All the cool things you should sign up for on your trip to London this summer

It's no secret that London is one of the top destinations for summer. This is especially true this year, going by Google's list of the top 20 destinations for summer. After all, the city treats its visitors quite well with its stunning, vast open spaces and gardens, a vibrant food and music scene, a number of museums and theatres you cannot count on your fingers, you get the drift. London has something exciting for everyone. And come summer, the buzz quadraples and there is never a dull day. So if you're planning to visit the vibrant city anytime soon, here are some of the exciting events to bookmark. 

Art Mumbai Gateway

Art lovers (especially those hailing from Mumbai) will love the ongoing Art Mumbai Gateway programme, a first in London. As part of their year-round programme, Art Mumbai has curated a special line-up of events—VIP walkthroughs, special previews, and private viewings—in collaboration with some of London's prestigious institutions such as Tate Modern, Victoria & Albert Museum, and Camden Arts Centre. Guests can expect a remarkable line-up including a before-hours viewing of ‘Expressionists: Kandinsky, Munter and the Blue Rider' at the Tate Modern, a private viewing of Francis Newton Souza in Hampstead, and a unique shoe-fitting activity at Emmy London. The programme gives viewers an insider's look at the art scene in London, whilst highlighting the growing global interest in South-Asian contemporary art.

When: June 12-21

For more information visit: https://www.artmumbai.com/

Mean Girls musical

Millennials and Gen Z share a love for the iconic teen favourite, Mean Girls (2004) starring Rachel McAdams and Lindsay Lohan. Taking things up a notch, the Mean Girls musical at the Savoy Theatre in London re-introduces Regina, Gretchen, and Karen, aka The Plastics and Cady Heron but with a modern twist. While the plot of the musical remains true to the original film, it gets a contemporary makeover to match the craze of the social media age. So grab your friends and perhaps your 'cool' mom, and catch this musical for a 'fetch' night out!

When: June 5, 2024 to February 16, 2025

Where: The Savoy Theatre, West End London 

For more information visit: https://london.meangirlsmusical.com/

Mamma Mia! The Party

This one's for all ABBA fans! If you love scrolling through Instagram as much as we do, you would have definitely seen the grand Mamma Mia sing-along parties in Italy and Greece. And now you can experience the magic of a Mamma Mia party in London. That's right, Mamma Mia! The Party London brings you the best of the movie and ABBA with all the feels of Greece, from a spectacular show to a gourmet four-course Mediterranean meal at Nikos Taverna, and of course, a fantastic ABBA disco. So if you're travelling to London this summer, be sure to add this theatrical extravaganza to your must-watch list!

When: 

Friday and Saturday - Peak Performances
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday evenings, and Sunday - Off-Peak Performances

Where: The O2, London

For more information visit: https://mammamiatheparty.co.uk/

NAOMI: In Fashion 

The V&A Museum in London has curated a special exhibition dedicated to supermodel Naomi Campbell. It showcases Campbell's career trajectory spanning four decades—from being discovered in Covent Garden at the age of 15 to becoming the first Black model to grace the cover of Vogue in 1988—through videos, anecdotes, and collections from her wardrobe. The museum has also added a few designer archives and objects from their own collections to the exhibit. The exhibition was curated using Campbell's inputs and also highlights significant moments in her personal life, including her close relationship with Azzedine Alaïa, her friendship with designers like Marc Jacobs, and her advocacy for diversity in the fashion industry.

When: June 22 - April 6, 2024

Where: V&A museum

For more information visit: https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/naomi

The Grand's Pride After Party 2024 with MNEK!

With Pride Month in full swing, one can surely expect an incredible line-up of Pride special events in London. One of the most exciting ones, however, has to be The Grand's Pride After Party. The event is exactly what it sounds like—a grand Pride party with an electrifying line-up of star performers. Headlining the event is BRIT and Ivor Novello-nominated artist MNEK, who has previously worked with stars like Beyoncé, Little Mix, and Flo. Additionally, the line-up includes performances by Kiki Snatch, DJ Lady Lloyd, Ginger Johnson, and Tomara Thomas (Drag Race UK season 5 winner and finalist, respectively), among others. With an incredible stage bar, DJ sets, and performances, we know exactly why this is London's biggest Pride party ever!

When: June 29 

Where: The Clapham Grand

For more information visit: https://claphamgrand.com/event/pride-after-party-mnek/

Dishoom's new outpost in Battersea

London's popular Irani café-inspired eatery, Dishoom just got a new outpost in Battersea. Maintaining the chain's unique identity, the Battersea location, too, includes distinct furniture and decor imported from India. The cafe's promise lies in its cult classic breakfast selections—the iconic bacon naan and Parsi omelette, among other culinary wonders. However, the Battersea outpost does introduce a new chef’s special: bhatti chicken, which is marinated in black spices giving it an earthy, smoky flavour, and a striking dark hue. 

Where: Battersea Power Station

For more information visit: https://www.dishoom.com/battersea/

Marc Quinn: Light into Life exhibition at Kew Gardens, Richmond, May 4 - September 29 

Renowned for his sculptural art, Marc Quinn's latest exhibition at Kew Gardens highlights the intricate relationship between nature and humanity. The artist collaborated with scientists and horticulturists at Kew Gardens, who inspired the kinds of plants featured in the collection. The result? An astonishing collection of 14 large-scale outdoor sculptures of orchids, palm leaves, and bonsai trees, all crafted out of stainless steel and with a mirrored surface. With this exhibition, the artist wanted people to see themselves as part of the artwork and be right in the middle of nature at the same time.

When: Until September 29, 2024 

Where: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

For more information visit: https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/marc-quinn

Mr Fogg's Tea-Quila Party

If you're someone who enjoys a day party, then this one is for you. Mr Fogg's in Mayfair knows how to party and their Tea-Quila Party is a tough one to beat. Bringing the vibrant spirit of a Mexican hacienda to London, Mr Fogg's is offering guests an entertaining three-hour-long fiesta complete package with Patrón Tequila cocktails, bottomless empanadas, and nachos along with an additional menu of cocktails and spirits. Guests will have uninterrupted entertainment with a live Mariachi band and DJ while they sip on some "tea-quila" libations from a rustic teapot.

When: June 29 

Where: Mr Fogg's Residence, Mayfair 

For more information visit: https://www.mr-foggs.com/event/tea-quila-party/

Romeo & Juliet starring Tom Holland 

The much talked about Romeo & Juliet play, featuring Tom Holland has to be on your must-watch list if you're in London. Directed by Simon Godwin, the play is a contemporary take on the timeless tale of star-crossed lovers, and sees Holland take on the role of Romeo while Francesca Amewudah-Rivers plays Juliet. There was much debate about the latter being cast as Juliet, but if reviews are to be believed, both Holland and Amewudah-Rivers are doing a fantastic job. What sets the play apart is its retelling of a classic surrounding themes of love, fate, and family feuds amid a modern setting.

When: Until August 3, 2024

Where: The Duke of York's Theatre

For more information visit: https://romeoandjulietldn.com/

Lead image credit: Mamma Mia The Party London

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