The ianVisits guide to January's unusual events, tours, lectures and exhibitions happening around London.
Monday 1st January
30 years of an annual parade through London on New Years Day.
Starts at 12pm
A guided walk around Tower Hamlets Cemetery
2pm to 3:30pm
Bow
More London events on Monday 1st January
Tuesday 2nd January
No events are listed for today. Sorry.
More London events on Tuesday 2nd January
Wednesday 3rd January
No events are listed for today. Sorry.
More London events on Wednesday 3rd January
Thursday 4th January
No events are listed for today. Sorry.
More London events on Thursday 4th January
Friday 5th January
Dr Graham Cross examines Woodrow Wilson’s 'Fourteen Points' a century on from his speech to the United States Congress.
Starts at 11:30am
Chelsea
More London events on Friday 5th January
Saturday 6th January
The final weekend before the Geffrye Museum closes for 2 years.
10am to 5pm
Bethnal Green
More London events on Saturday 6th January
Sunday 7th January
The final weekend before the Geffrye Museum closes for 2 years.
10am to 5pm
Bethnal Green
Step back in history and visit the terminus building of London's original international airport - in Croydon.
11am to 4pm
Croydon
Annual parade and mummers play at Bankside in the medieval tradition to mark 12th night of Christmas.
Starts at 2pm
Southwark
More London events on Sunday 7th January
Monday 8th January
Charles Manson, Tibetan librarian at the Bodleian, Oxford, examines the evidence from a previously unstudied 14th-century manuscript.
5:30pm to 7pm
Camden
More London events on Monday 8th January
Tuesday 9th January
Dr Mody will consider ways in which acts of kinship amongst British South Asians such as the suitable arrangement of a child’s marriage can be rejected by the child as an act of care and re-framed as acts of force.
1pm to 2pm
Arne Westad and Michael Cox discuss the truly global nature of the Cold War, with East and West demanding absolute allegiance around the world.
6:30pm to 8pm
Holborn
What is this thing called science? A brief introduction to the philosophy of science.
7pm to 9pm
Islington
More London events on Tuesday 9th January
Wednesday 10th January
The focus of this talk is to discuss the ways in which organisations mobilise resources to go after bold objectives which can move the needle: Moonshots.
6:30pm to 8pm
Holborn
Free
This presentation examines 'seven deadly sins' in infrastructure project planning, arguing that these errors are systematic, frequently recognizable, and correctable.
6:30pm to 7:30pm
This Oscar-winning World War 2 thriller tells the story of the genius computer scientist Alan Turing and his quest to break the German Enigma code.
7pm to 10:15pm
Camden
More London events on Wednesday 10th January
Thursday 11th January
The remarkable story of the suffragists’ six week Great Pilgrimage to London in 1913 is told by Jane Robinson, within the context of the suffrage campaigns.
6:30pm to 8pm
Holborn
Fay Godwin’s Photographic Journey provides an entire career retrospective, made with the intense cooperation of Fay Godwin and filming from 2001 until 2005, which turned out to be the last five years of her life.
7pm to 8:30pm
Camden
More London events on Thursday 11th January
Friday 12th January
A showing of the 1958 documentary film The Vision of William Blake by Oscar-winning documentarist Guy Brenton.
6pm to 8pm
Euston
Since 1966, the Gothique Film Society has been screening double bills of ‘gothique’ films to like-minded souls.
6:30pm to 10pm
Holborn
More London events on Friday 12th January
Saturday 13th January
Filming will take place in King's Reach from low-flying helicopters in support of a major film production.
Starts at 8am
Forget troll rebellions and learn the real history of ancient magic with the British Museum's Dr Irving Finkel, as he unveils the historic practices of Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
2pm to 3:15pm
Camden
More London events on Saturday 13th January
Sunday 14th January
Filming will take place in King's Reach from low-flying helicopters in support of a major film production.
Starts at 8am
Gather on London Bridge for the Annual Ceremony of the Blessing of the River and those who use it.
Starts at 12:30pm
Southwark
More London events on Sunday 14th January
Monday 15th January
£5.98
This illustrated presentation will dredge the inky waters to bring to the surface colourful personalities and a Regency scandal.
6pm to 8pm
City of London
A discussion talking about the possibilities (and limits) of fantasy fiction, the allure of the sub-genre, the difficulties of convincing world building, and much more besides
Starts at 6:30pm
Euston
More London events on Monday 15th January
Tuesday 16th January
This speech will explore the role Britain can and should play in the wider world after Brexit.
10am to 11am
Holborn
Join Peter Clarke for a short talk about the objects related to the incident, and reflect on its impact today, at a time when the debate about armed police officers is especially pertinent.
1pm to 1:30pm
City of London
How did dung change world history and what can we learn from studying animal droppings?
6pm to 7pm
Barbican
Charles Spencer tells the enthralling story of Charles II's escape from England following defeat at the battle of Worcester in 1651, when he was forced to flee for his life
7pm to 8:30pm
Camden
£16.00
Join physicist Jon Butterworth on a journey into the world of the unseen in search of the forces that shape the Universe.
7pm to 8:30pm
Hanover Square
More London events on Tuesday 16th January
Wednesday 17th January
Artist in Residence Neil Brownsword will discuss the ceramics industry of his native Staffordshire
1pm to 1:45pm
South Kensington
What should we be free to express about ourselves, other people, their religions, sexual orientations or views?
6:30pm to 8pm
St James
Arne Westad and Michael Cox discuss the truly global nature of the Cold War, with East and West demanding absolute allegiance around the world.
6:30pm to 8pm
Holborn
Free
Speakers discuss the political and ethical issues around culture in war zones.
6:30pm to 8pm
Holborn
More London events on Wednesday 17th January
Thursday 18th January
Free
The focus of this talk is to discuss the ways in which organisations mobilise resources to go after bold objectives which can move the needle: Moonshots.
1:05pm to 2pm
Holborn
Free
The packed showcase will feature a blend of film, music and presentations about biomechanics, nerve engineering, nanotechnology, future energy, tomorrow’s transport, medical robots and more.
6:30pm to 8:30pm
Camden
The public launch of a special exhibition on the life, work and legacy of William Harvey, the anatomist and doctor who put the heart at the centre of human existence.
6:30pm to 9pm
Camden
Free
A discussion event exploring the relationship between plants and medicine.
7pm to 8:30pm
Camden
£15.00
Literature is full of witches and wizards. Bonnie Greer chairs an expert panel of Matthew Dickie, Brian Sibley and Juliette Wood as they take us through contrasting periods in literary history and the conjuring characters within.
7pm to 8:45pm
Camden
More London events on Thursday 18th January
Friday 19th January
Nigel Spivey explores the problem by tracing the fortunes of an image of heroic death at Troy to modern photojournalism.
Starts at 12am
Russell Square
A show offering traditional model engineering, steam locomotives and traction engines through to modern gadgets and boys toys.
10am to 5pm
Wood Green
Meet Charlotte Johnson, Assistant Curator in the Sculpture, Metalwork and Glass Department at the V&A.
6:30pm to 8pm
South Kensington
There have long been debates about 'correct' pronunciation in the English language and linguistic expert David Crystal is here to set the record straight.
7pm to 8:15pm
Camden
More London events on Friday 19th January
Saturday 20th January
A show offering traditional model engineering, steam locomotives and traction engines through to modern gadgets and boys toys.
10am to 5pm
Wood Green
£20.00
Discover the London Gin Craze on this tour around 18th century London.
Starts at 3pm
Barbican
More London events on Saturday 20th January
Sunday 21st January
Free
An opportunity to get up close and personal with objects from the Fulham Pottery archive and learn more about its fascinating local history. This drop-in session is for archaeology enthusiasts of all ages!
All Day
Fulham
A show offering traditional model engineering, steam locomotives and traction engines through to modern gadgets and boys toys.
10am to 4:30pm
Wood Green
A family day of engineering challenges inspired by the Victorian engineers who designed the reservoirs.
10am to 3pm
Tottenham
Discover what the future holds for opera in our digital age through this video showcase and panel discussion
11am to 1pm
South Kensington
London-born Leon Greenman survived Auschwitz. But he remained a target for Nazis up until his death in 2008. This film tells the story of his remarkable life after the camps.
3pm to 4:30pm
Camden
More London events on Sunday 21st January
Monday 22nd January
In this lecture, Carl Heron, Director of Scientific Research, reviews 2017, looking at spectacular new research findings, the development of new laboratory facilities, and the many activities of the department.
Starts at 12am
Russell Square
Join the British Library’s Julian Harrison, curator of Harry Potter: A History of Magic, to learn how the exhibition was put together.
2:30pm to 3:30pm
Camden
Free
The talk will cover the implementation of the HST in the 1970s.
5:30pm to 7pm
Vauxhall Bridge
A conversation exploring the impact of digital technologies on architecture and the questions its application can raise for society and cities.
6:30pm to 8pm
Picadilly
After 60 years of European integration, which direction will Europe go?
6:30pm to 8:30pm
Whitechapel
To mark the publication of The Origins of Happiness Andrew Marr and Richard Layard discuss some of its key focal points: What makes people happy?
6:30pm to 8pm
Holborn
Hans-Werner Sinn will give an overview of some of the challenges and potential solutions.
6:30pm to 8pm
Holborn
Christopher Frayling explores the history and myths surrounding these bloodsucking fiends over the centuries and gives a lesson on how the various methods of protecting ourselves.
7pm to 8:15pm
Camden
More London events on Monday 22nd January
Tuesday 23rd January
Newton’s ideas were initially seen as very supportive of religion; yet within 50 years, they were being seen in a very different light.
1pm to 2pm
Barbican
Ian Keable will tell the stories of two magicians buried in Highgate Cemetery: Colonel Stodare and Carlton the Human Hairpin.
Starts at 7pm
Highgate
£16.00
Phil Ball and a panel of science historians and biographers discuss the continuing relevance of Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein, published 200 years ago.
7pm to 8:30pm
Hanover Square
Guto Harri will be discussing the life and career of the controversial and divisive former Labour MP, Cabinet Minister and Speaker of the House of Commons, George Thomas
7:15pm to 9pm
Farringdon
More London events on Tuesday 23rd January
Wednesday 24th January
This event brings together the designer and wellbeing specialists to discuss the issue of wellbeing, economics and real value within their respective fields.
Starts at 8:30am
Euston
A discussion with representatives from The World Monuments Fund, The 20th Century Society and Historic England to hear about how we preserve exceptional elements of our built heritage, and why.
1pm to 1:45pm
South Kensington
Possibly the biggest name in bathrooms, he has become the stuff of legend, but what of the real entrepreneur who lived and worked during some of the most pivotal years in the history of public health?
2pm to 3pm
City of London
This special evening tour of the Supreme Court offers you the chance to take an intimate guided tour of the highest court in the United Kingdom
6pm to 7pm
Pimlico
Professor Steve Jones will consider sunshine and its effects on health, on sleep, on memory and more.
6pm to 7pm
Barbican
Brian Klaas argues that with every autocratic tactic or tweet, Trump further erodes democratic norms in the world's most powerful democracy.
6:30pm to 8pm
Holborn
This talk will look at the history and archaeology of this fascinating site
Starts at 7:30pm
Greenwich
More London events on Wednesday 24th January
Thursday 25th January
A new series of free morning talks on Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower will be held monthly.
Starts at 10:30am
Whitehall
Professor Jerome Gauntlett of Imperial College, will discuss some of their properties and describe the dramatic recent observations of black holes using gravitational waves.
5pm to 6pm
South Kensington
A look at the variety of Indian medical practice over the centuries.
6pm to 7pm
Camden
In Nick Clegg’s view there is nothing remotely inevitable about Brexit – except that it will be deeply damaging if it happens. But can we stop it? How can it be done? Haven’t the people spoken?
6:15pm to 7:45pm
Euston
Alex Schey, CEO of Vantage Power will talk about his days as an undergrad, his Pan-American Highway adventure in a self designed all-electric supercar
6:30pm to 8pm
South Kensington
Michael will be discussing his co-founded project ' The Ghost Orchid Project', which is a research initiave seeking to locate the extremely rare ghost orchid in British woods.
7pm to 9:30pm
Stoke Newington
David Halpern reveals how the insights of behavioural economics can be used to influence the behaviour of individuals and even entire swathes of society.
7pm to 8:15pm
Camden
More London events on Thursday 25th January
Friday 26th January
Scientists Colin Blakemore and Tom McLeish examine how the cognitive impetus that drove the emergence of science might be considered to be the same impetus that fostered religion and other metaphysical beliefs.
Starts at 12am
Russell Square
Come and explore this beautiful nature reserve which is usually closed to the public.
1pm to 4pm
Brockley
This event will explore Trump’s impact on domestic and foreign politics as the panellists discuss what his presidency can tell us about both the man and the country.
7pm to 8:15pm
Camden
Rachel Hewitt tells the story of the 1790s reformers who tried to transform attitudes to passions and desires, and how female radicals found themselves contesting with tired, constraining ideas about gender and emotion.
7:15pm to 8:15pm
Camden
More London events on Friday 26th January
Saturday 27th January
An occasional opening of a decorated underground chamber built in the 18th century.
10am to 12:30pm
Twickenham
An evening of music, panel discussions and installations exploring the state of nightlife and the London - Manchester interplay
4pm to 11:59pm
Strand
More London events on Saturday 27th January
Sunday 28th January
Tour of Hornsey Town Hall - an iconic modernist public building
11am to 12pm
Hornsey
Around 500 members of the King's Army of the English Civil War Society will again march along The Mall.
Starts at 11:30am
Whitehall
Renowned pop artist and Chiswick resident, Sir Peter Blake will launch the Chiswick Timeline mural at Turnham Green Terrace.
12:30pm to 3pm
Chiswick
More London events on Sunday 28th January
Monday 29th January
Join artist Patrick Bullock for a workshop creating protest objects inspired by Suffragette campaigning material.
Starts at 2pm
City of London
An event exploring the real issues of corruption, money laundering, and anonymous companies behind the drama and how we can end London’s role as a safe haven for corrupt funds.
3:15pm to 4:30pm
Whitehall
This talk explores how ‘mad’ characters allow writers to explore the tensions felt by the Muslim community in independent India.
5:30pm to 7pm
Camden
Pitch 200 is short and snappy (200 second) presentations which bring engineering to life.Seven engineers will be going head to head to explain an engineering idea to the general public testing their creativity. The topics will cover Waterloo Bridge, smart motorways, the 21st Engineer and more.
6:30pm to 8pm
Pimlico
Hear architect Matthias Kohler discuss the work of his practice and his work combining architectural design with robotic technology and innovative material research.
6:30pm to 8pm
Picadilly
Free
David Pilling explores how economists and their cult of growth have hijacked our policy-making and infiltrated our thinking about what makes societies work.
6:30pm to 8pm
Holborn
More London events on Monday 29th January
Tuesday 30th January
In this talk, Patrick Russell from the British Film Institute (BFI) will explore the history of public information films, using clips and films to show the development of government filmmaking.
2pm to 3pm
Richmond
Free
Have you ever wondered how birds got their names? Why did our ancestors think the lapwing was treacherous and the sparrow lustful, but praise the crow?
2pm to 3pm
City of London
The Good Immigrant brought together 21 British writers to examine what it means to be BAME in Britain today.
6:30pm to 7:45pm
St James
The presentation will retrace the evolution of the historiography – and interpretation - of the occupation of the Channel Islands
6:30pm to 8pm
Russell Square
Michael La Cour will in this lecture discuss the role and responsibility of corporations in addressing the challenges of the food system, and how sustainability and health drives innovation.
6:30pm to 8pm
Holborn
This event discusses how bullshit has taken over the worlds of business and increasingly the political arena.
6:30pm to 8pm
Holborn
Following the publication of the first volume of the long-awaited The Book of Dust, Philip Pullman talks about his writing life and on why and how literature matters to him with Erica Wagner.
7pm to 8:30pm
Camden
An event where we ask enthusiasts, scientists, miscellaneous experts* and comedians to talk about whatever they want.
7:30pm to 8pm
Bethnal Green
Get ready for an unforgettable evening with a global superstar, as he puts the Boom Boom into your heart in the all new production, Fastlove - A tribute to George Michael.
8pm to 10:30pm
Soho
More London events on Tuesday 30th January
Wednesday 31st January
A talk about the use of non- visible light to see the universe.
1pm to 2pm
Barbican
Antony Griffiths, former Keeper of Prints and Drawings at the British Museum, will discuss this forgotten industry and the remarkable range of its products.
1pm to 1:45pm
South Kensington
James Evans’ Emigrants tells the story of America’s earliest settlers from England. Hear the author bring to life the stories of English emigrants and their colonisation of the New World.
2pm to 3pm
Richmond
Discover more about his remarkable life and the contribution he made to the development of modern London.
2pm to 3pm
Clerkenwell
The USSR became a great European power and helped defeat Nazi Germany but had ‘October’ been saved or its foundations been destroyed?
6pm to 7pm
Barbican
Chloe Lamford and Tom Scutt discuss their unconventional, sometimes radical approaches stage design for theatre.
6:30pm to 8:30pm
Strand
Marriage is an odd mix of sex, religion, and politics. Our speakers ask what marriage is and whether there is there any distinctive moral value in it.
6:30pm to 8pm
Holborn
A food and drink themed late adults only opening at the Science Museum - expect bad beer and insects for nibbles.
6:45pm to 10pm
South Kensington
£16.00
Join five researchers at the cutting edge of pharmaceutical science and technology for a glimpse at the pharmacy of the future.
7pm to 8:30pm
Hanover Square
Watch live storytellers as they confess their own stories of free will in a special performance within the chapel of St Peter's ad Vincula.
7pm to 8:45pm
Tower Hill
Join independent Canadian journalist Eva Bartlett for an evening of discussion about her journalism in Syria, volunteering in Gaza, Palestine, and a recent visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
7pm to 9pm
Islington
£9.00
Join editors Kit Caless and Gary Budden along with author Eley Williams in a special discussion about London writing.
Starts at 7pm
City of London
