10 London Events to Avoid the Blues This January

We all know how deflated we can get after the excitement of Christmas and New Year has passed, so we’ve compiled a list of events taking place this January around London to keep up the festive spirit.

 

Winter Lights Festival

A fun night out to see something extraordinary comes in the form of the Winter Lights festival in Canary Wharf, where you can wander Canada Square to view more than 30 sculptures, dazzling structures and installations, and luminous projections from all different types of light technology. And the best part, the event is free!

The festival starts at 5pm and will run until 10pm, with highlights from artists Venividimuliplex and ENESS. Plus, many more global artists will be there to present their works, with some being interactive or performance pieces. Whether you’re an art lover looking for inspiration or a family looking for some free post-holiday fun, at the Winter Lights in Canary Wharf, everyone can get involved and explore the creative masterpieces.

The festival takes place from Tuesday 16th January to Saturday 27th January.

 

 

Cirque du Soleil’s Ovo

Want something exciting and unique? Like the idea of sitting on the edge of your seat? Cirque du Soleil are in London, at the Royal Albert Hall between the 7th January and 11th February, with their UK debut of their new show, Ovo.

Watch in awe as 50 cast members, including London’s very own gymnastics 2011 European champion, Alanna Baker, perform incredible acrobatics that will leave you gasping at their daring abilities.

Cirque du Soleil have performed for more than 5 million people worldwide and with international success, their performances are not to be missed.

 

 

London Boat Show

Something for the whole family, Excel London will be hosting the London Boat Show this month starting from Wednesday 10th January. The show offers great family fun with an indoor activity pool, where you and your family can try out kayaking, dinghy sailing and paddle boarding for free.

Just you interested? Explore over 300 stalls. Experience free water-sport classes or simply relax with a drink and listen to the live DJ. Whatever’s your style, enjoy a mingling with celebrity sportsmen, sportswomen, and yacht owners.

 

London Short Film Festival

Film lovers will enjoy this display of drama, comedy and documentaries as the festival welcomes its 15th year. From the UK’s best independent films to international movies, the London Short Film Festival will showcase a range of screenings, live music and workshops for those interested in filmmaking and directing. The event begins on Friday 12th January and runs to 21st January. After all, wasn’t Christmas all about binge watching television? Why ruin the habit now?

 

London Art Fair

Want to be engulfed by the creative world of art, photography and sculptures? Then you’re in luck. The London Art Fair, which will be banding over 100 galleries artworks together for its 30th edition, is the ultimate event for art lovers. Whether you’re a collector or you simply love art, the fair will be at the Business Design Centre in London from the 17th to the 21st January.

 

Lumiere London

If you missed the Winter Lights Festival in Canary Wharf, don’t worry, as Lumiere London is in town from the 18th to the 21st January. Produced by Artichoke and commissioned by the mayor of London, Lumiere brings artists from all over to the streets of London where open space, local and iconic buildings become pieces of extraordinary art.

Starting as a one-off event in Durham back in 2009, Lumiere is coming to both north and south areas of London, crossing the river Thames. With popular areas such as Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Mayfair and Victoria, Londoners can travel easy by train with stations right in the centre of the event.

 

Burns Night in London

More of a literature person? Burns Night celebrates the life and work of Scottish poet and lyricist, Robert Burns. Events are usually hosted on or around the 25th January to mark the poet’s birthday. Normally a night for traditional music, dinner and a drop or two of Scottish Whisky, you can enjoy the traditional Scottish culture in London city. Enjoy bagpipes, poetry reading and toasts with Scottish whisky at London’s best whisky bars.

 

Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella

A new take on a fairy-tale classic. Matthew Bourne’s dance production is at Sadler’s Wells for a unique performance of Cinderella, set in London during the second World War. With the traditional roles of the cinder-girl and prince replaced by a Londoner and a RAF pilot, the ballet is performed to music composed by Prokofeiv.

Be swept away by the dazzling sets, beautiful music and characterisation of a timeless tale. Performances run up until the 27th January.

 

Skate at Somerset House

Not over the ice skating events held at the end of last year? Want to continue the post-Christmas festivities, or you simply enjoy ice-skating and fancy a day out? Somerset House is the place you need to go. Running up until this weekend, you can skate on a beautiful outdoor rink all day or skate to live music. Get the family involved with Skate School and the Polar Cub Club, who help master your skills on the ice. The only downside to this event is it ends this Sunday, so entrance may be limited.

 

Hogwarts in the Snow at Warner Bros.

Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

Ok, who can resist Harry Potter? Especially when it involves snow and magic. Alright, Christmas may be over, but we can still let our inner child free sometimes.

With Christmas trees in the Great Hall and a festive feast to match the scenes in the movie, this is a perfect day out for you, friends and family to enjoy the magic of the season.

The top section of the hall is even open for you to check out the Yule Ball preparations and an orchestra of magical instruments.  And the tour doesn’t stop there, you can explore Harry Potter’s common room and take a look at props, costumes and models that featured in the films. Available until the 28th January, this is truly an event that brings the magic of the season to life.

 

 

Organising your own event?

Planning an event isn’t easy. The key is not to panic. Easier said than done, we know, but the more ahead of the game you are, the less stressed you are.

Preparation for an event can be tedious and it is often the little factors that come to light last minute. Don’t be in a panic this January and forward plan your year’s events. The first winter festival begins in March and we’re gearing up for the rest to follow.

Wristbands can be used for a whole range of purposes, from entry bands to tabbed drinks-bands, or festival wristbands. We’ve also had an increase in wedding wristbands, especially in our fabric ranges, which you can design on our website yourself or contact our sales team here for our graphics department to create a digital proof for you.

All our wristbands and lanyards can be designed online or by our highly skilled graphics team, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. For specific details on our artwork requirements, click here. For information on our delivery times, please check our website to make sure you can rest easy we can get your order process, produced and presented to you in plenty of time for your big day.