🦊 London’s got plans

Morning, London! Happy Thursday. Kids are back in school, fireworks have been lighting the sky (together with a supermoon last night, though it was quite cloudy) and London’s calendar is -as always?- bursting in the run up to Christmas. Loads of great shows across town these coming weeks.

Now… we’re always finding new ways to entertain the kids, but how about some fun for the grown ups? Ready to meet new people and make new friends over a good informal dinner? Read further down.

Let’s dive in.

. SCOOP SOCIAL .
🍽️Dinner time!

London's amazing but making new friends as a parent is tough. Between school runs, work, and collapsing on the sofa, it’s easy to stick to the same circles.

So we are trying something new. Small dinners for Londoners to meet, eat, and have a proper chat with other grown-ups. Whether you’ve just moved here or have lived in London for years, it’s an easy excuse to meet new people with no awkward networking and no name tags.

Here’s how it works: you’ll take a quick quiz about your personality, interests, food preferences and budget, get matched with five others who fit your vibe, and go for dinner. Simple as that. The goal is simple: help people make real connections and new friends over good food. You can bring someone with you if you want too 🙂 .

The booking link and all the details will be in next week’s issue. Keep an eye!

. LONDON SNIPPETS .
Bits that caught our eye

🏛️ V&A East Sets Opening Date for 2026. Nearly a decade after it was first announced, the V&A’s shiny new east London outpost finally has an opening date. V&A East will throw open its doors on 18 April 2026, bringing 7,000 square metres of exhibitions to Stratford’s East Bank. Long wait, but it’s looking worth it. Full story

🛋️ John Lewis Now Does Bubbles and Massages. In a bid to win back shoppers (and maybe soothe the sting of an £88 million loss), John Lewis is opening a VIP lounge at its Oxford Street store. Loyalty members can sip fizz, eat posh nibbles and get a hand massage while pretending they definitely came in for bedsheets. Trial runs until Christmas.. just like your self-control. Full story

🧠 Kids to Learn About Fake News and Finances in School. From 2028, primary school kids in England will be taught how to spot fake news, understand AI misinformation and get to grips with money basics like saving, budgeting and even mortgages. It is the first major curriculum shake-up in over a decade. No word yet on whether Year 6 will be handling the family bills. Full story

. CURIOSITY CORNER .
How do fireworks get up in the sky?

Share with your kids: A firework is really a clever little rocket in disguise. When you light the fuse, it burns down into a chamber of gunpowder. The powder ignites, creating a burst of hot gas that propels the firework upwards (Newton’s third law in action: every explosion has an equal and opposite wow).

As it climbs, a second fuse ignites the top compartment, filled with tiny pellets coated in metal salts. Those metals (copper, strontium, sodium, and friends) burn at different temperatures to give us those dazzling blues, reds, and golds.

This week, when the sky erupts in colour and thunder, remember: you're not just oohing at explosions. You're witnessing chemistry's epic light show.

This weekend the sky’s lighting up again, and here’s where to catch the best of the rest.

🎇 North London
Sat 8 Nov – 💥 The Walker Ground Fireworks & Drone Show, Southgate N14
Sat 8 Nov – 🎆 Harrow & Ruislip Fireworks @ Byron Park, HA3
Sat 8 Nov – ✨ Bounds Green Scouts Fireworks @ Scout Park, N22
Sat 8 Nov – 💥 Hendon Fireworks @ StoneX Stadium, NW4

🎇 South London
Sat 8 Nov – 💥 Wimbledon Park Fireworks, SW19
Sat 8 Nov – 🎇 Beckenham Fireworks @ Croydon Rd Rec Ground, BR3
Sat 8 Nov – 🔥 Dulwich Sports Club Fireworks, SE21
Sat 8 Nov – 🎆 Bromley High School Fireworks, BR1

🎇 East London
Fri 7 Nov – 🎇 Stow Firework Spectacular (Night 2), E17
Sat 8 Nov – 💥 Stow Firework Spectacular (Night 3), E17

🎇 West London
Sat 8 Nov – 💥 Barnes Bonfire Night @ Barnes Sports Club, SW13
Sat 8 Nov – 🎆 Ealing Fireworks @ The Brentham Club, W5

. EVENTS SCOOP .
What’s on this week?

🌺 Field of Remembrance @ Westminster Abbey
Date & Loc: Nov 6–17, Westminster SW1P
Pay tribute to fallen service members in this moving annual display of poppy crosses in the Abbey grounds. The official opening service takes place today.
Age: Everyone | Price: no cost | Info

✨ Wendy & Peter Pan @ Barbican Theatre
Date & Loc: until Nov 22, Barbican EC2Y
The RSC reimagines JM Barrie’s classic in Ella Hickson’s witty retelling. Join Wendy and Peter in this high-flying mix of fairy dust, sword fights and heart.
Age: 7+ | Price: from £25 | Info

🦉 WOW! Said the Owl @ Little Angel Studios
Date & Loc: Nov 6–8, Islington N1
Tim Hopgood’s gentle story of a curious owl discovering the world’s colours comes to life through charming puppetry. A wonder-filled treat for little ones.
Age: 2–5yo | Price: £13 | Info

🐻 We’re Going on a Bear Hunt @ Little Angel Theatre
Date & Loc: Nov 6–Nov 8, Islington N1
Michael Rosen’s classic adventure told with puppets and song. Expect splashes, mud and plenty of “We’re not scared!” energy.
Age: 3–8yo | Price: £13 | Info

🤼 Dweeb-A-Mania @ Polka Theatre
Date & Loc: Nov 6–9, Wimbledon SW19
Mega-nerds Kemi and Norah crash a wrestling party and become champs. Expect flying kicks, fake blood and big laughs in this punchy comedy about being proudly different.
Age: 8–13yo | Price: from £11 | Info

🗺️ Kid Quest Adventure @ Hyde Park Rose Garden
Date & Loc: Nov 6-12, Hyde Park
A self-guided outdoor adventure for families. Solve riddles, hunt for clues and explore London’s landmarks in this interactive city quest for young explorers.
Age: 4–8yo | Price: from £5 | Info

🎺 The Lord Mayor’s Show @ City of London
Date & Loc: Nov 8 (Sat), City EC4
A London tradition since 1215, with marching bands, floats, horses and fireworks celebrating the new Lord Mayor’s inauguration.
Age: Everyone | Price: no cost | Info

🪩 Ballroom Boogie x Toasty Tots XL @ Southbank Centre
Date & Loc: Nov 8 (Sat), Southbank SE1
An all-ages dance party with DJs, singalongs and family-friendly vibes by the Born N Bread Collective. Get ready to boogie.
Age: Everyone | Price: no cost | Info

🧠 Things Scientists Don’t Know (Yet) @ Royal Institution
Date & Loc: Nov 8 (Sat), Mayfair W1S
Discover the biggest mysteries in science; from dark matter to deep oceans in this lively family talk exploring all the questions still waiting for answers.
Age: Under 12yo | Price: from £10 | Info

🎨 Craft & Chill @ Museum of London Docklands
Date & Loc: Nov 8 (Sat), Canary Wharf E14
Free drop-in art activities themed around identity and belonging.
Age: 4+ | Price: no cost | Info

🎆 Dulwich Fireworks Display @ Dulwich Sports Club
Date & Loc: Nov 8 (Sat), Dulwich SE21
Family-friendly fireworks with fairground rides, food stalls and live music. Kids go for just £1!
Age: Everyone | Price: from £1 | Info

🏺 Young Archaeologists: Foreshore Walk @ Fulham Palace
Date & Loc: Nov 8 (Sat), Fulham SW6
Explore the Thames foreshore with the Young Archaeologists’ Club and uncover artefacts and stories hidden in the riverbank.
Age: 8–16yo | Price: £16 | Info

🐢 The Hare & the Tortoise @ Puppet Theatre Barge
Date & Loc: Nov 8–30, Little Venice W9
Beautifully staged marionette version of the classic race.
Age: 4–10yo | Price: from £12 | Info

💪 Gladiators Live @ The O2
Date & Loc: Nov 8–9, North Greenwich SE10
Step into the arena as the TV legends bring their power-packed show to London, complete with fan favourites, challenges and new gladiators in action.
Age: 6+ | Price: from £35 | Info

🎨 Make Studio: Beauty @ Tate Modern
Date & Loc: Nov 8 onwards, Bankside SE1
Create art inspired by the idea of beauty in this free, hands-on studio space for families. Experiment with colour, texture and materials while exploring Tate’s galleries.
Age: Everyone | Price: no cost | Info

🐻 The Three Bears @ artsdepot
Date & Loc: Nov 9 (Sun), North Finchley N12
A playful retelling of the classic tale with music, puppetry and plenty of porridge. Perfect for little ones discovering the magic of live theatre.
Age: 3+ | Price: from £13.75 | Info

🐾 Animal Tales @ British Museum
Date & Loc: Nov 12 (Wed), Bloomsbury WC1B
Hear myths and legends from around the world in these lively storytelling sessions inspired by the museum’s animal collection.
Age: Under 5s | Price: no cost | Info

🧚 Beauty & the Beast @ Winston Churchill Theatre
Date & Loc: Nov 12–14, Ruislip HA4
Disney’s timeless musical brought to life on stage.
Age: Everyone | Price: from £12 | Info

🕷️ Grandad Anansi @ Polka Theatre
Date & Loc: Nov 12–16, Wimbledon SW19
A joyful tale of courage, love and letting go.
Age: 4–9yo | Price: from £12 | Info

🎨 Art & Storytelling @ Holborn Library
Date & Loc: Nov 13 (Thu), Holborn NW3
Join artist and author Rosemary Clunie for a creative storytelling workshop combining art, imagination and myth. Families can make and illustrate their own story to take home.
Age: 3-11yo | Price: no cost | Info

🚀 Space Adventures @ British Library
Date & Loc: Nov 14 (Fri), King’s Cross NW1
Blast off on a creative mission exploring the wonders of space through storytelling, art and games inspired by the library’s collections.
Age: 2–5yo | Price: no cost (book. req) | Info

👑 Story Time: The King’s New Party Clothes @ Lyceum Theatre
Date & Loc: Nov 14 (Fri), Covent Garden WC2E
A playful retelling of The Emperor’s New Clothes with puppets, music and lots of giggles, presented by Little Supernovas.
Age: Everyone | Price: from £15 (adult + child) | Info

🧘 Mini Makers: Move & Flow @ Pitzhanger Manor
Date & Loc: Nov 14 (Fri), Ealing W5
Yoga-inspired sessions for little ones and caregivers.
Age: under 5s | Price: £12 (adult + kid) | Info

🎡 Winter Wonderland @ Hyde Park
Date & Loc: Nov 14 onwards, Hyde Park W1
London’s ultimate festive fairground returns with rides, food and ice skating.
Age: Everyone | Price: from £5 | Info

🕯️ Candlelight Tribute to Taylor Swift @ Southwark Cathedral
Date & Loc: Nov 15 (Sat), London Bridge SE1
A candlelit concert dedicated to Taylor Swift’s biggest hits, from Love Story to Cruel Summer. Performed live by a string quartet in one of London’s most atmospheric settings.
Age: 8+ | Price: from £26 | Info

🌌 Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert @ Royal Albert Hall
Date & Loc: Nov 15 (Sat), South Kensington SW7
Experience the epic film on the big screen with John Williams’ iconic score performed live by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.
Age: 12+ | Price: from £28 | Info

🪐 Astronights Sleepover @ Science Museum
Date & Loc: Nov 15 (Sat), South Kensington SW7
Spend a night at the museum with hands-on workshops, science shows and a giant-screen film before bedding down among the exhibits.
Age: 7–11yo | Price: £80 | Info

🎨 How to Survive in a Cartoon Universe @ Royal Institution
Date & Loc: Nov 15 (Sat), Mayfair W1S
Join physicist and cartoonist Dr James Brown for a hilarious, science-packed look at cartoon physics, from falling anvils to rocket-powered roller skates.
Age: 4+ | Price: from £7 | Info

🎨 Family Takeover: Shaping Patterns @ Camden Art Centre
Date & Loc: Nov 15 (Sat) & 29, Finchley Road NW3
A free day of art-making inspired by the Acts of Creation exhibition. Families can experiment with colour, texture and pattern in drop-in workshops led by artists.
Age: Everyone | Price: no cost | Info

🐛 The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show @ Radlett Centre
Date & Loc: Nov 18–20, Radlett WD7
Faithful puppet adaptation of Eric Carle’s beloved stories.
Age: 2+ | Price: from £14 | Info

🌈 Family Festival: Imaginary Worlds @ British Library
Date & Loc: Nov 22 (Sat), King’s Cross NW1
Step into a day of stories, music and creativity inspired by the power of imagination. Expect author readings, craft workshops and performances for all ages.
Age: Everyone | Price: no cost | Info

🏡 Evim (My Home) @ Grand Junction
Date & Loc: Nov 22 (Sat), Paddington W2
A magical dance-theatre piece inspired by Rumi and the whirling dervishes. Three travellers twirl in search of belonging in this wordless, visually stunning show for young audiences.
Age: 1–7yo | Price: from £4 | Info

Let me know what you think! Your feedback helps us keep this section better and more useful for you.

. CHRISTMAS .
London Lights Up!

London’s streets will soon be glowing one by one. Here’s when the magic flicks on across town:

Mon 3 Nov – 💡 Oxford Street Lights - Now on!
Thu 6 Nov – 🪽 The Spirit of Christmas, Regent Street
Thu 6 Nov – 🎨 All is Bright, Carnaby Street
Wed 12 Nov – 🎭 The Theatre of Christmas, Covent Garden
Wed 12 Nov – 🧑‍🎄 Merry Marylebone Lights, Marylebone
Wed 12 Nov – 🥧 Switch-On Party, Old Spitalfields Market
Wed 12 Nov – 💎 Bond Street Lights
Wed 12 Nov – ✂️ Savile Row Christmas Lights
Thu 13 Nov – 🎁 Christmas Lights Switch-On, Leadenhall Market
Thu 13 Nov – 🍺 The Churchill Arms Lights, Kensington
Thu 14 Nov – 🌿 Christmas at Kew, Kew Gardens
Sat 15 Nov – ✨ Chelsea Lights Up
Sun 16 Nov – 🎉 Belgravia Switch-On Party
Wed 19 Nov – ☃️ Kids Christmas Lights, Soho
Tue 25 Nov – 🏙️ The Shard Light Show, London Bridge
Mid-Nov (est.) – 🚂 King’s Cross Christmas Lights, Coal Drops Yard & Granary Square
Mid-Nov (est.) – 💈 West End Lights, St Martin’s Lane & Leicester Sq
Mid-Nov (est.) – 🎭 The Strand Lights, Savoy & Villiers Street
Mid-Nov (est.) – 🪩 Connaught Village Lights
Early–Mid Nov (est.) – 🌟 Mayfair Christmas Lights
Thu 4 Dec – 🎄 Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Trafalgar Square

Get your cameras ready!

. SPREAD THE LOVE .
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