Out In London

Oxford Street Christmas lights 2017: When will they be switched on? Who is performing?

londonOut — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 16:20:23 +0000

Singer Rita Ora will do the honour of flipping the all-important festive switch, lighting up the capital’s busiest shopping street for the Christmas season.

What should we expect?

The theme of this year’s display is The Magic of Christmas.

It is set to light up the capital with 1,778 decorations and around 750,000 twinkling LED lights.

Christmas lights: Craig David (centre) pushes the button for the 2016 switch-on at Oxford Street (PA)

The retail hotspot will transformed by decorations inspired by magical falling snowflakes.

For the second year running Oxford Street has teamed up with children’s charity the NSPCC to host the festive extravaganza.

When will the lights be switched on?

Festive season: Oxford Street’s Christmas baubles for 2016 (Jeremy Selwyn)

The lights will be switched on this evening, Tuesday, November 7.

Organisers recommend revellers arrive around 5pm. The annual switch on usually takes place around 6.15pm.

Where is the best place to stand?

Rita Ora is set to switch on the lights (Dymond/Thames/Syco/Rex)

The stage will be set up outside Park House, close to Marks and Spencer and Marble Arch.

Who will be switching on the lights?

Hot Right Now singer Rita Ora will switch on the lights and onlookers will be treated to a host of performances from last year’s X-Factor champion Matt Terry and boy band 5 After Midnight.

Craig David lights up London’s Oxford Street ahead of Christmas

Cast members from musical Five Guys Named Moe will also treat the audience to a performance of 1940s New Orleans-themed jazz.

Capital Radio’s breakfast show presenters Roman Kemp and Vick Hope will host the event.

Fireworks 2017 display in London: The best free Bonfire Night events

londonOut — Sat, 04 Nov 2017 11:38:55 +0000

Bonfire night is set to go off with a bang this year as dazzling displays across the capital light up London.

The full list of shows can be found here, but free fun can be found at the four events listed below.

If you want all the OOOOs and AAAAHs without the bangs and flashes, head to East Village’s Victory Park to be wowed by their Theatre of Light. LED covered drummers, poi artists, jugglers and stilt walkers put on a dazzling display of light marvelousness. It’s completely free, too.

Blackheath

Saturday November 4

A funfair and food and drink stalls feature alongside the main attraction.

Tickets: Free, no booking necessary (though donations are welcomed)

Times: Entry from midday, fireworks at 8pm

Booking and details: lewisham.gov.uk

Address: Battersea Park, Albert Bridge Road, SW11 4PX

Harrow

Saturday November 4

A ‘world food’ area, a funfair and face painting will feature alongside the fireworks.

Tickets: Arrive before 4pm and entrance is free, otherwise tickets are from £7.50 (kids from £4.50). Booking fees also apply.

Times: Entry from noon, fireworks at 7.30pm

Booking and details: harrowfireworks.co.uk

Address: Byron Park, Peel Road, HA3 7QX

Newham

Sunday November 5

Newham’s Wanstead Flats play host to a fireworks display that’s backed by a live DJ. The food promises to be a highlight, too: besides the usual hot dogs and burgers, there’ll also be a healthy showing of Thai, Indian and Caribbean dishes to tuck into.

Tickets: Free

Times: Entry from 5.30pm, fireworks at 6.30pm

Booking and details: newham.gov.uk

Address: Wanstead Flats, Capel Rd, E11 2LT

Victoria Park

Sunday November 5

Victoria Park, voted the London’s favourite outdoor spot, returns with its first firework extravaganza in five years. Light refreshments will be available.

Tickets: Free

Times: 7pm until around 10.30pm

Booking and details: towerhamletsarts.org.uk

Address: Victoria Park, E9 5DU

Wembley Park

Saturday November 4

This big Brent display is a family friendly affair, with street performances and food stalls galore. With Wembley stadium in the background, it’s set to be a memorable night. Best of all? It’s free.

Tickets: Free

Times: Entrance from 6pm

Booking and details: brent.gov.uk

Address: Wembley Park, HA9 9AA

In Notting Hill? You must Visit this pub

londonOut — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 10:04:09 +0000

The most beautifully dressed pub we have come across in London. The Churchill Arms really is unique.

Not many tourists know….. The Churchill, is a celebration of the wartime leader (they even estimate the number of champagne bottles the man consumed), is in fact an Irish pub – and didn’t Ireland remain neutral during World War II?

Regardless, this is a fine establishment, part homely tavern (it’s a Fuller’s, and the beer is excellent) and part Thai restaurant. (It is actually the first Pub with a Thai restaurant in London). There is real character inside too, loads of hanging war paraphernalia makes just waiting to be served a real experience.

This is a must visit pub for both tourists and Londoners.

Lovely afternoon drink @churchillarms #nottinghill

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Sky High Yoga

londonOut — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 10:01:25 +0000

With a backdrop of incredible city views, 35 floors high – Sky Garden is the perfect setting for sunrise yoga sessions. Sky Garden is a natural environment offering a dynamic, vinyasa flow style yoga class. The sessions take place every day except Monday, with weekday classes from 6.30-7.30am and weekend classes from 9-10am. All guests are welcome to join us for breakfast in our Darwin Brasserie following their class.

Mats and showers are not provided. Please also expect a full security check on entry to Sky Garden.

Early morning sky high yoga @sg_skygarden #yoga #fitness #health #london #ldn #fit #healthy #stretch #skygarden #view #yogalife #yogaeverydamnday #fitnessaddict #fitnessmotivation #fitnessmodel #londonlife #london lovely photo by @jencaplan

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Unico Gelato Bromley

londonOut — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 09:57:22 +0000

Last week we visited the amazing Unico Gelato e Caffè in gorgeous Bromley, right on the high street. With roots stemming from Bologna (Capital of Gelato) and owned by the one and only Gianfranco Zola, Chelsea football legend, we were very excited to visit their lovely new café. When you walk in you can instantly pick up the true aroma of coffee which has been supplied from all around the world; then you can spot the pastries, cakes and all sorts of sweet goodies including vegan treats and your mouth start to water!

At the lovely @unicogelatocaffe in #bromley #london

A post shared by Out In london (@out_in_london) on Sep 4, 2016 at 4:22am PDT

But the real star is the gelato, freshly made every day with only natural ingredients and no chemicals or additives. In addition, Unico allows its customers to personalise their gelato cakes, perfect for birthdays and special occasions. They also offer a home delivery service to local customers and since this summer Unico’s gelato is also available in central London through Nife Is Life, meaning it can be comfortably ordered online and enjoyed at home – what a treat!

It was an absolute pleasure to visit such a wonderful, blissful gelato world in the heart of Bromley and we’ll be back again soon!

Click Nife is Life to visit Unico’s online shop where you can buy their gorgeous Gelato

You can also Visit the Unico Website for further products http://www.unicogelatocaffe.co.uk

My First Snails

londonOut — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 09:52:35 +0000

After a fantastic trip to Paris to see the euros I treated myself by ordering Snails for the first time. These were cooked in garlic and eaten with a bread basket. All I can say is… Gorgeous.

Last day in Paris only one thing for lunch @au_grand_turenne #snails #paris #lunch #parisfood #food #foodie #instafood #foods #french #frenchfood

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WE ARE FESTVL

londonOut — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 09:51:22 +0000

We Are FSTVL, an award-winning dance music festival returns to Upminster, was a fantastic day out. A gorgeous sunny Sunday spent with friends listening the likes of Craig David, Richie Hawtin and Seth Troxler. I highly recommend to anyone who loves this type of music.

Great day yesterday at @wearefstvl #wearefstvl #london #ldn #londonlife #londontown #festival #londonfestival #londonliving #visitlondon #visituk #party #dance #dancemusic #upminster

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Win a meal for two and a bottle of wine at Mari Vanna in Knightsbrige

londonOut — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 09:47:04 +0000

Our friends at the gorgeous Mari Vanna restaurant are giving away a meal for two an a bottle of wine to celebrate the launch of their new breakfast. Just tag a friend you would like to take on the Instagram post to win.

GIVEAWAY SATURDAY Win a meal for two and a bottle of wine at @marivannalondon in Knightsbridge – just tag a friend you would like to take, you have 48 hours #Knightsbridge #london #ldn #food #foodie #foods #instafood #londonfood #londonrestaurant #londonrestaurants #win #conpetition #londoncompetition #giveaway #restaurant #visitlondon #visituk #foodporn #londontown #londonliving #londerer #kinghtsbridgefood #bar #drinks #londonbar #londondrinks

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Favourite Sushi take-a-way

londonOut — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 09:33:55 +0000

One cuisine London really is excelling is Japanese. Two years ago I would never have thought about getting a Sushi take-a-way but I must say I love it as a treat now. Sticks N Sushi have a fabulous menu all of which is available to take away.

Bloody love a @sticksnsushi takeaway #sushi #takeaway #food #foodie #instafood #japanesefood #japanese #fish #tasty #rolls #sushrolls #coventgarden #foodporn #foods #foodgasm

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Joes Southern Kitchen – Covent Garden

londonOut — Fri, 17 Mar 2017 09:19:03 +0000

Monday to Friday from 4-6.30pm and all day Sunday (yes I did say all day…) enjoy six of their best cocktails for only £4.

Yeeehaw! It's Joe's favourite day of the week. Saturdays are real special here with brunch in our Kentish Town spot and an extra serving of Southern hospitality for those in sunny Covent Garden today. Come grab a root with us for lunch, dinner or drinks at our basement bar 'Cocktail Baby' for an awesome day in the Deep South.

A post shared by Joe's Southern Table (@joessoutherntable) on Mar 18, 2017 at 2:11am PDT