Winter in the City brochure - the City of London Corporation

Events guide sponsor
WIN!
a shopping spree
at One New Change
£500 of gift cards up for grabs

Winter in the City
The City of London knows how to do Christmas
– from festive markets and special shopping
events to carol services at its many historic
churches, this is the place to be for seasonal
merriment.
There are new exhibitions at major gallery
spaces, plenty to keep kids busy during the
holidays and walks and talks for those looking
to learn about this historic area.
For more events and information on the
City go to www.visitthecity.co.uk or visit our
City Information Centre by St Paul’s Cathedral,
where friendly multi-lingual staff are ready to
help you plan your days out:
City of London Information Centre
St Paul’s Churchyard
London EC4M 8BX
@visitthecity
www.facebook.com/visitthecity
www.flickr.com/people/visitthecity
Front cover, clockwise from top left The Happy Prince at Bridewell
Theatre, p16; Underground, Overground talk at Guildhall Library, p19;
Ice at the Tower, p13; image from Everything Was Moving exhibition
at the Barbican, p3.
The Flickr logo is reproduced with permission of Yahoo! Inc. ©2012 Yahoo! Inc. FLICKR and
the FLICKR logo are registered trademarks of Yahoo! Inc. The information in this leaflet has
been researched and compiled in good faith and checked as thoroughly as possible with
the relevant sources. It is correct to the best of the publisher’s knowledge at the time of
printing (October 2012) and the publisher cannot accept any liability for errors and omissions
howsoever caused. No payment was either solicited or accepted for inclusion of entries on all
pages of this brochure except those owned by Land Securities as part of their sponsorship
package (pages 10, 11 and 20) and it does not claim to be fully comprehensive.
2 www.visitthecity.co.uk

ART AND EXHIBITIONS
Left to right
Roman Standard
by Tracey Emin,
2005 at the Great
St Helen’s Sculpture
Space, below; figure
sketch from John
Bartlett: London
Sublime at Guildhall
Art Gallery, p4.
Cities of the Modern Games
Ongoing
Tower Bridge Exhibition, Tower Bridge Road SE1 2UP
See this photographic celebration of the Olympic host cities
from the last 116 years, showcased inside the high level
walkways of the most famous bridge in the world.
When daily 9.30am-5pm
Admission included in general admission – £8; concs £5.60;
children £3.40; under 5s free
www.towerbridge.org.uk T 020 7403 3761
Great St Helen’s: Sculpture Space
Ongoing (sculptures subject to change)
Around Leadenhall Street, St Mary Axe, Great St Helen’s and
Undershaft EC3
Wander near some of the City’s most eye-catching architecture
(the Gherkin, Tower 42 and the Lloyd’s Building) and see
artworks on street by world-famous sculptors including
Tracey Emin, Julian Opie and Michael Craig Martin.
FREE to view anytime
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/sculpturepark
Workhouse
Until 10 January
London Metropolitan Archives, 40 Northampton Road EC1R 0HB
Dickens created the view of the 19th-century workhouse system
in his novel Oliver Twist – and the London Metropolitan Archives
is a rich source of history of the period. This small but fascinating
display includes Charles Booth’s famous Descriptive Map of
London Poverty, photography and a timeline of the history of
the poor law.
When Mon 9.30am-4.45pm; Tue-Thu 9.30am-7.30pm
(open Sat 8 Dec & 12 Jan but closed for stocktaking 1-19 Nov)
FREE
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma T 020 7332 3820
Everything Was Moving: Photography from the 60s and 70s
Until 13 January
Barbican Art Gallery, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS
Fans of photography should not miss this major exhibition
of images taken during the 60s and 70s. There are over 400
works on display by artists including Bruce Davidson, William
Eggleston, Malick Sidibé and Li Zhensheng.
When daily 11am-8pm (Wed until 6pm, Thu until 10pm)
Admission: £12; concs £8; 13-17 years £7 – online discounts apply
www.barbican.org.uk/art T 020 7638 8891
www.visitthecity.co.uk 3

ART AND EXHIBITIONS
John Bartlett: London Sublime
Until 20 January
Guildhall Art Gallery, Guildhall Yard
EC2V 5AE
Major mid-career show of work by
John Bartlett, whose narrative paintings
expose the paranoia of modern urban
life, capturing the underlying tensions,
and also the beauties, of contemporary
London. Throughout the show the artist
will be creating a large wall drawing
4 www.visitthecity.co.uk
On Sunday
20 January
(12-4pm) entry
to the exhibition is
FREE all day – meet
the artist and see
the finished wall
drawing.
on the subject of the 2011 riots entitled Rise of the Invisible.
When Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 12-4pm
Admission £5; concs £3 (the permanent collection is free
to view)
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/guildhallartgallery T 020 7332 3700
Random International: Rain Room
Until 3 March
The Curve, Barbican, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS
Highly anticipated new commission in which intrepid visitors are
invited to make their own way through a room of rainfall. The
serious message behind the fun? A reminder of the planet’s
growing scarcity of water.
When daily 11am-8pm (Thu 11am-10pm)
FREE
www.barbican.org.uk/artgallery T 020 7638 8891
Doctors, Dissection and Resurrection Men
Until 14 April
Museum of London, 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN
Fascinating (if gruesome!) exhibition exploring the early
19th century history of human dissection and the trade in
dead bodies. It brings together human and animal remains,
anatomical models and drawings, historical documents
and original artefacts, and examines the shadowy practices
prompted by a growing demand for corpses. Recommended
for ages 12 and over. Exhibition curator, Jelena Bekvalac,
gives a free talk on 28 November at 1pm and there is a free
screening of The Bodysnatcher (PG) on 2 Dec at 2pm
(booking advisable via website).
When daily 10am-6pm
Admission £9; concs £7
www.museumoflondon.org.uk/dissection T 020 7001 9844
The Worshipful Company of the Bowyers
14 January to 28 March
Guildhall Library, Aldermanbury EC2V 7HH
One of the City’s Livery companies, the Bowyers (the makers
of bows, as in bows and arrows!) lends its collection to the
Guildhall Library for this exhibition showcasing items from the
rare to the curious, the ancient to the modern.
When Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm
FREE
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/guildhalllibrary T 020 7332 1870

FAMILY
There’s plenty of family fun to be had at the Cheapside
Shopping Day on 1 December! See p14 for details.
Lord Mayor’s Show face painting
10 November
Bank of England Museum, Bartholomew Lane EC2R 8AH
Face painters bring Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad to life.
Professional make-up artists will turn young visitors into the
well-known characters from The Wind in the Willows by
Kenneth Grahame, a former Secretary of the Bank of England.
When 11am-5pm (last entry 4.30pm)
FREE
www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum T 020 7601 5545
Dick Whittington
10 November
St Paul’s Cathedral, St Paul’s Churchyard EC4M 8AD
A special family show in honour of the Lord Mayor’s Show
today (see p12). The rags to riches tale of Dick Whittington is
performed with organ and percussion accompaniment. St
Paul’s is open for free today too – see p12.
When 1pm, 2pm & 3pm
FREE
www.stpaulscathedral.org.uk T 020 7246 8357
LSO Discovery Fridays: Lunchtime Concert
16 November
Jerwood Hall, LSO St Luke’s, 161 Old Street EC1V 9NG
Presenter Rachel Leach focuses on the brass section of an
orchestra at this free event for ages from 5+. Features LSO
Principals and students from the LSO Brass Academy.
When 12.30pm
FREE
www.lso.co.uk T 020 7638 8891
Unleashed
23-24 November
Barbican Theatre, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS
A high energy urban explosion for all the family, featuring the hip
hop dance talent of Boy Blue Entertainment’s Da Bratz and Bluez,
plus the Barbican’s young poets, film-makers and musicians.
When 7.15pm; also at 2.30pm on 24 Nov
Admission £12.50
www.barbican.org.uk/theatre T 020 7638 8891
Left to right Lord Mayor’s
Show face painting at the
Bank of England Museum,
above; Discovery Fridays
and Concert for Under-5s
at LSO St Luke’s, above
and p6.
www.visitthecity.co.uk 5

FAMILY
Concert for Under-5s
23 November
Jerwood Hall, LSO St Luke’s, 161 Old Street EC1V 9NG
Vanessa King and LSO musicians invite you on a magical musical
journey. Who knows what you’ll meet along the way – dancing
giraffes, singing bears, angry trolls or greedy crocodiles?
When 12.30pm
Admission £3; babies under 1 free
www.lso.co.uk T 020 7638 8891
Characters from history: Meet a Roman Londoner &
Meet Charles Dickens
2 December & 16 December
Museum of London, 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN
Two special children’s events. At the first (2 Dec), kids can
discover what London was like 2,000 years ago. At the second
(16 Dec), they’ll hear about some of the plots of his most
famous novels and explain the characters in them. For ages 5+.
When 1-1.30pm, 2-2.30pm & 3-3.30pm both dates
FREE
www.museumoflondon.org.uk T 020 7001 9844
Gallery Sunday: Saturnalia
2 December
Guildhall Art Gallery, Guildhall Yard EC2V 5AE
A day of art and craft activities inspired by the winter festivals
of the classical world. Includes object handling in the remains
of London’s Roman Amphitheatre. Suitable for all the family.
When 12-4pm
FREE (suggested donation £1 for materials)
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/guildhallartgallery T 020 7332 3700
Medieval Christmas
15-23 December
Tower of London EC3N 4AB
Join King Edward I and his court as they prepare for Christmas
in the medieval palace, sharing tales of saints and sinners,
chivalry and sorcery.
When Tue-Sat 9am-4.30pm; Sun-Mon 10am-4.30pm
Admission included in general admission – £20.90; concs £17;
children £10.45; family £55
www.hrp.org.uk/toweroflondon T 0844 482 7777
59 Minutes to Save Christmas
15 December to 6 January
The Pit, Barbican, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS
Children have just 59 minutes to save Christmas on this fun-filled
interactive journey around the Barbican Centre!
When 10.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 4pm & 5.30pm most days
(times can vary so check website or call)
Admission £12
www.barbican.org.uk/theatre T 020 7638 8891
6 www.visitthecity.co.uk

FAMILY
Jigsaw Japes
17-21, 24*, 27-28, 31* December & 2-4 January
Bank of England Museum, Bartholomew Lane EC2R 8AH
Draw your favourite Museum object on a pre-cut jigsaw to take
home. Will it be a banknote or a gold bar, the old iron chest or
the muskets once used to defend the Bank?
When 10am-4.30pm (*24 & 31 Dec 10am-1pm)
FREE
www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum T 020 7601 5545
Victorian Christmas
27-31 December
Tower of London EC3N 4AB
Join Charles Dickens back in a world where many Christmas
customs were brand new, from the evergreen trees Prince
Albert sets up in his family home, to the now familiar carols.
When Tue-Sat 9am-4.30pm; Sun-Mon 10am-4.30pm
Admission included in general admission – £20.90; concs £17;
children £10.45; family £55
www.hrp.org.uk/toweroflondon T 0844 482 7777
A Christmas Carol
28 & 29 December
Museum of London, 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN
Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol comes to life in this
family-friendly close-up production of the classic London story.
For ages 7+.
When 1-2pm
FREE
www.museumoflondon.org.uk T 020 7001 9844
The wonderful Irish giant
3-6 January
Museum of London, 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN
Famous and loved for his friendly nature and great stature,
discover the story of the Irish giant, Charles Byrne. Find out
how his friends fought to save his body. For ages 5+.
When 1-1.30pm, 2-2.30pm & 3-30pm
FREE
www.museumoflondon.org.uk T 020 7001 9844
Left to right A child at Museum of London for A Christmas Carol, above;
Medieval Christmas at Tower of London, p6; Meet Charles Dickens
at Museum of London, p6.
www.visitthecity.co.uk 7

MUSIC
For Spitalfields Music’s Winter Festival and the City of London
Free Winter Concerts, see the Special events section. The City is
bursting with carol services over Christmastime – to see a list of
the concerts taking place throughout the festive season, go to
www.cityevents.org.uk and download the newsletter.
London Jazz Festival
9-18 November
Various London venues, including Barbican, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS
and the Guildhall School, Silk Street EC2Y 8DT
Jazz fans should not miss the exciting events taking place in the
City as part of this year’s lively festival. Highlights include David
Murray’s Big Band & Macy Gray (18 Nov), at the Barbican, and
the Guildhall Jazz Band (18 Nov) at the Guildhall School.
Admission and times vary by event
www.londonjazzfestival.org.uk
Jazz concerts: Guillaume Perret & Nils Petter Molvaer
17 November & 8 December
Bishopsgate Institute, 230 Bishopsgate EC2M 4QH
Two Saturday-night concerts: on 17 Nov, French saxophonist
Guillaume Perret celebrates the release of his new CD; then on
8 Dec, Norwegian trumpet player Nils Petter Molvaer takes
to the stage, with a spectacular light show.
When 7.30pm (17 Nov); 8pm (8 Dec)
Admission £12.50 (17 Nov); £20 (8 Dec)
www.bishopsgate.org.uk/events T 020 7392 9200
Guildhall Symphony Orchestra
21 November
Barbican Hall, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS
Esteemed conductor Sir Colin Davis directs Dvorak’s Symphony
No 7, described as both tragic and glorious.
When 7.30pm
Admission £10-£15
www.barbican.org.uk T 020 7638 8891
LSO On Track: Take a Bow
26 & 28 November
Jerwood Hall, LSO St Luke’s, 161 Old Street EC1V 9NG
Watch beginners and world-class professionals perform sideby-side
as young string players play with experienced London
Symphony Orchestra professionals.
When 6pm & 7.45pm both dates
Admission £5; concs £3
www.lso.co.uk T 020 7638 8891
Left to right Macy Gray performs at the London Jazz Festival at Barbican,
above; Temple Choir perform at A Ceremony of Carols: Words and Music
for Christmas at Temple, p9.
8 www.visitthecity.co.uk

MUSIC
The Medici Choir
13 December
Wesley’s Chapel, 49 City Road EC1Y 1AU
The Medici Choir was established in 1951 for the Festival of
Britain; today, it is over 60 voices strong and performs nationally
and abroad. Tonight, they’ll be singing a well-known repertoire
of favourite Christmas carols and festive pieces, with seasonal
refreshments afterwards.
When 7pm
Admission £12 including refreshments
www.wesleyschapel.org.uk
A Ceremony of Carols: Words and Music for Christmas
17 December
Temple Church, Temple EC4Y 7HL
Enjoy Temple Church Choir’s performance of Britten’s
atmospheric A Ceremony of Carols, then join in with them
in a selection of Christmas favourites. Readings from ‘surprise
guest performers’ are also promised.
When 6.45pm
Admission £8-£16 – to book email tmf@templechurch.com, call
the number below or apply in writing to 1st Floor, 2 King’s Bench
Walk, Temple EC4Y 7DE
www.templemusic.org T 020 7427 5641
Christmas Concerts: Salvation Army Band & Constanza Chorus
17 & 20 December
Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch Street EC3V 1LR
On 17 Dec, the Sally Army give a rousing rendition of some
of your Christmas favourites, then on 20 Dec, the Constanza
Chorus raise the rafters with a selection of Christmas carols.
When 12pm (17 Dec); 6pm (20 Dec)
FREE
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/leadenhall T 020 7929 1073
Raymond Gubbay Christmas Festival
27 December to 1 January
Barbican, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS
Annual festival with popular appeal. Highlights include the
Four Seasons by Candlelight (29 Dec), showman and conductor
Anthony Inglis with “the ultimate collection of movie music”
(30 Dec) and special New Year’s Eve and Day galas.
Admission and times vary by event
www.barbican.org.uk/christmas T 020 7638 8891
London Symphony Orchestra: Balkan Fever
31 January
Barbican Hall, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS
Charismatic conductor Kristjan Järvi returns to the Barbican
to conduct the London Symphony Orchestra in a concert
featuring intoxicating Eastern European folk music and special
guests the Theodosii Spassov Trio.
When 7.30pm
Admission £10-£36
www.lso.co.uk T 020 7638 8891
www.visitthecity.co.uk 9

ONE NEW CHANGE ADVERTORIAL
The City of London is delighted to welcome One New Change
as the official sponsor of this brochure. On this and the next
page, find out about what’s on this season at the City’s
landmark retail destination.
Left to right One New Change shopping centre, with a view of St Paul’s
Cathedral; dining at Bread Street Kitchen.
Landmark shopping destination
Open seven days a week, One New Change has brought an
exciting new era of fashion, culture and cuisine to the heart of
the City of London. It is home to over 60 stores, including Reiss,
Topshop, Oliver Bonas and Banana Republic.
One New Change is also just a stone’s throw from many of the
capital’s famous cultural hotspots, so why not catch the latest
exhibition at the Barbican, the Museum of London, or the Tate
Modern, before indulging in some retail relaxation or dinner at
One New Change.
All shopped out? Relax and take in the spectacular views of
the London skyline from the breath-taking sixth floor public
roof terrace, London’s must-see attraction overlooking the
spectacular dome of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Our opening times
Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri 10am-7pm
Thu 10am-8pm
Sat 10am-6pm
Sun 12pm-6pm
Please see www.onenewchange.com for individual stores’
opening hours, as some stores open earlier and later than
the core hours.
Eat, drink and be merry!
One New Change plays host to a wonderful selection of
restaurants, cafés and bars to suit every occasion, including
signature restaurants from Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay.
There are great places to eat and drink, from Searcys
Champagne Bar to Madison roof terrace restaurant, plus
favourite eateries including Nando’s, Caffé Concerto,
Byron, Zizzi, Wasabi and EAT. And make sure you visit Bea’s
of Bloomsbury for the most divine cupcakes!
10 www.visitthecity.co.uk

ONE NEW CHANGE ADVERTORIAL
Party Season Masterclasses at One New Change
Wednesday 21 November
One New Change teams up with society experts, Debrett’s,
to launch the modern etiquette guide for Londoners ahead
of the party season! Join us for this exclusive shopping evening
including a series of masterclasses that will ensure Londoners
leave One New Change prepped and ready to stylishly
sidestep any faux pas this party season!
Christmas Shopping Event
Saturday 1 December
Join us on Saturday 1 December when Christmas will come
early in the Square Mile and Cheapside is traffic-free for a
special shopping event for all the family. Avoid the hustle and
bustle of the West End and take time out in the tranquillity
of One New Change to find that perfect gift while enjoying
exclusive shopping discounts at over 25 fabulous stores.
Address: One New Change, Cheapside EC4M 9AF
Visit www.onenewchange.com
WIN WITH ONE NEW CHANGE!
For your chance to win one of five £100 gift cards to
spend at One New Change simply answer this question:
Which two celebrity chefs have restaurants at
One New Change?
Email your answer to competition@onenewchange.com
including your full name and day time contact
telephone number.
Events guide sponsor
WIN!
Terms & Conditions The closing date of this competition is Sunday 16 December
2012. The five winners will be notified week commencing 17 December 2012.
By entering this competition One New Change or any member of the Land
Securities Group, may use the Personal Information to send you information
about new developments or activities which we think may be of interest to
you, unless you opt out by contacting us as described in the Privacy Policy at
www.onenewchange.com. Your Personal Information will not be shared with
any third parties.
Left to right the first floor of One New Change; Searcys Champagne Bar.
www.visitthecity.co.uk 11

SPECIAL EVENTS
Step into the Dark
2 November to 9 December
Barbican Cinemas, Silk Street and corner of Beech Street EC2Y 8DS
The Barbican’s new cinemas open with a series of films
exploring dystopia, the sublime and the surreal, from The
Graduate to Carrie. Names from the arts world, including Sam
Taylor Wood and Mike Leigh, have selected films they feel best
represent one of the seven sins.
Admission and times vary by event
www.barbican.org.uk/film T 020 7638 8891
Lord Mayor’s Show
10 November
Starts at Mansion House – follows route along Cheapside to
Fleet St, returning along Embankment
Huge public event which dates back to 1215 (the year of
Magna Carta) when King John gave the City a charter which
said the new Lord Mayor must swear an oath of allegiance to
the Sovereign and ‘show’ himself to the people. Make sure you
nab a spot at the front of the crowds to see this historic pageant
in action – now a combination of traditional pomp, including
the Lord Mayor in his gold coach, and bright modern floats.
When from 11am
FREE
www.lordmayorsshow.org
Free entry to St Paul’s
10 November
St Paul’s Cathedral, St Paul’s Churchyard EC4M 8AD
To celebrate the annual Lord Mayor’s Show (see above), the
Cathedral opens its doors all day, for free, to all visitors (usually
£15 for adults).
When 8.30am-4pm
FREE
www.stpaulscathedral.org.uk T 020 7246 8357
Left to right The Lord Mayor’s Show parade, above; Christmas lights at
Leadenhall Market, p13; Londinium @ late at Museum of London, p13.
12 www.visitthecity.co.uk

SPECIAL EVENTS
Lord Mayor Christmas lights switch-on
16 November
Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch Street EC3V 1LR
Greet the new Lord Mayor of London Roger Gifford as he
switches on the Christmas lights and get in the festive mood
with a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie.
When 5pm
FREE
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/leadenhall T 020 7929 1073
Broadgate Ice Rink
16 November to 24 February
Broadgate Circle EC2M 2BQ
Put your skates on at this small, circular ice rink set in a sunken
arena by Liverpool Street Station. There are plenty of cafés and
bars nearby for a post-skate restorative tipple.
When daily – check website or call for times
Admission £10 inc. skate hire; concs £8 inc. skate hire
www.broadgateinfo.net T 020 7505 4100
Ice at the Tower
17 November to 6 January (except Christmas Day)
Tower of London EC3N 4AB
What better way to celebrate the festive season than by
enjoying a spot of ice skating in the 1,000-year old moat next
to the Tower of London? Come in the evening and you’ll see it
beautifully illuminated. The adjacent Ice Bar & Café serves
a selection of drinks and snacks.
When 10am-10pm
Admission £13 (£11 off-peak); children £9 (£8.50 off peak);
concs £12 (£10.50 off peak); family ticket £36 (£34 off peak)
www.toweroflondonicerink.com
Londinium @ late
30 November
Museum of London, 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN
Begin the festive season in style with this creative evening of
fashion, craft and performance, inspired by Roman London.
Admission £7; concs £6
When 7pm
FREE
www.museumoflondon.org.uk T 020 7001 9844
www.visitthecity.co.uk 13

SPECIAL EVENTS
Left to right Advent and Christmas at St Paul’s, below; City of London Free
Winter Concerts, p15.
Advent and Christmas at St Paul’s
1-25 December
St Paul’s Cathedral, St Paul’s Churchyard EC4M 8AD
The famous cathedral’s mix of services and concerts are sure
to get you into the festive mood: Advent Procession (1 & 2 Dec,
6pm); Handel’s Messiah (6 Dec, 6.30pm); A Celebration of
Christmas (13 Dec, 6.30pm); Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony
of Carols (21 Dec, 5pm); Family Carols (22 Dec, 1pm); Carol
Service (23 Dec, 4pm); Christmas Eve Carol Service (24 Dec,
4pm); Midnight Mass (24 Dec, 11pm); Christmas Day Eucharist
(25 Dec, 11am); Christmas Day Festal Evensong (25 Dec, 3.15pm).
When see above
FREE
www.stpaulscathedral.org.uk T 020 7246 8357
Cheapside Shopping Day
1 December
Cheapside, One New Change, Bow Lane, Leadenhall Market
and Guildhall Yard EC2
For the second year in a row, shopping thoroughfare
Cheapside closes to traffic for the day so shoppers can enjoy
peaceful festive purchasing, with discounts at lots of stores.
Bring the children too – there’ll be lots of family fun, including
ice skating on a mini rink and live reindeer! This year there
will also be a market in Guildhall Yard and Leadenhall Market
will be open, where there will be choral music and some of
JK Rowling’s famous characters milling around. Free rickshaw
rides run between Cheapside and Leadenhall.
When 10am-6pm (children’s entertainment 11am-4pm)
FREE entry
www.incheapside.com
Drapers’ Hall Christmas Fair
3 December
Drapers’ Hall, Throgmorton Avenue EC2N 2DQ
Enjoy Christmas shopping away from the high-street – and for a
good cause – at this annual fair in aid of the charity Wellbeing
of Women. Around 60 stalls will be selling gifts such as cashmere
clothing, jewellery, gloves, Christmas cake and cheese.
When 11am-8pm
Admission £5
www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk
14 www.visitthecity.co.uk

SPECIAL EVENTS
Christmas pop-up shop
6 December
Guildhall and City Business Libraries, Aldermanbury EC2V 7HH
Come to Guildhall for this one-day Christmas-shopping event where
you’ll find stalls selling handmade and unique Christmas gifts.
When 11am-8pm
FREE entry
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk T 020 7332 1812
Spitalfields Music Winter Festival
7-18 December
Various venues
Local and international artists come together for this end-ofyear
musical celebration run by the team behind the popular
summer festival. The diverse programme includes the best in
early and contemporary music, musical tours, opera for 0-2s,
and plenty of free events. A special Winter Market takes place
on Saturday 8 December at Spitalfields Market.
Admission and times vary by event
www.spitalfieldsmusic.org.uk T 020 7377 1362
City of London Free Winter Concert series
16 January to 27 March
Various City churches
What better way to spend lunchtimes than hearing fantastic
music for free? Programmed by the team behind the excellent
City of London Festival, together with the City Music Society
and City of London Sinfonia, you’ll find concerts in some of
the City’s lovely churches and little-known venues.
When Tue-Wed 1.05pm-1.55pm
FREE
www.colf.org
Burns’ Night Celebration
25 January
Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch Street EC3V 1LR
Head to Leadenhall Market for a wee dram and a plate of
haggis, neeps and tatties to celebrate the life of the great
Scottish Bard, Robert Burns.
When 12pm-2.30pm & 6pm-late
FREE
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/leadenhall T 020 7929 1073
Left to right Drapers’ Hall Christmas Fair, p14; Burns Night at Leadenhall
Market, above.
www.visitthecity.co.uk 15

THEATRE
The Life & Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby: Part Two
23-24 & 26-28 November
Silk Street Theatre, Silk Street EC2Y 8DT
Nicholas’s adventures are concluded by a new ensemble
of Guildhall School actors. Dickens’s comic masterpiece
demonstrates that “mystery and disappointment are not
absolutely indispensable to the growth of love, but they are,
very often, its powerful auxiliaries”.
When 22-24 & 26-28 Nov at 7.30pm; 26 & 28 Nov also at 2pm
Admission £8; concs £4
www.barbican.org.uk/theatre T 020 7638 8891
The Happy Prince
27 November to 21 December
Bridewell Theatre, Bride Lane EC4Y 8EQ
Based on the story by Oscar Wilde, this musical adaptation
(fresh from a successful run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe)
is a treat for children and adults alike. The classic fable tells
the tale of the gilded statue prince who, with the help of a
migrating swallow, relieves the hardship of his townspeople.
When Tue-Fri 1pm
Admission £7
www.stbridefoundation.org/bridewelltheatre T 020 7353 3331
Guys and Dolls
5-15 December
Bridewell Theatre, Bride Lane EC4Y 8EQ
First premiered on Broadway in 1950, Guys & Dolls has been
described as ‘the perfect musical’. Set in New York City, the
oddball romantic comedy introduces a cast of vivid characters,
from uptight mission doll Sarah Brown to the slick, high-rolling
gambler Sky Masterson who woos her on a bet.
When 7.30pm; Sat matinées 2.30pm
Admission £15; concs £12.50
www.sedos.co.uk T 07910 273160
The Master and Margarita
14 December to 19 January
Barbican Theatre, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS
Complicite’s adaptation of Mikhail Bulgakov’s novel is woven
around the premise of a visit by the Devil to the atheistic Soviet
Union, and is brought to life through performance, video,
puppetry and music.
When 7.15pm; also at 1.30pm on 22 & 29 Dec & 5 Jan; only at
4pm on 30 Dec
Admission £16-£42
www.barbican.org.uk/theatre T 020 7638 8891
16 www.visitthecity.co.uk
Left The Life & Adventures
of Nicholas Nickleby at the
Silk Street Theatre, above.

WALKS AND TALKS
Left to right Gresham College Lectures; Twilight tours, both below.
Guided City walks
Daily
City Information Centre, St Paul’s Churchyard EC4M 8BX
Each day at 11am and 2pm, City Guides lead walks from
the City Information Centre. Topics range from London’s River
(Mon and Sat, 11am), City Highlights (Wed and Sun, 2pm),
London’s Burning (Thu, 2pm; Sun, 11am) and the City in Spires
(Wed, 11am).
When daily 11am and 2pm
Admission £7; concs £6; under 12s free
www.cityoflondonguides.com
Gresham College lectures
Ongoing
Museum of London, 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN and Barnard’s
Inn Hall, Gresham College, Holborn EC1N 2HH
Each week you can pop into Gresham College and hear free
lectures on a huge variety of subjects. This season, titles include
English Architecture and the First World War (17 Nov), Mind Over
Matter (11 Dec) and The Art of the Underground (9 Jan).
Visit the website for full listings.
When times vary by event – check website or call
FREE
www.gresham.ac.uk T 020 7831 0575
Twilight tours
Wednesdays in November and January
Tower of London EC3N 4AB
Yeoman Warders lead these after-hours tours taking in some of
the Tower’s gruesome sights and spooky stories. Over 12s only.
When 7pm
Admission £25
www.hrp.org.uk/toweroflondon T 0844 482 7777
Back to the 80s
Until 8 December
Bishopsgate Institute, 230 Bishopsgate EC2M 4QH
A fascinating series of discussions looking at the social,
cultural and economic experiences of the turbulent 1980s.
When times vary by event – check website or call
Admission most events £8; concs £6; some free
www.bishopsgate.org.uk/events T 020 7392 9200
www.visitthecity.co.uk 17

WALKS AND TALKS
The Day Parliament Burned Down
20 November
Guildhall Library, Aldermanbury EC2V 7HH
Caroline Shenton tells the thrilling story of the 1834 disaster which
saw a huge fireball explode through the roof of the Palace of
Westminster, with far-reaching consequences. A wine reception
follows with an opportunity to purchase signed copies of the book.
When 6-8pm
Admission £3 – advanced booking required (can book via
email at GHLevents@cityoflondon.gov.uk)
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/guildhalllibrary T 020 7332 1870
A Photographer Speaks: Dorothy Bohm
26 November
Museum of London, 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN
Join one of Britain’s most revered female photographers as she
speaks about her extraordinary career and her new exhibition
at the Museum Women in Focus: Photographs by Dorothy Bohm.
When 7pm
Admission £7; concs £6 – advance booking required
www.museumoflondon.org.uk T 020 7001 9844
Mr Foote’s Other Leg
29 November
Dr Johnson’s House, 17 Gough Square, off Fleet Street EC4A 3DE
Actor and biographer Ian Kelly (whose biography of Samuel
Foote looks at crime, comedy and notoriety in Dr Johnson’s
London) gives this light-hearted illustrated lecture in Samuel
Johnson’s Georgian former home.
When 7pm (doors open 6.15pm)
Admission £12; concs £10 – includes a glass of wine
www.drjohnsonshouse.org T 020 7353 3745
Free Amphitheatre Tour
3 December
London’s Roman Amphitheatre, Guildhall Art Gallery,
Guildhall Yard EC2V 5AE
A free tour of the Roman Amphitheatre found beneath
Guildhall Art Gallery. Includes object handling and a Q&A.
When 12.15-1.15pm
FREE
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/guildhallartgallery T 020 7332 3700
Left to right The Day Parliament Burned Down, above; Pre-Raphaelite
Painters and Poets, p19 – both at Guildhall Library.
18 www.visitthecity.co.uk

WALKS AND TALKS
Dr Johnson’s Christmas Ramble
6 December
Meet: Dr Johnson’s House, 17 Gough Square, off Fleet Street
EC4A 3DE
Join actors, musicians and Dr Matthew Green on a lamp-lit
voyage through the cobbled backstreets, mournful churchyards
and ancient alleys of Dr Johnson’s 18th-century London. Begins
with a mince pie at the house and ends with a fireside pint at
the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese pub.
When 6.30pm
Admission £13.50
johnsonschristmasramble.eventbrite.com T 020 7353 3745
Guildhall tours
6 December & 17 January
Meet: Guildhall Art Gallery, off Gresham Street EC2V 7HH
The Gothic Guildhall, built around 1411, is an impressive sight.
These tours explain its history, including its survival through the
Great Fire and the Blitz and some of the notorious events that
took place here.
When 10.45am-12noon
Admission £6 – advance booking necessary via
info@cityoflondontouristguides.com
www.cityoflondonguides.com
A Victorian Christmas
15 December
Meet: Museum of London, 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN
A festive walk exploring how the Victorians have shaped
the way Britons celebrate Christmas.
When 11am
Admission £10; concs £8 – advance booking necessary
www.museumoflondon.org.uk T 020 7001 9844
Pre-Raphaelite Painters and Poets
4 January
Guildhall Library, Aldermanbury EC2V 7HH
Timed to coincide with the major Tate Britain exhibition, this
illustrated talk by City Guide and former university Head of
Arts Pete Smith traces the development of a movement that
revolutionized the 19th-century art scene and scandalized
Victorian society.
When 2-3pm
FREE
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/guildhalllibrary T 020 7332 1870
Underground, Overground
30 January
Guildhall Library, Aldermanbury EC2V 7HH
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Tube, former Evening
Standard columnist and novelist Andrew Martin takes the
audience on a humorous social history of the underground.
Martin signs copies of his book Underground, Overgound at
a post-event wine reception.
When 6-8pm
Admission £8 – advance booking required (can book via email
at GHLevents@cityoflondon.gov.uk)
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/guildhalllibrary T 020 7332 1870
www.visitthecity.co.uk 19

ADVERTISEMENT
Join us for the big Christmas
shopping event in the City.
Cheapside will be traffic-free
and you can enjoy exclusive
shopping discounts from over
25 fabulous stores.
CHRISTMAS
SHOPPING
EVENT
SAT 1ST DEC