London’s hottest happenings.
EXHIBITION
Electronic: From Kraftwerk to The Chemical Brothers
1 April-26 July, The Design Museum
This April sees the opening of The Design Museum’s first ever music-themed exhibition and it promises to be one heck of a spectacle – with a hypnotic soundtrack to match. Visitors can expect a deep dive into the world of electronic music with a series of live AV experiences and multi-sensory installations. From the multifaceted soundscapes of artists such as Jean-Michel Jarre and Aphex Twin, through rave culture and electronica, via a fascinating insight into the technology behind the music, this is a must-see for the Captial’s music lovers.
224-238 Kensington High Street, W8 (020 3862 5900; designmuseum.org)
UPDATE: Following official advice from Government and Public Health England, The Design Museum is temporarily closed until further notice. The exhibition has been postponed and new dates will be announced as soon as possible. Click here for further information.
Festival
La Linea
15 April-4 May, various venues
The sunshine can be a contrary thing in April, but nevertheless, it’s time to sizzle. Taking place across concert halls, clubs and the Capital’s best-loved art hubs, the irresistible Latin music festival returns with an array of exclusive concerts and curated shows in this, its 20th anniversary edition. And you can expect an eclectic line-up: Grammy-award winning pianist Fernando Otero will present his sparkling compositions; London-based Colombian artist Dorance Lorza will show us how it’s done on the salsa front; while revered French-Chilean artist Ana Tijoux will take to the stage with her unique protest hip-hop.
Various London venues (comono.co.uk/la-linea)
UPDATE: Please check the website for information on postponed events and cancellations.
Food
Marylebone Food Festival
21-26 April, various venues
London foodies can get their fill at this celebratory week of culinary delights, which launches with The Marylebone Menu, an exclusive dinner hosted by Jay Rayner at St Mary’s Church, Wyndham Place. The event features a host of top local eateries including Michelin-starred restaurant Roganic, with proceeds going to London charity The Food Chain. Elsewhere, the festival includes special suppers, wine tasting evenings, live music and masterclasses – a veritable feast, no less.
Various venues (marylebonefoodfestival.com)
UPDATE: Marylebone Food Festival has been postponed. New dates will be released soon. Click here for further information.
Ballet
Geisha
21-25 April, Sadler’s Wells
This month, Northern Ballet are heading south as part of their 50th anniversary season. Inspired by true events, Geisha tells the story of Okichi, an experienced geisha, and Aiko, an apprentice, two young women bound together by a powerful friendship. The ballet, which promises to be a rich visual treat, explores the geisha’s public persona of custom and performance, brought to life by her colourful kimono and vibrant makeup. Choreographer Kenneth Tindall says “The mysterious and intriguing world of the geisha is the perfect palette with which to paint this story.” Not to be missed.
Rosebery Avenue, EC1R (020 7863 8000; sadlerswells.com)
UPDATE: Sadler’s Wells has cancelled all performances until 8 June, unfortunately the London run of Geisha will no longer be going ahead. Whilst Geisha cannot currently be seen live, choreographer Kenneth Tindall will continue to bring his work to audiences remotely through the release of a new dance film Ego on Northern Ballet’s digital dance platform.
Festival
London Craft Week
27 April-3 May, various venues
Bringing the worlds of art, craft, design and fashion together, this London-wide fair returns for its sixth edition. Expect a curated programme of over 250 events across the Capital, showcasing the very best in craftsmanship from emerging and celebrated makers. St. John’s Wood based Cameron Design House is just one exhibitor to invite us into the studio for a behind-the-scenes peek at some exceptional handiwork. The brand, who offer awe-inspiring, design-led contemporary lighting, will open its workshop to the public for the very first time. Make sure you’re first in the queue.
Various London venues (londoncraftweek.com)
UPDATE: In light of the situation regarding Covid-19, London Craft Week has made the difficult decision to postpone LCW 2020. Originally scheduled to be held on 27 April – 3 May 2020, the festival will now take place from 30 September – 8 October 2020. Click here for further information.
Art
Affordable Art Fair
30 April-3 May, Hampstead
Whether you’re a confident collector or a first-timer tentatively dipping your toes into the art world, this promises something to suit every taste, space and budget. The art fair hosts a wealth of curated contemporary works, with thousands of pieces by emerging and established artists alike, and it represents an exciting mix of international galleries including London’s finest. As its name suggests, some purse-friendly pieces are priced from as little as £100, so there’s really no excuse not to fill your abode with at least one authentic original.
Lower Fairground Site, East Heath Road, NW3 (020 8246 4848; affordableartfair.com/fairs/london-hampstead)
UPDATE: The Affordable Art Fair Hampstead, due to take place 30 April – 3 May 2020, has been postponed until the autumn. New dates will be announced and tickets will be valid for the equivalent day. Click here for further information.
Exhibition
Zanele Muholi
29 April-18 October, Tate Modern
Muholi, described as a visual activist, is one of the most revered photographers working today. In their first major UK exhibition, the artist presents a career-spanning 260 images, many of which celebrate the lives of South Africa’s black lesbian, gay, trans, queer and intersex communities. Beautiful and fearless in equal measure. Don’t miss the accompanying Artist Talk event on 29 April.
Bankside, SE1 (020 7887 8888; tate.org.uk)
UPDATE: Tate Modern is temporarily closed until further notice. Click here for further information.