All week
At time of writing, a large tube strike is planned for Tuesday and Thursday this week, with "major disruption" expected. Disruption could have a knock-on effect on Wednesday and Friday too, with all modes of public transport expected to be busier than usual — just something to bear in mind when planning your week.
LOCKDOWN PHOTOGRAPHY: Portrait photographer Katrina Campbell put her skills to use during the Covid-19 lockdown, and the results can be seen at free exhibition When We All Stayed At Home. It combines images and interviews with individuals, families and couples, all taken on their own doorsteps. Dugdale Centre (Enfield), free entry, just turn up, 27 February-6 March
ARCHIVING LGBTQ+ HISTORY: 40 key LGBTQ+ moments from London's history are celebrated and explored in this free exhibition. Protest banners used in the campaign against Section 28; a truncheon seized at a demo by Mark Ashton, founder of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners; a poster promoting the UK's first national conference of black gay men all feature. The Curve (Barbican), free, just turn up, 28 February-21 March
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH: March is Women's History Month, when the often-overlooked achievements of women, and women who have fought for their right to be recognised, are celebrated. Keep an eye out for special events throughout the month, including those we've highlighted. 1-31 March
LAL: New play Lal debuts this week. It's set in the East End, and tells the story of the women who kept the capital ticking over while London's men were off fighting in the war. Lal herself struggles with domestic abuse, while the country at large faces the threat of war. Hen & Chickens Theatre (Islington), £12.50, book ahead, 1-5 March
JEWISH BOOK WEEK: The bulk of Jewish Book Week events take place this week, celebrating Jewish authors and stories in many forms. Highlights include an online event looking at the likelihood that American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton was Jewish, and a look back at the world 70 years ago, in 1952. Various locations and prices, book ahead, until 6 March
PUB POD: The London Eye transforms one of its pods into an 'Irish pub' this week, allowing you to sip Jameson whiskey and craft beer while enjoying heady views of the city. £57.50 pp, including two drinks and fast track entry, book ahead, until 5 June
LAST CHANCE EXHIBITIONS: These exhibitions are all in their final week:
- LYDIA CHAN: NOW Gallery isn't shy about hosting colourful exhibitions, and Your Ship Has Landed is one of them. Lydia Chan focuses on the bubbly fantastical side of science fiction, at a time when science is filled with doom and gloom. NOW Gallery (Greenwich Peninsula, free entry, book ahead, until 6 March
- ORCHIDS: Kew Gardens' celebration of the orchid species of Costa Rica adds a splash of colour to the Princess of Wales Conservatory, with a calendar of events including yoga classes and late-night openings to accompany the floral displays. Kew Gardens, included in admission, until 6 March
- GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY: While you're at Kew for orchids, check out the International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition, full of shots of plants and wildlife from gardens around the world. Kew Gardens, included in admission, until 6 March
- BEANO: "Chaotic perfection" is how our reviewer described Beano: The Art of Breaking Rules at Somerset House. It celebrates the comic strip in all its rebellious glory with original artworks, merchandise, and an insight into how Beano has inspired other creatives. Somerset House, £16/£12.50, book ahead, until 6 March
Monday 28 February
CORAL REEFS: Hear from marine ecology expert Professor Nick Graham about the problems faced by coral reefs as the planet warms. How are coral reefs changing, what influences it, and what has research in this area uncovered so far? Barnard's Inn Hall (Holborn) or online, free, book ahead, 6pm-7pm
CLASSIC JAZZ: Music from Miles Davis' Kind Of Blue, John Coltrane's Giant Steps and Ornette Coleman's The Shape Of Jazz To Come are on the bill at this live show, which remembers 1959, one of the finest years for jazz. Ronnie Scott's (Soho), £35-£50, book ahead, 6pm
DRAG SYNDROME: Spend an evening with Drag Syndrome, the world's first drag act featuring drag queens and kings with Down's Syndrome. Hear the stories behind the group, before Justin Bond, Nikita Gold, Divina Starr, and Lady Mercury of Drag Syndrome put on a show. The Standard London (King's Cross), free, book ahead, 6.30pm
MARVELLOUS MOTHS: Moths may not immediately spring to mind when you think about the Royal Parks, but the latest Winter Warmers event is a chance to learn about the species which inhabit the parks, and the vital role they play in the ecosystem. Online event, free, book ahead, 6.30pm-7.30pm
GEORGIAN LODGINGS: It's a scenario that's familiar to many modern-day Londoners. Historian Dr Gillian Williamson talks about how a newcomer to Georgian London found a room and what life was like in a crowded house shared with strangers who were there to subsidise the household budget. Online event, free, book ahead, 6.30pm-7.30pm
Tuesday 1 March
PANCAKE DAY: March is off to a strong start, as today is Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day. Have yourself a tossing good time at one of London's best pancake restaurants, or peruse our list of vegan and gluten-free pancakes in London.
ST DAVID'S DAY: Whether you're a Welsh person in London, or just an avid fan of all things from England's western neighbour, check out our guide to being Welsh in London, and find a little slice of Cymru just in time for St David's Day.
PANCAKE RACE: City of London's annual pancake race is back at Leadenhall Market. Sign up now to take part in the 20m course across the market's cobbles, tossing a pancake as you go. Or, take the easy way out and head for the Lamb Tavern, where the first 100 people receive a free pancake. Leadenhall Market, free, register in advance, 12pm
GAY SEX DOCUMENTARY: To mark its 30th anniversary, Barbican Cinema hosts a rare screening of landmark gay sex ed documentary, The Gay Man’s Guide to Safer Sex. It's followed by a discussion about its legacy, with producer Tony Carne, Terrence Higgins Trust Campaigns Director Richard Angell, and curator Selina Robertson. Barbican Cinema, £12, book ahead, 6.30pm
GHOSTS OF SENATE HOUSE: London Fortean Society is back, to discuss strange goings-on in the capital. This time, Sarah Sparkes covers her research into the ghosts of London landmark Senate House, Robert Stephenson (London Earth Mysteries) discusses the curious case of ley lines and London, and host Scott Wood shares a top five of 'fortean fings in south east London'. The Miller (Borough), £5, book ahead, 7.30pm
Wednesday 2 March
ELIZABETH'S RIVAL: Ever heard of Lettice Knollys? She was the Countess of Leicester, and one of the most prominent women of the Elizabethan era. Hear from historian and researcher Dr Nicola Tallis, who's just written a book about Knollys, about her tumultuous life inside and outside the royal court, via scandals of affairs, murder and treason. Online event, £3, book ahead, 6.30pm
MATRIARCHS: One of our picks for Women's History Month, Royal Museums Greenwich hosts an online screening of Matriarchs, a film about the meeting between Grace O'Malley — known as Ireland's 'Pirate Queen' — and Queen Elizabeth I at Greenwich Palace in 1593. Online event, £10, book ahead, 6.30pm
MOON WITCH, SPIDER KING: Fantasy author Marlon James has been praised as creating worlds "as well realised as anything Tolkien made" (by Neil Gaiman no less). Tonight, James is in conversation with Ekow Eshun about the second book in his Dark Star Trilogy, as well as the tradition of African mythology, fantasy and history. Southbank Centre (Waterloo), £15-£25, book ahead, 7.30pm
NATIONAL TREASURES: Hear the story of how a group of heroic curators and eccentric custodians saved Britain’s national heritage during the second world war. Author and historian Dr Caroline Shenton talks about how stately homes, tube tunnels, slate mines, castles, prisons and quarries were among the locations used to stow priceless artworks in the summer of 1939. Online event, free, book ahead, 7.30pm
GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL: Making a brief foray down south, the first of three Glasgow Film Festival screenings in London takes place today. Watch The Outfit, about an English tailor who ends up working in Chicago, where his most loyal customers are a clan of gangsters. The screening is followed by a pre-recorded talk with Mark Rylance and director Graham Moore. Barbican Cinema, £12, book ahead, 8.30pm
Thursday 3 March
POSTWAR MODERN: Barbican Art Gallery opens a new exhibition, Postwar Modern, looking at the art produced in Britain in the aftermath of the second world war. 200 works by 48 artists, spanning painting, sculpture, photography and more all feature. Barbican, £18, book ahead, 3 March-26 June
REVOLUTIONARY DECADE: 1649-1660 was Britain's only decade as a republic. Find out what life was like, and which big changes took place, during that time, as told by historian Dr Anna Keay. Barnard's Inn Hall (Holborn) or online, free, book ahead, 1pm
CLASSIC ALBUMS: Classic Album Sundays are not just for Sundays, apparently, as the event — which tells the stories behind the albums that have shaped our culture and our lives — has a Thursday airing. Host Colleen Murphy talks to Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys, who together make up Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, and have been working together for over 40 years. British Library or online, £16, book ahead, 7.30pm
YAO BOBBY & SIMON GRAB: Togolese rapper/political activist Yao Bobby and self-professed 'Swiss noisemaker' Simon Grab have teamed up to create the album WUM. Hear them play tracks from their experimental hip-hop album, live. Cafe OTO (Dalston), £14, book ahead, 7.30pm
FOURPURE COMEDY: Tom Ward, Vittorio Angelone, Josh Jones, Charlie George, and Don Biswas all appear at tonight's Fourpure Nice N' Spiky comedy night. Fourpure pints are £4.50 all night, so get there in plenty of time to hit the bar before you take a seat. Paradise By Way of Kensal Green, from £12.50, book ahead, 8pm
Friday 4 March
MOUNTBATTEN FESTIVAL: The Massed Bands of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, perform over two nights at the Royal Albert Hall for the Mountbatten Festival of Music, offering the public a chance to see the versatility of some of the military's finest musicians. Royal Albert Hall, £20-£63, book ahead, 4-5 March
BARNES MUSIC FESTIVAL: It's the 10th anniversary edition of Barnes Music Festival, a programme of choral, instrumental, orchestral, opera, jazz and film events at venues across SW13. Local talent and international performers are all celebrated, and it all begins tonight with a celebration of the bells of St Mary's Church, which have been ringing for 500 years. Various locations and prices, book ahead, 4-20 March
ROYAL PHOTOS: The British Royal Family’s enduring relationship with the camera is explored in new exhibition, Life Through A Royal Lens. It reaches back to photography's infancy in the days of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, continuing right through until the present day. Kensington Palace, included in admission (£20 adult), book ahead, 4 March-30 October
CITY OF WOMEN: Another of our picks for International Women's Day, hear from a team of researchers at UCL who have put together the City of Women map, an alternative tube map where stations are given the names of remarkable female or non-binary Londoners who have had an impact on the city’s history. Online event, free, book ahead, 11am-12pm
LANTERN PARADE: Illuminate Rotherhithe and Bermondsey is a pair of lantern processions through the respective areas, which join up in Southwark Park, for a celebration with live music and free food. The theme this year is trees. Free to attend, processions depart from Mayflower Hall, Rotherhithe and St James’s Church, Bermondsey at 5.30pm
Saturday 5 March
WORLD BOOK DAY: Camden Market celebrates World Book Day with a weekend of family-friendly events, including authors Konnie Huq and Nicholas Allan reading from their books on board a barge. Restaurants across the area have created limited edition menu items inspired by children's books, and there are literary-inspired creative workshops too. Camden Market, some events free, others have a charge, book ahead, 5-6 March
CRAFTY FOX: This brilliant craft market returns to Mercato Metropolitano, offering handmade crafts including pottery, t shirts, jewellery and scented candles. Why not get your Mother's Day gifts early this year. Mercato Metropolitano (Elephant and Castle), free entry, just turn up, 11am-5pm
STUMBLE: There are four sets from up-and-coming buskers, plus live doodling from a sketch artist, at Stumble — a one-day event celebrating the local area's artistic talents, as well as it's great food and drink scene. The Hatch (Homerton), £5 online or £8 on the door, 12pm-6pm
CAMELLIA TALK: There's a lot more to the humble camellia than most people realise — learn about its uses in art, medicine, religion, horticulture, trade and social behaviour at a special talk as part of the wider Camellia Festival. Chiswick House and Gardens, £10, book ahead, 3pm
RIOT GRRLS: Smashing gender stereotypes and showing everyone what it really looks like to 'fight like a girl', EVE - Riot Grrrls of Wrestling returns to Signature Brew's east London brewery. Among admirers of these raucous events are Kate Nash and Kathy Burke. Signature Brew (Walthamstow), £22.03-£27.39, book ahead, 7.30pm-10.30pm
LONDON SONGS: Barbican hosts an homage to London through song, co-curated by songwriter Chris Difford, and DJ and presenter Nihal Arthanayake, and performed by a myriad of musicians. From music halls to punk to rock and grime, hear how London has been immortalised in music, in a special event to mark Barbican's 40th birthday. Barbican Hall, £22.50-£30, book ahead, 8pm
Sunday 6 March
FROCK ME!: Refresh your wardrobe, at Frock Me! Vintage Fair's largest event for 2022. Browse clothes and accessories from over 60 traders, with items dating back to the 1920s. It's not uncommon for branded items such as Chanel and Biba to make an appearance, so keep your eyes peeled. Kensington Town Hall, from £5, book ahead, from 11am
GREEK MYTHS: Storytelling legends Crick Crack Club rock up at the British Museum for an afternoon of Greek mythology. Atalanta is the story of a remarkable virgin hunter and devotee of Artemis who doesn’t want to have anything to do with men, told by storyteller Ben Haggarty. Age 16+. British Museum, £10, book ahead, 2.30pm
SUNDAY CONCERTS: Young musicians Callum Smart, Ben Goldscheider and Richard Uttley join forces to perform Conway Hall's Sunday Concert, a performance which culminates in Brahms’ trio for horn, violin and piano, written to commemorate the death of the his mother. Conway Hall (Holborn) or online, £10-£14, book ahead, 6.30pm
DOCTOR JEKYLL: See historical performer Cara Hamilton bring the story of The Curious Case of Dr Jeyll and Mr Hyde to life in a talk and performance inside a former operating theatre. Expect an evening of nightmarish monsters, witches, devil worshipers, robbers, spiritualism and more. Standard Sunday night, then. The Old Operating Theatre (London Bridge), £20, book ahead, 7pm
DIRT ROAD BAND: Stripped down, back to basics blues is the name of the game with trio Dirt Road Band. They know their onions, too; between them they've played in The Specials, Badfinger and Dr. Feelgood. The Half Moon (Putney), £15, book ahead, 8pm
Urban oddity of the week
As Barnes Music Festival approaches (see Friday), we're reminded of the area's most famous — and tragic — musical connection. It was here, in 1977, that glam-rock pioneer Marc Bolan lost his life after the car in which he was a passenger hit a tree. A shrine dedicated to his memory soon sprung up on Queen's Ride, where the accident happened. It is well looked after by fans, and regularly decorated with flowers, garlands and other tributes.
Good cause of the week
One of London's many excellent environmental projects returns on Sunday 27 February, as Plastic Free Hackney seeks volunteers to help remove litter from the area. You're encouraged to prebook and wear waterproofs. If that's too short notice, then make a note that the scheme runs on every last Sunday of the month, and you can book ahead for March, April and beyond.
