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Locked Up London - Nov 14, 2011 (Feature)
Prisons have played a prominent part in London's history, and there are many still in operation today, including HMP Holloway - the women only prison which had hundreds of new inmates during the suffragette campaign in the late 19th Century. The most famous historical London prison was the Tower of London, which had inmates from 1100 - 1941, including Guy Fawkes, Sir Walter Ralegh and Elizabeth 1.
Charles Dickens immortalised many of London's historical prisons. 'Little Dorrit' is set at Marshalsea Debtors Prison in Southwark, where Dickens' own father was imprisoned. 'Bleak House' features Fleet Prison and 'Oliver Twist' features Newgate. Victorian prisons of Dickens' era were very unpleasant, unless inmates had money to pay for privileges. Nowadays, conditions are much improved and programmes are in place which focus on rehabilitating prisoners back into society. There are also many volunteering opportunities to support and help prisoners, and their families.
We have a range of offers and competitions for you to enjoy, all with a jail time theme, available in The Big Issue this week. See a top West End show, buy a prisoner made cushion, learn the history of HMP Wandsworth, walk in murderers footsteps and discover historical torture devices. It's time to take a look behind the bars of London.COOL HAND LUKE, ALDWYCHAldwych Theatre, WC2B 4DF - 0844 847 2429Catch the last few days of this hit West End show, starring Marc Warren (Hustle, Mad Dogs). Cool Hand Luke, based on Donn Pearce's acclaimed novel, tells the story of a true original...
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Keep The Peace - Nov 7, 2011 (Feature)
In our vibrant, busy and buzzing capital, it is easy for our lifestyles to follow suit. We can get consumed by stress, busy schedules, traffic jams and tube delays, and in turn neglect our bodies and minds. However, all is not lost, as London has many hidden gems where you can discover and embrace your inner peace for a more harmonious life. London also has plenty of activities for you to get involved with; whether it's helping to build peace in your local community, throughout the capital, nationally or even globally, there is something for everyone.
We have made it even easier to discover peace in the capital this week with our selection of peace-keeping offers and competitions, available in The Big Issue this week. Relax and contemplate over a cup of tea in the Quaker cafe, learn how to deal with conflict more effectively, make your world less stressful with a course on time management, reflect on images of war at a new exhibition and help campaign for nuclear disarmament. It's time to make peace in London.IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM, LAMBETHLambeth Road, SE1 6HZ - 020 7416 5000Don McCullin is one of Britain's most critically acclaimed photographers, and this major new exhibition 'Shaped by War', explores the impact of war on his life and work. View 200...
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Trick or Treat! - Oct 24, 2011 (Feature)
With Halloween almost upon us, we decided to celebrate the scariest night of the year and discover the spooky side of London. The capital has certainly got plenty of macabre history on offer to give you chills this Halloween.
Haunting tales with creepy characters include Sweeney Todd, the demon barber of Fleet Street whose unsuspecting customers were killed with their remains ending up in pies sold in nearby Bell Yard. London has also hosted its share of true terrifying happenings, including witchcraft and serial killers. Perhaps the most notorious of them all is Jack the Ripper, who roamed the streets of Whitechapel in the late 19th century. There are also a number of supposedly haunted locations in London to choose from, where you can try to spot a ghost for yourself.
This week, in true Halloween style, we have gathered plenty of treats for you and luckily no tricks, all available in The Big Issue. Watch spine tingling theatre, see a ghost or two on a haunted walk, party with the living dead, be terrified by gruesome shows, and even become a zombie for the day. Be prepared, things are about to become scary......LONDON WALKS®020 7624 3978Be spooked all year round with a choice of thrilling ghost walks. Visiting the spookiest areas of London, including St Pauls and the West End, you will be guided down the darkest of alleys, told haunting tales and visit...
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Autumn's Arrived! - Oct 17, 2011 (Feature)
With the clocks turning back next weekend, autumn is officially here once again. The trees have turned a myriad of colours, the air is crisp, and there is a variety of delicious seasonal food to enjoy.
There are also plenty of autumn activities taking place in the capital. Apple Day (October 21) is both a celebration and demonstration of the importance of orchards to our landscape and culture, as well as the locality and traceability of our food. The first Apple Day took place right here in London, in 1990.
This year, head to Portobello and Golborne Road markets, where there will be a whole host of celebratory activities from October 21-22 (10.00-16.00, free), including cooking demonstrations, samples of seasonal British produce to taste, cider press demonstrations, 'Tea in the Market' and much more!
To celebrate the arrival of autumn, we have a harvest of special offers and competitions for you to enjoy, all available in The Big Issue this week. Get cooking with tickets to MasterChef Live, cycle amongst the falling leaves, indulge at a chocolate making workshop, knit yourself a cosy scarf and celebrate Apple Day with a British cider or two.MASTERCHEF LIVE, OLYMPIAOlympia, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UXAutumn provides a host of delicious food and where better to learn about seasonal produce, cooking tips and recipes but at MasterChef Live. See your favourite contestants cook along with the...
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Lights, Camera, Action! - Oct 10, 2011 (Feature)
This week sees the start of the 55th BFI London Film Festival (October 12-27), a celebration of British and World cinema. There are over 300 screenings along with discussions, master classes and many other events at various London venues to enjoy. For more information, visit www.bfi.org.uk/lff.
Films and London go hand in hand. The streets of London have been the location for numerous films, from Alfie (1966) and Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1970), to more recent blockbusters such as Bridget Jones Diary (2001), the Harry Potter films and, of course, Notting Hill (1999). Plus, with over 100 cinemas in the capital, you are never far away from catching a good movie.
Inspired by the London Film Festival, we are embracing cinema in London this week, with fantastic offers and competitions to get you in the movie mood, available in The Big Issue. Enjoy a film at some of London's favourite independent cinemas, discover the world of James Bond or even have a go behind the camera yourself with a course at London Film Academy. So, grab the popcorn and celebrate movie London.LONDON FILM ACADEMY, FULHAM52a Walham Grove, SW6 1QR - 020 7386 7711Turn your creative ideas into film or documentary on one of the London Film Academy practical courses. You will be taught by film and TV industry practitioners in a collaborative,...
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Lederhosen London! - Oct 3, 2011 (Feature)
Last weekend saw Oktoberfest celebrations in full swing in Shoreditch Park. This German party is traditionally to celebrate gathering the harvest and includes plenty of German beer, sausages, Oompah bands and dancing.
Germans have been coming to London since medieval times when a group of traders called 'the men of Cologne' settled here. By the late 19th century, Germans were working in London as waiters, bakers, hairdressers and office clerks. German mechanical and electrical engineers also came to London to work for firms such as Siemens Brothers, and the booming economy attracted many bankers and industrialists too. The German School in Richmond is the hub for today's German community in London and there are plenty of German shops, restaurants, bars and other businesses all over the capital to enjoy.
So if you didn't make it to Shoreditch Park last weekend, do not fear. We are embracing all things German this week and these special offers and competitions available in The Big Issue this week, will carry on the party. Win tickets for more Oktoberfest celebrations, visit Handel's house, listen to some German electro music, and not forgetting the classic German cuisine - sausages! So, put on your lederhosen, grab a beer and celebrate the harvest, German style. Prost!BAVARIAN BEERHOUSE0844 3302005This authentic restaurant and bar offers a variety of German beers in traditional Stein glasses and hearty Bavarian food. A complete German experience with German speaking waiters in traditional lederhosen and...
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Meet the winners - Sep 28, 2011 (New)
Every week Wedge partners with Big Issue to bring Londoners a host of exciting and unique offers and competitions from the capital's best independent businesses and organisations. Each week is a celebration of one of the many personalities of our vibrant city so there's plenty of variety. Previous competitions have included tickets to Double Scoop festival, Laughter Yoga workshops, cricket at the Oval, an 8 week Burlesque course, VIP tickets to Rum Fest's riverboat launch. We are also always excited to work with partners such as the Royal Academy of Arts, the V&A Museum, the Barbican, the Southbank Centre to celebrate their host of activity and events.
And in celebration of all this amazing competitions meet some of our happy winners.September 2011Prize- Laughter Yoga workshopEdition- Comedy London Winner- Alicia"I was very excited to have won the session through The Big Issue's competition - I...
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Dedicated Followers of Fashion! - Sep 19, 2011 (Feature)
Last week London transformed into a world of models, catwalks, champagne and designers for the bi-annual London Fashion Week, the most important event in the British fashion calendar, which closes on Wednesday September 21.
London has a rich history of fashion and is one of the 'top four' fashion capitals in the world, sharing this title with New York, Paris and Milan. You can certainly stand out from the crowd in London with a huge selection of independent fashion shops where you can buy limited collections, unique items and many vintage and second-hand items.
This week we are embracing the buzz of fashion week and are giving you a taste of 'alternative' fashion options our trendy capital has on offer, and these discounts and competitions will certainly tempt you. Get creative at free workshops, enjoy discounts on haberdashery to transform your clothes, look stylish in a new hat and learn about London's history of fashion. It's time to strut your stuff and re-vamp your wardrobe.SEW OVER IT, CLAPHAM NORTH78 Landor Road, SW9 9PH - 020 7326 0376This sewing café is the perfect place to embrace your creativity. For just £5 you can enjoy unlimited tea and space to get creative in the café with plenty of help and advice on...
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Home sweet home! - Sep 12, 2011 (Feature)
London is a city full of architectural masterpieces. From grand buildings steeped with history such as St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey to the modern skyline dominators, including The Gherkin and the London Eye. Open House London takes place this weekend, September 17 & 18 and sees over 700 of London's finest and unusual buildings opening their doors for the public to explore, free of charge. The range of buildings is vast with historical gems such as the Old Royal Naval College, contemporary buildings including Lloyds of London and iconic structures such as Trellick Tower. You can visit churches, schools, synagogues, temples, theatres, and even Jimi Hendrix's flat - the list goes on. Visit www.londonopenhouse.org for more details and to buy a programme (£6) or download one (£3.50).
We are celebrating this wonderful weekend and the architectural delights London offers, with these fantastic discounts and competitions available in The Big Issue this week. Enjoy a bird's eye view of the capital from St Paul's, visit the homes of historical figures, learn about architecture, feel inspired at exhibitions and even bring the London sights into your kitchen.ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS, PICCADILLYBurlington House, W1J 0BD - 020 7300 8000This independent institution was founded in 1768 by a group of artists and architects promoting the creation, enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts through...
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Having a laugh in London! - Sep 5, 2011 (Feature)
It has always been easy to have a good laugh in London, with its vibrant comedy scene dating back to 1881 when 'comic opera' was started at The Comedy Theatre, Panton Street. In 1889, Charles Spencer Chaplin was born in East Street, Lambeth, and went on to become one of the world's most famous comedy stars. You can see a commemorative statue dedicated to him in the centre of Leicester Square.
There is an abundance of comedy on offer in London, through a variety of different mediums. Whether it is stand up, theatre, burlesque or improvisation, there is something for everyone to have a giggle at and enjoy.
Greenwich Comedy Festival is taking place all this week with a whole host of performances from top comedians and many other events, including music and dancing. This inspired us to embrace some of London's humourous offerings, and with these great discounts and competitions, available in The Big Issue this week, you can have the last laugh! Enjoy a great night out at top venues, learn the art of stand up, have fun in fancy dress or feel rejuvenated with some laughter yoga. So, it's time to turn that frown upside down and have a chuckle.GREENWICH COMEDY FESTIVALOld Royal Naval College, 2 Cutty Sark Gardens, SE10 9LWReturning for the third year to the Old Royal Naval College, this hilarious festival has attracted some of the biggest names in comedy. This year will not disappoint...
