In many disciplines, collaboration is key as diverse views often make for a more rounded end result. The Design Museum regularly shows great examples of this open minded ethos and the Bloomsbury Festival carries on the diverse approach that was pioneered in the area many years ago. Metallica, on the other hand, are the complete antithesis of this theory. Hermetically sealed, they allow very little outside influence, yet have outlasted their rivals and continue to shape the next generation. London allows for both philosophies to thrive which is why its arts scene continues to be so interesting.

Designs of the Year – Design Museum
Designs of the Year – Design Museum
The Design Museum runs an annual competition that features innovative concepts and techniques that have broken new ground in the last twelve months. A panel of eminent judges that include design professionals, architects and editors will be presiding over a field of candidates that will once more be pushing the envelope. Categories include Architecture, Digital, Fashion, Graphics, Products and Transport.

After a decade of promoting the best and brightest, this event has matured into something more than just a talent showcase. This year’s theme centres on activism and protest which is probably on a lot of people’s minds right now. Flags denoting refugee status at the Olympics, together with the ubiquitous anti-Trump pink hats are all in the mix and the results will probably be as controversial as they are imaginative.

http://designmuseum.org/

Bloomsbury Festival – Various Bloomsbury Venues
Bloomsbury Festival – Various Bloomsbury Venues
Exerting an influence that far outstrips its size, this small pocket of Central London has always been a hotbed of talent and creativity. In the early 20th Century, the “Bloomsbury Group” was a groundbreaking collective of poets, writers and artists that created waves in the arts establishment that still reverberate today.

This year, the Bloomsbury Festival continues on its mission to promote left field takes on popular culture from around the world. Indian dance, Russian punk rock and local school choirs are all featured in addition to the extensive talks, workshops and art exhibitions. The event succeeds in presenting a global view while maintaining its local roots and this is what makes it so appealing to both Londoners and visitors alike.

http://bloomsburyfestival.org.uk/

Kingsmen: The Golden Circle – Cinemas Londonwide
Kingsmen: The Golden Circle – Cinemas Londonwide
As a concept, Kingsmen is what you would probably get if you allowed Quentin Tarantino to direct the next Bond movie. Combining ironic dialogue with cartoon violence is what made the original such a success and the makers have seen no need to mess with a winning formula. The sequel adds an American dimension to the action with the rise of a rival organisation: The Statesmen (geddit?).

Colin Firth and Taron Egerton reprise their roles as British spies who must now battle a ruthless enemy with the help of their transatlantic allies headed by Channing Tatum. There’s plenty of scope for cultural misunderstandings and political incorrectness as Julianne Moore steals the show as a hilariously eccentric, yet ultra glamorous villain.

https://www.view.co.uk/london/films/kingsman-the-golden-circle

Metallica – O2 Arena
Metallica – O2 Arena
Seldom does a band rise above its genre without some concessions to changing tastes and market forces. Metallica have not only done this, but have done it without an ounce of hype, collaboration or celebrity endorsements. They are a heavy metal band for the ages, complete with a fiercely loyal following and an inner drive that keeps them hungry.

Formed in the 80s as a thrash metal rebuke to the flashy excesses of Bon Jovi et al, Metallica remain stripped down, heavy and loud. They demand total commitment from their audiences and give nothing less in return – you won’t see any iPhones waving around in the O2 when James Hetfield and the boys start cranking their amps up to 11.

https://www.theo2.co.uk/events/detail/metallica