Clapham Buzz

The King’s Cross Station is a London landmark that needs little introduction and as a result an architectural exhibition is underway until the 21^st of October showcasing the station. It forms part of the John McAslan and Partners special architectural exhibition 2012 at the V&A + RIBA Architectural Gallery and features some amazing installations and models. An architectural exhibition of this calibre does not comes around often and the sheer scale of all the mediums on offer is enough to make central London estate agents and urban enthusiasts line up around the block.

Fashion schools such as the London College of Fashion receive hordes of applications each year and this is only the first step towards succeeding in the fashion world. Next week, eighty fashion designers get the chance to display their creations as the London Alternative Fashion Week kicks off in Spitafields down the East End of London.

Whenever a London exhibition of legendarily prolific proportions comes to town, you know that not only is it going to be amazing, but it’s also going to be jam packed with like-minded enthusiasts as well. With an 88 year history, the Yayoi Kusama London Art Exhibition looks tipped to be the biggest fixture this decade (so far at least). The avant-garde octogenarian has done a lot with her time on earth; from rubbing shoulders with Andy Warhol to challenging East-West perceptions of art. Until June 5^th 2012, the Tate Modern plays venue to the London exhibition. Properties London and the world over would be so lucky to host such a seminal artist of the pop culture movement; exhibition halls in London were said to vie for the function but the Tate Modern makes so much sense considering the subject matter.

Music director of the Olympics, David Arnold has been quite cryptic about artists performing at the London Olympics closing ceremony. The man behind the curtains has been quoted as saying that the concert will be a ‘celebration of British music.’

Hinting at possible performances from Adele and Elgar, Arnold was non-committal on the subject. Despite his mention of the British powerhouses, the director remained mum as to whether the artists had been booked for the Olympics ceremony.

Valentine’s Day is less than a week away and would be suitors across the capital are looking for new and novel ways to impress the object of their affection. Sometimes it’s not the gifts, the dining and the latest and greatest that can impress the ladies, with a look into the past with a focus on art and culture you can show the sophisticated side of your character. Nothing says love and tragedy as much as Opera whether it’s the melodic voices in foreign languages or the theatrical costumes and set designs lovers always enjoy the soothing sounds and the fantasy of the voices of years gone by. This Valentine’s Day London will seduce you with the performance at the South Bank Open Air theatre of Berlioz’s ‘Roméo et Juliette’ by the Orchestra of Enlightenment.

Electronic music lovers impatiently await the announcement of the line-up for this year’s South West Four music festival. For the first time in South West Four’s Impressive 9 year history, the festival will end at 10pm on Friday and Saturday. Two extra hours of Clapham carnage over the span of the weekend will incite fans’ enthusiasm. 2012 has a lot of big events in store for Londoners and tourists lucky enough to visit the capital during the next 12 months.

Attention laddies and lassies! The annual celebration of Burns Night is nearly upon us, and although this is a traditionally Scottish affair, Londoners looking to enjoy the Burns Night festivities will find there are plenty of venues in the city planning to honour the occasion.

Burns Night, the traditional celebration of the life and works of iconic Scottish poet Robert “Rabbie” Burns, dates back to the 18th Century; the event, also known as a Burns Supper, is typically held on January 25th, the birthday of Scotland’s beloved “Ploughman Poet”. Whether you’re a Scottish national longing for the traditions of home, or a curious Londoner looking to experience a truly unusual night out, visit one of the London restaurants or pubs hosting Burns Night celebrations this January.

Treat your sweetheart to an evening of delicious delights this Valentines Day with a chocolate tasting experience followed by a romantic movie.

The Clapham Picturehouse will be hosting a luxury chocolate tasting event for lovebirds looking to indulge in some tempting treats, and completing the sweet early-evening experience with a chocolate-themed love story.