20+ events you can’t miss this November
20+ events you can’t miss this November
From marathons to panel discussions to art fairs – this month sure looks exciting! Here’s a round-up of the finest events happening in SW London and Surrey this November
Featured image: Sir Willard White, Wimbledon International Music Festival
MUSIC
There’s something for everyone this year at WIMF. From performances by an opera star Sir Willard White, and a famous pianist Imogen Cooper to a tribute to the pioneer of American swing, Benny Goodman, to an evening of tango with music by Piazzolla, this year’s programme is exceptionally diverse.
13 – 28 November 2021
Baroque Splendour – St Martin’s Church, Epsom
Epsom Choral Society presents a night of ‘Baroque Splendour’ in the beautiful St Martin’s Church in Epsom with a wonderful selection of works by three Baroque masters: Bach’s Lobet den Herrn, Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, and Handel’s Dixit Dominus.
6 November
Sutton Symphony Orchestra: 75th Anniversary Concert Fairfield Halls – St Andrew’s United Reformed Church, Cheam
Marking 75 years since its very first concert, the Sutton Symphony Orchestra celebrates the timeless thrill of hearing great music performed live! The programme includes a fine selection of pieces by Mozart, Bizet and Mendelssohn, as well as a symphony by a well-known Dorking resident, Ralph Vaughan Williams.
27 November
Robert Ames: Change Ringing – Southbank Centre
The co-founder of the London Contemporary Orchestra’s latest album Change Rising unites Western tradition with 20th-century electronic techniques to transport us to a peaceful, colourful state of mind. Ames works closely with many of the leading figures in new music, including Philip Glass and Meredith Monk.
4 and 5 November
Gigi Masin – Southbank Centre
These concerts present Gigi’s new album Calypso – music inspired by the mythical Greek island of Ogygia and the celestial beauty of its alleged real-life counterpart Gavdos. Originally from Venice, every track on Calypso takes you vividly to timeless Greek beauty, glistening seas, picturesque landscapes, and the sun’s bright, balmy heat.
26 and 27 November
FAMILY
Get your little ones (and yourself) amused and inspired with colourful fairytales at Fulham Palace. Create your own ‘zine and dress up to enter the competition.
7 November
IMAGE CREDIT: CAMERON HARRIS
Join the amazing showcase of 125 years of motoring. From veteran to vintage and classic to the very latest cars, The Regent Street Motor Show has it all. Plus lots of fun for the entire family, including interactive displays, West End Kinds performance and karting for kids.
6 November
The Lord Mayor’s Show survived more than eight centuries of floods, bombings and plagues – including the most recent one. It is back in London for another three-mile procession, with more than 140 performances and 8,000 people. The most comfortable spots to watch the entire parade are in the area between Bank and St Pauls from 11 to 12, or – for those who prefer the quieter return procession – between 1:15 and 2:30 in the Embankment area.
13 November
Join your American friends during Thanksgiving celebrations in London! On this occasion, Hard Rock Café serves slow-roasted turkey breast with roasted fresh vegetables, home-style classic stuffing, creamy sweet potato mash, cranberry sauce and traditional turkey gravy.
26 – 29 November
WORKSHOPS AND DISCUSSIONS
Experiment with extracting pigment from plants to achieve marvellous results and create one-of-a-kind designs on fabric and paper. The contact and hapa zome printing workshop is led by Zoë Burt – designer, educator and award-winning artist passionate about exploring the connection between ecology, botanical colour, activism and sustainability.
18 November
School Of Icing NCR: Christmas Tree Decorations – Northcote Road Icing Café
Your Christmas biscuits aren’t exactly as instagrammable as you’d like them to be? Head to Biscuiteers where you’ll learn how to use all decorating skills like a pro – including colouring, piping, feathering, line and flood icing. You’ll leave with a tin of gorgeous biscuits you’ve iced completely on your own and a desire for more.
10 and 20 November
Co-Creating Change Festival, Battersea Arts Centre (and online)
This 5-day festival explores regional, national and international co-creation, and the ways it can affect social change on a local and global scale. Sign up for workshops, lectures, provocations, conversations and a specially produced show. All events are available both in-person and online.
22 – 26 November
Shameless! Festival: Emily Ratajkowski In Conversation, Battersea Arts Centre
Join the conversation as author and actor Emily Ratajkowski talks her new book My Body which reflects on what it means to be a woman in a world that consumes, commodifies and violates women’s bodies. The conversation takes place as part of Shameless! Festival of Activism against Sexual Violence.
27 November
In Conversation With Richard Dunwoody, Dog & Fox
Racing aficionados, listen up! Three-time Champion Jockey and now motivational speaker talks his new book, a career in National Hunt racing, winning King George VI Chase four times (twice on Desert Orchid), and the Grand National twice. All proceeds from ticket sales go to the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators.
10 November
ART
Wimbledon Art Fair – Wimbledon Art Studios
Enter the amazing world of over 150 artists, makers and creatives as they open their workshops for the public on this unique occasion. Discover thousands of artworks that you’ll love created in tens of different styles and techniques. Plus, incredible visitor features such as live music and creative workshops.
18-21 November
Sparkle Contemporary Craft & Gourmet Food Fair – Landmark Arts Centre
After missing a whole year, Sparkle is back! Head to Teddington for a fabulous fair filled to the brim with stunning craft from glorious glassware and ceramics to designer knitwear and jewellery. Plus plenty of festive food to satisfy the cravings of the body as well as the soul!
19-21 November
5 Day Gift Market, Bourne Hall
After two cancelled editions, the 5 Day Gift Market is back in Ewell! If you’re after a fancy, different or unusual Christmas gift, look no further. Featuring everything from handbags to masks and from Victorian lace to stocking fillers, traders at 5 Day Gift Market have got you covered. Entry is free.
9-13 November
London’s oldest garden will transform into a winter wonderland to host over 100 stands, showcasing the finest independent suppliers from ceramics, to jewellery, cheese and children’s toys. Plus plenty of food, drinks and cheer!
25 – 28 November
The Strawberry Hill House Christmas Fair, organised in partnership with The Decorcafé, is back for its 5th year.
This year’s Fair will be a two-day event, offering visitors the opportunity to shop for original, unique, yet affordable Christmas gifts created by over 40 exhibitors, all held in the stunning location that is Strawberry Hill House.
27 – 28 November
OUTDOORS
Get your running shoes on and try to spot a deer! The final race at Richmond Park of the year will be a 4 lap loop with the runners registering chip times on each lap. Each runner will get a specially designed medal and a whole host of amazing photos.
14 November
Thames Meander Marathon & Half – Kingston upon Thames
Some more running! This scenic trail starts and finishes at the YMCA Hawker Centre HQ. Both routes are very well marked and provide the ideal entertainment and fitness for runners of all abilities to set new records for themselves and take in gorgeous riverside views of the city.
6 November
IMAGE CREDIT: GARETH PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY
Open Day at Gatton Park – Reigate
Gatton Park is open to explore. You can choose to walk on your own or opt for one of the guided walks, including around the rock garden, Japanese garden, lake and more. There will also be refreshments available to buy in case you got hungry, and a small plant sale.
7 November
