London Events in February and March
London is a fantastically bustling place to stay during your studies, and there’s never a shortage of things to do, see, eat or drink in the capital! However, with the grey and wet weather that usually befalls the UK through February and March, and the distinct lack of the twinkling Christmas lights that previously decorated the city, it’s easy to feel stagnant and just stay indoors during your ‘downtime’ from studying or work placements. Our advice? Don’t! We’ve compiled the best of London’s events throughout February and March for you to visit during your stay; so read on and head out to whatever takes your fancy! Why not take your homestay hosts with you – it could be a great experience for them, too.
Art Exhibition:
Nam June Paik, ‘The Future Is Now’, Tate Modern, Jan-Feb 9th 2020
You’ve probably never heard of Nam June Paik, but you should go and see this exhibition regardless! These aren’t paintings or drawings, but rather large object (and sometimes abstract) pieces demonstrating the impact of technology on modern society. Some are interactive, but all are worth a walk around and a good look at: even if just to discuss how odd they are! You can book tickets here.
Cinema Screening:
Love and Friendship, Queen of Hoxton, Feb 13th 2020
The day before Valentine’s Day in the UK is frequently known as ‘Galentine’s Day’, an informal but popular day to celebrate non-romantic friendship. The Queen of Hoxton is showing a screening of Love and Friendship that evening for anyone that wishes to attend, along with a charity pop-up event and a rainbow-coloured dancefloor to party on after! This event is LGBTQ+ friendly.
Pancake Race:
Flippin’ Good Fun, Greenwich Market, Feb 22nd 2020
If you don’t know what Pancake Day is: ask your host family. It’s probably the best possible national (non-)holiday you could imagine! Flippin’ Good Fun is an annual public pancake race and makes for a hilarious day out, whether you’re racing or just spectating. Pancakes are available all day for your enjoyment and every racer will get a free one! Fancy dress is optional and there are medals for all entrants.
Cultural Festival:
London St Patrick’s Day Festival, Trafalgar Square, Mar 15th 2020
St Patrick’s Day is, of course, the Irish national day, but with such a large Irish community in London, they have a pretty fantastic festival for the event too! The London St Patrick’s Day Festival includes food and drink stalls, some incredibly intricate fancy dress, a lot of Guinness drinking and a parade through central London that includes over 75,000 people. Events are completely free and open to all ages, although there is a lot of drinking in the evening, so you may wish to attend earlier in the day if you have children with you.
Sports Fixture:
Head Of The River Race, River Thames, Mar 21st 2020
The Head Of The River Race was originally organised as an event to give rowing crews something to aim for at the end of their very tough winter training season. Crews from all over the world now take part, and the race is about 2hrs long, so there’s great opportunity to pitch up at several points along the route (which is the famous annual Boat Race route, backwards!) and watch. Your host family may be able to recommend a good pub (or two) to base yourself in! Find out more here.
If you discover a great event whilst you’re staying in London, or your host family have a good recommendation for one, let the HFS London team know in the comments below: we’ll pass on the good news to other homestay students. Let’s unite and celebrate this brilliant city every month of the year. Haven’t booked a homestay yet? There may still be time! Book here.
