The air is more chill, the wind blows stronger, the sun sets earlier. Let’s face it, summer is officially over. The 30 degrees of July are only a vague memory on our skin and the grey sky and the light rain are not helpful for our bad autumn mood. If you’re sitting drowsy at your desk with the third mug of coffee of the morning in your hand and thinking that October is such a depressing month, stop it immediately. Even though the Notting Hill Carnival seems so far away now, London still offers a lot of things to do.
1. London Rum Festival, Ocotber 22th – 23rd
So let’s see what I can do to cheer you up a bit. Let’s begin our marvellous tour around the city events with the London Rum Festival. The end of October, the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd, is all dedicated and devoted to the culture of rum: founded by Ian Burrell, Global Rum Ambassador, in 2007, it is a festival which celebrates and gives you the chance to know the best qualities of rum, meet the experts of this drink and have the chance to be involved in workshops and seminars. By purchasing the tickets you’ll be part of this amazing event which will unveil the secrets of rum. The venue will be at the ILEC Conference Centre, where the seminars, tastings and show will be held in a fantastic and beautiful location.
2. London Literary Festival, October 5th – 16th
Now that your days have been shaken up, let’s slow down the pace a bit and get involved in the London Literary Festival. Taking place at the Southbank Centre from the 5th to the 16th, the main focus this year is the present and the future; a topic which involves our everyday life since the beginning of the technological revolution. The festival features a great number of guests including authors, poets, and speakers, such as Margaret Atwood and Michel Faber. You don’t need to be a bookworm, scholar or a man of letters to enjoy the festival. There will be a full range of events and activities from readings, talks, and discussions available to anyone who wants to open their mind.
3. The Hackney Wonderland, October 15th – 16th
After drinking and reading, let’s listen to some music! The Hackney Wonderland is waiting for you on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th of October. Held at five amazing locations; Oval Space, The Laundry, London Fields Brewery, Sebright Arms, and The Pickle Factory, this music festival offers the best of rock and indie music, featuring the likes of Mystery Jets and We Are Scientists. If you’re ready to dance, let yourself go and get lost in the sounds of Hackney Wonderland.
4. Africa on the Square, October 15th
If London still looks too grey, take a walk through Trafalgar Square on the 15th because here colours await! Africa on the Square is a free, day-long event, from 12 to 6pm, which celebrates the cultures, art, food, and fashion of Africa, as part of Black History Month 2016. In its third year, with DJ sets, live performances, and dancing, Africa on the Square is the right place if you want to cherish this incredible continent with all its diversity, beauty, and traditions.
5. Bloomsbury Festival, October 19th – 23rd
Even as the month nears closing the fun is far from over. From the 19th to the 23rd, the Bloomsbury Festival is held on the streets and in buildings of this beautiful quarter. Over five days, it offers a great mix of events and activities which brings together people involved in the progress of art and science, from academics to musicians, and school children, who have had the opportunity to create new amazing projects. Be inspired by this itinerant festival which invades every corner of Bloomsbury.
Edited by Ivy Joseph
