Exciting Events on the Horizon: “Unveiling the Must-Attend Events”

Providing endless entertainment, laughter, and sometimes family feuds and inevitable tears during the festive period, games can be a fantastic way to create lasting memories with friends and family. Whether it’s playing traditional board games, hosting a friendly sports competition, or even trying out new virtual games together, the festive season provides a perfect opportunity to bond and make unforgettable moments. There are so many fun activities to participate in and enjoy this season down to music and art. Find out more here in Exciting Events on the Horizon: “Unveiling the Must-Attend Events”

Image on the left Winter Wildflower and Vessel by Justine Smith

According to research, 8 out of 10 families play board games over the festive period, 72% of adults believe that playing them boosts their mood, and 83% agree that it helps them disconnect from technology and social media. For those seeking a truly memorable gaming experience this holiday season, look no further than Draughts, where nostalgia meets innovation in the heart of the city.

Standard checkers set by Jud McCranie

A mecca for board game enthusiasts, Draughts offers the most extensive collection of board games under one roof, ranging from classic favourites to modern gems. In addition to providing the perfect atmosphere to unwind and indulge, Draughts also presents a selection of board games available for purchase the perfect gift for a traditional gamer.

Advent Calendar by Jo Malone London

Are you a lover of advent calendars? look no further, Jo Malone London got you this festive season as they return with a classic, festive design to add a little extra razzle-dazzle to December. Get set for Christmas with the British fragrance & lifestyle house’s classic countdown, filled with 25 surprises.

For adventure and unforgettable moments, it is time you come down to Jo Malone London’s immersive Christmas Special and discover the gold-toned pop-up in a corner of Covent Garden. Visitors can step through the entrance framed by presents piled high, try their luck with a prize wheel to see what they could win before stepping onto the set for a photo moment to share with friends and family. This would be running from 31st October to 24th of November so you still have all the time in the world to run down to Covent Garden. It will then relocate to St James Quarter in Edinburgh from 5th December to 15th December to add some extra razzle-dazzle.

Now if it’s beauty and fragrance you love then you are in luck. Sephora will continue their UK expansion at Bluewater this year, the brand has announced that their new store will be opening on Wednesday 27th November.

Hydration and Glow set by Sephora

This new store location will mark Sephora’s seventh store opening since the retailer’s launch into the UK in 2022. Like all Sephora stores, customers at the Bluewater location will be able to shop from an incredible selection of expertly curated, ground-breaking local and global brands that have disrupted the beauty industry across makeup, travel, fragrance, skincare, haircare, grooming and wellness categories. This is your chance to shop like never before at Sephora in Bluewater.

If you are more about classic cars than classic red lipstick then also exciting news is that Rolls-Royce will be releasing the Phantom Goldfinger, a one-of-one masterpiece that pays homage to the 1964 James Bond film, Goldfinger, one of twelve Rolls-Royce appearances in the 007 film franchise. The car’s design includes an 18-carat gold bar, shaped into a ‘Speedform,’ exhibited in the centre console.

Images courtesy of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

It also offers picnic tables adorned with a 22-carat gold inlay, which features a fictional map of Fort Knox, the bullion depository where the United States gold reserves are stored. Further nods to the film include a gold-plated golf club integrated into the boot lid, referencing 007’s first encounter with Goldfinger, along with a harlequin umbrella into the boot, and a 007 logo projector.

If you prefer to get involved with things rather than just buy things then this may suit you more. Taking part in a few, mildly subversive, arts and craftsy sociable hours, chopping up money into flower forms to make one of these beautiful flowers is one out of many fun things to do with friends and family as the nights draw in with long winter evenings in London. Getting to work in a class where Justine Smith teaches you how to create flowers using real paper currency with step-by-step instructions to create a simple single-stem flower based on the charmingly named Winter Windflower, aka the Balkan Anemone or Grecian windflower.

Winter Wildflower and Vessel by Justine Smith

At the end of both classes you will have completed your own miniature floral sculpture to take away along with a great sense of achievement on creating a beautiful object with your own hands. No experience is necessary and all equipment will be provided, banknotes included. The Single stem Winter Windflower class
would be held on Wednesday 20th November from 6.30 – 8.45pm while the Winter Windflower and Vessel class will be held on Saturday 23rd November from 11.00 – 3.30pm and you can book your place today because spaces are limited.

Are you a film lover? Do you feel inspired by lesser-known new heroes on the screen? because as we approach the end of the year, 2024 Film London Jarman Award will be announcing its winner on the 25th of November as they joined forces with a range of guests for discussions, screenings and performance lectures prior to the announcement.

Composite of stills by the Film London Jarman Award 2024 shortlist (from top left to bottom right): Rosalind Nashashibi, The Invisible Worm (2024); Larry Achiampong, A Letter (Side B) (2023); Maryam Tafakory, Nazarbazi (2022); Melanie Manchot, Liquid Skin (2023); Sin Wai Kin, Dreaming the End (2022); Maeve Brennan, An Excavation (2022)

The award is presented in partnership with the Whitechapel Gallery and the Barbican and the programme would be running from Saturday 16 November at 11.20 am and Sunday 17 November from 11.20 am to 18.00

The Sarabande Foundation, a London based charity established by the late fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen. This foundation aims to support and empower young creatives in the art and design fields by providing scholarships, studio space, and mentorship programs. The foundation helps emerging talent to develop their skills and achieve their artistic ambitions.

Sarabande Foundation would be hosting and celebrating a couple of arts this season and this includes ‘The Vigil’ Where ‘Bears Who Care’ honour Julien, a soft sculpture in Tennessee. You would be seeing the collection for the first time at Hertford Road, N1 and you can get your tickets in advance, these 27 soft sculptures have a unique story, creating a space for emotional reflection. Dean Hoy revives old soft toys with love, culminating in “The Vigil”

Sarabande Foundation as their trademark is to support creative and visionary talent, would also be celebrating Campbell Addy, a British-Ghanaian artist, photographer and director who is known for his powerful exploration of identity on 20th of November at the same location as ‘The Vigil’.

Addy’s work has earned him international recognition, including the 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 and he collaborated with 180 Studios for his major solo exhibition, “I ︎Campbell”, in 2023, showcasing new images, original paintings and a short film shot in Ghana personal reflection on his roots. That same year, the British Fashion Council honoured him with the Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator. Tickets are selling faster, get yours today because you don’t want to miss out.

If you don’t want to stop learning during this festive season then this is your call to join Purpler Pr and Liberty London this November as they walk you through everything from setting clear goals to building an effective social media content plan.

You would be taught all about the dos and don’ts of social media and how to monetize your presence online. This training would be held on the 27th of NOVEMBER from 19:30 to 20:45 at Hertford Road, N1. Imagine ending the year with the knowledge of how you could make money just by using social media, you don’t want to miss it so don’t forget to book now.

For those that would rather see new exhibitions rather than study social media on holiday, there is photography exhibition coming up from 22nd of November till 3rd of December (Monday-Friday 11 am-5 pm, and Saturday-Sunday 10 am-5 pm) at The Handbag Factory, Vauxhall, London.

Aga and Yudit by Roman Manfredi

The exhibition features the work of four talented photographers who are  Hanna Ali,  Roman Manfredi, Violeta Sofia, and Paloma Tendero.

Their works explore black motherhood, equity and solidarity through a women’s/non-binary football team, sculptural scenes on health, illness, and well-being, and cultural narratives celebrating the aesthetics of Cameroon’s photographic heritage. You can reserve your spot at the Sarabane exhibitions for free now.

Symbols and Rituals by Violeta Sofia

Ahead of the EFG London Jazz Festival 2024 which starts 15 November to Sunday 24 November, the Barbican announces a new duo of Brick Lane Jazz Festival for 2025, presents “Dream Manifest” (15 Feb 2025), a unique evening led by US-based trumpeter extraordinaire, Theo Croker Bringing together an exploration of soundscapes, style and the global jazz community for a very special night.

EFG London Jazz Festival

Ticket ranges from £20. The Jazz at Lincoln Centre Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis presenting Marsalis’ new work, “The Democracy! Suite” (16 Mar 2025), is also happening at Barbican hall from 7.30pm and tickets range from £35.

Imagine the joy and laughter that awaits you this festive season! Picture yourself surrounded by the warmth of the holidays, engaging in fun activities that create unforgettable memories. Embrace the spirit of the season by joining us for exciting events and experiences that will surely make this festive period one to remember. Don’t miss out on the chance to indulge in the magic of the holidays and create special moments with your loved ones. Join us and let’s make this festive season truly remarkable.

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