FOCUS Favourites March 2018
Although the weather is still very wintery, spring is right around the corner. Here is this month's short-list of hot things to do.
Somnai London 1st March - 6th May
Somnai’ is an augmented-reality show that will take place across two floors of a warehouse in Clerkenwell. In groups of up to 6 people, it indulges you in a never seen before immersive show, helping you to heighten your experiences of various senses. As is the way with immersive shows, it’ll probably be difficult to say what ‘Somnai’ is about until you’ve experienced it. But whether it turns out to be a dream or a nightmare, it looks promisingly ambitious. It is said to be one of the most anticipated shows of 2018, a first of its kind in London. There is an age restriction of 18+.
9 March - 11 March
Located in the Southbank Centre, this weekend is dedicated to the women around the world. With International Women’s day being on March 8th, it celebrates everything good and great going on in the world of women. One can expect to see a myriad of discussions, debates, performances and activists which celebrate the female successes.
Head of the River Race 11 March
The annual Head of the River Race rowing event follows the renowned Thames Championship course from Mortlake to Putney, with 400 national and international crews of rowers. You should be able to cheer on rowers on either side of the river, but in particular from Chiswick Bridge, Barnes Bridge and Hammersmith Bridge. The Thames Championship course was first used for a Boat Race in 1845 and covers a 4 mile and 374 yard (6.8 km) stretch of the Thames.
St. Patrick’s Day Festival 16-18 March
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in central London including a spectacular parade on Sunday March 18th with Irish marching bands from across the UK and a party in Trafalgar Square. Join this fun and lively festival with Irish food, music, song dance, culture and arts. Grab a drink and enjoy the day with the whole family. The parade starts at 12pm at Green Park and makes its way down Piccadilly to Trafalgar Square.
17 March
Great Music for Little Ears: go on a journey through Mozart’s marvelous symphony and hear the instruments telling a story – with a sprinkling of Handel’s Water Music.
A Culture Mile Installation 17-18 March
For one weekend in March the Beech Street tunnel will turn into a free, spectacular light and sound installation. Array uses digital projections to transform the tunnel into a stunning visual realisation of a piece of music. Vivid colours and images respond to ESA-Pekka Salonen’s ‘Karawane’, recorded by the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. Suitable for families with children ages 6+
22 - 25 March
This spring ‘The Other Art Fair’ takes place at the historic Victoria House. Presented by Saatchi Art the fair presents 130 contemporary artists chosen by a committee of art industry experts. Meet the artists and enjoy a wide range of different styles with artwork starting at £50. Check members offers for your discount code.
Sadlers Wells: Shaolin Monks 26 March - 28 March
This performance exhibits a collaboration between choreographer Sidi Cherkaoui, sculptor Antony Gormley and 19 Buddhist monks from the Shaolin Temple in China. It is returning yet again for its 10th anniversary special. The Sutra performance helps the audience explore the philosophy and faith behind the Shaolin tradition and its relationship with kung fu within a contemporary context.
Andreas Gursky until 22 April
The Hayward Gallery reopens at the Southbank Centre after a two-year refurbishment with the German artist Andreas Gursky. The first UK retrospective of the photographer, known for his large scale spectacular pictures, marks the beginning of the Hayward Gallery‘s 50th anniversary and shows 60 photographs from the early 1980s through his recent work.
16th - 17th March
Perfect for any whisky lover! At the festival you will be able to find over 200 drams with a first class selection of exceptional “Dream Drams”. You can learn all about whisky from the masters by watching one of their fascinating masterclasses.
30 March - 2 April
Calling all valiant adventurers this Easter weekend!
Only one hour from London, you will find yourself back in the 1930s. Eltham Palace is a showpiece of art deco mansion and medieval royal palace. Take an interactive tour of Eltham Palace or enjoy the beautiful gardens and the adventure playground. Don't miss the hunt for legendary dragon eggs. Set off with an intrepid character from the past to crack the clues and claim your chocolate reward.