January 2023 was probably the longest month I've experienced so far, so it's no wonder everyone from your colleagues to the literal sun seems glad to see the back of it. The 5P.M. sky is now a manageable navy blue instead of an unrelenting pitch black, the trees are getting ready to overcome their seasonal-affective baldness, and, at last, people seem keen to go out again. Good times.
So it should come as no surprise that London's social scene is blossoming right now, too. The Vaults festival is now in full swing, with more all-new acts and shows than you can shake a mic stand at; Sylvia has kicked off at the Old Vic; and the much-anticipated Akub has finally opened its stylish doors (to rave reviews). To help you officially break free of your winter cocoon, here are 18 of the best things to do in London this weekend!
1.Haven't seen thisEvanescentexhibition by Sydney-based artist Atelier Sisu yet? I reckon this weekend is the time to change that.
2.Hear me out here – a load of clowns are going to descend on Haggerston in full regalia this Sunday to memorialise their fallen leader, and I'm finding it hard not to see it as the event of the year.
4.Think you're up on your Suffragette history? Catch hip-hop musicalSylvia at the Old Vic and come back with a whole new perspective on the fight for women's rights.
10.I am very, very excited about free exhibition People Make Television. It shows tonnes of DIY TV from the '70s, including – unexpectedly – a collection of experimental episodes from the BBC that have remained mostly unaired since their initial broadcast.
11.After a post-show meal, or just want to try some truly tasty hotpot? I've recently become a fan of Soho's Pot Pot Malatang, where you can create your dream bowl of soup from a dizzying array of delicious ingredients.
13.You know when your friends start talking about some cool-sounding event you never knew existed, and you just have to sort of nod and style your ignorance out until you can do a speedy loo Google? Yeah, that kept happening to me with The Vaults – and having since found out about London's hottest subterranean festival of all-new work, I'm very glad it did.