FOCUS Favourites October 2017
2nd - 8th October
A vibrant festival celebrating the great and good of the city’s cocktail scene. Fun and engaging events like masterclasses, distillery tours, parties, tastings or paired meals.
4th October – 31st March
A season of exhibitions and events that celebrates India’s contribution to science, technology and mathematics, marking the UK–India Year of Culture 2017–18, which will celebrate the vibrant cultural history of the two countries. Tickets for the two exhibitions are free and can be booked in advance online.
The Curve, Barbican Centre
6th October 2017– 7th January 2018
Purple is an immersive, six-channel video installation which charts the incremental shifts in climate change across the planet and its effects on human communities, biodiversity and the wilderness.
13th – 15th October
A show for the whole family featuring an exclusive programme of activities and events like: a demo stage with a line-up of top chefs and patissiers, the chocolate dessert of the year competition, exhibits and chocolate sculptures, live performances by cocoa-producing countries, a children’s area for budding chefs, pastry workshops and tastings.
13th October – 1st November
Twenty days of workshops, debates, talks, music and performance. This year's festival opens with the 50th birthday of Poetry International, and sets out to explore how literature can remind us of our shared humanity.
Highlights include Tom Hanks reading from his debut short story collection ‘Uncommon Type’, Philip Pullman in conversation about his latest novel ‘La Belle Sauvage’ and the installation Wall of Dreams, which sees the dreams of London’s refugee communities projected onto the Royal Festival Hall.
15th October – 5th November
This dazzlingly funny, moving and inspiring show sees the go-getting Once-ler come face to face with the magical Lorax in a battle over the beloved truffula trees and the whole of Paradise Valley.
A brilliant riot of eye-popping colour, gorgeous puppetry and infectious music to enchant adults and children alike.
Old Billingsgate Market
19th – 20th October
For two days Old Billingsgate Market is transformed into a traditional Oktoberfest, buzzing with live music, dancing and a variety of other entertainment. All this is complemented with unlimited steins of Bitburger beers and authentic food served to your table by a team of Heidis, Helgas and Helmuts, making it an event not to be missed.
19th – 22nd October
A contemporary craft and design fair where the very best of national and international designer-makers present and sell their work to the public. Over 120 exhibitors across all media (ceramics, wood, silver, gold, glass, textiles and more).
20th – 31st October
This hands-on, fully interactive gaming event will feature the best video games and consoles from the past 40 years. From Pong to Pacman and Minecraft to Mario, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re a retro games fan, a serious gamer or just want to get competitive with your family.
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
29 October
Feel the force of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in a spectacular family show featuring the most iconic music by John Williams from the Star Wars® films and a dazzling light show in a venue not so far, far away.
Outside London...
Worcestershire, WR9 7EA
7th - 8th October
A celebration of autumnal harvest and all things orchard. There'll be all the usual favourites including local produce stalls, activities and crafts for children, expert advice and delicious food, all with an apple inspired twist!
Cambridge
14th October
The program includes several works from Monteverdi whose 450th anniversary it is this year of which Beatus vir is one of his most well known. There are also several works by Henry Purcell including the Funeral Sentences for the death of Queen Mary.
Birmingham Hippodrome
18th - 21th October
Following an exceptional career as a ballet star, international dance icon Carlos Acosta launches his brand new company, Acosta Danza. For their first UK tour, in which Acosta himself makes a guest appearance, they will perform works by Cuban choreographer Marianela Boán, international artist Jorge Crecis, Spanish dance-maker Goyo Montero, New York City Ballet resident choreographer Justin Peck and Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui.