Blog·Weekend of 16.10.26
London Weekend: Bloomsbury Festival Highlights, Photography, and Music (16–18 October 2026)
The weekend brings Bloomsbury Festival’s 20th anniversary, timely exhibitions, and live music at iconic venues. Here’s a focused selection of what’s on—from immersive art to orchestral and intimate concerts.
This weekend in London, the spotlight stays firmly on the city’s creative and cultural pulse. With the Bloomsbury Festival's anniversary running across neighbourhood venues and notable performances at the Natural History Museum and Royal Albert Hall, expect a concentrated programme of theatre, exhibitions, and music. Each event stands out for its setting or subject, promising depth and diversity across a packed October schedule.
Bloomsbury Festival: We Love and Then We Drown
City Lit hosts a run of 'We Love and Then We Drown' for the Bloomsbury Festival, scheduled across Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. With tickets starting at £12, this performance brings drama to the heart of Bloomsbury as part of the festival’s 20th anniversary happenings. Prices are tiered, with options available at £20, £12, and £6, making it accessible for a range of budgets. Check the festival website for timings and seat availability. [s8]
Dates: 2026-10-16, 2026-10-17, 2026-10-18
Sources and details: bloomsburyfestival.org.uk
Holborn Community Orchestra performance
Holborn Library will welcome the Holborn Community Orchestra for a free concert on Saturday, 17 October. The performance begins at 2:00 pm and operates on a walk-in basis, ideal for spontaneous plans. No advanced booking is required, and all ages are welcome. [s8]
Dates: 2026-10-17
Sources and details: bloomsburyfestival.org.uk
Bloomsbury Festival: Abolition Song
'Abolition Song' takes place at the Foundling Museum, blending music and narrative on Friday, 16 October at 6:30 pm. Tickets are £25, and advance purchase is recommended to secure a spot in this historic venue, itself central to the festival’s tradition of interrogating history through art. [s8]
Dates: 2026-10-16
Sources and details: bloomsburyfestival.org.uk
Bloomsbury Festival: Double Bill - Soraya Verjee and No More Girl Friday
Conway Hall’s Friday evening double bill showcases Soraya Verjee alongside No More Girl Friday, beginning at 7:00 pm on 16 October. Ticket prices range between £12.00 and £20.00. Audiences can expect back-to-back performances anchored in performance art and reflection, fitting within the broader festival celebration. [s8]
Dates: 2026-10-16
Sources and details: bloomsburyfestival.org.uk
Bloomsbury Festival 2026
Bloomsbury Festival marks its 20th anniversary with a programme stretching from 1 to 31 October, but this weekend’s highlights are clustered across venues such as Conway Hall, City Lit, Holborn Library, and more. Beyond stage shows and concerts, Holy Cross Church hosts two notable installations running Friday to Sunday: 'Moments of Grace', an immersive oral history piece about nursing, and 'New Wave: Next Steps', featuring works by emerging artists. Both are free and underscore the festival’s dedication to accessibility and fresh voices. [s16]
Dates: 2026-10-16, 2026-10-17, 2026-10-18
Sources and details: bloomsburyfestival.org.uk
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
The Natural History Museum’s flagship wildlife photography exhibition opens for its new run from 16 October. Adult off-peak tickets start at £17. Located in the Central Building, the event strongly recommends advance booking. Visitors benefit from range of accessibility features, including step-free access, large print and visual guides, and scheduled relaxed viewings. [s17]
Dates: 2026-10-16, 2026-10-17, 2026-10-18
Sources and details: nhm.ac.uk
David Moore
David Moore performs at the Royal Albert Hall’s Elgar Room on Saturday, 17 October. Doors open at 9:00 pm, with the performance starting at 9:30 pm. The Elgar Room offers wheelchair access, and is known for its intimate concerts within the larger Royal Albert Hall complex. Event-specific ticket details are available directly from the venue. [s19]
Dates: 2026-10-17
Sources and details: royalalberthall.com