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From festive wonderlands to cultural food-crawls via James Franco in the flesh (yes, really), ELLE has your weekend schedule covered with our cultural round-up.
Words by Liz Connor
GOING OUT: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Ice skating, grottos and glühwein by the tankard – is it any wonder that Winter Wonderland is fast becoming our favourite Christmas tradition?
The Hyde Park takeover returns this year with a whole host of attractions including two circuses, a glittering observation wheel, a magical ice kingdom (including magical ice bar) and a whole host of fairground rides ranging from laughable to terrifying. And best of all? Entry is free.
royalparks.org.uk, Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH
EXHIBITION: Allen Jones RA
From a bronzed bust of Kate Moss to his infamously kinky ‘Power Of Desire’ chair, few artists get people talking like Allen Jones. Well now you can join the debate as The Royal Academy hosts a retrospective exhibition of the celebrated Pop artist’s impressive career.
The exhibition will include prints, paintings and the iconic figurative sculptures from the late 1960s up to the present day.
royalacademy.org.uk, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BD
EXHIBTION: Egon Schiele: The Radical Nude
The latest exhibition at The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House is an unmissable opportunity to see 30 of Egon Schiele’s ‘radical nudes’ collected in one space.
These electrifyingly frank and unflinching portraits were a turning point in the development of modern art, and paved the way for unapologetic artists of the future like Tracey Emin, Francis Beacon and Marlene Dumas.
courtauld.ac.uk, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 0RN
GIGS: Banks at 02 Academy Brixton
Broodingly cool singer Jillian Banks arrives at Brixton 02 Academy this weekend, appearing as her better-known stage outfit Banks.
Fall in love all over again with Banks’ saccharine, gloomy vocals from her breakthrough R&B-meets-alternative album Goddess.
o2academybrixton.co.uk, 211 Stockwell Road, SW9 9SL
FOOD: Ten Tastes of Soho
If we weren’t already sold on the idea of a half-day food crawl, Ten Tastes of Soho takes foodies on a whistle-stop history lesson of one of London’s most vibrant corners.
Local chef Michelle Francis guides you on a ‘those-who-know’ tour with a ten course tasting menu at some of the area’s best hidden cuisine haunts.
FILM: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I
J-Law is back as bow-slinging heroine Katniss Everdeen in what’s tipped to be the darkest Hunger Games film yet. When Katniss shatters the games, she goes to District 13 after District 12 is destroyed. Under the leadership of President Coin and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta and a nation moved by her courage.
Various Cinemas Nationwide
BOOKS: James Franco book signing at Waterstones
Actor, writer and king of the selfie – get up close and personal with James Franco this weekend as Waterstones host an exclusive meet-up at their Picadilly store.
The Spring Breakers star will be singing copies of his 3 books, Actors Anonymous, Palo Alto and Directing Herbert White.
waterstones.com, 03-206 Piccadilly, London W1J 9HD
GOINT OUT: The Black Cat Cabaret
Join The Black Cat Cabaret cast for a special series of low-key and intimate dinners at The Hotel Café Royal, in the very room that Oscar Wilde fell in love with Lord Alfred Douglas, Aubrey Beardsley debated with Whistler, David Bowie retired Ziggy Stardust and Mick Jagger, the Beatles and Elizabeth Taylor danced the night away.
Expect to see internationally renowned cabaret artistes in a uniquely opulent setting –singers, character comedians, highly skilled performance artistes, magicians and live musicians. Glad rags necessary.
theblackcat.info 68 Regent Street, London W1B 4DY
FAIR: Renegade Craft Fair
Get your DIY on this weekend, or simply start the ever-looming Christmas shopping trolley dash, as Renegade craft fair takes over the Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch.
All manner of crafty masterclasses will be taking place including a DIY letterpress workshop and a festive bauble class.
renegadecraft.com, 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL
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