Having trouble deciding on the best spots for photography in London?
Then check out the fantastic events in the London and Watford area this month. These events are more geared towards photography, fashion and art.
Welcome to the November issue of my newsletter. The year has certainly flown by. And now it’s nearly Christmas; this is the month when fireworks and Christmas lights are switched on. There are plenty of those in the events listed below. One of my favourite times of the year.
This month, I am finally launching my Substack membership, where I will be writing Photography guides on various aspects of the industry to help photographers grow their business, be more efficient with their time and make more money. If you aren’t a photographer, you can also subscribe for free and see my weekly journal about what I get up to in photography.
Last Updated: 1st November
Sign up for my newsletter and receive these events each month.
If you’re a writer interested in fashion, I’m an editor on a publication on Medium called Fashion Police. I am looking for new writers; get in contact if you are interested.1s
London’s Day of the Dead 2025 at Columbia Road – 1st
The festival draws on Pre-Columbian rituals dating back 3,000 years and on Christian All Hallows’ Eve traditions brought to Mexico with the arrival of Cortés in 1519, resulting in a uniquely syncretic celebration. It is a joyful festival that honours and remembers those who have died. Timings on the link.
Find out more here.
Day of the Dead at Camden Market – 1st
The spectacular Day of the Dead, Dia de los Muertos, will return to Camden Market on Saturday, 1st November. Celebrating Mexican culture with this free festival, featuring a live stage programme of music and dance, a vibrant Day of the Dead parade led by Mandinga Arts, giant Skeletons, Catrinas, and Mexican art.
Find out more here.
London Fashion Day at St John’s Hyde Park – 1st
London Fashion Day is a global fashion showcase organised by the AK PR & Consulting Agency in London. With over 15 years of expertise and more than 600 successfully hosted fashion shows across Europe.
Find out more here.
Fireworks In Cassiobury Park, Watford – 1st
The festivities will begin at 6pm, with Vibe 107.6FM followed by Pat & The Butchers on stage from 6:30pm, keeping the crowds entertained before the spectacular fireworks display lights up the skies at 7.30pm.
Find out more here.
St James’s Motoring Spectacle at Pall Mall – 1st
A free, one-day event to showcase motoring in all its forms. You can get up close to rare pre-1905 cars – usually only seen in museums – and meet their proud owners, many in period costume specially for the occasion. Some 50 of the cars will compete in the St James’s Concours taking place simultaneously.
Find out more here.
Battersea Park Fireworks – 1st & 2nd
Battersea Fireworks on Saturday 1st November and Sunday 2nd November for an explosive weekend packed with dazzling fireworks, live performances, and plenty of family fun. Whether you’re looking for a sparkling Saturday night or a family-friendly Sunday, this year’s event is guaranteed to light up the sky in unforgettable fashion. Fireworks start Sat – 8.30pm & Sun – 7pm.
Find out more here.
Ally Pally Fireworks & Drone Festival – 1st
This year we’re going bigger, bolder, and spookier than ever. The sky will come alive with a bespoke Halloween-themed fireworks and drone display, created especially for the occasion.
Find out more here.
Oxford Street Christmas Lights SwitchOn – 3rd till 1st January 2026
The first major Christmas light display to be illuminated in London features over 5,000 energy-efficient LED stars suspended above the shopping street. The display is in partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH). The lights are just been turning on; there isn’t a special event.
Find out more here.
LCF Postgraduate Class of 2025 for Fashion – 3rd till 8th
Fashion Business School: A showcase of the work by graduating students from the London College of Fashion’s Fashion Business School.
Find out more here.
25 years of Victim Fashion Street at Spitalfields Market – 4th
An evening celebrating 25 years of Victim Fashion Street, the iconic upcycled fashion label by Mei-Hui Liu. Known for its handcrafted elegance and raw romanticism, this anniversary show pays tribute to a legacy of creativity, collaboration and sustainable design.
Find out more here.
MA Performance: Theatre Making and MA Puppetry Performances at Wimbledon College of Arts on 4th & 5th
A presentation of performances from the postgraduate students of Theatre Making and Puppetry courses.
Find out more here.
The Long Now: Saatchi Gallery at 40 at Saatchi Gallery – 5th till 1st March 2026
This exhibition celebrates the gallery’s 40th anniversary by compiling a “greatest hits” selection of influential artworks previously showcased, featuring pieces by artists such as Richard Wilson, Conrad Shawcross, and Jenny Saville.
Find out more here.
Wimbledon Art Fair – 6th till 9th
Over 180 artists & makers under one roof – from painting to sculpture, ceramics to jewellery, and everything in between.
Find out more here.
Carnaby Street Christmas Lights Switchon – 6th
Carnaby Street will switch on its captivating Christmas lights on Thursday, 6th November, ushering in the festive season at the globally recognised cultural, shopping and dining destination in the heart of Soho. The new and colourful ‘All is Bright’ display marks the next chapter of the sustainable, state-of-the-art scheme, introducing a fresh and dynamic direction for the 2025 festivities.
Find out more here.
The Spirit of Christmas at Regent Street – 6th
On Thursday, 6 November, the world-famous Spirit of Christmas lights will once again soar above Regent Street and St James’s, officially marking the start of the festive season in London. The lights are the same as previous years; there doesn’t seem to be a launch event.
Find out more here.
Wright of Derby: From the Shadows at The National Gallery – 7th till 10th May 2026
An exhibition celebrating Joseph Wright of Derby, a master of capturing light and shadow in paintings, often with multiple figures watching a scene unfold in candlelight, who captured the spirit of the Industrial Revolution.
Find out more here.
St Albans Fireworks Spectacular 2025 – 8th
Get ready for a brilliant evening out at the St Albans Fireworks Spectacular in the historic setting of Verulamium Park, in support of our local community.
Find out more here.
The Lord Mayor Show in the city of London – 8th
For the first time in its very long history, it will be the Lady Mayor’s Show. It will be held on 8 November 2025, from 11am to about 2:30pm in the City of London. The 697th Lord Mayor of London will be Dame Susan Langley DBE, previously of the Aldgate ward. She is only the third woman to hold the post in over 800 years, and the first ever to be titled the ‘Lady Mayor of London’.
Find out more here.
Ballerina Shoot in the city of London – TBA
Explore the vibrant streets of London with Meghan, a professional ballerina who brings the elegance of ballet to the urban landscape. As we wander through the city from Liverpool Street to Spitalfields Market, we capture Meghan seamlessly integrating classic ballet poses and movements into the dynamic setting.
Find out more here.
Covent Garden Christmas Lights Switchon – 12th
The event will switch on over 300,000 sparkling lights throughout the neighbourhood, featuring the return of the gold bells in the Market Building and the iconic 55ft British-grown Christmas tree.
Find out more here.
Marylebone Christmas Lights Switch-On – 12th
Celebrate the start of the festive season with an afternoon of live entertainment, seasonal treats, late-night shopping, and the spectacular Christmas lights switch-on. A magical evening for all ages is not to be missed!
Find out more here.
Old Spitalfields Market Christmas Lights Switch-On – 12th
The Christmas Market and shops will be open for Christmas shopping. From 3pm we’ll have music in the middle of the market. From 5pm join us for some big festive tunes sung by our Gospel choir. The lights switch on at 6pm.
Find out more here.
Photographic Walk in Whippendell Woods – 12th
Take a guided walk through Cassiobury Park to Whippendell Woods, led by Andrew Lalchan (local photographer); we will explore autumn in the park with the changing leaves and fungi.
Find out more here.
Leadenhall Market Christmas Lights switch on – 13th
Lady Mayor of London to switch on Christmas lights at City of London’s magical Leadenhall Market. The ceremony will take place from 5.15pm, with live performances from the Super Tenants, who will fill the air with Christmas classics to get everyone in the festive spirit. The official switch-on will take place at 6pm led by Dame Susan Langley DBE, the newly appointed 697th Lady Mayor of London.
Find out more here.
EFG London Jazz Festival – 14th till 23rd
Experience ten days of live performances, special collaborations, fresh discoveries, and exclusive new commissions.
Find out more here.
Christmas at Kew 2025 – 14th till 4th January 2026
Christmas at Kew 2025 invites you into a botanical world of light, music and magic. This year’s trail showcases brand-new creations from world-renowned artists, lighting up Kew’s landscapes in dazzling colour.
Find out more here.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland – 14th till 1st January 2026
From thrilling rides and immersive icy attractions to carnival games and enchanting shows, accompanied by a cornucopia of festive food and drink to feast on, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Find out more here.
Chelsea Christmas Lights Switch-On at King’s Road – 15th
An afternoon of festive fun will see the King’s Road part-pedestrianised from Sloane Square to Walpole Street, featuring a Christmas market, roaming entertainment and a continual programme of performances across the main stage at Duke of York Square and bandstand on the King’s Road.
Find out more here.
Watford Winterfest 2025 – 15th
Winterfest parade, which will begin at 4pm outside of Metro Bank and McDonald’s on the lower High Street. The festive parade will include a marching band, costume characters, local community groups plus more special guests. The Winterfest parade will last around 30 minutes and will move all the way up to the pond area on The Parade.
Find out more here.
Belgravia Christmas Lights Switch-On at Elizabeth Street, Belgravia – 16th
Taking place on Sunday, 16 November, from 12pm to 5pm, visitors can meet Father Christmas and his elf, as well as enjoy family-friendly entertainment provided by a juggler and balloon modeller. Enjoy performances from the London Gay Men’s Chorus, the Fulham Brass Band and steel band Solid Steel on stage in Elizabeth Street.
Find out more here.
St Albans Christmas Lights Switchon – 18th
A fabulous street party will take place in the City Centre from noon until 6pm on Sunday, 18 November, with St Peter’s Street closed to traffic. Among the attractions will be live music, a Santa’s grotto, scores of market stalls, a winter wonderland bar, funfair rides and street performers.
Find out more here.
Snoopy Sculpture Trail at Fleet Street Quarter – 19th till 16th January 2026
the world-famous character will take over the streets of the Quarter in the form of a sculpture art trail, placed in surprise locations for visitors to discover. Celebrating 75 years of Charles M Schulz’s beloved Peanuts™ comic strip, twelve sculptures, featuring Snoopy perched on his iconic red doghouse, have been transformed by artists into beautiful and playful works of art.
Find out more here.
Greenwich Lantern Parade and Christmas Lights Switch-On – 19th
At 4pm, gather along the parade route to watch local schoolchildren light up the streets with their handmade lanterns. The glowing procession winds its way through Greenwich before arriving in the Market for the big moment. At 5pm, join the crowd as we count down to the Christmas Lights Switch-On, when Greenwich Market sparkles into life with twinkling festive displays.
Find out more here.
Colour Walk Meetup at Spitalfields Market – 20th
It is an informal gathering of colourful, creative souls who meet, dressed in their finest, to walk, talk, and strut their stuff. It is excellent for photography.
Find out more here.
Grand Flaneur Winter Walk at Jermyn Street – 23rd
Walking from the starting point on Jermyn Street, with no idea where the walk will go, it will be the true test of a flaneur or flaneuse’s resilience to see how far they get if it’s bucketing with rain, breaking into a thunderstorm or just plain brass monkeys.
Find out more here.
Christmas Shoot in Regent Street – TBA
We will be photographing a couple of models around Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus with the festive lights.
Find out more here.
Turner and Constable at Tate Britain – 27th till 12th April 2026
The definitive exhibition of two pivotal British artists in the 250th year of their births. Two of Britain’s greatest painters, J.M.W. Turner and John Constable, were also the greatest of rivals. Born within a year of each other – Turner in 1775, Constable in 1776 – they used landscape art as a way to reflect the changing world around them.
Find out more here.
Advertising
Last chance to see
Making Egypt exhibition at the Young V&A – till 2nd November 2025
Embark on a fascinating journey through the ancient past to the modern day, exploring ancient Egypt’s creativity and how it continues to influence art, design and popular culture today.
Find out more here.
Frieze Sculpture at Regents Park – till 2nd November
The much-celebrated public art initiative coincides with Frieze London and Frieze Masters, which take place concurrently in The Regent’s Park, 17 September – 2 November. Curated by Fatoş Üstek, the theme for Frieze Sculpture 2025 is ‘In the Shadows’, broadly engaging with the notion of darkness from multiple perspectives, such as inner darkness, the realm of the unseen or the interplay between clarity and obscurity.
Find out more here.
Andreas Gursky at the White Cube Gallery – till 8th November 2025
Coinciding with Frieze London 2025, White Cube Mason’s Yard presents new work by Andreas Gursky, which delves into his interest in music and ongoing investigation into contemporary culture.
Find out more here.
VE Day – The Tower Remembers at Tower Of London – till 11th November
2025 Poppies commemorative display to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The display will feature nearly 30,000 of the original poppies, created for the 2014 installation, ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’, returning to the Tower, marking the sacrifices made by many during the Second World War.
Find out more here
The Edwardians: Age of Elegance at Kings Gallery – till 23rd November 2025
Explore the opulence and glamour of the Edwardian age – the period between the Victorian era and the First World War. Visitors will learn about the lives and tastes of two of Britain’s most fashionable royal couples – King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, and King George V and Queen Mary – from their family lives and personal collecting to their glittering social circles and spectacular royal events.
Find out more here.
Future Of Food at Design Museum – till 4th January
How does our food today go from field to plate? How did food use to be produced in the past? And how will major advances in ecology and biotechnology change food in the future? Discover the answers to these and many more vital questions in an exciting new exhibition exploring how science is creating more sustainable ways of growing, making, cooking and eating food.
Find out more here.
Wayne Thiebaud. American Still Life at The Courtauld Gallery – till 18th January 2026
This exhibition at The Courtauld Gallery will be the first ever museum show of his work in the UK. It will present Thiebaud’s remarkable, vibrant and lushly painted still-lifes of quintessentially post-war American subjects, from diner food and deli counters to gumball dispensers and pinball machines. These are the paintings with which Thiebaud made his name in the USA in the early 1960s.
Find out more here.
Emily Kam Kngwarray at Tate Modern – till 11th January 2026
Renowned Australian artist Emily Kam Kngwarray (c.1914–1996) created compelling, powerful works that reflect her extraordinary life as an Anmatyerr woman born in Alhalker in the Sandover region of the Northern Territory of Australia.
Find out more here.
Gilbert & George at Hayward Gallery – till 11th January 2026
This exhibition showcases Gilbert & George’s artistic journey, highlighting new pictures created since the start of the millennium. With bold, single-word titles, each piece delves into societal norms and taboos, spanning the mundane and the illicit, with their art challenging boundaries of taste and propriety.
Find out more here.
Kerry James Marshall: The Histories at Royal Academy – till 18th January 2026
Internationally acclaimed artist Kerry James Marshall is one of the most important painters working right now. His vivid and mostly large-scale paintings place the Black figure front and centre. Marshall builds upon the Western tradition of history painting and makes visible those people who were so noticeably absent in the works that came before him.
Find out more here.
Performance of Entrapment by Jane and Louise Wilson at London Mithraeum – till 17th January 2026
Central to the installation will be 2,000-year-old oak stakes discovered during excavations for Bloomberg’s European headquarters. The Wilsons use high-resolution microscopic imagery of the oak’s grain as a starting point for a new body of work. Blending screen-printing, resin, and carved wooden forms, and drawing inspiration from the wood’s structure, patterns and DNA sequencing to create large-scale, visually layered artworks.
Find out more here.
Radical Harmony Helene Kröller-Müller’s Neo-Impressionists at National Gallery – till 8th February 2026
Neo-Impressionists painted in small dots of pure colour. Viewed from a distance, the colours blend to create nuanced tones and an illusion of light. Now known as pointillism, this technique simplified form and played with colour in an entirely new way, verging on the edge of abstraction.
Find out more here.
Peter Doig : House of Music at Serpentine South – till 8th February 2026
Transforming the gallery into a listening space, House of Music brings together recent paintings and, for the first time, integrates sound into Doig’s work. The exhibition features two sets of rare, restored analogue speakers, originally designed for cinemas and large auditoriums. Music selected by the artist – from his substantial archive of vinyl records and cassette tapes accumulated over decades – plays through a set of ‘high fidelity’ 1950s wooden Klangfilm Euronor speakers.
Find out more here.
Lee Miller Exhibition at Tate Britain – till 15th February 2026
A major exhibition of the trailblazing surrealist photographer Lee Miller at Tate Britain. An extensive retrospective of her photography, staged in the UK at Tate Britain, celebrates Lee Miller as one of the 20th century’s most urgent artistic voices. The exhibition opens on October 2nd and runs until February 15th, 2026.
Find out more here.
Marie Antoinette Style at V&A – till 22nd March 2026
A complex fashion icon, Marie Antoinette’s timeless appeal is defined by her style, youth and notoriety. Explore the lasting influence of the most fashionable (and ill-fated) queen in history – with over 250 years of design, fashion, film and art.
Find out more here.
Theatre Picasso at Tate Modern – till 12th April 2026
Marking the centenary of his famous painting The Three Dancers, this exhibition, staged by celebrated contemporary artist Wu Tsang and author and curator Enrique Fuenteblanca, sheds new light on Picasso’s work. They will transform the exhibition space into a theatre for displaying over 45 works by Picasso from Tate’s collection, alongside key European loans. This includes paintings, sculpture, textiles and works on paper, some never seen in the UK before.
Find out more here.
Nigerian Modernism at Tate Modern – till 10th May 2026
Nigerian Modernism tells the story of artistic networks that spanned Zaria, Ibadan, Lagos, and Enugu, as well as London, Munich, and Paris. Through groups like the Zaria Art Society and Mbari Artists’ and Writers’ Club, they fused Nigerian, African and European techniques and traditions to create vibrant, multidimensional works.
Find out more here.
Sculpture in the City – till spring 2026
Sculpture in the City is an annual sculpture park that uses the urban realm as a rotating gallery space. The 14th Edition of Sculpture in the City will be on display from 16 July 2025 to Spring 2026, and includes 11 artworks from renowned and emerging artists alike: Ai Weiwei, Jane and Louise Wilson, Andrew Sabin, Julian Opie, Maya Rose Edwards, Samuel Ross, Richard Mackness, Elisa Artesero, Daniel Silver, and Oliver Bragg.
Find out more here.
Women In Print at the William Morris Gallery – till 21st June 2026
William Morris Gallery will present Women in Print: 150 Years of Liberty Textiles. Conceived in partnership with Liberty Fabrics on the occasion of the design house’s 150th anniversary, this major exhibition will highlight the pivotal role and contributions of women textile designers.
Find out more here.
Sign Up to My Newsletter
Monthly Newsletter
Advertising
