AUTUMN IN THE CITY JULY TO SEPTEMBER 2016
www.visitthecity.co.uk ART AND EXHIBITIONS FAMILY MUSIC SPECIAL EVENTS THEATRE WALKS AND TALKS
ART AND EXHIBITIONS
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The City Centre, p4
Welcome to a season of fun, captivating and enthralling events in the City of London. This autumn is jam-packed with events for the whole family, with a focus on commemorations marking the anniversary of a catastrophic event that changed the City of London forever.
This September marks 350 years since the City of London was destroyed from the ground up by a conflagration now known as the Great Fire of London. A series of exhibitions, tours, lectures and special events have been planned to commemorate this momentous event in the City’s history. This programme is chock-full of Great Fire-themed events – just look for the flame icon and immerse yourself in this uniquely-City anniversary. At the centre of the commemorations is London’s Burning (p17), produced by leading creative company Artichoke. This will be a spectacular not to be missed.
It’s not all fire and ashes, though. This autumn, Guildhall Yard comes alive with its very own Outdoor Cinema (p16). And for the young and young-atheart, the City celebrates the 100th birthday of children’s author Roald Dahl and the release of The BFG movie with an exciting Dream Jar Trail (p5). A number of giant dream jars are positioned at key locations around the City, each representing the childhood dream of some of our most important cultural icons.
For more events and information about the City go to www.visitthecity.co.uk or visit our City Information Centre by St Paul’s Cathedral, where our friendly, multilingual staff are ready to help you plan your days out: City of London Information Centre St Paul’s Churchyard London EC4M 8BX
Look for the flame for events in our Great Fire 350 programme.
The information in this leaflet has been researched and compiled in good faith and checked as thoroughly as possible with the relevant sources. It is correct to the best of the publisher’s knowledge at the time of printing (July 2016) and the publisher cannot accept any liability for errors and omissions howsoever caused. No payment was either solicited or received for inclusion of entries (with the exception of the back page advertisement) and it does not claim to be fully comprehensive.
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l Arts and Exhibitions
On-going
Visscher Redrawn: 1616-2016 Claes Jansz Visscher’s 1616 engraving is the image many would say best fits their idea of how London looked in medieval times. It is one of the few visual records of one of the world’s greatest cities before so much of it was swept away in the Great Fire of 1666. Four hundred years on, artist Robin Reynolds repeats the exercise. His version of modern London, arranged to fit the fantastic Visscher landscape is displayed at Guildhall Art Gallery and displayed alongside Visscher’s original print.
On-going
The City Centre The City Centre is the home of the City of London’s architectural model of the Square Mile. On a 1:500 scale, it documents the current make-up of the City and includes many new developments planned for the next 10 years. It offers a rare insight into the future London skyline. Featuring a rotating exhibition programme, the current installation, The City Garden features 33,000 flowers hung from the ceiling by copper wire. The exhibition promotes and celebrates open space in the City and is accompanied by a map and app detailing the stories behind 34 gardens within the Square Mile. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm (City model exhibition Fri-Sat only) FREE The City Centre 80 Basinghall Street EC2V 5AR www.thecitycentre.london T 020 7600 8362
William Shakespeare died in the year that Visscher’s print was published. In the new drawing there are references to thirtyseven plays, three major poetic works, and the sonnets – in the year that remembers 400 years since Shakespeare’s death and 350 years since the Great Fire see how many you can spot. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 12noon-4pm FREE Guildhall Art Gallery Guildhall Yard EC2V 5AE www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/ guildhallartgallery T 020 7332 1868
On-going
Until 31 August
Sculpture in the City
The BFG Dream Jar Trail
The popular public art exhibition returns with a selection of sculptures from 16 artists in 19 locations in and around the Square Mile. This year’s exhibition includes works from internationally-renowned artists Antony Caro, Giuseppe Penone, William Kentridge, Sarah Lucas, Jaume Plensa and many more. FREE to view at any time Pick up a map from the City Information Centre St Paul’s Churchyard EC4M 8BX Around St Botolph without Bishopsgate, Lime Street, St Mary Axe, Great St Helen’s and Undershaft EC3 www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/ sculptureinthecity
Until 26 August
London at Night London is a remarkable city at any time of day, but London at night has a magic all of its own. Photographer Simon Gregor often leads tourists and Londoners on night-time photo walks of the City, to try to discover some of the intrigue, atmosphere and charm of the metropolis ‘after hours’. In this exhibition, Simon shares some of his own favourite images of London after dark. Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm; Wed until 7.30pm. Open alternative Sat. FREE Guildhall Library Aldermanbury EC2V 7HH www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/ guildhalllibrary T 020 7332 1869/1871
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Roald Dahl’s birth and the in-cinema release of The BFG, a number of giant dream jars are positioned at key locations around the City, each containing a bespoke sculpture of the childhood dream of some of our most important cultural icons. The installation will form part of the larger The BFG Dream Jar Trail; a charity public art trail consisting of dozens of giant dream jars positioned across Greater London. The trail aims to encourage adults and children alike to dream big, with all jars being sold to raise funds for Save the Children and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity at the conclusion of the campaign. For more information, visit City Information Centre St Paul’s Churchyard EC4M 8BX www.visitlondon.com/bfg
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Until 4 September
Arts and Exhibitions
Ragnar Kjartansson Swinging playfully between romantic melancholy and lightheartedness, go on an emotional journey with Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson through his performances, films and paintings in this evocative exhibition. Sat-Wed 10am-6pm; Thu-Fri 10am-9pm Admission: £12, concs £10 Barbican Art Gallery Silk Street EC2Y 8DS www.barbican.org.uk T 020 7368 8891
Until 18 September
Southbank Mosaics See the wonderful mosaics from the studios of Southbank Mosaics at this “Open Studio”, where artists, volunteers and school students are trained in mosaic design and then use their skills to create public realm art works. This year’s exhibition theme is “The Portrait”. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm FREE (donations welcome) St Lawrence Jewry Church Guildhall Yard EC2V 5AA www.stlawrencejewry.org.uk T 020 7600 9478
Until 30 September
Dr Johnson’s House and the Two Great Fires of London: 1666 and 1940 The former home of Dr Johnson has a long and unique association with the fire services. Built in 1698 as part of local reconstruction after the Great Fire, it was saved from the Blitz some 240 years later thanks to the Auxiliary Fire Services who used the building as their meeting place. On the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire, a special selection of archival material and photographs are displayed in the very garret that still bears scars from 1940. Mon-Sat 11am-5.30pm Admission: £6, concs £5, child £2.25. Exhibition free after entry. Dr Johnson’s House 17 Gough Square EC4A 3DE www.drjohnsonshouse.org T 020 7353 3745
From 23 July
From 15 August
Fire! Fire!
That Dreadful Fire: the Hand of God, a Great Wind and a Very Dry Season
Discover London before, during and after the Great Fire of 1666 in this interactive exhibition. There is evidence on how the Fire started and spread, personal stories of the people who were there at the time, and rarely-seen artefacts from 1666. Learn how the City we know today rose from the ashes. Daily 10am-6pm (last entry 4.30pm) Admission: from £8 online; child (under 16) from £4 online; concs from £6.40 online Museum of London 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk/ fire-fire T 020 7001 9844
This exhibition explores the story of the devastating Great Fire through Guildhall Library’s collections, including English and foreign accounts, sermons and public records. Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm; Wed until 7.30pm. Open alternative Sat. FREE Guildhall Library Aldermanbury EC2V 7HH www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/ guildhalllibrary T 020 7332 1869/1871
6 August – 8 December
City of London Heritage Gallery display The Diary of Robert Hooke, Chief Surveyor to the City of London after the Fire, is on public display for the first time alongside archives showing how the City Corporation set about clearing up and rebuilding the City.
Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 12noon-4pm FREE City of London Heritage Gallery Guildhall Yard EC2V 5AE www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/ guildhallartgallery T 020 7332 1868
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From 30 August
Taking its inspiration from Thomas Farynor and his bakery, the starting place of the Great Fire, this exhibition tells the story of London’s bakers from 1666 to the 20th century. The photographs, films and historical documents on display include the recently uncovered plan which shows that Farynor’s bakery was actually located in present day Monument Street, not the current location of the infamous Pudding Lane.
Mon-Thu 9.30am-4.45pm (7.30pm Tue, Wed, Thu); open one Saturday each month, check website for details FREE
London Metropolitan Archives 40 Northampton Road EC1R 0HB www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lma T 020 7332 3820
From 1 September
From 20 September
From 21 October
Victorians Decoded: Art and Telegraphy
Money and Power
St Paul’s Cathedral, Out of the Fire Explore this display focusing on the life of St Paul’s Cathedral before, during and after the Great Fire. Discover objects and experience its award-winning high-definition film experience. Meet Elizabethan courtiers face to face, see the stones which ‘exploded like grenades’ in the Fire and learn how Sir Christopher Wren designed a new cathedral for London. Mon-Sat 8.30am-4.30pm (open Sun for worship only) Admission: £18, concs £16, child £8 (discounts available for groups of 10+ and online bookings) Exhibition free after entry. St Paul’s Cathedral St Paul’s Churchyard EC4M 8AD www.stpauls.co.uk/fire T 020 7246 8350
3 – 5 October
Arts and Exhibitions
London’s Baking! Bakers, Cakes, Bread and Puddings from 1666 Art in the City
Victorian artists’ responses to advances in communication technology provide the focus of an exhibition to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the laying of the Transatlantic Telegraph Cable. Featuring iconic and never-seenbefore paintings from the City of London’s art gallery and other important UK collections, the exhibition illustrates how cable telegraphy transformed people’s understanding of time, distance, and speed of communication. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 12noon-4pm FREE Guildhall Art Gallery Guildhall Yard EC2V 5AE www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/ guildhallartgallery T 020 7332 1868
An exhibition of photographs by members of the Gay Photographer’s Network on the theme of Money and Power. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 12noon-4pm FREE Guildhall Art Gallery Guildhall Yard EC2V 5AE www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/ guildhallartgallery T 020 7332 1868
An annual exhibition of works of art by artist members of the Worshipful Company of PainterStainers. All works at the exhibition are for sale and refreshments are available. Dating from the 13th century, the Painter-Stainers’ Company is the 5th oldest Guild operating in the City of London. Today it awards art prizes and scholarships to young artists as well as running the national Lynn Painter-Stainers Prize. Daily 10am–4pm FREE Painters’ Hall 9 Little Trinity Lane EC4V 2AD www.painter-stainers.org/artscrafts/painters-fine-art-society/ T 020 7236 7070
From 24 October
The Big Bang 30th Anniversary On 27 October 1986, a number of radical changes were implemented effecting the market systems and structure of the Stock Exchange, including the introduction of electronic trading. Thirty years on, come and view original documents from the Bank’s archive, revealing fascinating insights into the innovation that transformed the City. Daily 10am-5pm (last entry 4.30pm) FREE Bank of England Museum Bartholomew Lane EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk/ museum T 020 7601 5545
6 – 7 August
St Paul’s Cathedral, Out of the Fire: Family Trails
Every image tells a story
Family Activities weekend
The Bank of England Museum is home to many fascinating and intriguing items, each with its own unique story. Make your visit a day to remember by creating a personalised photo album. Choose your favourite museum objects from a selection of images and use your creative talents to tell your own story. Daily 10am-4.30pm FREE Bank of England Museum Bartholomew Lane EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk/ museum T 020 7601 5545
Meet key Great Fire characters for fascinating stories about the Fire and to learn about The Monument. Families can also enjoy the free craft activities on offer, led by The Monument’s learning team. Activities are open to children of all ages but are particularly appropriate for those aged 6-10. When: 10.30am-4pm Admission: £4.50, child £2.30, family tickets available (activities free after entry) The Monument Fish St Hill EC3R 8AH www.themonument.org.uk T 020 7403 3761
Self-guided tours of pre-Fire objects around the cathedral complement fun activities in which participants can earn a Flame the Phoenix badge. Mon-Sat 8.30am-4.30pm (open Sun for worship only) Included with sightseeing admission: £18, concs £16, child £8 (discounts available for groups of 10+ and online bookings) St Paul’s Cathedral St Paul’s Churchyard EC4M 8AD www.stpauls.co.uk/fire T 020 7246 8350
On-going
Mini moles babies group Sensory, hands-on and playbased activities for you and your baby to enjoy together. Wed 11am-12noon FREE (book in advance) Museum of London 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk/ families T 021 6001 9844
On-going
Little Moles toddlers group A fun, hands-on creative session for toddlers, parents and carers. Wed 3.30pm-4.30pm FREE (book in advance) Museum of London 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk/ families T 021 6001 9844
Until 4 September
The Great Fire: storytelling 350 years ago, a spark fell out of an oven and grew into the Great Fire of London. Sit back and listen to the tale of the Fire at this storytelling session with a member of the Museum of London host team. Daily 2pm-2.30pm FREE Museum of London 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk/ fire-fire T 020 7001 9844
2, 10, 17, 24, 29, 31 August, 1 and 30 October
The Great Fire Family Walking Tour Is the baker of Pudding Lane to blame? What did Samuel Pepys bury in his garden? How did they put out the fire? Join the Museum of London on this 45-minute interactive family walk to find the answers to these questions and more. Suitable for children. When: 2pm-2.45pm (BSL walks 31 Aug, 1 & 30 October) Admission: £7, concs £5 (BSL Carers free) Outside the entrance to Monument Underground Station Fish Street Hill EC3R 6BR www.museumoflondon.org.uk/ fire-fire T 020 7001 9844
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Until 31 August
11 Family
On-going
20 August, 17 September, 15 October
Family activity days at Tower Bridge Interactive hands on activities for families inside the exhibition. When: 10.30am-4pm Admission: £9, child £3.90, concs £6.30 Tower Bridge Exhibition Tower Bridge Road SE12UP www.towerbridge.org.uk/ learning/families T 020 7403 3761
Discover an extravaganza of Great Fire activities with a digital twist during this free festival for families. Includes object handling, Minecraft, storytelling and the chance to explore the Museum’s brand new Great Fire website and game. When: 12noon-4pm FREE Museum of London 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk/ fire-fire T 020 7001 9844
24 – 28 October
The Big Draw – Designs on your money Explore the new banknote gallery and learn about the various cash security features before designing your own secure banknote. What new features will you add to make it even more secure? Will you choose a famous character or a landmark to appear on your banknote? Will your notes be printed on polymer, like the new £5 note? Enter a competition to win a variety of prizes, with the winning designs displayed on the Bank’s website. Daily 10am-4.30pm FREE Bank of England Museum Bartholomew Lane EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk/ museum T 020 7601 5545
Dance like a hero
LSO 2016/17 Season Launch: Verdi Requiem
Learn about London’s heroes at this dance event for toddlers and carers. Frolic like a firefighter or disco like a doctor in this fun interactive session. When: 11am, 12.30pm & 2pm FREE Museum of London 160 London Wall EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk/ families T 021 7001 9844
28 October
London’s Night Owls Halloween Sleepover What happens in the Museum once the doors close for the night? Trick-or-treat your way around the galleries by torchlight, solve a spooky crime with the help of a mysterious character and sneak in to see the Fire! Fire! exhibition after hours. Bed down in the Museum for lights out at midnight, before a bright and early breakfast and a family friendly film in the morning. When: 6.45pm-9.30am Admission: £60 Museum of London 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk/ sleepover T 020 7001 9844
17 September
LSO Choral Singing Day: Verdi Requiem Whether you sing in a local choir or haven’t sung since school, this is an exciting opportunity to re-discover your hobby. In anticipation of the launch of the London Symphony Orchestra’s 2016/7 season, join Choral Director, Simon Halsey, for the chance to tackle Verdi’s iconic Requiem. When: 11am-4.30pm Admission: £20, concs £15 (plus booking fee) LSO St Luke’s 161 Old Street EC1V 9NG www.lso.co.uk T 020 7638 8891
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The Great Fire Anniversary Weekend Family Festival
18 & 20 September
13 Music
3-4 September
26 October
Conductor Gianandrea Noseda gathers together an outstanding cast of Italian opera stars for two performances of Verdi’s Requiem. Scored for double choir, the piece demonstrates masterful choral writing and impressive orchestral skill. According to Brahms, ‘Only a genius could write something like this’. When: 7pm (18 Sep), 7.30pm (20 Sep) Admission: from £10 (plus booking fee) Barbican Hall Barbican Centre, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS www.lso.co.uk T 020 7638 8891
19 September
LSO Artist Portrait: Leif Ove Andsnes Recital Accolades for Leif Ove Andsnes have been constant since his debut in 1987. An avid chamber musician, the pianist is a regular on the top classical circuits. In this solo recital, he demonstrates his affinity for his native Scandinavia and delicate talents for the swirling sound-worlds of Chopin and Debussy. When: 7.30pm Admission: from £10 (plus booking fee) Barbican Hall Barbican Centre Silk Street EC2Y 8DS www.lso.co.uk T 020 7638 8891
BBC Symphony Orchestra: Robin Hood
Hear two magnificent classical choral works – Brahms’s Academic Festival Overture and Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast – alongside some of the best contemporary jazz by Iain Ballamy, as students from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama open their new academic year in style. When: 7.30pm Admission: £10-£15, concs £5 Barbican Hall Silk Street EC2Y 8DS www.gsmd.ac.uk/events T 020 7638 8891
A new score from Neil Brand brings this silent classic back to life. As Douglas Fairbanks’ swashbuckling Robin Hood battles for the oppressed with impressive stunts and a charming humour, the BBC Symphony Orchestra narrates the building tension of this ground-breaking film, an early Hollywood blockbuster. When: 8pm Admission: from £13.50 (plus booking fee) Barbican Silk Street EC2Y 8DS www.barbican.org.uk/music T 020 7638 8891
6, 13, 20, 27 October
BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concerts BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Concerts return to LSO St Luke’s with a new season of performances by some of the world’s finest chamber musicians. When: 1pm Admission: £12, concs £10 (plus booking fee) LSO St Luke’s 161 Old Street EC1V 9NG www.lso.co.uk/ lunchtimeconcerts T 020 7638 8891
MacMillan Choral Music
LSO & Sir John Eliot Gardiner play Mendelssohn
James MacMillan is a composer deeply in touch with his faith, and his powerful choral music is the focus of this day-long exploration. Ex Cathedra pairs Copland’s In the Beginning with MacMillan’s compelling Seven Angels – a journey from a world’s beginning to its apocalyptic end. In the evening, The Sixteen presents the world premiere of MacMillan’s Stabat Mater. When: 3pm & 7.30pm Admission: £15 (3pm concert); £15-£40 (7.30pm concert) St Giles Cripplegate and Barbican Hall Barbican Centre Silk Street EC2Y 8DS www.barbican.org.uk T 020 7638 8891
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14 October
Guildhall Jazz, Symphony Orchestra & Chorus
16 & 20 October
15 Music
23 September
15 October
Conductor Sir John Eliot Gardiner returns to the LSO, accompanied by his Montiverdi Choir, for a programme dedicated to two of the most monumental pieces of Felix Mendelssohn’s later career, his Violin Concerto and Symphony Cantata (Symphony No 2 ‘Lobgesang’). When: 7pm (16 Oct), 7.30pm (20 Oct) Admission: from £10 (plus booking fee) Barbican Hall Barbican Centre Silk Street EC2Y 8DS www.lso.co.uk T 020 7638 8891
27-29 October
And London Burned The Great Fire of London effectively ended on the roof of the Inner Temple Hall, where the last flames were beaten out under the direction of Inner Temple’s Royal Bencher, James, Duke of York. At Inner Temple’s suggestion, the Temple Music Foundation has commissioned a new opera to mark these extraordinary events. When: 7.30pm (29 & 28 Oct), 6pm (29 Oct) Admission: from £15 The Temple Church Fleet Street EC4Y 7HL www.templemusic.org T 020 7427 5641
17 Special Events
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1 - 27 August
St Lawrence Jewry August Festival Enjoy free lunchtime concerts held every weekday in August for the pleasure of those who continue to work throughout the summer period. There is an emphasis on younger artists, giving them a chance to perform in this beautiful setting. The special theme for 2016 is the work of Haydn. Mon-Fri 1pm-2pm FREE (donations welcome) St Lawrence Jewry Church Guildhall Yard EC2V5AA www.stlawrencejewry.org.uk T 020 7600 9478
5 - 11 August
Guildhall Yard Outdoor Cinema Prepare yourself for a summer of cinema joy as Pop Up Screens take over the historic Guildhall Yard with an epic selection of classic movies, including Pulp Fiction, Dirty Dancing and Gladiator. There will be food, popcorn and a fully-stocked bar. When: exclusive access to Guildhall Art Gallery and London’s Roman Amphitheatre from 6pm; films commence 9pm. Admission: £12 Guildhall Yard EC2V 5AE www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/ guildhallyardcinema
6 - 7 August
Bishopsgate Ballroom Weekender Bishopsgate Institute presents a weekend extravaganza of Ballroom and Latin workshops for beginners through to advanced level dancers. With some of the very best tutors on offer, including Nick Miles, Rafal Pilot and Mark Willemite, this is a weekend not to be missed. When: 9.30am-5.30pm Admission: weekend pass £129, concs £119; single day pass £79, concs £69 Bishopsgate Institute 230 Bishopsgate EC2M 4QH www.bishopsgate.org.uk/Events T 020 7392 9200
17 August; 21 September; 19 October
Yoga in the Walkways at Tower Bridge
Kickstart your working day with a sunrise yoga class 42 metres above the River Thames. Daring yogis can position themselves on the glass floor for a suspended view of road and pedestrian life – perhaps even witnessing the magic of a bridge lift. When: 7.30am-8.20am Admission: £25 Tower Bridge Exhibition Tower Bridge Road SE12UP www.towerbridge.org.uk/ learning/families/ T 020 7403 3761
30 August – 4 September
London’s Burning London’s Burning is a festival of arts and ideas at the centre of Great Fire 350, the city-wide season of commemorative events marking the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of London. Produced by Artichoke with founding sponsorship from the City of London
Corporation, an award from Arts Council England’s Ambition for Excellence programme and further support from a host of additional funders and sponsors. Times vary; check website for updated information FREE Various locations around the City www.visitlondon.com/ greatfire350
2 September
The Great Fire: A Commemoration & Celebration The City Churches, so severely damaged by the Great Fire, and so triumphantly and confidently rebuilt by Wren and others, mark the anniversary of the start of the Fire with a special service of commemoration and thanksgiving, to which all are welcome. Beginning at the Wren church of St Mary-at-Hill with a short commemoration service, the clergy, guests and congregation will process up Lovat Lane, along Eastcheap, and down Pudding Lane, where the procession will pause at the site of Farynor’s Bakery where the Fire started. The procession will continue to The Monument itself, and then
onto the church of St Magnus the Martyr, one of the first to be destroyed in the Great Fire. There, a short service of thanksgiving for the rebuilding of the City and its churches will conclude the event. When: 1pm-2pm FREE Starting at St Mary-at-Hill Church Lovat Lane, Eastcheap EC3R 8EE www.london.anglican.org/events T 020 7488 4318
19 Special Events
6 September
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Great Fire at St Andrew by the Wardrobe Like many City churches, St Andrew by the Wardrobe was burned down in the Great Fire. A series of talks, music from The English Chamber Choir and Eucharist services will be held to highlight the plight of both the Great Fire refugees and refugees around the world today. When: 6.30am, 12noon & 6pm FREE St Andrew by the Wardrobe Church St Andrews Hill EC4V 5DE www.standrewbythewardrobe.net T 020 7329 3632
19 – 27 September
Head Trips: Films for the Inner Eye Get psyched about this trippy selection of films including a new digital restoration of Japanese anime Belladonna of Sadness, Werner Herzog’s epic trance film Fata Morgana and a rare screening of Maya Deren’s
2 - 4 September
Great Fire Anniversary Weekend at The Monument For the anniversary weekend of the Great Fire only, The Monument is offering visitors free, timed entry to climb its 311 historic steps to enjoy one of the best views over the City. Limited ‘special’ edition tickets will be available and are required for entry, to be used only during the selected time slot. Tickets are issued on a first come first served basis. Opening times at The Monument are also extended for this weekend only. When: 8am-10pm FREE (tickets available exclusively online from 5 August) The Monument Fish St Hill EC3R 8AH www.themonument.org.uk T 020 7403 3761
11 September
25 September
Heritage Open Days at Dr Johnson’s House
Annual Sheep Drive
For one day only, Dr Johnson’s House will be offering free entry to the House as part of Heritage Open Days. Explore the four floors of the Queen Anne townhouse that was home to the writer and wit, Dr Johnson, in the mid-18th century and leaf through a facsimile copy of his great Dictionary in the Library. Guaranteed to expand your lexicon. When: 11am-5pm FREE Dr Johnson’s House 17 Gough Square EC4A 3DE www.drjohnsonshouse.org T 020 7353 3745
The Worshipful Company of Woolmen will be exercising their rights as Freemen of the City of London to drive their sheep across London Bridge, in aid of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal and the Woolmen’s Charitable Trust. The Company invite all Freemen of the City, their family, friends and members of the public to witness this unique tradition. As well as the sheep, the event sees representatives of many of the livery companies in their regalia and people dressed up in sheep-related costumes – from Little Bo-Peep to nativity shepherds – with Freemen receiving a personal certificate signed by the Lord Mayor.
voodoo documentary Divine Horsemen. Various times, check the website for details Admission: from £8.50 (plus booking fee) Barbican Centre, Cinema 3 Beech Street EC2Y 8AE www.barbican.org.uk/film/ T 020 7638 8891 This year’s Sheep Drive will be led by Nigel Mansell CBE, former Formula One World Champion. When: 9am-4pm FREE to view London Bridge SE1 9BG www.sheepdrive.london
Museums at Night – Banknotes and Bullion
Dr Johnson’s Reading Circle meet bi-monthly in the unique surroundings of Johnson’s Drawing Room to discuss books from, and about, the 18th century. The first meeting of the 2016-17 programme on 4 October will focus on Jenny Uglow’s biography ‘The Lunar Men’. When: 6.15pm–7.45pm Admission: £10 (includes a complimentary glass of wine) Dr Johnson’s House 17 Gough Square EC4A 3DE www.drjohnsonshouse.org T 020 7353 3745
A rare opportunity for an evening visit. As well as the usual displays, there will be presentations on banknotes in the Museum with Bank staff on hand to answer questions about gold. The Museum’s team will also be conducting a variety of gallery talks. When: 5:30pm–9:00pm FREE Bank of England Museum Bartholomew Lane EC2R 8AH www.bankofengland.co.uk/ museum T 020 7601 5545
From 28 October
Cheap Thrills:
Trash, Movies and the Art of Transgression
From 24 October
City of London Police Museum Discover the City’s newest museum, a fascinating collection charting the development of the City of London Police Force from its earliest days, through the intrigue of the Victorian era to modern policing challenges like cybercrime and fraud. Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm; Wed until 7.30pm. Open alternative Sat. FREE Guildhall Library, Aldermanbury EC2V 7HH www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/ policemuseum T: 020 7332 1868
Revel in some of the most interesting and transgressive moments in cinema, as we explore the trashier side of celluloid. Various times, check the website for details Admission: from £8.50 (plus booking fee) Barbican Centre, Cinema 3 Beech Street EC2Y 8AE www.barbican.org.uk/film T 020 7638 8891
Theatre
Dr Johnson’s Reading Circle
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28 October
21
4 October
From 2 September
Royal Shakespeare Company London Season In the 400th anniversary year of Shakespeare’s death, the RSC returns to the Barbican with four productions direct from Stratford-upon-Avon. As well as a pairing of two Shakespeare plays, King Lear and Cymbeline, the RSC turns to two of his contemporaries with
6 – 15 October
Michael Clark Company New Work 2016 Winning rave reviews for his technical rigour, experimentation, intense and fine-tuned choreography, Clark remains an innovator and defining cultural figure. This autumn, see the evolution of his dance technique as he returns to the stage to embark on his second decade as a Barbican Artistic Associate. When: 7.45pm (6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 Oct); 3pm (9 Oct) Admission: £16-£45 (plus booking fee) Barbican Theatre Silk Street EC2Y 8DS www.barbican.org.uk/theatre T 020 7638 8891
Ben Jonson’s The Alchemist and Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus. Various dates and prices. Please check the website for details. Barbican Theatre Silk Street EC2Y 8DS www.barbican.org.uk/theatre T 020 7638 8891
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On-going
10 – 15 October
August
On a remote farm estate in Wales, the quiet domestic routine of the Davies family is disrupted by the arrival of a pair of glamorous and distinguished relatives from London. Wyn Jones directs Guildhall School actors in Julian Mitchell’s adaptation of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya. When: 7.30pm (matinee 11 & 13 Oct, 2pm) Admission: £10, concs £5 Milton Court Studio Theatre 1 Milton Street EC2Y 9BH www.gsmd.ac.uk/events T 020 7638 8891
17 - 22 October
The Crucible Arthur Miller’s disturbing and thrilling ‘take’ on the Salem Witch-hunts of 1692 still resonates today with the threat that besets us from irrational ideologies and mass hysteria. Mike Alfreds directs Guildhall School actors in this landmark work. When: 7.30pm (matinee 18 & 20 Oct, 2pm) Admission: £10, concs £5 Milton Court Theatre 1 Milton Street EC2Y 9BH www.gsmd.ac.uk/events T 020 7638 8891
Learn something new about London, history and literature – and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine – at one of Guildhall Library’s regular evening events. Highlights include: Hell’s People: Londoners during the Great Fire (1 September); That Dreadful Fire: Late View and Launch (8 September); The Great Fire of London 1666 - 2016 (20 October). When: 6pm-8pm Admission: £5 (plus booking fee, please book in advance at www.ghlevents.eventbrite.co.uk) Guildhall Library Aldermanbury EC2V 7HH www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/ guildhalllibrary T 020 7332 1869/1871
On-going
Guildhall Library Afternoon Talks Find out something fascinating about London at one of Guildhall Library’s free talks. Highlights include: The Archaeology of the Great Fire of London (6 September); Steps, Stairs and Slipways: Exploring the History of Access to the River Thames Foreshore (12 September); A Victoria Archive (20 September); London’s Villages: Hammersmith, Chiswick and Brentford (17 October). When: 2pm-3pm FREE (Please book in advance at www.ghlevents.eventbrite.co.uk) Guildhall Library Aldermanbury EC2V 7HH www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/ guildhalllibrary T 020 7332 1869/1871
Walks and Talks
Guildhall Library Evening Events
On-going
City of London Guided Walks
T
he City of London is the historic heart of London with almost 2,000 years of history. Behind its street facades are alleyways with nooks, crannies and hidden stories. A great way to explore them is with an experienced, qualified guide who can help give you unique insights into the City’s architecture, history, customs and pageantry, as well as a range of entertaining tales. Daily 11am & 2pm Admission: £7, concs £6 Walks leave from City Information Centre St Paul’s Churchyard EC4M 8BX www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/walks
On-going
St Paul’s Cathedral, Out of the Fire, Guided Tour Join a Cathedral guide to view remarkable artefacts from the pre-Fire Cathedral and hear the dramatic story of the Great Fire. No need to book – reserve a space at the guiding desk on arrival. Mon-Fri 12.30pm; Sat 2pm Admission: Included with sightseeing entry: £18, concs £16, child £8 (discounts available for groups of 10+ and online bookings) St Paul’s Cathedral St Paul’s Churchyard EC4M 8AD www.stpauls.co.uk/fire T 020 7246 8350
Summer School at Bishopsgate Institute
Each week you can pop into free public lectures on a huge variety of subjects at Gresham College. This season’s highlights include: Bug World: Sex, Violence and a Cast of Billions (13 Sep), Queen Victoria (20 Sep), Black Holes (28 Sep), The Music of the First Christians (6 Oct), What goes on in the Family Court Room? (6 Oct), The Treatment of Cancer (26 Oct) Dates and times vary; check website for full listings FREE Gresham College Holborn Viaduct EC1N 2HH www.gresham.ac.uk T 020 7831 0575
Until 5 September
The Monument Fire Trail Starting at The Monument and moving to other landmark locations related to the Great Fire, this trail invites visitors to collect clues and complete an anagram in order to find the missing treasure. Entries must be submitted before closing date; winner revealed in a random draw in the week commencing 5 September. Pick up the competition form from The Monument. FREE Starting at The Monument Fish Street Hill EC3R 8AH www.themonument.org.uk T 020 7403 3761
Enjoy a variety of courses this summer. Get out and about with three drawing courses in inspired locations: St James’s Park, the Barbican and Bishopsgate Institute’s beautiful Victorian library. Walk around central London discovering statues to the famous and infamous or sit back and ‘visit’ London locations real and recreated in the films of Alfred Hitchcock. Spend a Saturday singing in harmony or learning Rock & Roll/Jive moves. Various times and prices. Check the website for details. Bishopsgate Institute 230 Bishopsgate EC2M 4QH www.bishopsgate.org.uk/ Courses/Summer-School T 020 7392 9200
23, 30 July; 20, 27 August; 17 September; 15 October
Museum of London Great Fire of London walk Discover the capital’s hottest moment in history. Learn how the great disaster unfolded and hear the stories of the people who were there on a two-hour walk around the streets of London. When: 11am-1pm (BSL walks 20 Aug, 17 Sep, 15 Oct) Admission: £20 (BSL carers free) Meeting point outside the entrance to Monument Underground Station Fish Street Hill EC3R 6BR www.museumoflondon.org.uk/ greatfirewalk T 020 7001 9844
Walks and Talks
Gresham College lectures
16 August & 29 September
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Until 7 September
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On-going
Zeppelin! A guided walk Follow the path of destruction as German Zeppelin L13 blasted and burned it’s away across the City of London on the night of 8 September 1915. This was the first effective air raid on the City. Examine how Londoners dealt with this new form of warfare, as well as visiting some of the other remnants of the First World War. When: 6:30pm–8pm Admission: £10, concs £8 Chancery Lane Underground Station. Outside Exit 2 High Holborn WC1V 6DR www.worldwaronewalks.com T 075 0393 2036
29 August – 4 September
Great Fire Guided Walk
The long, hot, dry summer of 1666 …. an accident in a baker’s shop, and disaster struck. Join a City of London Guide and explore the most famous fire in British history; see it through the eyes of Samuel Pepys, a resident of the City and a prolific diarist. Hear about the Fire’s progress through the narrow and congested streets, the destruction of everything in its path, the breakdown of social order and the fight-back that involved the king, a duke, an admiral and the Lord Mayor. The walk will cover the firefighting equipment, post-fire laws and how London was rebuilt, rising, phoenix-like from the ashes. The walk ends at St Paul’s Cathedral, with architect Sir Christopher Wren’s magnificent replacement of the destroyed building.
Daily 11am & 2.30pm FREE Meeting point outside the entrance to Monument Underground Station Fish Street Hill EC3R 6BR www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/ greatfirewalk
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15 September, 13 October
5 September & 5 October
Flight from the flames: Recovering London from the Great Fire Human tragedy, cultural catastrophe, medical emergency. The Great Fire of London was a final calamity visited on a city weakened by more than three decades of war and plague. Trace the footsteps of those fleeing the flames to
uncover the destruction wrought by the disaster, as well as learn how people saved themselves and as much of the city’s heritage as they could. When: 12.30pm-5.30pm Admission: £25 Meeting point outside the entrance to Monument Underground Station Fish Street Hill EC3R 6BR www.discovermedicallondon.com T 020 3075 1543
13 September
St Paul’s Cathedral, Out of the Fire: Liveable London Experts discuss the liveability of London today, imagine how a re-made city might be different if institutions and social structures could be created from scratch, and
consider whether incremental change is possible to bring about some of these changes. Organised by St Paul’s Institute. When: 6pm-7pm FREE St Paul’s Cathedral St Paul’s Churchyard EC4M 8AD www.stpauls.co.uk/fire T 020 7246 8350
Walks and Talks
Guildhall Tours Take a tour of the iconic Guildhall complex, including the Great Hall and its crypt. When: 11am-12noon Admission: £7 (must be booked in advance) Meet guide at Guildhall Art Gallery Guildhall Yard EC2V 5AE www.cityoflondonguides.com T 020 8398 4715
19 September
27 October
Fire! Fire! Fact and fiction
Sex, Scandal and Life Writing: the experiences of Dr Johnson, James Boswell & Irish courtesan, Peg Plunkett
Panel discussion on the Great Fire with renowned writers Andrew Taylor and Alex Larman together with Museum of London experts. The discussion debunks some of the myths and legends surrounding this dark event in history. Includes after-hours access to the Fire! Fire! exhibition. When: 7pm-10pm Admission: £15 (£23 including exhibition entrance) Museum of London 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN www.museumoflondon.org.uk/ fire-fire T 020 7001 9844
11 October
What have Mathematicians Done for Us? This lecture by Gresham Professor Chris Budd celebrates the contribution of mathematicians to our lives – including Maxwell and the mobile phone, Florence Nightingale and statistics, Pythagoras and music, Euler and Facebook, and Cayley and Google. When: 6pm–7pm FREE
Meet in the atmospheric Garret of Dr Johnson’s House to hear historian Julie Peakman explore the biographies, memoirs and autobiographical material of three very different people, illustrating how their life experiences were completely skewed by their gender. Part of Museums at Night. When: 6.15pm-8.30pm Admission: £10 (includes a complimentary glass of wine) Dr Johnson’s House 17 Gough Square EC4A 3DE www.drjohnsonshouse.org T 020 7353 3745
Museum of London 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN www.gresham.ac.uk/attend T 020 7831 0575
Pick up your free copy of the Great Fire 350 events programme from City Information Centre, St Paul’s Churchyard EC4M 8BX or visit visitlondon.com/greatfire350
SHARE YOUR GREAT FIRE EXPERIENCE TO WIN Post your Great Fire 350 experiences using #GreatFire350 and tag @visitthecity and @GrangeHotels to enter the draw to win a 2-night stay for two at Grange Hotels’ flagship property, the 5-Star Grange St. Paul’s Hotel, London. The prize includes a Great Fire-themed cocktail on Friday or Saturday night on top of the penthouse-level Sky Bar. Prize drawn Monday 12 October 2016. Winner chosen randomly from posts tagging @visitthecity and @GrangeHotels using #GreatFire350 on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Valid for a Friday or Saturday night only at Grange St. Paul’s Hotel in a Superior room for double occupancy. Includes English Breakfast. Valid until 30 April 2017. Subject to availability.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION #GreatFire350 @visitthecity
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