Beat Away the January Blues! Events in London to Look Forward January 2017

I’m still counting my lucky that stars that I live in one of the best cities in the world. It’s full of new things to see, discover, and experience every month. To beat away the January blues, I’ve cherry picked the events that excite me the most and will visit later this month. Without further ado, here are the best things to do in London this month to beat away the January blues.

Winter Lights at Canary Wharf 2017

Remember Lumiere London last year? If you love that, then you’re going to love this.  Winter Lights Canary Wharf showcases the work of artists from four different continents. Every art work incorporates light into their work using different light technologies. It’s smaller than Lumiere but no less spectacular as 30 lights installation illuminate Canary Wharf’s skyline. Perfect against the cold winter night skies. I went last year and enjoyed it just as much as Lumiere. Just look at my images from last year. There are great restaurants around Canary Wharf, it’s free, and appeals to adults, kids, young and old. It’s best seen from 4pm to 9pm and this year’s light art exhibition takes place between Monday 16th – Friday 27 January.

Magical Lantern Festival 2017

Perhaps the East-End is a bit too far ? Fear not this year the West-End is again playing host to The Magical lantern Festival in Chiswick House and Gardens to celebrate the fast approaching Chinese New Year. Returning for the 2nd year, the festival is a stunning outdoor event showcasing art, heritage and culture. Expect, VR experiences and performances alongside the visually gorgeous light 50 art installations. I visited last year and I can tell you, it’s worth visiting wherever you’re travelling from.  This year is the year of the rooster in the Chinese zodiac. Expect something special. Book your tickets via their website here.

Chinese New Year Festival

London has a diverse population with a huge Chinese community. As an open city, London is hosting a massive party for Chinese New Year in central London and everyone is invited. Extending far beyond, Chinatown, expect incredible food, and phenomenal performances. It’s going to be extremely busy so arrive early before everyone else does to capture the best photos. The actual new year’s day falls on Saturday 28 January but the celebrations in London will take place on Sunday 29. Discover more on the Mayor of London website.

Emma Hamilton: Seduction & Celebrity Exhibition at the National Maritime Museum

This promises to be a fascinating look into one of the history’s extraordinary woman. Briefly put, the exhibition is a look at how Emma Hamilton rose through the ranks of society, becoming Lord nelson, one of Britain’s greatest admiral before crashing back down again. You can book tickets through the National Maritime Museum. Even better, if you’re called Emma, you can gain free entrance to the exhibition for free! (Just bring proof of ID). I love history, especially Maritime History so I can’t wait to see this.

Bedlam: The Asylum

Another exhibition that’s been open for a while, Bedlam: The Asylum at the Wellcome Collection in Bloomsbury is in its last week before in closes on 15 January. This eye-opening exhibition explores the rise and fall of one of Britain famous and London’s original mental asylum, Bethlam,  and how it has shaped the complex mental landscape. It’s free so you’d be mad to miss it.

The NHM Wildlife Photography Exhibition

The Natural History Museum may have lost Dippy but it still continues to host world-class exhibition like this one every year. The annual Wildlife Photography Exhibition at the Natural History Museum returns for the 52nd time bringing together award-winning images together and showcasing the talent and vision of the best wildlife photographers. Definitely one the best exhibition I’ve ever seen. You can purchase tickets from the website. You don’t have to be a photographer to appreciate the pictures within. You’re guaranteed to be amazed. It’s a very long running event and you have until 10 September 2017 to see it.

God’s Own Junkyard: Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

This annual neon exhibition showcases the glorious work of the late Chris Bracey who also founded God’s Own Junkyard.

It’s unlike any exhibition I’ve seen it and located centrally so no excuses not to visit. It will be open until 14 January.

 If you can’t make it down in time, fear not. There’s a permanent exhibition albeit in the less glamourous surroundings of Walthamstow at God Own Junkyard. A trek it may be some, but well worth the visit to North-East London. It’s free too

These are the events and exhibitions I look forward to the most this month. What are you most looking forward to this month, or even the year?