November in London 2012

Lighting up the sky of London, Bonfire Night is November's highlight with a number of extravagant displays including the Lord Mayor’s Show, which may well be the most spectacular of them all. The London Jazz Festival adds some cool vibrations to the atmosphere, whilst Frankie Boyle needs more than his fingers and toes to count the people he’ll offend at the Hammersmith Apollo. The Spirit of Christmas Fair and Country Living Christmas Fair welcome the festive season in style.

London Children's Film Festival

Barbican Centre, EC2Y 8DS
30th October 2012 - 7th November 2012

This is one of those events that makes you wish you were young again. The London Children's Film Festival is the cinema equivalent of going to the Science Museum with opportunities galore for kids to explore, touch and see for themselves. Now in its seventh year, the festival is hosted by the Barbican and runs for just over a week. The screenings, events and workshops are bound to bring alive the art of filmmaking in all its guises. From getting to grips with what happens behind the scenes to stealing the limelight, there are workshops to suit all tastes. The programme ranges from Burton's bedtime stories to animated shorts for toddlers as well as stories about growing up for young teenagers. If you're aged ten and over you can even make your own film in a day and get a copy of your film on DVD to take home with you. The dates of the 2012 event are still to be confirmed.

More info: London Children's Film Festival Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The Affordable Art Fair

Hampstead Heath, London, NW3 7JR
1st November 2012 - 4th November 2012

This Affordable Art Fair is the little sister of the much-loved event in Battersea Park. The Hampstead Heath version is a similar concept - an event that strips away the pretension of the art world and gives buyers a chance to pick up some really great art at fair prices. Previous years have seen some works sold for hundreds of pounds by artists who nowadays would not get out of bed for that kind of change. It's a fun, family event which is accessible to connoisseurs and the merely curious. There's also a dedicated section of art by recent graduates so that you can have fun trying to identify the next Damien Hirst or Paula Rego.

More info: The Affordable Art Fair Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Alan Davies: Life Is Pain

Richmond Theatre, London, TW9 1QJ
4th November 2012

After a decade away from stand-up, comedian, writer and actor Alan Davies, best known for his starring role in TV series Jonathan Creek and as a regular on the Stephen Fry fronted QI, embarks on a UK tour. Following a mini-tour of Australia at the end of 2011, Davies returns home and plays two London dates in November 2012, at Richmond Theatre and Hackney Empire. Feedback from his Australian tour suggests Davies draws on some topical events - like the London riots - before finding safer ground talking about himself and his upbringing. There's material that draws on his experiences as a father of young children and more personal revelations about his mother's death - "the traumatic effect it had on him is comedy at its most bittersweet" finds the Herald Sun reviewer.

More info: Alan Davies: Life Is Pain Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Barclays ATP World Tour Finals 2011

The O2 Arena, London, SE10 0BB
5th November 2012 - 12th November 2012

The ATP World Tour Finals returns to The O2 Arena for eight days of tennis between the world's best eight players. Last year, Swiss legend Roger Federer was the winner of the $4.45m kitty, just edging past Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-3 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 in a gripping final. It was Federer's 100th final, his 70th title and his 6th ATP World Tour Finals win. The build-up to the final didn't disappoint either, with the world's best players all serving up some scintillating tennis. Britain's Andy Murray had a disappointing tournament, pulling out with a groin injury after a straight sets defeat to David Ferrer. Watching tennis at The O2 is remarkably different than at Wimbledon: it's a theatrical affair, with the audience plunged in darkness and all eyes on the bright court below. Only time will tell what Murray's prospects are this year - although the outstanding trio of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Federer himself will all surely be excellent placed to stop him.

More info: Barclays ATP World Tour Finals 2011 Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Bonfire Night

Brockwell Park, London, SE24 0PA
5th November 2012

November is the month that likes to go with a bang - and an explosive one at that. The 5th November marks Guy Fawkes' failed plot to blow up Parliament with the kind of pyrotechnics Mr Fawkes could only dream of. Every year for Bonfire Night there's a host of elaborate fireworks displays, processions, festivals and funfairs planned across the capital. There are normally huge displays in Ravenscourt Park, Victoria Park and Bishops Park (to name a few) - although this last year, Lambeth council decided to host their event in Brockwell Park and not, as is usually the case, Clapham Common. Also in November is the fireworks finale to the Lord Mayor's Show when the newly appointed Lord Mayor takes office. With more than half a tonne of fireworks released in half an hour sky rocketing over the Thames, it's an awe inspiring sight that can be seen for miles around.

More info: Bonfire Night Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Diwali in the Square

Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DS
16th October 2012

Known as the festival of lights, Diwali has religious significance for Hindus, Sikhs and Jains and is celebrated by many of the capital's South Asian communities. Diwali on the Square gives Londoners a chance to come together and celebrate at a free concert with backing from the Mayor's office. This annually occurring event in Trafalgar Square has become a major fixture in London's calendar with colourful decorations, Indian music and theatrical displays all adding to the sense of occasion. Contemporary and traditional dances including the energetic Garba and Dandia are traditionally performed to celebrate Diwali and people of all faiths are welcome at this celebration of the victory of light over darkness.

More info: Diwali in the Square Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube | Hotels near Diwali in the Square

Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair

Business Design Centre, London, N1 0QH
7th November 2012 - 11th November 2012

In preparation for Christmas, the Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair brings a taste of rural England to the Business Design Centre, with all the cosy traditionalism that goes with it. With over 400 exhibitors there's everything you need for a perfect Christmas. There are handmade toys, stocking fillers, limited edition decorations, and, of course, plenty of seasonal food - from smoked salmon and tender ham to the delights of Cornish cheese, mulled wine, sloe gin, fudge, chocolate and traditional Christmas puddings. With all that tartan and tinsel, this is the perfect place to begin getting into the Christmas mood. It also gives you the chance to deal with all those traditional seasonal nightmares long before the last minute.

More info: Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

A Bigger Splash: Painting After Performance Art

Tate Modern, London, SE1 9TG
7th November 2012 - 2nd April 2013

The Tate Modern takes a close look at the vibrant relationship between performance and painting with their new exhibition, A Bigger Splash. A diverse range of art genres will be contrasted and considered using the notion that the canvas is a stage on which a gestural or theatrical act takes place. Jackson Pollock and David Hockney will be amongst the artists included in the exhibition, alongside face and body artists Cindy Sherman and Jack Smith, the paintings of Vienna Actionists and Nikki de St Phalle's Shooting Pictures. This insightful collection provides a chance to look at established works and also to explore the work of new emerging artists whose approach is influenced by these historical sources.

More info: A Bigger Splash: Painting After Performance Art Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Frankie Boyle The Last Days of Sodom

Hammersmith Apollo, London, W6 9QH
8th November 2012 - 11th November 2012

With a razor sharp tongue and shamelessly controversial wit Frankie Boyle is returning to the stage with The Last Days of Sodom tour. Boyle has the ability to split an audience in seconds between those in uproarious laughter and others in awkward silence as they either shudder with disapproval or squirm as they fight the urge to laugh at what they feel they shouldn't. Never one to shy away from dangerous territory in his comedy, the Scottish comedian has previously hit the headlines as he offended audience members with a dig at those with Down Syndrome, as well as getting in hot water when he made a jibe about swimmer Rebecca Adlington's spoon face. However this hasn't stopped him from retracting his statement that 2010 would be his last tour and is now inviting only the daring to come along and indulge in some dark humour for his 2012 tour.

More info: Frankie Boyle The Last Days of Sodom Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

MasterChef Live

Olympia, London, W14 8UX
9th November 2012 - 11th November 2012

Taking the television show out of your living room and onto the stage, MasterChef Live returns for 2012. The show's presenters, John Torode and Gregg Wallace, will be taking centre stage alongside previous favourites and winners. Contestants will prove their cooking skills with live culinary competitions in the Chef's Theatre, plus Michel Roux Jr will be offering a master class for any aspiring cooks. Local producers will also be attending to provide high quality food and drink and the Restaurant Experience will give visitors the chance to sample tapas-sized dished from top London restaurants. For even more fine dining experiences visitors can also head over to The Wine Show 2012, which is included in the price.

More info: MasterChef Live Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

London Jazz Festival 2012

Southbank Centre, London, SE1 8XX
9th November 2012 - 18th November 2012

If jazz is dead, someone forgot to tell the thousands of performers and fans who flock to the annual London Jazz Festival. Celebrating its 20th anniversary the 10-day festival returns to the capital with a flamboyant programme which reflects the diverse roots of our great city. The many Southbank venues lead the way, but there will be shows (more than 250 of them!) throughout London, including old favourites the Royal Albert Hall and the Barbican Centre, jazz stalwarts Ronnie Scott's and 606 Club, newly established exciting enterprises such as The Forge and Artsdepot; and even some restaurants. The organisers habitually attract some top rare performers and blend them together with both newcomers and mainstays of the British jazz scene - from stars of the American jazz tradition to key players of the European scene and free musical thinkers. Given the obsessive nature of ardent jazz fans together with the small venues, tickets often sell out straight away so be sure to check LondonTown.com for a full programme and ticketing information.

More info: London Jazz Festival 2012 Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Lord Mayor's Show

Mansion House, EC4N 8BH
10th November 2012

The Lord Mayor's Show features possibly the most dangerous and amazing of all the public fireworks shows in the capital: river barges are piled high with explosives and set adrift on the Thames with several fearless firework-ers on board. This annual event has been taking over the streets of London for nearly 800 years now with a parade which involves over 6,000 people, military marching bands, Chinese acrobats, a procession of decorated floats and a gilded State Coach that the Lord Mayor travels in. The procession starts at 11am with an RAF flypast and goes on until about 2.30pm, covering the whole area between Bank and Aldwych with the mayor departing from Mansion House for the Royal Courts of Justice where he takes an oath of allegiance to the Queen. Between the procession and the fireworks you can take part in a free guided walk which starts at 3pm departing from No 1 Poultry. It's a fun family day out but the grand finale is what really draws the crowds - the day finishes with one of London's most impressive fireworks displays at 5pm, set off from a barge moored in the Thames between Blackfriars and Waterloo Bridges. Anywhere along the river is a good place to watch the fireworks but the best vantage points tend to be around Embankment and Gabriel's Wharf.

More info: Lord Mayor's Show Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Cecilia Bartoli

Barbican Hall, EC2Y 8DS
15th November 2012

Cecilia Bartoli graces the Barbican stage for a special evening of music this November. A mezzo-soprano of the highest order, Bartoli will be accompanied by the world-famous Basel Chamber Orchestra as she showcases her extraordinary voice and brings her own unique energy to the stage at the Barbican Hall. She is said to have an 'unrivalled coloratura technique' making her a performer of rare ability and make this a show not to be missed.

More info: Cecilia Bartoli Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Cecilia Bartoli

Barbican Hall, EC2Y 8DS
15th November 2012

More info: Cecilia Bartoli Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Autumn Internationals: England v Australia

Twickenham Stadium, London, TW1 1DZ
17th November 2012

England take on Australia in the second of four Autumn Internationals at Twickenham in 2012. Games between England and Australia are never dull and this promises to be no different as England look to move on from the World Cup disappointment of 2011 and build a side capable of challenging in 2015. This fixture will surely evoke memories of a classic fixture in 2010, when England triumphed over the Wallabies 35-18, with a record 25 points from the boot of Toby Flood and a scintillating 90 metre try from Chris Ashton - one of the all time great Twickenham scores.

More info: Autumn Internationals: England v Australia Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Spirit of Christmas Fair

Olympia, London, W14 8UX
1st November 2012 - 30th November 2012

Get all your Christmas shopping done under one roof at Olympia - and get it out of the way more than a month before Santa gets here. Backed by House & Garden magazine, the Spirit of Christmas Fair is an annual fixture in the seasonal London calendar and one that thousands of shoppers have come to rely on as part of their pre-Christmas preparation. You can expect the finest seasonal products here, ranging from festive decorations and home accessories to children's toys and seasonal eats. With over 600 companies presenting their wares, you'll find something for everyone on your Christmas list and plenty you won't find in the shops. The Food Hall is bound to tempt with its Christmas-y gourmet treats to taste and stock up on. Look out for traditional sweets, specialist cheeses, fine cuts of meat and artisan produce. The 2012 dates and programme are still to be announced, so keep checking the website for further details.

More info: Spirit of Christmas Fair Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Julian Clary: Position Vacant, Apply Within

Shepherd's Bush Empire, London, W12 8TT
23rd November 2012

The king (or should that be queen) of camp Julian Clary has one thing on his mind in his latest tour: finding himself a husband. Anyone wishing to apply can do so at Position Vacant: Enquire Within when it comes to London's Shepherd's Bush Empire for one night only this November. The host of Channel 4's game show Sticky Moments hardly needs an introduction and most recently he has been gracing our screens on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing (when he was a finalist and later appeared in the UK arena tour). He enjoyed himself so much in his previous tour, Lord of the Mince, that he has returned with this one-man show which tours nationwide.

More info: Julian Clary: Position Vacant, Apply Within Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

The Human League

Royal Albert Hall, London, SW7 2AP
26th October 2012 - 27th October 2012

The Human League celebrate 35 years in the music business in grand style as their XXXV tour arrives in London at the Royal Albert Hall. The group formed in Sheffield in the 70s and together they created a unique electronic new wave sound, after many early changes in the line-up the combination that eventually stuck was Philip Oakey, Joanne Catherall and Susan Ann Sulley. The trio sold 20 million records worldwide, notched up a string of top ten hits and their musical influence continues to inspire new generations of artists. This UK tour follows the release of their ninth album, Credo.

More info: The Human League Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Ross Noble: Mindblender

Hammersmith Apollo, London, W6 9QH
30th November 2012 - 1st December 2012

After a two year break shaggy-haired comic Ross Noble is back doing what he does best with a new live tour, Mindblender. Noble is a stand-up like no other in that his shows are nearly completely ad-libbed and improvised, seeing the scruffy northerner often get lost in his own tangents with hilarious consequences. He'll segue from spotting faces in muffins to covering owls with blankets, from serving ice creams with sponge hands to covering Jack Bauer of 24 in goose fat. It's not the most linear show you'll likely to see and Ross will often be distracted by his own routine, but the journey he takes his audience on will be like none other before. "The most engaging British stand-up to have emerged since Eddie Izzard" (Daily Telegraph) and "the most brilliant stand-up of his generation" (Sunday Telegraph), Noble is "comic genius" (Evening Standard).

More info: Ross Noble: Mindblender Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Taste Of Christmas

ExCel London Exhibition Centre, London, E16 1XL
30th November 2012 - 2nd December 2012

A record number of food lovers turned up to watch Jamie Oliver and Hugh-Fearnley Whittingstall join culinary forces at the 2011 Taste of Christmas show at the ExCel. More than 30,000 visitors enjoyed a Michelin star-studded line up which included Gary Rhodes, Rachel Allen and Michel Roux Jr, who described the event as "the perfect place for passionate foodies to get inspiration and enjoy a festive gastronomic heaven." This year, the organisers say the culinary celebrations will be even bigger and better with the kings and queens of cookery teaming up to share their top tips for making this festive season the tastiest yet. As well as the opportunity to take part in live cooking demonstrations you can give your Christmas a gourmet makeover and shop for top seasonal ingredients to inject some inspirational spark into your family's tried and tested festive classics. There will be a multitude of food stalls from top London restaurants such as Benares, Roast and Rhodes W1, as well as advice and inspiration from renowned foodies. It's perfectly possible to complete all your Christmas food shopping under one roof at the ExCel, as long as you ignore the distractions of tastings and the food demonstration theatre.

More info: Taste Of Christmas Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube

Jools Holland & his Rythm and Blues Orchestra

Royal Albert Hall, London, SW7 2AP
30th November 2012 - 1st December 2012

Music maestro Jools Holland returns to the Royal Albert Hall with his big-band sounds, Rhythm and Blues Orchestra and lots of lovely musical guests. From his early days playing in East End pubs, Jools Holland has always been driven by his passion for sharing great music. He has an undeniable knack for discovering new talents and his shows are always an education, showcasing all the best the music world has to offer. Established artists play alongside unheard of newcomers and audiences should expect to hear a mixed range of genres. This new live show features Scottish songstress KT Tunstall, who had big success with songs like 'Suddenly I see', and 'Other Side Of The World.' Other guests will include vocalists Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and respected trombonist Rico Rodriguez.

More info: Jools Holland & his Rythm and Blues Orchestra Map, Prices, Opening Times and Nearest Tube