Hi London,
September starts with a full river festival, free music and dance across the city, a classic film in Peckham and a few openings worth noting. Here’s what’s worth knowing and doing this week.
What to Know
The Bayeux Tapestry, opening at the British Museum.
Totally Thames is under way — The month-long river festival has begun, with exhibitions, walks, performances and family events spread along the Thames. Start with this weekend’s programme and book the smaller events first.
The Bayeux Tapestry opens next Thursday — The nearly 1,000-year-old work arrives at the British Museum on 10 September. The first ticket allocation has sold out, so watch for later releases rather than making a speculative trip.
Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnel charges rise on 21 September — The increase follows inflation; existing resident, business and Blue Badge discounts remain. Regular drivers should check eligibility and TfL Auto Pay.
The draft London Plan — The consultation runs until 15 October and covers housing, growth and the shape of future neighbourhoods. Residents can respond online.
Epping Forest asks visitors to leave fungi alone — The City of London is urging people to photograph mushrooms rather than pick them, protecting one of Britain’s most important habitats for fungi.
Things To Do
Paddington 2 screens free at Christ Church Peckham.
Paddington 2 · Mon 7 Sep · 7.30pm · Peckham — Free screening at Christ Church Peckham; no ticket required, but arrive early.
The Rest Is Fest · Fri 4–Sun 6 Sep · South Bank — Goalhanger’s podcasts take over the Southbank Centre, from history and politics to football and food. Ticketed; check remaining seats.
Aftertide · Sat 5 Sep · 4pm · Wapping — Music, documentary testimony and stories of recovery at Hermitage Moorings. From £9.
FT Weekend Festival · Sat 5 Sep · all day · Hampstead — Mary Beard, Richard E. Grant, Jancis Robinson and other writers and thinkers gather at Kenwood. Ticketed.
Thames Lens street-photography workshop · Thu 3 Sep · 6pm · Surrey Quays — Walk to London Bridge with photographer Milo Robinson and shoot the river, people and architecture. £20; concession £16.
National Television Awards · Tue 8 Sep · doors 6pm · North Greenwich — Britain’s TV awards return to The O2; tickets remain on sale.
Free Events Worth Going To
A London weekend full of free events.
Black On The Square — Black music, food, dance and creative workshops fill Trafalgar Square on Saturday, noon–6pm. Free and family-friendly. Westminster.
Brassworks — Nine hours of brass bands, a parade, workshops and garden games run Saturday, 10.30am–9pm. Free. Woolwich.
Dancing City — Outdoor dance takes over Stratford Centre, East Bank and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Saturday. Free and unticketed. Stratford.
Thames Lens — A new outdoor photography exhibition opens today on Bazalgette Embankment and runs all month. Free. Temple.
With The Kids And Family
The celebrASIA film programme at Battersea Power Station.
Aroi Mark — celebrASIA’s film programme begins Tuesday, ahead of the main festival on 11–13 September. This U-rated Malaysian documentary explores food, identity and home. Booking recommended. Nine Elms.
Bexley Eco and Wellness Festival — Minibeasts, woodland weaving, a clothes swap, face painting and live music run Saturday, 11am–5pm. Free. Abbey Wood.
Tidefest — Kayaking, paddleboarding, foreshore walks, games and a street party animate Strand-on-the-Green on Sunday. Many activities are free; check individual bookings. Chiswick.
New Openings
KID — Sertaç Dirik’s first solo restaurant opened yesterday with Central Anatolian cooking, British produce and plenty from the grill. Soho.
Nakimushi — A three-storey Japanese townhouse opens Monday with a ground-floor ramen bar and a calmer restaurant upstairs. Bookings are live. Notting Hill Gate.
Fun fact: The Thames is tidal through London, and the water level can rise or fall by roughly seven metres between low and high tide.
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