September 2008

As autumn begins, temperatures cool, and the tourist crowds head home, London's performance and exhibition spaces open the most exciting period of the year, as new seasons and experimental works dominate the arts and entertainment world.

Hay's Galleria Oyster and Seafood Fair

Hays Galleria, London, SE1 2HD
5th September 2008 - 7th September 2008

The start of the British oyster season is welcomed with an annual celebration at Hay's Galleria. At this mini-festival you can indulge in all types of autumn seafood including lobsters, crabs, mussels and the salty delights of the world's favourite aphrodisiac. The Galleria will be filled with the sound of oyster knives splitting open shells. Though ingredients are strictly local, the recipes are thoroughly exotic, with chefs from Thailand, Spain and Japan all putting these Northern European shellfish through their paces. A perfect start to the autumn.

More info: Hay's Galleria Oyster and Seafood Fair Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Duxford September Air Show

Imperial War Museum Duxford, London, CB2 4QR
6th September 2008 - 7th September 2008

Every child should get to see the Red Arrows at least once. There's something about their coloured smoke plumes that captivates youngsters' imaginations. The Arrows are just part of the aerobatic entertainment at Duxford's September Air Show. Fast jets and vintage classics, including the Spitfire and B-17 Flying Fortress, perform fly-bys and impressive skyward displays. Take a picnic and enjoy some high flying family entertainment.

More info: Duxford September Air Show Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Francis Bacon

Tate Britain, SW1P 4RG
11th September 2008 - 4th January 2009

Francis Bacon's weirdly warped images are so well known they're instantly recognisable as his. His influence will undoubtedly continue to be felt for centuries to come. At this, the first major retrospective in London since 1985, important paintings from each period of his life are exhibited alongside one another. His paintings of the 1940s, in particular, are of a style that shot him to a worldwide fame, many of which were done in a hungover haze or after little or no sleep. Of his 'Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion' (1944) he said, "It was a thing that I did in about a fortnight, when I was in a bad mood of drinking, and I did it under tremendous hangovers and drink". This exhibition at Tate Britain marks the centenary of Bacon's birth in 2009 and will tour to the Prado in Madrid and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

More info: Francis Bacon Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Donmar West End: Chekhov's Ivanov

Wyndhams Theatre, WC2H 0DA
12th September 2008 - 29th November 2008

Under Michael Grandage's direction, the Donmar Warehouse has become so popular that it is almost impossible for non-members to get tickets. Recognising this, London's most succesful fringe venue are launching a season of productions in the 750-capacity Wyndham's Theatre. The series opens with Chekhov's Ivanov, a morally complex depiction of a landowner in his mid-thirties who has become almost too bored of his life to carry on. It's a typically challenging choice for the Donmar, a notoriously difficult early work from the playwright who would later be called the 'Russian Shakespeare'. This starry production includes a new translation by Tom Stoppard, Grandage directing and Kenneth Branagh playing the disaffected aristocrat. Early booking is strongly advised.

More info: Donmar West End: Chekhov's Ivanov Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The London Design Festival

13th September 2008 - 23rd September 2008

The London Design Festival is an ambitious project. Hundreds of events, locations, shops, universities and design agencies are involved in the ten days of talks, exhibitions, competitions and activities. It's a true celebration of the capital's all-encompassing design industry, taking in sectors as diverse as fashion, architecture, retail, typography, photography, textiles, interior decoration and manufacturing. Don't be put off by the volume: the criteria for inclusion here is in the quality of the design. There's a huge range of events in all shapes and sizes from product launches in tiny boutiques to the massive trade show, 100% Design, at the Earl's Court Exhibition Centre. Or head to Tent London (18-21 September) set up by original 100% Design founder Ian Rudge, at the Old Truman Brewery, which covers an impressive 11 acres with contemporary lighting and furniture designs while showcasing the work of 150 recent UK graduates. The scope is far-reaching and you'll be hard pressed to cover all of it but it's fun trying.

Check the website www.londondesignfestival.com for full details.

More info: The London Design Festival Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Mayor's Thames Festival

Southbank Centre, London, SE1 8XX
13th September 2008 - 14th September 2008

Over half a million visitors usually attend the Thames Festival which takes place over two days on the banks of the river between Tower Bridge and Westminster. Hundreds of artists and dancers take part in the daytime displays with a lively carnival both nights, as well as scores of activities for kids and a River Race involving over 300 oared boats, including eccentric creations like Viking Dragon Boats. The festival climaxes with the Night Carnival, featuring 2000 costumed performers, floats and a final massive fireworks display.

More info: Mayor's Thames Festival Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Last Night of the Proms

Royal Albert Hall, London, SW7 2AP
13th September 2008

The popular pinnacle of the classical calendar, the Last Night of the Proms is always a spectacular, unbeatable evening of popular pieces and crowd-pleasing works. You'll have to camp out overnight if you want tickets, but there's a great sense of British camaraderie in the queue and it's well worth it. As always, it finishes with British Sea Chantys, Auld Lang Syne, Rule Britannia and all those other Proms classics. A festival of flag-waving and good feeling, nothing quite compares to the heady end-of-summer institution that is the Proms' Last Night.

More info: Last Night of the Proms Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Spitalfields Show and Green Fair

Allen Gardens & Spitalfields City Farm, London, E1 5HJ
14th September 2008

Fruit, veg, flowers, handicrafts and home grown produce are just some of the colourful things on offer at the Spitalfields Show and Green Fair. Fiercely competitive, the green fingered enter to see who'll be awarded the best flower arrangement or the biggest marrow. There are 13 sections and 101 classes including a special children's section. Even if you only have a balcony or window box to call your 'outside space', you can enter this show. All you need to do is enter at 9am, judging takes place at 11am and the show is open to the public from 12noon to 4pm. Prizes are presented at 4pm. At 4.15pm all uncollected entries are auctioned and funds raised go towards supporting next year's show. In addition, there are all kinds of stalls selling arts and crafts, organic food and drinks. There's advice on the environment, workshops, as well as an insight into the activities on Spitalfields City Farm and a Dog Show. Altogether a great family day out.

More info: Spitalfields Show and Green Fair Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

100% Design

Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London, SW5 9TA
18th September 2008 - 21st September 2008

London's biggest design fair is essentially a trade-only affair but, as part of the London Design Festival, on Sunday 21st September, anyone can come in for a glimpse of the latest in cutting-edge design. British designers like Mathmos, Hitch Mylius, and Tom Dixon are joined by the likes of the award-winning, not-for-profit agency Hidden Art whose online shop at www.hiddenartlondon.co.uk is run on behalf of its designer members. After first appearing last year, 100% Futures is back, giving newcomers the chance to get their one-off and hot-off-the-press designs in front of an influential audience of press and buyers. Alongside are sister exhibitions 100% Detail, focusing on new materials, innovative building methods and energy conservation, and 100% Light. Don't forget, this is a trade fair so it's a great chance to get an insider's view of the freshest new furniture, lighting and fabric design.

Entrance is free if you register for tickets in advance at www.100percentdesign.co.uk

Photo: Tom Dixon - unpolished brass floor vases.

More info: 100% Design Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

London Open House Weekend

Various Venues Across London,
20th September 2008 - 21st September 2008

So many of London's architectural landmarks are closely guarded secrets, off-limits to Joe Public. It's tantalizing to imagine what goes on behind those closed doors. Well, for one weekend at least, we need wonder no more. Over 600 of the city's most spectacular buildings take part in this fantastic, free, yearly event by opening their doors to just about anyone. It's a unique chance to see inside some of the most famous and fascinating places. There's a wealth of historical landmarks to choose from including some of the most beautiful architectural achievements in the city. You can even get inside some of the grandest private homes in your own neighbourhood - it's a voyeur's dream come true. For the more serious students of contemporary design, this is a chance to visit spaces by famous modern architects. An inspired idea and a real treat whether you're a lover of architecture or just plain nosey.

Entry to some of the houses is only permitted via pre-booked tickets acquired through the website www.londonopenhouse.org. You're advised to bring booking confirmation with you.

More info: London Open House Weekend Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Rothko

Tate Modern, London, SE1 9TG
26th September 2008 - 1st February 2009

Taking Mark Rothko's canvasses of squared blocks of colour at face value, it can be hard to understand why he is revered as one of America's most significant post-war painters. But look at his work in the context American art in the post-war years of the 1940s as a new collective voice was emerging in the name of the New York School, and you get a different perspective. Rothko's trademark blocks of colour become an intellectual debate on the development of abstract art. In their 'New York Times' manifesto Rothko and Gottlieb advocated "the simple expression of the complex thought". They favoured "flat forms because they destroy illusion and reveal truth". This exhibition focuses on his late works including a group of 15 Seagram murals, some borrowed from the Kawamura Memorial Art Museum, Japan and the National Gallery, Washington collections. Rothko's final series of Black on Grey paintings from the late 1960s will also feature prominently in the exhibition.

More info: Rothko Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube