Going Out

There are loads of events taking place over the long Easter week so you're bound to find something to your taste. The Queen's Birthday Gun Salutes takes place in Hyde Park, Keira Knightley returns to the stage in The Children's Hour and there's the Alchemy festival of Indian music. And if you're into your football or just eager to sample the atmosphere of a rip-roaring London derby, why not head down to White Hart Lane to see Tottenham v Arsenal.

B.Supreme

Southbank Centre, London, SE1 8XX
25th April 2011

B.Supreme, the festival that celebrates women as performers, dancers, rappers, artists and film-makers working in Hip Hop, returns to the Southbank Centre for its fifth year. This is a concept exported from the USA which aims to counter the idea that Hip Hop culture is misogynist or male-dominated. There's a superb line up of performers and an impressive array of dance workshops and movie screenings - and the weekend should be a great time for any Hip Hop fan, male or female. Evening performances take place in the Purcell Room and workshops and battles - as B.girls fight it out for titles in house, popping and nu-style - are in the Clore Ballroom throughout the weekend.

B.Supreme - Information

The Queen's Birthday Gun Salutes

Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH
21st April 2011

Being the British monarch involves many privileges, not least of which is getting to celebrate your birthday twice every year. The Queen's Birthday Gun Salutes have the advantage of taking place on her actual birthday - 21st April. It's a smaller occasion than Trooping the Colour which marks her official birthday on 12th June. Still, this is a loud, spectacular and smoky display with a total of 41 rounds of cannon and gun shots fired by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery in Hyde Park at 12 noon. The King's Troop ride into Hyde Park from the north by Marble Arch along North Carriage Drive, line up abreast and gallop down the parade ground to roughly opposite the Dorchester Hotel. The Troop itself arrives at around 11.45am ready to fire the first round at midday. The guns are then unhooked and the salute is fired off. Duty performed, the horses gallop back up towards North Carriage Drive. The band arrives separately and can usually be seen from about 11.30am. It is a spectacular show of pomp and ceremony and it's also the only time when you will see horses legally at a full gallop in Hyde Park - with a ton and a half of cannon in tow! Happy Birthday Lizzy!

More info: The Queen's Birthday Gun Salutes Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The London International Ska Festival

The Clapham Grand, London, SW11 1TT
21st April 2011 - 25th April 2011

DJs including Rhoda Dakar, Jim Cox, Felix Hall, Lynval Golding, Mark Lamarr and The Tighten Up Crew spin ska, roots, rhythm'n'blues, rocksteady and reggae, plus live performances from Ken Boothe, Dave & Ansell Collins, Bob Andy & Marcia Griffiths, English Beat, Dave Wakeling, James Hunter, The Ska Flames, Dub Pistols, Giuliano Palma and one-off reformations from The Loafers and Hotknives.

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

Alchemy

Southbank Centre, London, SE1 8XX
15th April 2011 - 26th April 2011

Following the inaugural event last year, which ranged from the very best of contemporary Indian dance and music to hard-hitting talks and debates, the Alchemy festival returns to the Southbank Centre this year with a varied 11-day programme. A celebration of Indian music, dance, debate, literature, film, craft and fashion, Alchemy also explores India's changing economic and cultural landscape and takes a close look at its relationship and influence on the UK and vice versa. Festival-goers can expect cutting-edge music and entertainment alongside passionate discussion as the nation emerges as one of the world's major economic superpowers. Look forward to leading artists and cultural organisations to be in attendance as the very best of Indian culture and lifestyle comes to London. See www.southbankcentre.co.uk for details on individual times and prices.

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

Pablo Picasso: Portrait Lithographs

Alan Cristea Gallery, W1S 3NU
24th March 2011 - 22nd April 2011

If your into your art and interested in something cultural this Easter then be sure to visit the Alan Cristea Gallery. On display are a series of rare portrait lithographs by the late Spanish artist, including Femme Assise et Dormeuse from 1947, and Femme au corsage a Fleurs, from 1958.

More info: Pablo Picasso: Portrait Lithographs Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Sex, Drugstores And Rock & Roll: A History Of The Kings Road

Proud Chelsea, London, SW3 5XP
23rd March 2011 - 9th May 2011

Photographic prints documenting the street and its popularity with rock'n'roll stars during the 60s and 70s, by photographers including Harold Chapman, Janette Beckman, Bill Zygmant and Barry Lategan.

More info: Sex, Drugstores And Rock & Roll: A History Of The Kings Road Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The Children's Hour

Comedy Theatre, SW1Y 4DN
22nd January 2011 - 1st May 2011

An angry teenager runs away from an all-girls boarding school and to avoid being sent back she tells her grandmother that the two headmistresses are having a lesbian affair - an accusation which could destroy both women's careers, relationships and lives. Keira Knightley and Mad Men's Elizabeth Moss, making her West End debut, star as the two school teachers who have worked for years to establish their school, only to see everything thrown into jeopardy over some malicious rumours. Ian Rickson, fresh from directing Mark Rylance in Jerusalem, directs The Children's Hour, Lillian Hellman's taboo-breaking play which was first staged on Broadway in 1934. Known for her captivating role of Peggy Olson in Mad Men, Moss should pull in the punters - but the London crowds will no doubt be most interested in the performance of our English rose, Knightley, who was last seen on the Comedy Theatre stage in The Misanthrope.

More info: The Children's Hour Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Tottenham v Arsenal

White Hart Lane, London, N17 0AP
20th April 2011

London's fiercest rivals lock horns in what could be a crucial fixture for both sides as the Premier League season approaches its climax. Arsenal are hot on the heels of Manchester United as they attempt to prevent the Northerners claiming yet another title triumph. Tottenham are just a few places below them, fighting it out for a spot in the illustrious 'top four' and qualifications for a second successive season in the Champions League. This fixture last season produced a shock result as Spurs ended an 11 year winless run against their neighbours, courtesy of a spectacular 30-yard volley from young Danny Rose. And Spurs came out on top in the corresponding game from this season at the Emirates Stadium as they overcame a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 in one of the season's most thrilling contests. With no love lost between either side and plenty still to be gained from the season, expect a fiery and riveting midweek encounter under the lights at White Hart Lane.

More info: Tottenham v Arsenal Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube