London in September is a cultural and entertainment haven, packed with festivals, theatre productions, exhibitions, and unique experiences to suit all interests. From world-class music and art to outdoor festivities, the city offers something for everyone during this vibrant time of year. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best events and activities in London for September 2024.
1. Totally Thames Festival
The Totally Thames Festival is a highlight of London’s cultural calendar. This month-long celebration of the River Thames features over 100 events, ranging from art installations to boat races and historical tours. The festival encourages both locals and tourists to rediscover London through the lens of its iconic river.
Key events in 2024 include:
- The Great River Race (September 21): A thrilling 21.6-mile rowing marathon featuring over 300 traditional boats, starting from Millwall and finishing in Richmond. It’s a spectacle that can be enjoyed from numerous vantage points along the Thames(Londonist)(The best in UK arts, culture + leisure).
- Sing for Water (September 15): This annual event near Tower Bridge brings together over 500 singers to raise funds for WaterAid, making it not only an artistic event but a humanitarian one(BroadwayWorld).
- Mudlarking Tours: Discover the hidden treasures buried along the riverbank, from medieval pottery to Roman coins. These tours, taking place on September 4, 14, and 15, offer a fascinating insight into London’s historical relationship with the Thames(Thames Festival Trust).
2. London Design Festival
Design enthusiasts should not miss the London Design Festival, running from 14 to 22 September 2024. This internationally acclaimed event turns the city into a creative playground, with installations, workshops, and exhibitions across multiple venues.
Some of the must-see highlights include:
- “Duo” by Melek Zeynep Bulut at the Royal Naval College, an installation exploring duality in design through the use of prismatic structures(London Design Festival).
- The Material Matters Fair at Oxo Tower Wharf showcases sustainable design practices and emerging talents, focusing on how materials can shape the future(wallpaper.com).
- The Design District Open Studios on September 18, where creatives open their workshops for public tours and hands-on experiences(Design District | Home).
For anyone interested in the intersection of art, innovation, and sustainability, the London Design Festival is a must-see(London Design Festival).
3. Greenwich + Docklands International Festival (GDIF)
The Greenwich + Docklands International Festival is London’s leading outdoor theatre and performing arts festival, running from August 23 to September 8, 2024. This year’s theme, “ALL CHANGE,” focuses on transformation and activism through performances that engage with timely social issues.
Highlights include:
- Silence! by Les Commandos Percu: A pyrotechnic and drumming spectacle that will light up Woolwich on August 23(The best in UK arts, culture + leisure).
- THAW: A remarkable eight-hour performance on a giant block of ice, reflecting on climate change and environmental urgency(The best in UK arts, culture + leisure).
- Dancing City: Held at Canary Wharf, this event showcases a wide array of dance performances in a unique outdoor setting(The best in UK arts, culture + leisure).
The GDIF provides a perfect blend of art and activism, turning public spaces into stages for thought-provoking performances.
4. BBC Proms
Music lovers can immerse themselves in the BBC Proms, which concludes on September 14, 2024. Held at the iconic Royal Albert Hall, the Proms offer some of the finest classical music performances in the world.
Key performances for September include:
- Mahler’s Sixth Symphony conducted by Sir Simon Rattle on September 8, a performance hailed for its emotional intensity(Londonist).
- The Magic of Mozart (September 7), featuring highlights from some of Mozart’s greatest operas, including The Marriage of Figaro(Londonist).
Tickets are available for both live performances and for those who wish to enjoy the concerts via BBC iPlayer and Radio 3(Bristol Beacon).
5. Future of Food Festival
Running from September 16 to 22, 2024, the Future of Food Festival in Regent Street and St James’s explores the future of sustainable eating. This week-long festival offers a mix of panel discussions, food markets, and immersive dining experiences.
Visitors can look forward to:
- Masterclasses on sustainable cooking, hosted by top chefs like Alex Dilling(Time Out Worldwide).
- Discovery Zone: Explore future food trends through tastings and interactive displays(St James’s London).
The festival aims to inspire new conversations about sustainability in the culinary world, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts(Regent Street London).
6. Turner Prize 2024 Exhibition
Art lovers will be thrilled to visit the Turner Prize 2024 Exhibition, opening on September 25 at Tate Britain. The Turner Prize is one of the most prestigious art awards, and this year’s shortlist features artists pushing the boundaries of contemporary art.
Among the shortlisted artists:
- Pio Abad: Known for his explorations of colonial histories through multi-media works(The Glossary Magazine).
- Claudette Johnson: Celebrated for her large-scale figurative portraits of Black women, which challenge conventional narratives in Western art(The Glossary Magazine)(FAD Magazine).
The exhibition will run until February 2025, offering visitors plenty of time to delve into some of the most provocative art of the year(Museums + Heritage).
7. Coriolanus at the National Theatre
Shakespeare enthusiasts will want to catch Coriolanus, directed by Lyndsey Turner at the National Theatre. The production, starring David Oyelowo in the titular role, runs from September 11 to November 9, 2024(Welcome to the National Theatre)(WestEndTheatre).
Known for its exploration of politics, power, and personal pride, this Shakespearean tragedy is brought to life by a stellar cast, including Kobna Holdbrook-Smith as Tullus Aufidius(Theatre Weekly). The combination of a gripping narrative and immersive set design by Es Devlin promises an unforgettable theatre experience(London Theatre).
8. Gin & Rum Festival
For those looking to enjoy a drink or two, the Gin & Rum Festival at the Kia Oval on September 21, 2024 is the perfect event. With over 120 types of gin and rum available for tasting, visitors can discover new favourites while enjoying live music and entertainment(Blue Light Tickets).
Included in the ticket price are a branded glass, a satchel, and a free drink to start the day off right(Skiddle)(AllEvents.in). Whether you’re a gin aficionado or new to the world of rum, this festival promises a lively and flavourful experience.
9. Waiting for Godot at Theatre Royal Haymarket
One of the most anticipated theatre revivals of 2024, Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot will be staged at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from September 13 to December 14, 2024. Directed by James Macdonald, this production features an outstanding cast, including Ben Whishaw as Vladimir and Lucian Msamati as Estragon. Known for its absurdist exploration of existence and time, Waiting for Godot remains one of the most influential plays of the 20th century.
The story revolves around two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, who spend their time waiting by a barren tree for the arrival of a man named Godot. As they wait, they engage in conversations that touch on themes of meaning, companionship, and the human condition. The play’s genius lies in its ability to blend humor with deep philosophical reflections, making it a timeless piece that resonates with audiences worldwide.
This limited-run production offers evening performances from Monday to Saturday at 7:30 PM, with matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2:30 PM(Theatre Royal Haymarket)(London Theatre)(visitlondon.com). Tickets start at £15, with 25,000 tickets priced at £25 or less, making it accessible to a broad audience, including special rates for under-30s and Blue Light workers(visitlondon.com). Whether you’re a seasoned theatre-goer or new to Beckett’s work, Waiting for Godot is a must-see during its West End run.
10. London Cocktail Week
Rounding out September with some celebratory drinks, London Cocktail Week kicks off on September 30 and runs until October 6, 2024. This event is perfect for cocktail enthusiasts who want to sample the best of London’s vibrant bar scene. With a special Cocktail Pass costing £10, participants can enjoy exclusive cocktails at over 300 bars across the city for just £8 each.
London Cocktail Week also features masterclasses, immersive experiences, and pop-up events that allow visitors to learn from some of the best mixologists in the world. It’s a great way to discover new venues, flavors, and techniques, all while enjoying some of the city’s most iconic drinks(Gin & Rum Festival)(Skiddle).
Conclusion
London in September 2024 is brimming with events, festivals, and cultural experiences that cater to a wide array of interests. Whether you’re an art aficionado, a theatre lover, a foodie, or someone who enjoys outdoor festivities, the city has something to offer. From the grandeur of the BBC Proms and the innovative London Design Festival, to thought-provoking theatre productions like Waiting for Godot and Coriolanus, this month is packed with world-class entertainment and experiences.
Make the most of your time in London by attending these not-to-miss events and immerse yourself in the creative, vibrant atmosphere the city is known for. September is the perfect time to explore London’s diverse offerings and enjoy the best of its cultural and social scene.