A few ideas for the next couple of weeks…

This is our last ‘free things to do’ blog this year, and we’ve tried to find some ideas to keep you entertained up to and beyond Christmas. As well as the events detailed, don’t forget that there are a load of galleries, museums and open spaces all within easy distance that will be open between the bank holidays. Just check out our ‘Local Places and Events’ links. There are also help and advice links, so if you need a council number, medical advice or just need someone to talk to you should be able to find a useful contact. We’ll be blogging again in 2012 with free weekend things to do. Whatever you decide to do over the holiday period, enjoy a peaceful and happy Christmas and New Year.

On Saturday 17th December, midday until late, Rich Mix continues its Snapshots Festivals series with a festive event celebrating Christmas and looking at different cultures’ reflections and celebrations of this special time of year. With a Christmas market in the main space, theatre shows, a special interactive exhibition, live music from 3 fantastic choirs, DJ-ing vicars, seasonal storytelling, decoration workshops, festive film double bill, children’s activities and a big fat Christmas community feast (either help prepare the food, take a dish to share or pay just £1!). Delivered by a mixture of international and local contributors, December’s Snapshots promises to offer a fabulous day out for young and old alike. Get all the details from the Rich Mix website

A Festive Feast at the Snapshots Festival

Stepney City Farm, Stepney Green, has a busy weekend. On Saturday 17th December from 3pm until 5pm it opens an exhibition of photographs under the title ‘British Bengali Food Journeys’. The photographs tell their stories of Bengali women, both in their motherland and in their adopted home, who often go unheard. The exhibition finishes at the end of March 2012.

On Sunday 18th December from 3pm, Stepney City Farm’s annual nativity play takes place with St Dunstan & All Saints and the Salvation Army. It will feature the Salvation Army brass band, mulled wine (no alcohol) & home-made mince pies, award-winning Jacob sheep, amazing actors, roasted chestnuts, snow?  See the Stepney City Farm website for more information on both events.

The Sundial Centre, Shipton Street, is holding a Christmas Market and Cafe on Sunday 18th December, 9.30am-2.30pm. There’ll be a range of stalls selling a variety of hand-made goods, arts activities and other tempting wares. All income from the Sundial Cafe and Market is re-invested back into providing opportunities, activities and services, to all in the local community.

On Sunday 18th December at 2pm Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park holds its Winter Wonderland walk of the Park.  Wander through  the park with a guide enjoying the smells, sounds, and sights of the park in high winter. They’ll be offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic Mulled Wine, along with festive food and goodies. And who knows, it may well snow as it did last year! Visit the website for further information.

Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, Winter 2010 © THCP

The Brady Centre, Hanbury Street, is hosting an exhibition ‘Talent 2011 – An ‘A’ Team / CM retrospective’. It is an end of year photography show to celebrate music events and performances by young people who have attended courses and workshops at the Brady Arts Centre throughout 2011.It’s open Monday to Friday 9am-7pm, and Saturday  9am-5pm. See the website for more details.

This weekend sees the latest curator to choose works from the Government Art Collection to display at the Whitechapel Art Gallery. Historian and broadcaster Simon Schama has selected  historical and contemporary artworks that explore ideas of travel from the 16th century to the present day, and there’s a great mix of styles and periods to suit most tastes. See the Whitechapel Gallery website for full information

Lord Byron by Thomas Philips © Govt. Art Collection

The Southbank Centre is holding a Winter Festival right through until January 11th., with a whole host of things to do. There’s a market, music, theatre and dancing and more besides. Check out the website for full details.

On January 1st the annual London New Year’s Day Parade will take place. Always spectacular and involving thousands of participants from around the world, this year’s parade promises to be even bigger. It will kick off the year of celebrations to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and Olympic Year. See the website for the most up-to-date information.

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