I’m guessing right now you’re part human part sloth and you haven’t seen a scrap of food in the last 48 hours that wasn’t wrapped in cling film. And don’t even get me started on the cheese board demolition. But that’s what we love about Christmas! I hope you had a beautiful Christmas and are relaxing on Boxing Day. Who’s ready for New Year’s Eve? Well if you’re not ready yet, read on and you will be…

1. New Year’s Eve ball carnivale, Battersea 

This is the crème de la crème of NYE parties/balls and well, anything. At the Battersea Evolution, the NYE carnivale is a night of magical live entertainment, incredible food and an electric atmosphere. From 7:30 a.m. the party starts and truly doesn’t stop until you see the fireworks from the Thames that bring you into 2017 that are live streamed into the party. You don’t miss a thing! There’s a drink and canapé reception, a four course banquet, unlimited house beer, wine and soft drinks all night and even casino tables for that extra entertainment. Get practicing your samba and searching for your outfit to make an appearance at this night not to forget! Tickets start at £175.

2. Last Bottomless Brunch, Coin Laundry  

See out 2016 with what us Londoners do best – brunch. A bottomless brunch at that! The Coin Laundry are bringing us a brunch with a difference with a 1970’s theme and a fun day to remember. Get tickets with as many friends as you like and spend your slot playing retro bingo, doing a list of funny tasks and of course, drinking unlimited Bloody Mary’s, gin & elderflower and Buck’s Fizz for 2 hours. That’s a lot of 70’s drinking and escapades! Tickets are £35 and with that you also get a main meal, a complimentary desert and 2-4-1 voucher. This brunch just keeps on giving and will set you up perfectly for your last night of the year.

3.  The Adventure Bar 

Party animals, this one’s for you. I’m not trying to be funny – that is the theme for this fancy dress event! Let’s face it, we all bring the new year in with a drink… or 5. So if unlimited booze is what you’re looking for above anything else, then Adventure Bar is offering exactly that. It makes it even better that it’s fancy dress and there’s a £100 bar tab for the best dressed animal! Kitty cat anyone? At their Clapham venues (High Street and Junction) you can get an entry ticket or an all-you-can-drink ticket. There’s also buffet food served between 7 p.m.-9 p.m. to line your stomachs (just like our mums tell us too). In their Covent Garden branch it’s just an entry ticket which gets you guaranteed entry before 10 p.m. So get you kitten ears on, draw on your whiskers and get ready to drink your way into 2017.

4.  A New Year’s Eve Thames boat ride 

If you weren’t successful in getting tickets for the famous London fireworks, but still want to see the Capital light up – then a boat ride is your answer. What’s better than a front row seat to beautiful fireworks whilst floating down the river? Board early, have some drinks, be treated to dinner on-board and ring in the New Year on the waterways. There’s still so many options for tickets with all different offers including City Cruises that are offering tickets for their Celestial Cruise that comes with a deluxe hamper filled with food and champagne as well as live music by Sax & Honey. There’s also London Party Boats that are offering disco cruises with packages suitable for every bank account.

5.  Rooftop bar – a drink with the view of fireworks

On any other normal night the views across London are unmissable, but on NYE? They’re going to be spectacular. The Sky Garden has tickets available for their 1920’s Great Gatsby bash up in their rooftop gardens renowned for the amazing views and even better tasting cocktails! There’ll be music from Juke Joints as well as the option for a ticket that includes dinner at the Brassiere. If a view is what you’re looking for – then Madison rooftop bar is one to check out, Skylounge at Hilton has amazing views over Tower Bridge, and of course the Oxo Tower is always unmissable!

6. An Inception New Year 

The Inception Group are famous around London for having THE best themed bars, restaurants and clubs. They’re like no others and they prove just how crazy the imagination can be! Between their venues all across London, they’re offering us some amazing options for New Year’s Eve. At Bunga Bunga, Battersea Don Vito Corleone and Silvio Berlusconi invite you with a glass of champagne to a decadent 7 course meal to see the year out right. Your ticket (£95) also gets you access to the party until 4 a.m. At Mr. Fogg’s residence (Mayfair), he and Passepartout are back from their travels and are holding a Victorian Masquerade extravaganza. There are canapés flowing and unlimited Belvedere creations all night – all you need is your Venetian mask! Visit their website for even more NYE themed nights.

7. New Year’s Day Parade 

For the past 30 years, the London’s New Year’s Day Parade or the LNYDP as well like to call it, has been showcasing the very best of what London has to offer. It’s certainly grown since the 2,000 participants at the very beginning – now there’s 10,000 participants with a street audience of over 500,000. The annual London parade kicks off this year at 12 noon from Piccadilly and is nonstop fun and attractions all the way down to Parliament Street. Joining us this year in the parade is Alexis I Du Pont High School with their 8th appearance in the festivities, All The Queen’s Horses with their equestrian show, American Cop Cars and much much more. Keep checking our lineup of musicians, performers and floats here. Along with the parade, there’ll be entries from some of the 31 boroughs of London in some form of entertainment in the theme of the year to showcase the diversity and greatness of our beloved City. Keep your eyes out for yours!

8.  Serpentine fun run

Fancy making the start of the year your best one yet and not just a hungover mess craving Dominoes? Make good on your best intentions and get involved in the Serpentine Running Club’s 10k New Year’s Day run. I mean, that is a lot to ask; so if you still fancy getting sweaty but not up to a 10k, get involved in their 3k run as well. The run will start on Main Street and take you through some of London’s prettiest green area— Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens and then finish near the new boathouse, west of Winter Wonderland. Their 10k starts at 11 a.m. and the 3k at 12 p.m. Good luck!

9. New Years Day Breakfast Club 

New Year’s Day antics are slowly becoming just as extravagant and massive as the night’s before. In London, there’s always something going on and NYD is no different. Time to brush yourself off, have a coffee and get back to the festivities! Percolate have teamed up with The Breakfast Club to bring you a day of partying to carry on from NYE, with a fresh breakfast of pastries and a buffet table to give you fuel for the hours ahead. There’s DJ’s including Jane Fitz’s 4-hour techno set, MR Solid Gold, Park Ranger and Saoirse will all be there for the first breakfast of the year!

10. Motown the Musical  

The brand new musical to hit Broadway is one to surely get you moving – who doesn’t love a Motown boogie? The Shaftesbury Theatre has the pleasure of hosting Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to music mogul who is responsible for launching some of our musical legends – Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson and Michael Jackson. Watch the stories behind the hits of the legends and how Motown became the soundtrack that changed America. I’m sure you won’t be spending much time in your seat at this one – you can’t resist when the songs get going! Tickets are from £41 and it’s here until April.

The post What Not to Miss in London for the Next 2 Weeks appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

Christmas Day swims have been a bit of a chilly tradition in the UK for quite a while now but in the last few years, they have exploded a bit in popularity!

I pride myself on being made of rather stern stuff… it is, along with a fondness for solitary pursuits and complete and unwavering inability to play Monopoly, a family trait.

Each year, I commit myself to a chilling challenge… inspired by a personal literary hero, J. M. Barrie, the Christmas swim. Events are rapidly becoming, somewhat concerningly, a countrywide craze challenging fools and their kin to get scantily clad and dive in to the waters that grace over shores.

The idea was founded by The Serpentine Swimming Club with a Christmas morning 100-metre race in 1864. It was championed by London’s literary set and was so highly respected that the prize, commemorating the bravery and battiness of the victor, was presented by the founder and true eccentric backbone of The Peter Pan Club, J.M. Barrie. These days the London swim is an exclusive, members-only affair. The chilling event welcomes outsiders, spectators, hangover-wranglers, curious tourists and cads to gather and watch participants continue the traditions of yesteryear by being serenaded into the water by one of the last, true British fraternities, The Peter Pan Club.

Since its infancy, the concept of confounded madness has spread and, for the PC and ever safety conscious world, the mantle of corralling the Christmas swimmers falls upon Outdoor Swimming Society. Using their nifty little map, to you can find your nearest swim over the Christmas period.

If you are keen to get some skin in the game, here are  my top (but, not remotely less brag-worthy, swims for the season)

Plum Pudding Plunge

A more gentle introduction to the world of the festive swim is offered by the December Dip, formerly known as the Plum Pudding Plunge, which takes place at Parliament Hill lido on the first Saturday in December. You only have to do two widths (unless you fancy more) and

the organisers offer Christmas hats, mince pies and even sneaky Christmas tipples to ease the shock.

Blackroot pool
The Black Country may not be the first place you think of when it comes to outdoor swimming, but the Christmas Day swim at Blackroot pool in Sutton Park offers one of a limited number of freshwater festive swims, with around 60 people in various states of (fancy) dress jumping in. Last year it was even the scene of a memorable marriage proposal, in the form of a banner reading: “Will you keep me warm for the rest of my life?”

The Whitby dip
On Boxing Day, up’t North is The Whitby dip, another swim with an emphasis on charitable fundraising alongside the usual fun, bravado and icy waters. There’s even an official fancy-dress competition to take your mind of your chattering teeth and numb limbs.

Sennen Swim

I am a local when I retreat home to Cornwall, so, am a frequent voyeur on Christmas day. I can attest to its bracing conditions, however, while the waters might be choppy, the beach is heaving with the best sort of hip flask toting, fire building folk that make the endeavour more than worth the risk of hypothermia. Several hundred keen water-babies are bound for the Cornish Cove’s annual Christmas Day swim.

Festive swims are a joyful celebration of life in the middle of winter’s darkness – just like Christmas itself. See you on the beach?

Tips on outdoor immersion:

• Take the plunge: Much of the acclimatization process is mental
• Exhale as you get in: The ribcage contracts in cold water which leaves many swimmers feeling they cannot breathe
• Wait 90 seconds: The pleasure of open water might not be immediate
• Find a rock or tree to swim to: You will feel good once you get moving

Edited by Demi Vitkute

The post How about a Christmas Morning Dip into Freezing Water? appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

“The Choir with No Name (CWNN) runs choirs for people who have experienced homelessness and other men and women on the margins of society[…] Our first choir – in King’s Cross, London – was founded in 2008 by Marie Benton, a professional musician and at the time also a senior project worker at homeless accommodation provider St Mungo’s.”

Christmas brings up all manner of feelings up from our past, present and future years. If Christmas is about family, peace and joy? Splendid. If your Christmas is vile and star spangled? Aces! If your Christmas is a mishmash of traditions, emotions, waifs and strays? Snap.

Proudly, fellow Londoners give time, food and heart to charities and make a humungous difference each year. The groundwork for our seasonal good will, amongst others, was laid by Charles Dickens. Unlike him, my words will fade and my ideas will remain in the ether, but, my greatest hope is that my words will touch one person and inspire a talking point.

A Christmas Carol is, without a doubt, the most beloved of family favourites. It has given Bill Murray, Michael Caine and the Muppets a stage for our delight. The tale was crafted by a Dickensian wordsmith, but, could easily be penned in London today.

Dickens helped build The Ragged School, providing free education for children in the inner-city.  The movement got its name from the way the children attending the school were dressed. Most of us, me very much included, are unexplainably blessed to be part of a Christmas story, or, many different Christmas stories. We have all the makings of a white Christmas, but, sway much more joyfully towards Bad Santa.

The author directing my words would say that,” Every idiot who goes about with ‘Merry Christmas’ on his lips, should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart.” But, I like to think that even the greatest misers amongst us, can still find a little magic.

On a Tuesday evening in 2010, there was a carolling unfolding in the backstreets of Kings Cross. There were no bells and whistles, there was mulled wine and stale mince pies. The first and last carols belted out were those lovingly conducted for The Choir with No Name by one Marie Benton. On that day, London stood proudly Dickensian, a “good old city, town, or borough, in the good old world.” I can’t say it better, so, I’ll revert to the unsung folk behind The Choir with No Name.  Its foundations are being built by those people. Its history and imagination should be described by those people.

Not one person that I know is free from vices…greed, gluttony, selfishness, envy…

Whether it be Dickens, Marie Benton, or, me… there are occasions amid idle whims and ridiculous dreams that make ragged and unconventional things utterly extraordinary. This Christmas Carol is perfect. It has ragged and eccentrically shambolic inclinations and welcomes the unfashionable kinks, troubles, joys, adventures and catastrophes that make life a bit awkward. It has the balls to be unconventional and weird even though this is the one time of year that has a step by step guide attached to it.

From humble begins, so much can flourish. The Choir with no Name, formerly of the streets of London is slowly and sensationally spreading its very simple message of equality, hope and faith as it unities displaced, distressed and downtrodden communities with the simple goodness and care. It’s not really that complicated… however many centuries we seem to drag it out!

Dickens had this to say about A Christmas Carol: I have endeavoured in this Ghostly little book, to raise the Ghost of an Idea, which shall not put my readers out of humour with themselves, with each other, with the season, or with me. May it haunt their houses pleasantly, and no one wish to lay it. At the time that he wrote A Christmas Carol he was very concerned with impoverished children who turned to crime and delinquency in order to survive. “This boy is Ignorance. This girl is Want.”

The post What the Dickens… The Choir With No Name appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

I have been talking about it for weeks, my housemates have been eating mince pies since they hit the shelves – but this week it’s officially the start of Christmas. I hope you have all been getting festive and enjoying the magical, joyful, and downright amazing things that London has to offer. Even a stroll down Regent Street will get you in the Christmas mood. But don’t worry, even if this is not your most favourite time of the year, there’s so much going on this week that will keep you occupied.

1. The London Shuffle Club, Shoreditch

If you, like me, thought Shuffle boarding was just for OAP’s in retirement homes then prepared to be very surprised. Of course London has taken something completely random and unknown and made it cool – it’s what we’re good at! this is 21,000 square feet of fun, drinks and (just to make it that much better) pizza. Prepare yourself for your new favourite night out. There are 8 shuffleboard courts, 2 corn hole courts and a 22ft table shuffleboard.  Just before you think this is boring exercise that you won’t be good at – there’s also a motorbike serving process to all of those in need of alcohol, a DJ booth to keep you boogying ad a pizza kitchen to keep you fuelled. Who knew physical exercise could be this fun? A court and a margarita please!

There’s no need to book a court – just show up! But, if you are the organised kind and like to prebook, every booking receives a complimentary shuffleboard lesson courtesy of their in-house shuffleboard specialists. You’ll be a pro in no time.

www.londonshuffle.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMi6XadDOfA/?taken-by=ldnshuffle

2. Trainspotting LIVE (£25.00 at The Vaults, Waterloo)

This has been receiving rave reviews; according to Box Dust it’s ‘seventy-five of the most intense, funny, and moving minutes of theatre’. Brought to you by In Your Face Theatre’s Scottish cast for the 21st anniversary production this brutal, raw and unapologetic version of the legendary book, play and film is an experience in itself. This is not your regular theatre showing – it’s interactive (yep, even the ‘worst toilet in Scotland’ scene…) as the audience you will be immersed in the story and the characters. If you’re a fan of the story, and can’t wait for Trainspotting 2, quench your cravings with this beauty. The show is set in The Vaults in Waterloo and the tickets are £25, it’s a bargain not to miss! The show is running until 15th January. Book your tickets at their website: http://www.trainspottinglive.com

3. The Drop Off

Here’s another chance to get fully involved in a theatre experience; for you to create the excitement of an adventurous night. The Immersive Ensemble are back with their biggest setting yet and it’s set to be the best. Become the lead actor in the newest interactive show in London; with over 9 million extras and a mission that will take you on trains and boats, it’s a mysterious night to remember. This time, you’ll be stepping into shoes of some of England’s most loved characters and making your way around Central London pursuing leads, solving problems, interacting with theatre actors at every turn; even seeing some iconic and famous sights on the way, as well as a few drinks provided for you on the way. The plot will take you to some of the most famous places but some unknown territory in London too – this is before you embark on a high escape provided by Thames Rockets. With only 12 tickets for each date, it couldn’t get more intimate. Tickets are priced at £65 (over 18’s only).

4. Love Actually at The Exhibit, Balham – 4^thDecember

It wouldn’t be my weekly list if I didn’t include a Christmas activity, now would it? This one is extra special as it’s one of my all-time favourite Christmas films. The Exhibit in Balham is an independent cinema, bar and restaurant – what does it not do?! Located right next to the tube and train station in the centre of Balham, it’s the perfect place for a rendezvous. Get your cinema ticket on their website for £9 or if you are really feeling the Sunday fun get yourself a ticket and a mini bottle of Prosecco for £15! Whilst you’re in Balham on Sunday, look out for the switching on of their Christmas lights – watch the cute streets light up for December!

The post What Not to Miss This Week in London appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

Lost World at the Backyard Cinema, 5th November – 10th November

Want a cinema experience that’s more than just a screen and some chairs? Well thanks to Backyard Cinema, you can have an epic experience as soon as you walk in the door. This is no ordinary cinema; with seats amongst tropical plants and popcorn and cocktails in a jungle setting; this is not just a film. This is changing your cinema experience! The highlight of these movies for me has to be The Jungle Book (2016) on Wednesday 9th. What more could you ask for on a Wednesday than watching a Disney film on bean bags sitting in a jungle? I can’t think of anything.

Other highlights include Hook on Tuesday 8^th and Finding Dory on Friday 11^th. You’ll have to be quick though, as tickets are only on sale for a limited amount of time.

The Radical Eye – Modernist Photography from the Sir Elton John Collection, 10th November – 7th May 2017

The new collection at the Tate Modern is a once in a lifetime opportunity. From Thursday take a sneak peak into one of the greatest art collections and see an incredible group of Man Ray portraits through the eyes of Sir Elton John. For the first time ever pieces of his collection from the last 25 years will be on display for you; including portraits of Matisse, Picasso and Breton. There will be over 7 artists and more than double the amount of rare prints such as Brassai, Aleksandr Rodchenko and Imogen Cunningham.

Whether you’re a fan of Man Ray, the Tate Modern or Sir Elton John himself – this is sure not one to miss. The exhibition is open from Thursday with tickets costing £16.50 or free for members at the Tate Modern, Bankside.

Armistice Day (11^thNovember) and Remembrance Sunday (13^th November)

Armistice day is here again and where better to be than London to celebrate this momentous day. Made even more special as from 2014-2018 as it marks the centenary of WW1. As always on Remembrance Sunday (13^th) the annual Cenotaph ceremony and parade will take place attended by the Queen, politicians and military representatives. This will affect transport in London that day, so be sure to check the TFL website before you travel!

On Remembrance Day on Friday, The Royal British Legion will hold its Silence in the Square event in Trafalgar Square. From 10am-11:15am there will be music, readings and of course, together in unison the 2-minute silence will be upheld to remember all those who lost their lives in the WW1, WW2 and all those since.

Leicester Square Christmas Market, 11^th November – 8^th January

Brand new for 2016 –  a traditional Christmas market has landed in Central London! See one of London’s most famous squares be transformed into a true winter grotto. This one I am particularly excited about as I work not far from here so you will find me here on lunch breaks getting fuelling my Christmas spirit! It will have everything you have come to expect from a traditional market; wooden huts, warming festive drinks and hand crafted gifts from all around the globe. If that’s not enough excitement for you; in the centre of Leicester Square will be a velvety, glamorous Belgian Spiegel tent. In there will be Olivier Award winning theatre group La Soiree; a theatrical phenomenon of cabaret, new burlesque and circus antics! Another day out to add to your ever-growing list of Christmas outings.

Winter festival at the Southbank Centre, 11^th November – 25^th January

The Southbank Centre is getting a festive makeover! From 11th November it will be transformed into a snowy, riverside landscape perfect for your winter escapades. Complete with a huge tree, twinkly lights and wooden huts full of the usual market treats.

As well as the Winter Festival, there’s a whole host of other festive events happening at the Southbank this winter. The Rekorderlig Winter Lodge will be open from 11^th also; enjoy a Scandinavian experience with tasty food, a traditional fire pit and a glass of hot plum cider. We definitely won’t blame you for not moving all day!

Fancy something a little more thrilling? BUMP Rollerdisco is opening this Friday. Grab some skates and get going! Fun for the whole family, with music blaring and lights sparkling it’s the perfect answer for some winter fun! Keep your eyes pealed for weekend DJ’s and performances too. Try this alternative winter activity at your own risk…especially after the Rekorderlig lodge!

The post What Not to Miss This Week in London appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

No street encompasses the Christmas spirit quite like Oxford Street; no doubt you’ll be spending many hours there fawning over the pretty decorations and getting those last minute christmas presents. If you want to see that very moment the famous street gets it’s Christmas accessories – keep the 6th November free for a truly festive event! 1778 snowball decorations (and a staggering 750,000 LED lightbulb) will be lighting up for the 57th year when the lights get officially switched on.

Bonfire night, 5th November

It’s that time of year again, the aftermath of Halloween and the gateway to Christmas – it’s Bonfire night and that means fireworks, fireworks, fireworks! Being in London means you have some of the best firework displays in the country. No one does it like the Londoners. I’ve picked out some of the best for you: Battersea park (which is where I will be stood in the freezing cold!), Alexandra Palace, Crystal Palace, Southwark and Blackheath. Wherever you go, may it be accompanied with loved ones, alcohol to keep you warm and a big bonfire!

The Cuban Brothers: Brixton Rooftop Party @ The Big Apple, 5th November 3pm – 11:59pm 

Say goodbye to the Beach Boulevard that has been at home on this rooftop since the summer and say hello to buzzing streets of Harlem – The Big Apple 1977 has arrived in Brixton! Opening on 27th October, this brand new bar is one of a kind in the South. Where else can you party in the City that never sleeps with street food, live music and still be in our beloved London? Here. Get yourself to Brixton. This Saturday The Cuban Brothers, Slothboogie, Larry Luvin’ and Inner City Dave will be there to help you into a Saturday night vibe at the rooftop bar. An amazing cast of DJ’s, themed bars, a nightclub, food for when you’ve drunk a little too much and entertainment… really, what more could we ask for of a Saturday? See you there!

Bank of England Museum, 10am-3pm free entry daily

The museums Banknote Gallery is now open – newly refurbished to coincide with our new five pound note! Not only can get you get your hands on one if you haven’t already but the museum also features the interesting history of our famous banking system, displays a variety of historical material drawn from the Bank’s own collections including books, documents, silver, prints, coins and photographs. There is also a chance to design your own bank note and to even hold a real, and heavy, piece of gold.

Bartholomew Ln, London EC2R 8AH.

Nearest tube stop – Bank.

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1. London Rum Festival, Ocotber 22^th  – 23^rd

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 22^nd and 23^rd, 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 5^th – 16^th

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 5^th to the 16^th, 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 15^th – 16^th

After drinking and reading, let’s listen to some music! The Hackney Wonderland is waiting for you on Saturday 15^th and Sunday 16^th 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.

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4. Africa on the Square, October 15^th

If London still looks too grey, take a walk through Trafalgar Square on the 15^th 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 19^th – 23^rd

Even as the month nears closing the fun is far from over. From the 19^th to the 23^rd, 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

The post London: Five Events You Can’t Miss in October appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

The Cavendish Arms offers an ‘entry level’ open mic night for Londoners crazy enough to crack a few gags on stage, aptly named ‘Comedy Virgins.’ The free night, running on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and the occasional Thursday, offers a stage for anyone who has been tempted or bullied into trying stand-up comedy.

It was the simultaneous terror and excitement that had me signing up for a 5-minute spot and then inviting all my friends so that I didn’t have the option to back out. Intrigued by this vulnerable art form that exposes the very heart of humanity, I found myself eager to contribute to comedy’s honest discussion on London life without sugar-coating anything. From Weight Watchers weekly weigh-ins to Brexit Britain, no conversation is too dull, disruptive or dramatic to constitute comedy. Anything goes, as long as it’s funny.

The only rule is that every comedian brings a friend. This prevents a comedy car-crash, where a crowd is only made up of other comedians anxiously awaiting their spot and not laughing. So I was grateful for the lively room packed with people and pints looking for a laugh. The night showcased a real mix of experience, age, style and subject matter, all hoping to win the Cavendish Arms’ coveted prize: a mini plastic trophy. After each act the crowd decides if the contestant is a worthy winner by shouting “Buy them a drink”. A clap off at the end of the night confirms the overall champ. If I’m honest, I didn’t care about the trophy. I just wanted to get through my 5 minutes without vomiting. After years of acting on the stage I was surprised by my stomach-turning response to the reality of stand-up. Luckily, I was put out of agony early on in the night, when my name was called out in the first act. To my complete surprise, I absolutely loved it. The responsive crowd gave me the confidence and energy I needed to get through my set and by the end I didn’t want to leave the stage. Of course, I was glad I had invited a few friendly faces who had promised to laugh no matter what but in general the uncritical crowd were a generous bunch, offering solid support for my first ever stand-up gig. I even got “bought a drink” and during the final clap off found myself finishing 3^rd. Maybe I have beginner’s luck to thank, but I’ll definitely be back for more; it’s an adrenaline rush like no other and a fantastic way of facing your fears.

A great evening for performers and audience members alike, ‘Comedy Virgins’ offers unique, free, and funny weeknight entertainment. You might even find yourself seduced into booking a spot.

More information

Where: Cavendish Arms, 128 Hartington Road, Stockwell, SW8 2HJ

Nearest tube: Stockwell (Victoria and Northern lines)

When: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday (and the occasional Thursday).

The bar opens from 5pm, comedy starts at 8pm. The night usually ends around 10:30pm (depending on the number of performers).

Booking a spot: You can book a performance spot in advance by signing up to the Comedy Virgins mailing list using this link. You will receive an email every month, when booking begins, asking you to pick your three preferred dates.

Alternatively, you can head down early on the day you wish to perform and grab one of the five open spots, (WARNING: these fill up fast). There are also five reserve spots just in case booked acts don’t turn up.

http://www.thecavendisharmsstockwell.co.uk/comedy

Edited by Ivy Joseph

The post Stepping into the Shoes of a Stand-Up Comedian: Comedy Virgins at the Cavendish Arms appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

Where: Clapham London

When: Last weekend of every August

WIIFM: Music, Food, Themes, Markets

I could feel his joy through his moves; his arms reached high towards the sky; his feet stepped on different parts of the grass; his head followed along up in the air; his soul nurtured on the sounds of music and his shadow closely danced along.

Their fingers interlocked as they moved in a wavy-like way. Their eyes are closed blindly looking up at the sky. Shaking their heads to the beat of music, their bodies synchronically danced under the moving clouds.

A young man gave way to his dancing. He stepped out of the crowd and found himself a bigger space to spread his imaginary wings. While snapping his fingers to the beat, his shoulders followed the sound of the snares and he drifted away to the melancholy of the festival.

It was 3 pm on a beautiful Sunday when I got into SW4 Music Festival in Clapham in London last weekend. The event is one of the biggest in the vibrant city where a high number of local and international DJ’s showcase their best musical talents and entertain thousands of ravers and electronic music lovers.

As the sun shined over Clapham I started the day with a soft creamy ice cone with a flake from a Mr. Whippy van and a coffee from an old beetle turned hot drinks stand car.

The main stage had 4 towers of speakers that stretched a few inches above the grass all the way up towards the flying planes.

There were names such as Antz, Silver City and Amnesia Ibiza. Three circus like covered tents hosted different types of electronic music that included a long list of line up DJs.

I realised it was also a drinks and food festival when I witnessed the endless lines of food kiosks and drinks bars. There were Hot dogs, BBQs, as well as Asian American burgers, to name a few. Drinks included everything from alcohol to soft drinks, fresh juices, tea, coffee, smoothies and cocktails.

And if you thought that was not enough to entertain you, there was a sky scraper rollercoaster and a giant revolving swing that would bring back your childhood moments.

Once I filled my brain with enough caffeine and my body with enough carbs, I was ready to explore the day ahead.

The main stage was warming up with Black Coffee dropping sweet and slow beats and the crowd seemed to enjoy the free Reese’s peanut butter cups and new Mohito 7up giveaways.

I couldn’t resist the temptation, so I grabbed some and headed to Amnesia tent where Chez was performing a musical show intertwined with dancing laser lights of many colors while the frequent spraying of fog got the fans jumping non- stop. Hanging from the ceiling were octopus shaped creatures that swung to the wind as if they were actually dancing to the great house tunes.

As the music reached its ecstatic climax a group of 6 girls, dressed up in black, entered the stage in front of the DJ and gave a-one- to- remember dance performance.

I didn’t want to leave such a vibrant sexy atmosphere; it was approaching 4 pm when Fritz Kallbrenner was about to kick some German house at Antz arena.

He opened up with a live performance of his very best track Ways over water and for the next hour the crowd jumped to the electronic sounds of Berlin.

At 6 pm his brother and my all time favorite DJ Paul Kalkbrenner kicked his show on the main stage with one of his biggest tracks Gebrün Gebrün from the album Berlin Calling.

He played German techno at its best, and the crowd sang along with every track and wooed their lungs out when Mr. Kalkbrenner took his jumper off to show his love for soccer wearing his German jersey.

At 9 pm The Chemical Brothers gave an hour and half show that was worth every penny. I would have happily paid the same price for that ticket if it was only for their performance.

They played every tune live in real time and synchronized the visuals along with the sounds of the music.

At one-point green and orange balls followed the music along on the two big screens, and out of nowhere lots of massive balloons in the same color dropped from the roof onto the crowd. They went mental. At times I couldn’t hear the music because the whistles blown by the fans.

Just before closing a giant robot dropped down in slow motion behind the brothers and started dancing along; its eyes blinked, beamed and reflected different laser light colors with every beat while the arms and legs moved along to the melodies.

It was a show not to be missed.

In summary, the event was very well executed, organised and directed. All DJs started and finished on their allocated times; they gave their fans two days of absolute fun and entertainment.

Edited by Chermaine Sowah

The post Looking Back on South West Four Music Festival appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.