Summer may have disappeared over south London but that won’t dampen our spirits this September.
From Surrealism in Bermondsey to a banquet in Balham, we’ve found the best things to see, do and eat south of the river.
Florence Peake: We Perform I am in Love With My Body, Peckham
Look past the slightly obscure title and you’ll discover a show full of movement and body positivity from artist Florence Peake. Her naked forms are drawn as part of choreographed performances – essentially she draws as she moves around the paper and resulting sketches are vibrant and fleshy, sensual and erotic and full of life. Head to Peckham’s Bosse & Baum to see them for yourself.
Until 8 September, bosseandbaum.com
Dreamers Awake, Bermondsey
‘The madman is the dreamer awake’ said Freud, which sets the tone for this exhibition of female Surrealists at Bermondsey’s White Cube Gallery. There are nearly 170 works on display, covering topics like body image, food and domesticity as well as numerous references to sex: Hannah Wilke’s vagina-shaped desk tidies lead the way, aptly supported by the excised breast on a plate, courtesy of Lee Miller. The show is dark yet beautiful, and representative of our interior worlds that we so rarely share.
Until 17 September, whitecube.com
Totally Thames, various
As the name suggests, Totally Thames is a month-long celebration of London’s most famous waterway and at 42 miles long, there is plenty going on. The packed program includes art, installations and pop ups as well as races and regattas taking place on the water. Check out alt-rock singer Shaun Berry at the The Battersea Barge for a performance that’s closer to home.
1-30 September, totallythames.org
Tooting Foodival, Tooting
The south London food-fest returns for its 10th year, celebrating the diversity and sustainability of Tooting’s local tucker. Get involved by donating fresh local produce or take part in the Top Tooting Cook competition that is taking place on the day. If you are more of a consumer than a producer, a pro chef will be whipping up dishes and there will be live music and entertainment to wash it all down.
16 September, transitiontowntooting.blogspot.co.uk
>>Like this? Then you’ll love our profile of Brick & Liquor, now open in Clapham South
Open House, various
Now’s your chance to peek into London’s private parts as Open House returns for another year unlocking incredible venues all around town. In Wandsworth, curious visitors can snoop around Battersea Arts Centre, the Pump House Theatre and Tooting Bec Lido – and that’s just for starters. For something more daring, drop into Wandsworth Prison Museum.
16-17 September, openhouselondon.open-city.org.uk
London Design Festival, various
This week-long festival is regarded as one of the best in the world, with over 400 events and exhibitions showcasing the best of our capital’s design. South Londoners should follow the Brixton Design Trail for workshops, talks and installations that all adhere to this year’s theme, ‘Love is Power’.
16-24 September, londondesignfestival.com
Tootopia, Tooting
It’s back to Tooting for an end-of-summer blow out. There are local landmarks to discover, eateries to try and plenty of activities to get stuck into, including Tootopia Kids for the little ones. Hungry Tootonians should make a b-line to The Street Food Takeover where the likes of The Gyzoa Guys, Bill or Beak and Bun Kabab will be serving up delectable edibles alongside DJ sets and live music.
22-24 September, tootopia.co.uk
HYEM, Battersea
After all that food, how about a digestive pause for some south London theatre? In ‘HYEM (yes, hjem, home)’ we meet Alan “Dummey” Dummett, an outcast looking for a place to call home. When he winds up at Mick and Sylv’s, he thinks he has found what he is looking for…but are his new digs really the sanctuary they seem? A great cast, fresh writing and a new angle on the idea of we lay our head all make writer Philip Correia’s debut well worth a watch.
Until 23 September, theatre503.com
BooManchu’s Weekend Wellness Festival, Clapham
Imagine taking a spin class in a nightclub and you’ll pretty much have the gist of this get-fit-and-have-fun weekender from Boom Cycle and Clapham club Fu Manchu. Don your lycra for cycle workouts, healthy brunches and wellness talks from industry experts, and your efforts will be rewarded with a goody bag before you hobble home.
23-24 September, fumanchu.co.uk
Balham Food Festival, Balham
Proving south Londoners really do have excellent taste, Balham launches its own food festival on 24 September, kicking off proceedings with the Balham Banquet. With over 30 stalls, al fresco dining and actives galore, it’s no wonder last year’s festival attracted almost 2,000 visitors. Keep your eyes peeled for the week-long schedule that is soon to be announced.
24 September – 1 October, balhamfoodfestival.com
