
Richmond Literature Festival
London is a city that has inspired many words, and this 3-week celebration of the literary arts continues to attract excellent guests as we approach its 24th year. Historian Lucy Worsley, journalist Matthew Green and writer and author Robert Sellers are just a few of the names on a packed programme at this year’s edition.
Venues across the Borough of Richmond, 4-27 November
Hyper Japan Christmas Market
It’s possible that there won’t be a more colourful place to be in the whole of November than Tobacco Docks for the weekend of the Hyper Japan Christmas Market. The very best of Japanese performance, food and drink, video games, anime and fashion will be celebrated in a mind-blowing and magical exploration of J-culture.
Tobacco Docks, 25-27 November
Foodies Festival Christmas at the Truman Brewery
Brick Lane, 18-20 November
Taste the flavours of Christmas and get expert advice on creating a perfect festive feast at this year’s Foodies Festival Christmas in Brick Lane’s Old Truman Brewery. The festival offers a festive range of culinary activities, from Christmas gin cocktail masterclasses to live demonstrations in the Cake & Bake Theatre and there will be more than 150 producers selling locally-produced delicacies, treats and vegan fare.
Festival of Geology
This day-long celebration of all things geological is one not to be missed for rock enthusiasts of all ages. Take part in stimulating activities allowing you to handle fossils, minerals and rocks, or try your hand at gem panning, identifying minerals and casting fossils, There are also a range of talks on topics as varied as tropical forests at the poles or Mars exploration or the colour of dinosaurs. The event is free and there is no need to book.
University College London, 5 November
BAM: Being a Man Festival
Join in the discussion as this 3-day festival takes over the Southbank Centre. Explore the notion of masculine identity, discover what it means to be a man in the modern world and how it shapes modern society. Share and listen to inspiring stories – some serious, others light-hearted – and pick the brains of key policy-makers, professionals and experts on a wide range of topics from fatherhood, to spirituality and friendship.
Southbank Centre, 25 – 27 November
Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival
Alexandra Palace, 4-5 November
Enjoy a stunning display of fireworks and much more in the grounds of the iconic Alexandra Palace with sweeping views across London. Alexandra Palace’s annual Fireworks Festival marks Bonfire Night with a bang, offering something for all ages. On top of the firework and laser show, you can take part in white-knuckle rides, sample street food and craft beer, and watch a spooky Day of the Dead parade. In the family area, parents can keep warm with a glass of mulled wine by the giant bonfire, while children enjoy the family funfair, face painting and other activities.