Welcome to February at Euston Square Hotel. With Valentine’s Day on the 14th it is of course the perfect time for a city getaway. There is however far more to London this month than red roses and romance…
Celebrate the arrival of Chinese New Year, also recognised as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, ushering in the start of the new lunar calendar—a chance to embrace new beginnings and positivity. In London, Chinese New Year 2024 falls on Saturday February 10th, marking the Year of the Dragon.
Join the vibrant festivities across Chinatown, Trafalgar Square, and the West End, where crowds gather for the world’s largest Lunar New Year celebration outside Asia. Experience the dazzling parade, free performances, and indulgent feasts. Symbolising power, nobility, and luck, the Year of the Dragon promises auspiciousness.
The London Chinese New Year Parade commences on Sunday February 11th, starting from Charing Cross Road at 10:15, concluding with a lions’ eye-dotting ceremony in Chinatown and stage shows in Trafalgar Square.
Kew Gardens Orchid Festival is now on and runs until March 3rd. The Princess of Wales Conservatory at Kew Gardens undergoes a captivating transformation with its annual orchid display, this time featuring a mesmerising Madagascan theme. Delight in sculptures crafted from plants, depicting native animals such as giraffe weevils and ring-tailed lemurs, alongside installations highlighting extinct species.
Explore the rich diversity of Malagasy orchids thriving at Kew, underscoring Madagascar’s unique flora with 14,000 plant species exclusive to the region. The exhibition not only showcases the island’s natural beauty but also offers after-hours events featuring live Madagascan music, delectable cuisine, enlightening talks, and captivating light displays. Admission to the display is included with general entry to Kew Gardens, while after-hours events require separate tickets priced between £17-£22.
Embark on a botanical journey to Madagascar right in the heart of London. Discover more HERE.
Let’s look at more warlike goings on with a fantastic exhibition at The British Museum. ‘Legion’ offers a compelling portrayal of life within the Roman Empire, drawing striking parallels to contemporary existence in 2024. Through the lens of a single Roman soldier, the exhibition delves into the complexities of daily life, marked by toil, ambition, setbacks, and unattainable aspirations.
Rich in authentic details, ‘Legion’ vividly captures the mundane yet essential aspects of Roman soldiering across the empire. From red wool socks shielding against the chafe of hobnailed leather sandals to purses carrying silver coins, and dice for leisurely gambling, each artefact serves as a poignant symbol of ordinary existence transcending time. Through its evocative presentation, ‘Legion’ masterfully transports visitors to an era characterised by brutality, bloodshed, and violence, yet underscored by the familiarity of routine and the banality of everyday life, resonating across centuries with remarkable authenticity. Discover more and book your visit HERE.
We hope you have a great month, and we look forward to helping you enjoy London just that little bit more again next time.