By Maria Bregman
London is a city that never disappoints, and this weekend is no exception. Whether you are looking for culture, entertainment, food, or fun, you will find it in the capital this weekend. Here are some of the best events and activities that you can enjoy in London on February 16th and 18th, 2024.
Experience the Magic of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
If you are a fan of Harry Potter, you will not want to miss the chance to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the award-winning play that continues the story of the boy wizard and his friends. The play is based on an original story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany, and is divided into two parts, which can be seen on the same day or on consecutive days. The play follows Harry Potter, now a father of three and an employee of the Ministry of Magic, as he struggles with his past and his relationship with his son, Albus, who has to deal with the legacy of his famous name. The play is full of surprises, twists, and magic, and features stunning performances, costumes, and special effects. The play is showing at the Palace Theatre, and tickets are available online or at the box office.
Celebrate Chinese New Year in Style
London is home to the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside Asia, and this year is no exception. On Sunday, February 18th, you can join the festivities that will take over the West End, from Chinatown to Trafalgar Square. The day will start with a colourful and lively parade, featuring lions, dragons, and floats, that will wind its way through the streets. Then, you can head to Trafalgar Square for a spectacular show of music, dance, and martial arts, as well as a speech by the Mayor of London and a fireworks finale. You can also explore the various zones around the area, such as the family zone in Leicester Square, where you can enjoy arts and crafts, dressing up, and storytelling, or the food zone in Shaftesbury Avenue, where you can sample delicious Chinese cuisine from street stalls and restaurants. Don’t miss the chance to experience the rich and vibrant culture of China in the heart of London.
Discover the Best New Films at the BAFTA Awards
The BAFTA Awards, the British equivalent of the Oscars, announced their winners on Sunday, February 18th, 2024, in a ceremony that was held at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The awards celebrated the best of British and international cinema, and recognised the achievements and talents of the filmmakers and actors. The ceremony was hosted by Graham Norton, a comedian and TV presenter, and featured various presenters and performers, such as Olivia Colman, Daniel Kaluuya, Billie Eilish, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
The big winner of the night was Nomadland, a drama film that follows a woman who lives as a nomad in the American West, after losing everything in the Great Recession. The film won four awards, including Best Film, Best Director for Chloe Zhao, Best Actress for Frances McDormand, and Best Cinematography for Joshua James Richards. The film also made history, as Zhao became the first woman of colour and the second woman ever to win the BAFTA for Best Director.
Other notable winners included Promising Young Woman, a dark comedy thriller that tackles the issue of sexual assault, which won two awards, including Best British Film and Best Original Screenplay for Emerald Fennell; The Father, a drama film that depicts the effects of dementia, which won two awards, including Best Actor for Anthony Hopkins and Best Adapted Screenplay for Florian Zeller and Christopher Hampton; and Soul, an animated film that explores the meaning of life, which won two awards, including Best Animated Film and Best Original Score for Jon Batiste, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.
The BAFTA Awards also honoured the achievements and contributions of some of the legends of the film industry, such as Ang Lee, who received the BAFTA Fellowship, the highest honour of the academy; and Chadwick Boseman, who received a posthumous tribute for his inspiring and influential career.
You can watch the ceremony on BBC One, or catch up on the highlights online. You can also check out some of the nominated films at various cinemas across London, or stream them on platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+.
Enjoy the Best of London’s Culture, Food, and Fun
Of course, these are not the only things to do in London this weekend. You can also enjoy the best of London’s culture, food, and fun, by visiting some of the amazing attractions, museums, galleries, restaurants, bars, and parks that the city has to offer. Here are some of the suggestions that you can try:
- Visit the Grant Museum of Zoology, which has reopened after undergoing a £300,000 refurbishment. The museum is one of the oldest and most fascinating natural history museums in the UK, and it displays more than 68,000 specimens of animals, from skeletons and fossils, to skins and jars. You can marvel at the weird and wonderful creatures, such as the dodo, the quagga, and the jar of moles, and learn about the history and science of zoology.
- Watch a play at the National Theatre, which has a range of shows to suit different tastes and moods. You can watch Till the Stars Come Down, a beautifully observed drama about a trio of sisters from Mansfield, who face the challenges and changes of the 1980s; Legion, a historical thriller about a Roman soldier who uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the empire; or The Ocean at the End of the Lane, a magical and moving adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s novel, about a boy who discovers a hidden world of witches and monsters.
- Eat at one of the new restaurants that have opened in London, such as The Deli at The Connaught, a chic and cosy spot that serves delicious sandwiches, salads, pastries, and coffee, with ingredients sourced from the hotel’s own farm; The Ivy Asia, a glamorous and exotic venue that offers a menu of Asian-inspired dishes, such as black truffle roast duck, wagyu beef tataki, and chocolate bento box, as well as a stunning decor of gold, jade, and red lanterns; or The Cheese Barge, a floating restaurant that celebrates all things cheese, from fondue and raclette, to grilled cheese and macaroni, with a view of the canal and the city.
- Drink at one of the new bars that have opened in London, such as The Blind Phoenix, a Harry Potter-themed speakeasy that serves magical cocktails, such as Butterbeer, Polyjuice Potion, and Firewhisky, as well as themed snacks, such as chocolate frogs, Bertie Bott’s beans, and cauldron cakes; The Alchemist, a science-themed bar that offers molecular mixology, such as bubble baths, colour-changing drinks, and smoking concoctions, as well as a menu of burgers, pizzas, and salads; or The Bletchley, a spy-themed bar that challenges you to crack codes and solve puzzles, using vintage machines and gadgets, to create your own personalised cocktails.
- Have fun at one of the new attractions that have opened in London, such as The London Dungeon Lates, a night-time version of the popular attraction that takes you on a journey through the dark and gruesome history of London, with live actors, special effects, and scares; The Crystal Maze Live Experience, a recreation of the iconic TV show that tests your physical and mental skills, as you navigate through four themed zones, collecting crystals and winning prizes; or The Slide at the ArcelorMittal Orbit, a thrilling ride that takes you down the UK’s tallest sculpture, at speeds of up to 15mph, with twists and turns, and a spectacular view of the city.
There is so much to see and do in London this weekend, that you will never be bored or disappointed. Whether you are looking for culture, entertainment, food, or fun, you will find it in the capital this weekend. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets, make your reservations, and plan your itinerary, and enjoy the best that London has to offer.
