This article is part of FT Globetrotter’s guide to London
Indeed if one is tired of London, they are tired of life. From blockbuster exhibitions to world-class opera, via dozens of music festivals, star-studded theatre and the world’s greatest Grand Slam, London’s cultural calendar truly has it all. Below we’ve shared the 2024 highlights our team is most looking forward to. NB: this is not an exhaustive list, so do share what’s on your radar too in the comments.
January
Art
Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize 2023, National Portrait Gallery
Returning to the NPG after three years, the Taylor Wessing competition honours emerging and established photographic talent from around the world. This year’s selection of the best entries also focuses on the images of Hassan Hajjaj, an artist and photographer who works between Marrakech and London. Until February 25; further information and tickets here
‘Women in Revolt! Art and Activism in the UK 1970—1990’, Tate Britain
A must-see retrospective of feminist art and activism. Through posters, paintings, sculptures, booklets, magazines and more, the show examines how art helped fuel social change as the women’s liberation movement went full steam ahead from the 1970s onwards. Until April 7; further information and tickets here
‘Lucian Freud’s Etchings: A Creative Collaboration’ and ‘Diva’, V&A South Kensington
An exhibition of the print-work of the great British artist known predominantly for his impasto-rich paintings. Most of these textured etchings have never previously been displayed. Until August 25; further information and tickets here
From Maria Callas to Elton John via Grace Jones and Cher, Diva celebrates “the power and creativity of iconic performers” across art, fashion, film, and music, exploring how the notion of the “diva” has evolved over the decades. Until April 10; further information and tickets here
Performance
‘La bohème’, Royal Opera House
A revival of Richard Jones’s 2017 staging of Puccini’s tragedy in the 100th anniversary of the composer’s death. In one of three casts, Angela Gheorghiu sings Mimi — the role that made the Romanian soprano a star in her 1992 ROH debut. Until February 16; further information and tickets here
‘Manon’, Royal Opera House
The Royal Ballet’s revival of Kenneth MacMillan’s gorgeous 1974 classic, with a score drawn from across Massenet’s work. Martin Yates leads the orchestra. Until March 8; further information and tickets here
‘Just for One Day’, Old Vic
“Relive the day music brought the world together” in this new musical tribute to Live Aid and the artists who made it happen, featuring songs by David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Elton John and Queen and directed by Luke Sheppard. Until March 30; further information and tickets here.
Film
‘Artists in Residence: London, Art Making, Space and Everyday Life’, Barbican
A vibrant programme of films and archival material about the constantly shifting relationship between London and its artists. From early pieces by avant-garde British filmmakers such as Derek Jarman and John Smith and to new work by artist and curator Therese Henningsen, it unpicks the politics of space and artistic life in the capital. Until February 15; further information and tickets here
February
Art
‘Frank Auerbach: The Charcoal Heads’, The Courtauld
The first ever ensemble of the huge charcoal portraits that Auerbach produced as a young man in postwar London, which were often the result of multiple rubbings out and redrawings on one piece of paper. February 9 to May 27; further information and tickets here
‘Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind’, Tate Modern
The evolution of Yoko Ono’s art is charted through more than 200 works, including those created in London in the mid 1960s when she met John Lennon. Works include her banned Film No 4 (Bottoms) — a visual string of naked backsides — alongside music and interactive installations such as “Wish Tree”, to which visitors can contribute their personal wishes for peace. February 15 to September 1; further information and tickets here
‘Burtynsky: Extraction/Abstraction’, Saatchi Gallery
The biggest show to date of the work of Canadian photographer and artist Edward Burtynsky, examining the footprint of human life and industry on our environment, with 94 photographs, 13 murals and an augmented-reality installation. February 14 to May 6; further information and tickets here
‘Sargent and Fashion’ at Tate Britain
Discover how John Singer Sargent used fabric and fashion in his paintings to capture identity and individuality. This sumptuous show will feature rare loans as well as original items of clothing alongside the relevant work of art. February 22 to July 7; further information and tickets here
‘The Time Is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure’, National Portrait Gallery
Ekow Eshun curates a major study on representations of the Black figure in contemporary art — and the western canon — featuring artists from across the African diaspora including Michael Armitage, Lubaina Himid and Kerry James Marshall. February 22 to May 19; further information and tickets here
Performance
‘Tosca’ and ‘The Flying Dutchman’, Royal Opera House
February sees the start of a long run of Puccini’s political thriller at the ROH. The stage is transformed into 1800 Rome under Jonathan Kent’s direction. February 5 to July 21; further information and tickets here
Tim Albery’s staging of Wagner’s maritime masterpiece is set to take Covent Garden by storm, with a cast including Bryn Terfel as the cursed Dutchman and Swedish soprano Elisabet Strid as Senta. February 29 to March 16; further information and tickets here
‘Dear Octopus’ and ‘Nye’, National Theatre
A revival of Dodie Smith’s tale of family, memory and nostalgia on the eve of the second world war, starring Lindsay Duncan. February 7 to March 27; further information and tickets here
Tim Price’s new drama tells the story of Aneurin “Nye” Bevan, the Welsh Labour politician who spearheaded the creation of the NHS. Michael Sheen stars as Bevan. February 24 to May 11; Find information and tickets here.
‘King Lear’, Almeida Theatre
Yaël Farber directs Danny Sapani (Killing Eve, Black Panther) in the title role of the Shakespearean tragedy. February 8 to March 30; further information and tickets here
Sport
Guinness Six Nations, Twickenham Stadium
London will host two major games in the international rugby tournament, first England vs Wales, and then England vs Ireland. February 10 and March 9; further information and tickets here
Events
Lunar New Year
Ring in the Lunar New Year with celebrations across London including a show-stopping central parade. Watch on as the parade’s dragon leaves Charing Cross Road at 10am on its way to Chinatown, where you’ll find performances of dance, music and martial art and, food stalls aplenty. February 10; further information here
London Fashion Week
This year the twice yearly British fashion bonanza turns 40, with the world’s most stylish flocking in for a few jam-packed days of runway shows, panels and parties across the capital. February 16 to 20; further information and schedule here
March
Art
Affordable Art Fair, Battersea Park
Thousands of artworks costing from £50 to £7,500, from more than 100 local and international galleries. March 7 to 10; further information here
Performance
‘Swan Lake’ and ‘Madama Butterfly’, Royal Opera House
One of the most beloved ballets in the canon returns to Covent Garden, with Tchaikovsky’s music brought to life by choreographers Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. March 6 to June 28; further information and tickets here
Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier direct Puccini’s tragedy about a geisha who falls in love with a US naval officer, with Kevin John Edusei conducting. From March 14 until July 18; Find information and tickets here
Film
BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival
The UK’s largest queer film festival, screening the most anticipated works in contemporary LGBTQIA+ cinema from around the world, in addition to restorations of older, historically important films. March 13 to 24; further information and tickets here
Sport
The Boat Race
Oxford and Cambridge Universities’ rowing teams go head to head on the Thames in a boating rivalry dating back to 1829. Cambridge won both the men’s and women’s races last year and in 2024 will be aiming for a consecutive victory. For those wanting to spectate under shelter, be sure to settle into a pub overlooking the river early on in the day — they’re all usually heaving by noon March 30; further information here
April
Art
‘Expressionists: Kandinsky, Münter and the Blue Rider’, Tate Modern
The movement known as the Blue Rider was made up of some of the most important experimental artists of the early 20th century, including Wassily Kandinsky, Gabriele Münter, Paul Klee and Franz Marc. This retrospective of painting, sculpture, photography, sound and performance gathers the fruits of their collaboration. April 25 to October 20; further information and tickets here
Performance
‘Carmen’, Royal Opera House
In a new production, Aigul Akmetshina and Vasilisa Berzhanskaya share the role of Carmen in director Damiano Michieletto’s take on Bizet’s four-act epic. April 5 to May 31; further information and tickets here
‘London Tide’, National Theatre
Ben Power’s adaptation of Dickens’ Our Mutual Friend charts two women’s lives following the discovery of a body in the Thames. Directed by Ian Rickson with music by PJ Harvey. April 10 to June 22; further information and tickets here
‘Spirited Away’, London Coliseum
The European premiere of Les Mis director John Caird’s stage adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s Oscar-winning 2001 animation. April 30 to August 24; further information and tickets here
Film
Open City Documentary Festival
The 14th edition of a festival that aims to challenge the concept of non-fiction cinema, often featuring experimental and archival works. Alongside a vibrant curation of screenings in venues including the Barbican, ICA and Tate Modern, filmmakers, curators and writers come together to highlight the contemporary landscape of documentary cinema. April 24 to 30; further information and tickets here
Sport
London Marathon
The mammoth run weaves around the capital, taking in such landmarks as Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge. It’s too late to sign up, but not too late to cheer on the huge number of participants, some in elaborate costumes. April 21; further information here
Lord’s cricket season
Synonymous with British summertime, cricketers will once again don their whites in April, kicking off the international season at the stadium with Middlesex versus Glamorgan. From April 5; further information and tickets here
Festival
Brick Lane Jazz Festival
A buzzing showcase of the UK’s best jazz talent across 10 stages in east London, with jazzy takes on hip-hop, neo soul, reggae, broken beat, electronic sounds and more. April 26 to 28; further information and tickets here
Event
St Patrick’s Day
London celebrates St Patrick’s Day in style, with a huge, emerald-clad crowd snaking its way from Piccadilly to Trafalgar Square as part of the annual parade. March 17; further information here
May
Art
NG200 at The National Gallery
The National Gallery turns 200 this year. May kick-starts the year-long celebrations, with 12 exhibitions opening on the same day in 12 parts of the country, from the first ever full-scale show of early Sienese art outside Italy to an exploration of the lives of those who have played a part in the gallery’s long history. Other events include a major Van Gogh exhibition in September. From May 10; Find information, tickets and programme here.
‘Now You See Us: Women Artists in Britain, 1520-1920’ at Tate Britain
More than 150 works tracing women’s paths to artistic expression and success from the 16th century to the dawn of modernism. Look out for paintings of subjects traditionally deemed to be “male”, such as battle scenes and nudes. Artists featured include Angelica Kauffman, Elizabeth Butler and Laura Knight. May 16 to October 13; further information and tickets here
‘Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection’, V&A South Kensington
The couple’s extraordinary private collection of photography includes some of the best contemporary visual talent, with themes of celebrity, reportage and the male body woven throughout. From May 18; further information and tickets here.
Performance
Antonio Pappano Gala, Royal Opera House
The ROH bids farewell to Antonio Pappano after his 22-year tenure as its music director. Expect an evening of the most-loved arias performed by a stellar ensemble. May 16; further information and tickets here
Sport
Men’s and Women’s FA Cup Finals, Wembley Stadium
The zeniths of one of the world’s most prestigious domestic football tournaments. Women’s final, May 12; further information and tickets here; men’s final, May 25; further information and tickets here
Festival and events
Cross the Tracks Festival, Brockwell Park
As the days grow longer, day festivals start popping up across London. Jazz, funk, hip hop and soul collide at this popular south London festival. This year’s headliners include the queen of neo-soul Erykah Badu, hip-hop/jazz act BADBADNOTGOOD and the internationally renowned DJ Madlib. May 26; further information and tickets here
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
“Chelsea”, as it is simply known, is a fixture in the London social diary. Extravagant floral displays, charming gardens and a chance to buy plants and trinkets and transform into a fully-fledged horticulturalist yourself. Jo Whiley will DJ at Chelsea Late, an evening of food and dancing, and a chance to see the gardens by moonlight. May 21 to 25; further information and tickets here
June
Art
The Summer Exhibition, Royal Academy
The oldest open-submission exhibition in the world, dating back to 1769, is this year co-ordinated by British sculptor Ann Christopher. With walls crammed with works that are also available to buy, this is another fixture in the summer social diary. June 18 to August 18; further information and tickets here
‘Six Lives: The Stories of Henry VIII’s Queens’, National Portrait Gallery
“A study of the lives and afterlives” of the Tudor monarch’s six wives features everything from Hans Holbein’s Tudor portraits to contemporary photography, exploring the many layers of fiction mythologising the women. June 20 to September 8; further information and tickets here
‘Naomi’, V&A South Kensington
An ode to the life and work of supermodel Naomi Campbell. The exhibition will cover her influence, career and activism via the work of designers, photographers and more. From June 22; further information and tickets here
Sport
Uefa Champions League Final at Wembley Stadium
Whether you watch it at home, in a pub or get lucky with a ticket, this year’s European football champions will be crowned in London for the eighth time. June 1; further information and tickets here
Royal Ascot
Dust down your hat — it’s the big one. One of the key horseracing events of the year, Ascot hosts royalty alongside racing fans from the world over. June 18 to 22; Find information and tickets here.
Events
Trooping the Colour
The celebration for the King’s official birthday; the royal family will proceed from The Mall to Horse Guard’s Parade in ornate carriages or on horseback. The RAF fly-past is at 1pm. Watch for free from The Mall or St James’s Park or ballot for reserved seats. June 15; further information and tickets here.
The Serpentine Pavilion, Hyde Park
Created by a different architect or designer each year, the Serpentine Gallery’s annually metamorphosing pavilion is revealed in June. This year’s pavilion, designed by Seoul-based Korean architect Minsuk Cho and his firm Mass Studies, will be unveiled on June 5, while the Pavilion’s star-studded annual summer party takes place on June 25. Further information here
Festivals
Taste of London, Regent’s Park
The annual food festival takes over a corner of the royal park for a bumper five days. Attend tastings or chow down on some of the best food the capital has to offer from its top chefs. June 12 to 16; further information and tickets here
Wellnergy, Barn Elms Sports Centre
Wellness fests — the new Glastonbury? To find out, don’t miss this all-dayer in leafy Barnes packed with mindfulness workshops, fitness, food and music. June 15; further information and tickets here
Pride in London
One of the biggest celebrations of the LGBTQ+ community in the world, Pride in London features a huge and colourful parade alongside different stages peppered across the city. The main stage is typically in Trafalgar Square. June 29; further information here
July
Art
Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award 2024, National Portrait Gallery
The annual award highlighting the best in contemporary portrait painting across the globe. July 11 to October 27; further information and tickets here
Performance
BBC Proms, Royal Albert Hall
Eight weeks of concerts spotlighting some of the best global talent in the classical music world. Dates to be announced; Find information and tickets here soon.
BST Hyde Park
The alfresco concert series in London’s vast central park is back. Acts announced so far include Andrea Bocelli and Robbie Williams — with plenty more to come. 2023’s line-up included Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen and Guns N’ Roses. Throughout July; further information and tickets here soon
Camden Fringe
The north London performing-arts festival includes everything from cabaret to opera to comedy to poetry and operates under the ethos of welcoming anyone to apply, championing new talent. Fringe performances can be found in more than 20 venues across the borough of Camden. July 29 to August 25; further information and tickets here
Sport
Wimbledon, All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club
Synonymous with British summertime, strawberries and Pimm’s, Wimbledon is the world’s greatest Grand Slam. Tennis pros will return to the grass courts in July. (Check out FT Globetrotter’s Wimbledon series, with everything from a fiendish quiz to a tour of its museum here.) Tickets are famously hard to secure, but there are plenty of places around the capital where you can enjoy the action on Centre Court with a beer in hand. July 1 to 14; further information and ticketing advice here
Henley Royal Regatta
As much a social shindig as a sporting event, Henley is a key event in the British summer. Not far beyond London’s M25 orbital motorway, the picturesque Henley-on-Thames transforms into a river racecourse, with crews of rowers in colourful club blazers. From July 2 until 7; Find information and tickets here.
British Grand Prix, Silverstone
The Royal Automobile Club’s annual 52-lap motor race is a famed stop-off during the Formula One rounds. It is a weekend well-worth the 2h drive from town — if you’re lucky enough to score tickets. July 4 to 7; further information and tickets here
Event
Summer opening, Buckingham Palace
The public are invited into the UK monarch’s London residence for just a few months of the year. The palace opens up 19 majestic rooms as well as the perfectly manicured gardens. 11 July to 29 September; further information here
August
Festivals
All Points East, Victoria Park
The east London music fest spans three separate dates in August. This year’s line-up includes Loyle Carner, Pixies and LCD Soundsystem, with many more names to be announced. August 17, 23 and 25; further information and tickets here
Battersea Park in Concert
A long weekend of concerts spanning everything from jazz to West End hits in the south-west London park; last year’s event included the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and Ronnie Scott’s All Stars. August 24 to 26; further information and tickets here
Notting Hill Carnival
Each year over the August bank holiday, revellers descend on Notting Hill for the much-loved Caribbean carnival dating back to 1966. August 25 and 26; further information here
September
Art
‘Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers’, National Gallery
This “once-in-a-century” exhibition is part of the above-mentioned NG200 celebrations, with some of Van Gogh’s most renowned paintings and drawings brought together in an astonishing show of works, some of which are seldom seen. Highlights will include the beloved “Starry Night over the Rhône” and “The Yellow House”. September 14 to January 19 2025; further information and tickets here
London Design Festival
Emerging talent and big names are celebrated equally in this display of London’s design landscape. September 14 to 22; further information here
Turner Prize, Tate Britain
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the contemporary art prize; the award champions the most outstanding recent contributions to British art. This year’s shortlisted artists — to be featured in the exhibition — will be announced in spring. September 25 to February 16 2025; further information and tickets here soon
‘Monet and London: Views of the Thames’, The Courtauld
Charing Cross Bridge, Waterloo Bridge and the Houses of Parliament can all be seen in Monet’s iconic depictions of London in the late 19th and early 20th century. The artist planned to show the paintings in the capital in 1905 but the project never materialised. This is the first time they will form an exhibition in London. September 27 to January 19 2025; further information and tickets here
Performance
Beethoven’s Ninth, Royal Albert Hall
Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No 5 (aka the Emperor concerto) and Symphony No 9, with its climactic “Ode to Joy”, as performed by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and London Philharmonic Choir. September 21; further information and tickets here
Festivals
The FT Weekend Festival, Kenwood House Gardens
The day when the FT Weekend paper springs to life across ten stages in the sweeping gardens of Kenwood House in North London is now a fixture in our readers’ calendars. This year it falls on September 7, and promises the usual stimulating mix of big debates, tastings, performances, interviews with talks from your favourite FT journalists and an array of starry speakers to be announced soon. September 7, 10am to 6pm. Click here for a special FT Globetrotter £20 discount on passes and further information
Open House Festival
Nose inside some of London’s most fascinating buildings, from city farms and personal pads to eminent galleries. Dates to be announced; further information here
October
Art
Frieze London
One of the most important annual events in the art world, drawing collectors, buyers and artists from around the globe. The fair pops up in Regent’s Park once more, with many white tents and eclectic displays of some of the best artists of the moment, and contemporary art post-2000. Frieze Masters, the fair’s sibling show, is a dazzling display of work pre- 2000, from medieval illuminated manuscripts to the giants of modernism. October 9 to 13; further information here
‘Francis Bacon Portraits’, National Portrait Gallery
An autumn show of the Irish-British artist’s paintings of himself and sitters such as Lucian Freud and Isabel Rawsthorne, featuring Bacon’s portraiture after 1950 and his impact on the genre. October 10 to January 19 2025; Find information and tickets here.
Festival
BFI London Film Festival
The largest film festival in the UK returns for its 68th edition — a showcase of highly anticipated international premieres, debuts from emerging filmmakers, restored films from the archives and XR experiences. Dates to be announced; further information here
November
Performance
‘A Christmas Carol’, Old Vic
Matthew Warchus’ production of Dickens’ classic returns for a festive run. November 9 to January 4 2025; further information and tickets here
Sport
Autumn Internationals, Twickenham Stadium
A string of first-class international rugby fixtures over four weeks. England play three southern hemisphere teams at home. From November 2; further information and tickets here
Events
Regent Street Motor Show
More than 100 classic cars converge on a pedestrianised slice of the central London shopping street, often with their owners in period clothing, for an afternoon of entertainment. Date to be announced; further information here soon
Guy Fawkes Night
The annual marking of the foiled plan to blow up Parliament in 1605. Find bonfires burning “Guys” and fireworks across the city, with some of the most spectacular displays at Battersea Park and Alexandra Palace. November 5; some events will be on the preceding weekend (November 2 and 3)
Lord Mayor’s Show
The Lord Mayor of London has been putting on a display of pomp in the City since the early 13th century in this, the oldest civic procession in the world. The Lord Mayor is accompanied by 150 floats and 200 horses on a three-mile parade. November 9; further information here
Christmas at Kew
The annual festive light show for all the family. Wend your way through illuminations around Kew Gardens, with botanical displays lit up by reflections and flames, and a light-show finale. November 13 to January 5 2025; further information and tickets here
Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park
The mammoth festive playground opens again in November, with fairground rides, ice skating, entertainment and an array of food stalls attracting Londoners and tourists alike. From November; further information here
Regent Street Christmas Lights
One of London’s biggest shopping streets will be illuminated for Christmas with intricately detailed installations sweeping down the busy strip. Dates to be announced; further information here soon
Festivals
EFG London Jazz Festival
A major event in the capital’s music calendar, with more than 300 shows across 70 venues. November 15 to 24; further information and tickets here
December
Performance
Christmas Carols, Royal Albert Hall
Trombonists and tenors alike don Santa hats for the annual festival concert programme. December 14 to 24; further information and tickets here
‘The Nutcracker’, Royal Albert Hall
The Sugar Plum Fairy is back in town. Birmingham Royal Ballet’s ode to the festive season returns, with Tchaikovsky’s gloriously Christmassy score. December 29 to 31; further information and tickets here
Event
Columbia Road Christmas Carols
On three Wednesday evenings, a Hackney vicar lugs his piano down to Columbia Road to play festive tunes for a mass of carollers. Last year’s events were cancelled midway due to large crowds, but we hope they’ll return for 2024. Dates to be announced; further information here soon
Please tell us in the comments below about any other 2024 calendar highlights for London that other readers might like to know about
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