FOCUS Favourites April 2018
"April showers bring May flowers" is what the say here, but we hope the sun will warm up our days in April too!
In any case, our suggestions for April include a range of events that you can enjoy whatever the weather.
9th April - 29th July
Located in the National Gallery, this exhibition portrays Monet’s love for architecture as well as how he incorporated them into his paintings. This exhibit is made up of 75 paintings, ranging from the beginning of his career till the end. It will be made up of three parts: The Village and the Picturesque, The City and the Modern and The Monument and the Mysterious to show the drastic changes occurring in society during his time.
12th April – 15th April
The Coffee festival returns for another year in the Old Truman Brewery. The interactive festival gives viewers the chance to watch the process of coffee roasting, visit the school of chocolate and have a go at ‘latte-art’. An experience not to miss, as the festival goers will have the change to try drinks, food and cocktails all associated with the coffee bean.
12th April - 21st April
This year Sadler’s Wells will again be filled with the American style neo-classic Ballet, in a performance of Voices of America. William Forsythe, a renowned choreographer, portrays a deconstruction of classical ballet. He has reworked this piece since its original production in 1996 and will be performed for the first time, exclusive to the National Ballet.
22nd April
This marathon sees over 35,000 runners in it every year. Whilst many run for fun there are also many famous and medal winning athletes who take part. The course is 26.2 miles, starting in Greenwich Park, crossing over the Thames and finishing up on Pall Mall, just around the corner of Buckingham Palace. An event not to miss, floods the streets of London with live music, bands and cheering crowds.
6th April - 30th September
Across the length of the Southbank one can find a fun-filled festival for the whole family with lots of entertainment, food and drinks. The festival is filled with circus acts, cabaret, comedy and many activities for the children and the whole family to enjoy. The shows run throughout different times of the festival, so make sure to check online if there is a show you really want to see!
29th March – 16th September
Hundreds of colourful butterflies from across the world fly freely in the tropical house at the Natural History Museum. The exhibition invites you to in a magic world of butterflies. It is a chance to witness the remarkable life cycle from a crawling caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly. Escape the city bustle and get up close with over 500 different species fluttering above your head. Attracting children and adults this family exhibit makes your stay to an unforgettable day.
21st April
Celebrating England’s national day, means a busy and activity filled day in London. Specifically celebrations take place in Trafalgar Square, where the square will be filled with English themed food stalls, workshops and live music. The whole city will be bustling with decorations in red and white, celebrating in traditional English style, one not to miss!
29th February - 29th April
Artist, Fred Butler explores the energy of chromotherapy in the New Gallery at Greenwich Peninsula. This interactive exhibit is free and allows visitors to experience light as a cure to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). He uses shape, colour, light, hearing, being and making in his exhibition to allow visitors to enjoy the moment. Headphones are supplied and visitors can ‘pop’ their heads into the healing spheres.
2nd April – 28th July
Bat out of Hell is a musical that was inspired by an album previously recorded by Meat Loaf will be running as of April in the Dominion Theatre in London. Director Jim Steinman returns with the story about star crossed lovers. The show was originally put on in 2017, however after extensive positive feedback is coming back for a second time this year. North West End stated that this show `changed the way musicals are staged forever`, a show for music lovers is not to be missed!
Easter Weekend at Blenheim Palace (Oxford)
30th March - 2nd April
A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, Blenheim Palace is the home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family and the birth place of Sir Winston Churchill. A UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting a long and diverse history.
Follow an over-sized Easter Egg Hunt throughout the ‘Capability’ Brown Parkland and Pleasure Gardens with some 8ft giant decorated eggs to find. Explore the grounds to seek out the special ‘Blenheim Egg’, note its location on your map and enter into a competition to win an Easter surprise.
3rd - 4th April
The festival includes live performances by leading local and international artists and workshops for children and the general public. DRAWin links and explores the connection between mark making, music, dance, and theater. This art practice is perfect for children and young performers who can express themselves in the most natural way and find the activity very liberating. Kids can find a sense of achievement from participating in this creative and rewarding environment.
7th April - 5th May - 9th June
A series of 3 events taking place one Saturday per month, from April to June, with a different theme each month. April one is "Accidentally Vegan". featuring a range of stalls carrying everything from local produce to handmade gifts, workshops, delicious street food, modern craft beer from The Pilcrow, with some of the best DJs the city has to offer bringing the tunes. Workshops held in collaboration with local design studio PLANT will reflect each month's theme.