London Alternative Culture: 2017 Guide

By CW Contributor on 16/12/2016

Talks, tours, exhibitions…whether it be somewhere further afield or just something a bit less mainstream, London has a wealth of alternative culture to discover

Romy Gill

VAULT Festival
When: Wednesday 25 January - Sunday 5 March 2017
Where: Launcelot St, Lambeth, London SE1 7NN

This is London's answer to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and its fifth year is set to be quirkier and more vibrant than ever. For 6 weeks the Vaults tunnels beneath Waterloo Station will be filled with hundreds of new shows ranging across theatre, comedy and dance. Always eclectic and always brimming with energy, this festival is ideal for Edinburgh lovers and anyone on the lookout for something exciting.

Tickets on sale now.

Click here to read our London fringe theatre guide.

London International Mime Festival
When: Monday 9 January - Saturday 4 February 2017
Where: Various London venues

Now in its 40th year and drawing together over a hundred artists from countries as far apart as New Zealand, Greece, Italy and Finland, the London International Mime Festival (LIMF) is definitely one to have on your radar. Performance venues will vary from theatres such as the Barbican and the Peacock to smaller fringe locations like Jacksons Lane.

Tickets on sale now.

Click here to read more.

Britain's Best Political Cartoons 2016 exhibition
When: every day until Saturday 25 February 2017 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
Where: The Political Cartoon Gallery, 16 Lower Richmond Road, London SW15 1JP

2016 may seem like a bad dream but this exhibition showcases the best political cartoons published across British newspapers this year and invites pithy reflection on some of the nation's biggest face-plants.

Free entry

For something more child-friendly try The Cartoon Museum in Holborn.

Shoreditch Street Art Tours
When: daily morning and afternoon tours
Where: meet at the Goat Statue, Brushfield, St, London E1 6AA

This 3-hour walking tour around central Shoreditch is a Culture Whisper tried-and-tested. Prepare to be amazed by both the scale and detail of Shoreditch's finest pieces, as well as the extensive knowledge of the tour guides regarding the artists and the political dynamics of street art itself. The Banksy piece revealed right at the very end is simply the jewel in the crown.

See website for booking details.

Carousel London restaurant
When: ongoing
Where: 71 Blandford Street, Marylebone, London W1U 8AB

This open kitchen restaurant in Marylebone features an ever-changing roster of guests chefs so no two dining experiences are ever the same. They've got Romy Gill MBE (the first female Indian restaurant owner in the UK) lined up for just over one week in January. Keep an eye out for further 2017 announcements.

See website for booking details.

The Sea is an Edge and an Ending film screening
When: Saturday 21 - Sunday 22 January 2017 (varying times)
Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, Lambeth, London SE1 8XX

This short film is written and directed by poet, Lavinia Greenlaw. Inspired by the death of her own father, it explores the effects and impact of Alzheimer's on sufferers and their loved ones. There will be multiple screenings across the weekend - the latest of which on both days will include a talk by Lavinia Greenlaw about the project.

See website for booking details.

'The Art and History of Calligraphy' with Patricia Lovett
When: Thursday 2 March 2017 (19:00 - 20:30)
Where: The British Library, 96 Euston Rd, Kings Cross, London NW1 2DB

Join professional scribe and illuminator, Patricia Lovett as she discusses the romantic history of calligraphy, starting with the earliest known woman’s handwriting in Roman Britain. There will be a chance to meet Patricia and get (beautifully!) signed copies of her latest book after the talk.

See website for booking details.

'Anyone Can Use a Sewing Machine' masterclass
When: weekly classes
Where: Seven Sisters Road, London N15 5JT (exact location confirmed through booking)

Do you like the idea of getting crafty with a sewing machine? This 3 hour masterclass is led by expert designers from The Fashion Box and will equip you with all the skills you need to get started. All the machinery and materials are provided and the workshops are open to both adults and children.

See website for booking details.

Djembe drumming workshop
When: weekly classes
Where: The Vatican Music Studios, Railway arch 190, Bancroft Road, London E1 4ET

A djembe drumming workshop with London African Drumming is a great way to bash out those January blues. They offer a range of tailored classes and workshops with the aim of promoting group rhythm as a collectively uplifting, healing and bonding experience. Drumming enthusiasts of all abilities welcome!

See website for booking details.

Something for the kids...

'Mythology Bites' storytelling
When: Saturday 14 January 2017
Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, Lambeth, London SE1 8XX

These 15-minute Nordic mythology storytelling sessions are perfect for little ones with short attention spans. Part of the Southbank's 'Nordic Matters' project, these whistle-stop tours of Nordic myths are led by Icelandic poet Sjón (who has frequently collaborated with the singer, Björk).

See website for booking details.

'OAE Tots Musical Journeys'
When: Sunday 15 January 2017
Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, Lambeth, London SE1 8XX

The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment will be offering two 45 minute interactive workshops with the aim of engaging, entertaining and introducing young children to orchestral music. Suitable for children aged 2 - 5 years.

See website for booking details.