FOCUS Favourites November 2017
November, shorter days and longer nights, still so much to do!
Regent Street Motor Show 4 November
On Regent Street, something for everyone with lots of things to see and do.
A showcase of 125 years of motoring including veteran, vintage, classic, and modern-day cars.
The chance to experience the driving seat of the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1.
Bonfire Night Fireworks
4 - 5 November
Bonfire Night, also known as Fireworks' Night or Guy Fawkes Night is celebrated each year with bonfires and fireworks in London. It's a British tradition dating back to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when Catholic conspirator Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament and King James I.
Parks across London have spectacular bonfires and fireworks display, here are some suggestions. Please note that many of them require tickets.
Battersea Park: the park is illuminated with a huge bonfire and a spectacular fireworks display. Tuck into food and drink from the various stalls or enjoy the family activities.
Southwark: one of the largest free displays in the city. With a setting along the south bank of the river Thames and with plenty of food, drink and entertainment on offer.
Crystal Palace: Expect plenty of family fun, including a children’s firework display, food, and children’s activities at this alcohol-free event.
Alexandra Palace: With activities ranging from a German beer festival to funfairs and ice skating, there’s always plenty for all ages at this fireworks show.
Blackheath: one of the largest Bonfire Night events in London; and what’s more it’s free - leaving you plenty of change to indulge in some seasonal treats.
Victoria Park: an evening of Bonfire Night fun. Keep warm with snacks from the food and drink stalls, before the fireworks display lights up the skies over East London.
Wimbledon Park: Be wowed by a Disney-themed colourful display for little ones from 6.45pm, or enjoy the later firework show at 8.30pm. There’s also a funfair, plus a variety of street food and drink stalls.
11 November
The Lord Mayor’s Show is one of the most famous annual events in London. The centuries-old tradition dates back to 1215 and is held to celebrate the newly elected Lord Mayor of the City of London.
There will be a Flotilla, a Procession and Fireworks. The Lord Mayor's Show is a procession of more than 6500 people, 165 horses, 20 bands and 35 carriages.
For the best views, try the riverside between Waterloo and Blackfriars Bridges.
3 - 20 November
A free display of the best photographs submitted to the annual World Press Photo of the Year competition. The competition honours the photographer whose visual creativity and skills made a picture that captures or represents an event or issue of great journalistic importance in the last year. Be moved and inspired by the images from these talented photographers, in this exhibition of the finalists’ work.
1st November 2017 to 7th January 2018
An exhibition looking at different aspects of current and future packaging innovation, including the impact that personalisation has had with engaging 21st century consumers. The display details several of the latest personalised packs as well as one-of-a-kind pack. Take inspiration from personalised Nutella and Coke bottles and put your friends' and family's name on your own personalised Christmas tree decoration. Suitable for families with young children as well as teenagers.
4 -5 November
From traditional Mexican cheeses to hard and blue cheese, the two-day festival is a celebration of the huge variety of cheeses made in London. Visitors will be able to talk to some of the capital's top urban cheesemakers, taste dishes from some top foodies, hear from cheese writer Patrick McGuigan and see mozzarella making and a parmesan vs cheddar crack off in the live demo area and, of course, purchase plenty of the goods. There will also be live music, craft beer, cocktails and street food.
17-18 November
Dancer and choreographer Kyle Abraham combines balletic and hip hop movements in his trademark, interdisciplinary style. Inspired by the 1991 John Singleton film, Boyz N The Hood, the writings of American civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois and Abraham’s own childhood, Pavement takes seven dancers through a culture plagued by discrimination and genocide in Pittsburgh’s historically black neighbourhoods, set to an eclectic mix of Bach, Benjamin Britten, Sam Cooke and Donny Hathaway.
Bath
10 - 18 November
Mozartfest celebrates the maestro’s music, and that of his contemporaries or those influenced by him, in a glorious nine-day feast of world-class classical music. The highlight of this year’s festival promises to be a performance of the Mass in C minor in Bath Abbey by La Nuova Musica - one of the most exciting ensembles on the British early music scene.
Birmingham
25 - 26 November
The UK's Premier Model Railway event, a must for every railway enthusiast and a fantastic family day out for all.
Cambridge
11 November - 10 December
A wonderful collection of ceramics from over 70 potters showing work of an amazing variety. As all the works are unique, visitors have the opportunity to purchase pieces that are both pleasing to the eye and pocket and often a joy to use. This event represents a great opportunity to meet the maker and share in the concepts and processes involved in the work.