{"id":1712,"date":"2016-01-01T10:00:15","date_gmt":"2016-01-01T10:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.city-academy.com\/news\/?p=1712"},"modified":"2026-01-21T10:51:23","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T10:51:23","slug":"london-in-2016","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.city-academy.com\/news\/london-in-2016\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Events in 2016"},"content":{"rendered":"

It went quickly didn’t it? <\/em>2015 zipped along at breakneck speed, and with 2016 already underway it’s only natural for us to cast our minds to the twelve months that lie ahead. And there is a lot to be excited about, with global sporting events, music festivals, movie releases, and\u00a0openings of\u00a0new cultural spaces (amongst lots of other things) already in the diary for this year.<\/p>\n

Read on for the 16 things we’re most excited about in 2016…<\/em><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Lumiere Festival London<\/strong><\/a> | West End & King\u2019s Cross | 14th<\/sup> \u2013 17th<\/sup> January<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    You don\u2019t have to wait long for the first unmissable event of 2016. Across four nights in January the Lumiere Festival<\/em> \u2013 the UK\u2019s largest light festival \u2013 is set to illuminate the capital, as over 20 large-scale light and animation installations take over locations in the West End and King\u2019s Cross. Based on the success of previous Lumiere <\/em>events in Durham and Londonderry, this promises to be a true visual spectacular.<\/p>\n

    Hugely-influential artist Julian Opie has been commissioned to create a new permanent piece. Perhaps avoid the crowds and check out some of the lesser-known artists on show.<\/em><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Zoolander 2<\/strong><\/a> | Cinemas Nationwide | Opens 12th<\/sup> February<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Since Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson (as Derek and Hansel) gatecrashed the runway at Paris Fashion Week earlier this year, and everyone subsequently lost their minds, the release of Zoolander 2<\/em> cannot come soon enough. A whole 15 years on from the first film, this cult classic finally gets a more-than-deserved sequel (and this time round, Kristen Wiig joins the cast). Excited is an understatement.<\/p>\n

      Watch the chaos unfold<\/em><\/a> at Paris Fashion Week<\/em><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Olympic & Paralympic Games<\/strong><\/a> | Rio Di Janeiro | 5th<\/sup> August \u2013 18th<\/sup> September<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Anyone who was in London during the summer of 2012 will get a heavy dose of nostalgia when Rio stages the event in August and September. London was awash with colour, pride, and positivity four summers ago. Watching it on TV doesn\u2019t quite carry the same weight as having it all right here, but we\u2019ll still be glued to every moment of the action.<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Cycle Revolution<\/strong><\/a> | London Design Museum | Until 30th<\/sup> June<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Ok \u2013 so it\u2019s already been open for a month and a half, but the Design Museum\u2019s exhibition of everything two-wheel-related goes on until 30th<\/sup> June, and we\u2019ll be stopping by sometime soon. The last few years have seen London\u2019s cycling community explode, and as the capital begins to transform into a true cycling city, this exhibition looks at both the history and future of cycling through a designer\u2019s eye.<\/p>\n

          This is your final opportunity to see an exhibition at the London Design Museum\u2019s mind-blowing bridge riverside location, before it moves to West London.<\/em><\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Groundhog Day (The Musical)<\/strong><\/a> | The Old Vic | TBC<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            If you\u2019ve managed to catch Matilda <\/em>on the West End you\u2019ll be more than aware of the musical and comedic genius of Tim Minchin \u2013 creative mastermind behind this brand new musical stage version of the 1993 movie Groundhog Day<\/em>. Matthew Warchus has a tough task following Kevin Spacey as artistic director at the Old Vic, but his first year in the job looks like a bright and bold statement of intent. Groundhog Day<\/em> is already set to transfer to Broadway in 2017; grab a ticket it before it goes.<\/p>\n

              \n
            1. Taylor Wessing Photography Prize Exhibition<\/strong> | National Portrait Gallery | Until 21st<\/sup> February<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              You don\u2019t have to wait for this one either (it opened on 12 November), but the Taylor Wessing Photography Prize Exhibition<\/em> offers one of the most fascinating, creative, and dynamic photo exhibitions you\u2019re likely to see in London in 2016. The National Portrait Gallery has been hosting the Photographic Portrait Prize for 10 years now, and every year the variety of work on show (within what initially seems like a fairly narrow brief) is truly eye-opening.<\/p>\n

              \"London

              Taylor Wessing Photography Prize Exhibition | credit: Peter Zelewski<\/p><\/div>\n

                \n
              1. New Tate Modern Building<\/strong> | Southbank| Opens 17th<\/sup> June<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                Don\u2019t panic \u2013 the Tate Modern isn\u2019t going anyway. Rather, a new 10-story space is set to open at their current location. It\u2019s a bit of an architectural marvel, with a twisting, sloping fa\u00e7ade, jutting out from the south of the building. The exhibition and display space will almost double, with different types of gallery rooms designed to showcase different styles of visual, interactive, and performance art. We can\u2019t wait to have a snoop around.<\/p>\n

                  \n
                1. Museums at Night<\/strong><\/a> | Various | 11th<\/sup> \u2013 14th<\/sup> May & 28th<\/sup> \u2013 29th<\/sup> October<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  London is blessed with some of the most rich and fascinating permanent museum collections in the world. \u00a0Museums at Night<\/em> is a programme of events that sees London\u2019s museums throw open their doors after-hours, and present their exhibits in new and unexpected ways. If you\u2019re a museum-regular, this is a chance of viewing familiar artefacts in some eye-opening new contexts. If you\u2019re new to it all, Museums at Night<\/em> offers a thrilling opportunity to get involved for the first time\u2026<\/p>\n

                    \n
                  1. Harry Potter & The Cursed Child<\/strong><\/a> | Palace Theatre | Opens 30th<\/sup> June<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    Set 19 years after the stunning conclusion of J.K. Rowling\u2019s original 7-part series, Harry Potter & The Cursed Child<\/em> is the 8th <\/sup>instalment we never thought we\u2019d get \u2013 and it\u2019s a live stage show! Potter-mania shows no sign of dying down, almost a decade after the release of the final book; the world of Hogwarts presented in a theatrical setting promises to be one of the most eagerly-anticipated events the West End has ever seen. It\u2019ll be tough to get a ticket, but it\u2019ll be well worth it.<\/p>\n

                    Harry Potter & The Cursed Child is a two-parter, either viewed over a full day (matinee and evening) or two consecutive nights.<\/em><\/p>\n

                      \n
                    1. London Marathon<\/strong> | Blackheath to Buckingham Palace | 24th<\/sup> April (from 9.30am)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                      Ok, so it happens every year, but you\u2019d be hard-pushed to find a more awe-inspiring, dramatic, and triumphant event over the next 12 months. 38,000 runners, making their way along the historic 26.2 mile course, with thousands of incredible charities represented. If you\u2019ve never been to watch \u2013 just go, there\u2019s nothing quite like it.<\/p>\n

                      Most runners have their name on their shirt, so even if you don\u2019t know anyone taking part, you can shout encouragement from the side-lines.<\/em><\/p>\n

                      \"London

                      London Marathon<\/p><\/div>\n

                        \n
                      1. London Short Film Festival<\/strong><\/a> | Various | 8th<\/sup> \u2013 17th<\/sup> January<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                        The London Short Film Festival has \u2013 over the last 13 years \u2013 garnered a reputation as one of the best short film festivals in the world. Taking place across 25 venues, and featuring over 75 events, 2016\u2019s festival is set to be their biggest yet. Cast your eye over the stars of tomorrow, as LSFF once again proves how vital the Short Film Festival circuit is for showcasing the work of innovative and up-and-coming new filmmakers.<\/p>\n

                          \n
                        1. Euro 2016<\/strong><\/a> | France (and your local pub) | 10th<\/sup> June \u2013 10th<\/sup> July<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                          If you\u2019re a football fan, a summer without an International tournament isn\u2019t quite the same. This time round, \u2018Les Bleus\u2019<\/em> play host to Europe\u2019s finest, and it\u2019s poised to be an absolute classic. England have qualified in style (not forgetting Wales, Ireland and Northern Ireland!), just don\u2019t talk to us about our prospects of winning the thing.<\/p>\n

                          Download the Match Pint app<\/em><\/a> to find the best pubs in London showing all the action.<\/em><\/p>\n

                            \n
                          1. Take That play British Summer Time<\/strong><\/a> | Hyde Park | 9th<\/sup> July<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                            Taylor Swift<\/em>, The Strokes<\/em>, Blur<\/em>, and The Who<\/em> all graced the Hyde Park stage in 2015, and with Take That<\/em> already announced for next summer (and tickets on sale) \u2013 BST is fast becoming London\u2019s go-to live music event of the year. Barlow and co have never played the park, and will no doubt be pulling out all the stops for this one-off open air gig. Expect some absolutely huge singalongs.<\/p>\n

                            Brush up on your hits prior to the show with <\/em>this ultimate Take That Spotify playlist.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

                            \"London<\/p>\n

                              \n
                            1. Night Tube<\/strong><\/a> | TFL Zones 1-6 | TBC<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                              Londoners have long been afflicted with the geographically-imposed curfew commonly known as \u201cthe last tube\u201d. Sometime in 2016 (no confirmed date as yet) the burden shall be lifted with the London Underground\u2019s new overnight service. It comes with a few notable caveats \u2013 Friday and Saturday nights only; on selected lines only \u2013 but that doesn\u2019t stop it from being a hugely exciting development for the city. New York, watch your back.<\/em><\/p>\n

                                \n
                              1. Regent\u2019s Park Open Air Theatre season<\/strong><\/a> | Regents Park | 13th<\/sup> May \u2013 17th<\/sup> September<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                So there\u2019ll always be a slight risk of rainfall, but it\u2019s a risk worth taking. Watching critically-acclaimed theatre under a starlit sky is a pretty magical experience, and with the theatre\u2019s programme already announced and onsale, it looks set to be an epic summer. Pride & Prejudice<\/em>, Henry V<\/em>, and Jesus Christ Superstar<\/em>, are all sure to light up the park, and also sell out pretty quick, so grab your tickets.<\/p>\n

                                Regent\u2019s Park Theatre has a \u2018no umbrellas\u2019 policy, so if the forecast looks dodgy make sure you pack a waterproof!<\/em><\/p>\n

                                  \n
                                1. You Me Bum Bum Train<\/strong><\/a> | Soho | TBC<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                  Please excuse the rude title \u2013 \u2018YMBBT\u2019 is the immersive theatrical event of a lifetime. Originally devised in 2004, this show has won countless awards, garnered a whole host of 5-star reviews, and on all accounts is a truly unmissable experience (people often volunteer to help create the show \u2013 just to be part of the action). Dates haven\u2019t even been announced for 2016 yet, but since it\u2019s nigh impossible to get tickets, now\u2019s the time to sign-up to their mailing list and keep your fingers crossed.<\/p>\n

                                  Audience members tend to be vague on the details \u2013 they don\u2019t want to ruin the surprise \u2013 so don\u2019t read any reviews before you go.<\/em><\/p>\n

                                  We want to hear from City Academy students about your time in London in 2016 – please get in touch: news@city-academy.com<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                  It went quickly didn’t it? 2015 zipped along at breakneck speed, and with 2016 already underway it’s only natural for…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":1716,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[132],"tags":[282,281],"yoast_head":"\nLondon in 2016 - What's On | City Academy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"There's so much to be excited about, with music festivals, movie releases, & openings of new cultural spaces already in the diary for 2016.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.city-academy.com\/news\/london-in-2016\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"London in 2016 - What's On | City Academy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"There's so much to be excited about, with music festivals, movie releases, & openings of new cultural spaces already in the diary for 2016.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.city-academy.com\/news\/london-in-2016\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"City Academy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2016-01-01T10:00:15+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-01-21T10:51:23+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.city-academy.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Regents-Park-open-air-e1448988607849.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"731\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"info\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"info\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.city-academy.com\/news\/london-in-2016\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.city-academy.com\/news\/london-in-2016\/\",\"name\":\"London in 2016 - 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