Xiaohongshu
Summer in London means longer days, packed cultural calendars, and countless opportunities to explore the city’s thriving arts scene. Here are some event recommendations from artsUCL, worth adding to your summer plans.
Space to Play: A Theatre Drop-In Session
Whether you are interested in acting, dancing, or just being on stage, this weekly Theatre Drop-In gives you a platform to be creative, build confidence, and explore the performance arts! For only £2 per session, you can meet other theatre makers and performers and learn from expert facilitators in a supportive space.
For more information on facilitators and session themes, please visit the Roundhouse website
Creative Writing and Arts and Crafts
Join Ash Da Poets, one of Islington Council’s Community Creatives, over five weeks for free Creative Writing and Arts and Craft Classes. These 90 minutes classes will be held over several days from 3-4:30 PM.
For more information and signing up details, please contact [email protected]
Friday Lates: Art Laughs
Are you someone who spends their days floating in museums or chuckling on the newest comedy specials? Art Laughs brings the laughter to the arts and heritage spaces, inviting three of the UK’s funniest rising stars to deliver art themed stand-up performances in front of the paintings that inspired their jokes!
Happening on Friday, 24 July, this event features some unique takes by Kate Cheka, Alex Farrow, and Jonathan Oldfield on 20th century paintings, including the work of artists like Paul Cezzane and Henri Rousseau.
To book a place, visit the National Gallery website.
Where we Belong by CTRL+CREATE
CTRL+CREATE, a creative development platform creating opportunities for early-career women in the creative industries, brings this event exploring themes of home, belonging and wellbeing. Inspired by the ‘Waldmüller: Landscapes’ exhibition, this event invites audiences into an evolving programme of ideas, experiences and creative experimentation. And, it is absolutely free!
For more details and bookings, please visit the National Gallery website.
Talk and Draw: ‘The Two Friends’
Not in London this summer and feel like you are missing out? We have got just the event for you – it is online and free of cost! Lecturer Tilly Scantlebury and artist Kevin Christensen explore and talk about ‘The Two Friends’ by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, marking the Pride month. Post the talk, participants will respond by making their own work in the session. All you need are some coloured papers, pencils, and pastels!
Do not let distance decide how much of London you can enjoy this summer and book your place on the National gallery website.
Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
If you have a quid or two to spare this summer, this annual exhibition at the Royal Academy is a must see! You will encounter all kinds of art and artists here – a true reflection of all that is exciting and essential in British and international art and architecture right now. You do not have to be an art connoisseur to feel at place here – it is all about being present and witnessing everything come together.
For more details and bookings, please visit the Royal Academy website.
From galleries and performances to hands-on creative sessions, these events are a reminder that some of London’s best summer experiences begin with simply showing up and trying something new.