Get out on the town this October. London is open!
London is opening again and - rather like Richmond English School – slowly getting back to its old self. So, in the spirit of reawakenings and new beginnings, here are some things that you can do out on the town this October.
Oktoberfest.
Various venues.
Try….Pergola Bar, Paddington. Until 31st October.
The British are increasingly enthusiastic about this most German of festivals, and there are lots of mini Beer Festivals all over London this October. Pergola in Paddington will be hosting events until the end of the month, with real German beers, tasty Bavarian food and lashings of ‘Gemütlichkeit’ - that sense of geniality for which Oktoberfest is famed. If you can’t get to Paddington, try the Brick Lane Beer Fest in the east side of town, which takes place in a massive beer hall over the Halloween weekend, October 29-31.
https://www.pergolapaddington.com/
https://wunderbar-oktoberfest.designmynight.com/
https://brick-lane-bier-fest.designmynight.com/
BFI London Film Festival.
British Film Institute. 6-17 Oct.
Why not go to see a film or two this Autumn? This is without question the biggest event in London’s film going Calendar. Most of the screenings are at the British Film Institute on the Southbank, a 5 minute walk from Waterloo station, which can be reached in just 20 minutes by train from Richmond.
https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/lff/Online/default.asp
https://www.bfi.org.uk/bfi-southbank
Frieze Art Fair. Regent’s Park. October 13-17.
Art from some of the most famous contemporary art galleries all around the world, brought together under one huge marquee in Regent's Park. What’s not to like?
https://www.frieze.com/fairs/frieze-london
London Literature Festival.
Southbank Centre. 21–30 October.
Like the Film Festival, this also takes place on the Southbank, and so is easy to get to from the Richmond side of town. The London Literature Festival is well worth a visit if you're the bookish type, and offers you the chance to join in talks, readings, and poetry performances.
Diwali Festival.
Trafalgar Square. 23 October.
A free annual event in Trafalgar Square, Diwali is the festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains, symbolising joy and love, the victory of good over evil, and light over darkness. Music and dance performances, family-friendly craft activities, and delicious food from India.
https://www.diwaliinlondon.com/
Halloween.
All over town. October 31.
If you’re not out “Trick or Treating”, cut and paste the link below into your browser to find out about the best, spookiest, scariest and creepiest events taking place in London this Halloween.
https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/best-halloween-events-in-london