Free exhibitions in London

  The Southbank Centre is shining a light on some great artworks this winter – literally. In its annual Winter Lights exhibition, the institution will be bringing a selection of pieces to the streets surrounding the venue. Everything on display uses light and colour to dive into topics like identity, environment and tech, making it both an attention-grabbing and thought-provoking exhibit. Among the works you’ll be able to see at this free exhibition are ‘We Rise By Lifting Others’ by Marinella Senatore, which highlights the power of collectivity and community, and Jakob Kvist’s ‘Dichroic Sphere’, a geodesic dome that is illuminated by only one single energy-efficient light bulb, but is still lit up in various colours. Why not combine your visit with a trip to Southbank Centre’s Winter Market? Find out all about London’s other massive festive light shows. 

We've all heard about gay sailors, but what about queer pirates or trans seahorses? Taking place across the National Maritime Museum, the Cutty Sark and Queen’s House, Out at Sea is Greenwich’s annual celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month, a free week-long events series packed with historical storytelling sessions, lively performances and crafty workshops for the whole family. Head down to the three museums to enjoy Drag Queen storytime sessions with the Queer History Club’s H.R.H Aphrodite and pirate drag queen Maneeta and performances from LGBTQ+ asylum seeker choir Rainbows Across Borders. Or get stuck in yourself at a singing workshop facilitated by the Trans Voices Young Company, drag aerobics classes with Dolly Trolley, and a plethora of arts and crafts sessions where you can try your hand at making everything from merfolk collages to fisherman’s knot friendship bracelets. Check out the full programme here.