London’s best events in March

[Mike Komo]

March is finally here, bringing gradually longer days and hopefully brighter weather. As we prepare for spring in London, there’s a wonderful array of events going on to get you outside and enjoying the city. We’ve compiled a list of our favourites, ranging from chilled out goings on to the creative and inspiring.

London’s Big Read

March kicked off on the 1^st with World Book Day, but Londoners will be treated to further literary events as London’s Big Read begins on the same day. The initiative continues throughout the month, showcasing the talent of local authors through a list of six shortlisted books. This year’s list includes June Sarpong’s ‘Diversify’, Paterson Joseph’s ‘Julius Caesar and Me’, Kevin Lueshing and Mike Dunn’s ‘The Belt Boy’, Adua Hirsh’s ‘Brit(ish)’, Bianca Miller-Cole and Byron Cole’s ‘Self Made’ and David Olusoga’s ‘Black and British’.

Londoners are being asked to vote for their favourite – the one they think everyone in London should read. As part of the month of events, there will be opportunities to meet the shortlisted authors through a series of talks and book signings.

Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic

Another great literary themed event you could attend this month is the V&A’s exhibition on the country’s most popular honey-loving bear. The exhibition tells the story of the famous Winnie-the-Pooh from Hundred Acre Wood, with a collection of drawings, letters, photographs and manuscripts on display from writer and creator AA Milne and illustrator EH Shephard. If you haven’t seen it already, make sure you do – it’s on until 8^th April.

Garden of Light

4,000 illuminated daffodils will spring up in Paternoster Square again this year, marking the Great Daffodil Appeal 2018. This remarkable sight symbolises the great work that hospices and Marie Curie Nurses do to help those affected by terminal illness, and their families. Each flower represents the people who will be supported by the charity throughout March.

Guests can walk through the installation and hear stories from patient’s families, who describe the immense support received from Marie Curie. You can donate in return for a daffodil pin to support the appeal and the work the terminal illness charity will continue to do in the months and years to come.

Shoreditch Dog House

There’s still time to visit Shoreditch Dog House for an afternoon that’s sure to boost your mood. Here you can pet and cuddle local pooches in the city’s first not-for-profit dog creche. Working professionals of Shoreditch pay to drop off their dogs while they work, giving their canine friends an opportunity to socialise, play and go for walks.

For every dog that stays here, a donation is made to The Canvas: Pay-it-Forward board, which feeds the homeless community in Tower Hamlets. Shoreditch Dog House is open for guests 11am-5pm Monday-Thursday, and until 6pm on Fridays. It’ll stay open until 30^th March.

March4Women

Get into the feminist spirit and join high profile marchers Sue Perkins, Sadiq Khan, Helen Pankhurst and Bianca Jagger on the March4Women. Head of Women’s March London Shola Moss-Shogbamimu has set up the event and you can join in by bringing a placard as you march through the city in support of gender equality. At the end of the march, there’ll be a rally in Trafalgar Square with inspiring speeches, music and entertainment. You can or register for free online, or simply join the crowd on the day.

Exploring London throughout March and enjoying all that the city has to offer is sure to make you hungry. While you’re out and about in the city, stop for a bite to eat at London’s best steak restaurant, M Victoria Street. You can view the mouth-watering menu at M Restaurant London