The best events, food, music and things to do in London in April 2017.
From the annual Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race, to the less conventional Goat Race, plus the London Coffee Festival, another treat for Moomin fans and London’s most exciting sporting event, it’s time for another packed month in the city!
Hooooorahhh! Spring is finally here! Just when we were worried we were developing SAD (seasonal affective disorder), the bright yellow daffodils have arrived to cheer us up, and we can’t stop snapping pics of the beautiful blossom on the trees. It turns out there’s plenty else to get us motivated this month, with the return of the London Coffee Festival, one of the most exciting circus shows in recent years and marathon fever! So it’s time to reveal some of the hottest things to do in London this April.
London Coffee Festival
Whether you’re a latte lover or an espresso expert, don’t miss the London Coffee Festival at The Truman Brewery. Around 35,000 people are expected to attend to enjoy demonstrations and workshops from top baristas, all the tastings your heart could desire, plus live music, DJs, latte art and more! There’s even an espresso martini party hosted by DJ Norman J.
When: 6-9th April
Where: Truman Brewery, Brick Lane
It’s Not Yet Midnight – Compagnie XY
Performing in London for the first time in seven years, French acrobatic troupe Compagnie XY bring their incredible circus show It’s Not Yet Midnight to Camden’s Roundhouse. It looks set to be visually stunning, with incredible stunts, flying, dancing and the highlight – the rarely-seen four-high human tower.
When: 10 – 23rd April
Where: Roundhouse, Camden
St George’s Day
Where better to celebrate England’s national day than by joining the annual festival in Trafalgar Square. The square will be decorated in red and white and there will be cookery demos from celebrity chefs, free entertainment on the main stage and plenty of fun for all the family.
When: 22nd April (the day before St George’s Day)
Where: Trafalgar Square
Moomin Adventures
After a successful festival at the South Bank Centre, Moomin fever is spreading west to Kew Gardens. The three-week Moomin-themed Easter festival will feature an interactive Moomin nature trail, Easter activity workshops, face painting and the chance to ‘meet and greet’ a real-life Moomin costumed character!
When: 1st to 17th April
Where: Kew Gardens
London Marathon
I’ve always loved the London Marathon for the ‘atmosphere’. Watching a guy dressed as a fluffy chicken, a conga line of women over 50 wearing tutus and of course, a few truly inspirational human beings who make you see the world through different eyes. The capital also looks amazing as you watch the snake of runners in colourful vests passing some of the city’s most famous landmarks.
When: 23rd April
Where: The route starts in Greenwich and ends on The Mall
Alice’s Adventures Underground
This immersive theatre experience has already been nominated for a string of awards, so it’s no surprise it’s returning to the mysterious venue of The Vaults under Waterloo Station. It’s a full on experience in wonderland, with your personal decisions creating a unique journey through some of the 33 different rooms. Expect to meet the characters you’ve grown up reading about, plus plenty of great music, circus and theatre along the way.
When:15th April to 10th September
Where: The Vaults, Waterloo
The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race
One of the biggest sporting battles is back. With history dating back to 1829, it’ll be a fight ’til the end as Oxford University take on Cambridge on the 4.2 mile course. If you fancy spectating, head to Putney Bridge, Craven Cottage or the finish at Chiswick Bridge. OR for something completely different, head to Spitalfields City Farm where the annual goat race is taking place! Yes, two goats (one representing Oxford, and another Cambridge) will be racing around the farm.
When: 2nd April
Where: The boat race runs from Putney to Mortlake with the women’s race at 4.35pm and the men’s at 5.35pm.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Head to the Natural History Museum to take a look at some of the most incredible photos of the animals from around the world. By a mix of amateurs and professional, this really is a must do for any animal lover.
When: Open until September
Where: Natural History Museum
Canalway Cavalcade
With a beautiful array of colourful canal boats, Morris dancing, real ale and delicious food, this really is a quintessential English festival. It’s got that real local vibe, it’s totally charming and seems like the perfect place to spend the May bank holiday.
When: 29th April – 1st May
Where: Little Venice and Maida Vale
Chilterns Food and Drink Festival
While it’s not quite in London, there are plenty of great events taking place in the Chilterns if you’re a foodie like me! Amersham and Chesham are both on the tube line and once there, you can head off on a vineyard or brewery tour, take part in a ‘cooking with fire’ workshop or visit some of the region’s top foodie pubs.
When: 25th March – 2nd April (with several opportunities to explore later in April too)
Where: Across the Chilterns (end of the Metropolitan tube line)
For more great things to do in London this month, check out visitlondon.com and keep an eye on my Twitter and Instagram to see how many I tick off this month!
Enjoyed this post? Why not pin it…
The Moomin Adventures sound like so much fun, and I always go to the Wildlife Photographer exhibition – very inspirational!
I like the idea of the coffee festival! I’ve never heard of the Chiltern Food and Drink festival!
You should pop back home for it Angie!
I can’t believe how quickly 2017 seems to be going. I LOVED Moomin as a child – I had no idea that they were even back on the radar! I also had no idea that London has a coffee festival too!
It’s absolutely flying by isn’t it! Hope you make it to some of these events – I’m going to try to!
There’s a street art trail tribute to Amy Winehouse in Camden Town which leeds to the Jewish Museum’s exhibition. It’s worth checking out for those who are fans of her ☺
That sounds good! I didn’t know about that but I’m often in Camden. Thanks for letting me know!