What’s on in London – January 2024

Forget the January blues! London in the New Year explodes with a vibrant kaleidoscope of events, deals, and hidden gems waiting to be unearthed. It’s not just a quiet month; it’s the jackpot for savvy travellers! Dive into mega sales and snag unbeatable deals from big labels, relishing London’s charm without the usual elbow-to-elbow throngs.

Marvel at the Winter Lights spectacle at Canary Wharf, illuminating the City’s skyline. Film buffs, don’t miss The Soho London Independent Film Festival, a cinematic feast. Celebrate Burns Night in style, savouring Scottish traditions. January in London is the secret gem, promising tranquillity, cinematic marvels, and a cultural feast to start your year right!

Brace yourself for London’s most enchanting metamorphosis! The Winter Lights Festival returns to Canary Wharf for its eighth luminous chapter. Wander through a dazzling array of over 12 spectacular installations, showcasing the brilliance of global light artists.

Witness the enchanting flickering flames of “Sign” at Westferry Circus, be submerged in the mesmerising “Submergence” at Montgomery Square, and experience the dynamic allure of “Kinetic Perspectives” at Water Street. This immersive journey promises to ignite your senses and illuminate the winter night with a breathtaking fusion of creativity and light.

Step into the thrilling arena of the 50th edition of the Masters Snooker 2024, where the world’s 16 most elite snooker maestros clash for a staggering £250,000 prize at Alexandra Palace. Marking the second Triple Crown event of the 2023–24 snooker season, the spectacle is headlined by former world champion, Judd Trump, defending his title against the formidable Ding Junhui from China.

Brace yourself for a riveting showdown, as these cue wizards aim for snooker supremacy. With Ding’s dual maximum breaks and Trump’s relentless prowess, this tournament promises edge-of-your-seat action in the quest for snooker glory.

Get ready to beat the January blues at The Forge in Camden, where the January Blues Festival welcomes the legendary Chicago blues maestro, John Primer, for an electrifying night dedicated to blues enthusiasts. With two Grammy nominations under his belt, Primer will grace the stage as the special guest of the evening.

Joining him is Giles Robson, the trailblazing British blues artist and the first to feature on Chicago’s iconic Alligator Records—the longest-running blues label. This exclusive showcase promises a night of soul-stirring performances, celebrating the timeless allure of blues music with two exceptional talents.

Dive into cinematic excellence at the 21st London Short Film Festival, where over 300 captivating British and international films will unfold across London’s diverse venues. This year’s highlights include the groundbreaking works of Afro-Cuban filmmaker Sara Gómez, a debut in London.

Celebrate the extraordinary talent of filmmaker Ian Pons Jewell in a retrospective, relive the beats of British rave culture in Rave Cinema, and witness the rarely-seen gems from the Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon. It’s a cinematic feast, where innovation and storytelling unite, offering an unmissable journey through the world of short films.

Get ready for an explosion of adorableness! Hello Kitty takes over Somerset House with the mega-exhibition Cute, opening its doors on January 25th. This mega exhibition merges the cuteness of Japan’s Kawaii culture with contemporary artworks and new artist commissions, weaving a tapestry of music, fashion, toys, video games, and social media.

Cute is more than just a feel-good exhibition; it’s a thought-provoking exploration of our fascination with all things adorable. From Hello Kitty’s enduring legacy to the rise of virtual pets and emoji communication, Cute delves into the psychology and power of cuteness, asking what it means in our modern world.

Raise a dram and set those pipes wailing – it’s Burns Night in London! Join the city-wide celebration of Scotland’s beloved bard, Robert (Rabbie) Burns, on January 25th and prepare for an evening of toe-tapping music, heartwarming poetry, and delicious Scottish fare.

Don’t miss the vibrant celebrations at renowned spots like Boisdale in Canary Wharf, Nobu Bar in Shoreditch, 26 Leake Street in Waterloo, and The Oyster Shed. Immerse yourself in the best of Scottish culture, complete with bagpipes, kilts, and delectable dinners. Cheers to a night of lively revelry!

Get ready for a cinematic feast at the Soho London Independent Film Festival (SohoLIFF) over the last weekend of January! This three-day extravaganza will showcase over 50 award-nominated short films, including exciting directorial debuts and features by stars like Tom Holland and Lindsey Duncan.

Dive into a weekend of panel discussions, workshops, and live screenings, culminating in a glitzy award ceremony honouring the best in student film, environmental impact, and more. And the excitement doesn’t end there—with a custom cocktail inspired by the Bramble available at the newly opened TWELFTH bar on 75 Dean Street, it’s an unmissable celebration of cinematic brilliance and creativity.