SEE & DO
An auction at Sotheby’s (or Christie's)
— Who wouldn’t want to be in the room when a Monet is being sold? Even if you’re not bidding, feel the excitement. You don't have to be a registered bidder, visitors are welcome in showrooms and tours can also be arranged. See their calendar for auction dates. Their bi-annual sale of Old Master Painting will be held in July.
www.sothebys.com
Royal Albert Hall
— London’s most famous concert Hall offers a program of over 300 performances. See the website for monthly engagements. If you can’t take in a show, you can take a tour and visit the shop and restaurant.
8 January -2 February, 2009 Cirque du Soleil returns, book early!
www.royalalberthall.com
The Royal Opera House
— The 2008 calendar of Ballet, Opera and Dance is as impressive as ever. The Bolshoi Ballet returns after five years under the direction of Alexei Ratmansky from 19-7 August,
10 March - 4 August - Snapshots in Time : 150 years of Excellence
September Don Giovanni, October La Boheme.
Tosca, Don Carlo, Swan Lake, Spartacus, Don Quixote and that’s just in the first part of 2008.
See website for online bookings and performance times. There are also free lunchtime concerts each Monday from 1pm and Backstage tours.
Ballet - Swan Lake in October and some dates in February 2009. The Nutcracker in December and January 2009
Royal Ballet Masterclass 22 Sept, 23 Oct - a 'behind the scenes' close up look at the ballet rehearsal procees
See site for booking and programme times.
T: Convent Garden
www.roh.org.uk
Bow Street, London WC2E 9DD
Notting Hill Carnival
— One big famous street party for the young (and young at heart). This once small street party now rivals many a Carribean carnival. Lots of loud music. More importantly, its held to celebrate the diversity of West Indian community in London. See official website for more detials, well at least I think its official? August 29 - 30 in 2008. 2009 t.b.p
www.nottinghillcarnival.biz
Buckingham Palace Summer Opening
— Fans of royalty can sneak a look at the Queen's normally very private 'State Rooms' where dignitaries are still received today. This year the Grand ballroom will exhibit historical costumes worn at balls. Enjoy musical performances and admire a 500 year-old collection of royal paintings (Rembrandt & Rubens to mention a few) and some very exquisite French and English antiques. A glimpse at the life of the royals.
31 July - 29 September, Buckingham Palace of course.
Tube: Victoria Full entry £28.50
www.royal.gov.uk.
Bookings 020 77 66 7300
Tate Modern
— A wonderful day out for the whole family. The building alone (a former power station) is an art piece. A great permanent collection of modern art as well as too many temporary exhibitions to mention here, but see their website.
Open Sunday - Thursday 10am - 6pm
Francis Bacon - 11 Sept - 4 January 2009.
Rothko 26 September - 1 February 2009
There's a couple of cafes for snacks and a fine bistro style restaurant for those who'd like to spend a full day exploring the gallery.
T: Blackfriars or London Bridge
www.tate.org.uk
Bankside, London SE1 9TG
Fan Museum
— Any fans of fans? Described as the only museum in the world dedicated to the ancient art of the fan. You can also purchase replicates on museum pieces. Entry £4 children under 7 free or over 7 £3
www.fan-museum.org
20 Maresfield Gardens London NW3 5SX t: 0202 7435 2002
Imperial War Museum
— Detailed coverage of the Britain and the Commonwealth and particularly the 1st and 2nd World Wars. Learn about Britain's important war vessels the HMS Belfast, its fighters, tanks and other military vehicles. There's also a dedicated museum to the Cabinet War rooms of Churchill (situated at Clive Steps, King Charles Street)
Exhibitions: For your eyes only: Ian Fleming and James Bond. until 1 March 2009.
The Children's War until Jan 2010. Many others online.
www.iwm.org.uk
Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ t: +44 (0)20 7416 5320