Douglas & Gordon's Weekend Guide: Kensington, Chelsea & Notting Hill
We hope you enjoy all the fireworks displays over the next few days! If fireworks aren’t your thing, then our handy weekend guide has a number of other events that might be more to your fancy.
Earls Court Exhibition Centre
The Gadget Show Live @ Christmas will be taking place this weekend at the Earls Court Exhibition Centre. The exhibition, based around the Channel 5 programme “The Gadget Show”, will feature all the latest toys, games and gadgets. There will also be special product and gift offers, just in time for the festive season. The Gadget Show presenters will also be hosting an hour-long live show, consisting of “presenter challenges, exciting competitions and performances involving high octane stunts and audience participation”.
The Ski and Snowboard Show is currently taking place at Earls Court 2, and will run until Sunday. There are over 250 stands, including exhibits from tour operators, chalet companies and ski resorts. Other attractions include free ski and snowboard lessons from beginner to advanced, free ice skating, tubing and curling, apres ski style bars, alpine food, wine tasting sessions, and fantastic children’s entertainment.
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum ice rink opened yesterday, and will be in place until 5 January next year. There will also be a café bar and fairground carousel for visitors to enjoy. Opening and closing times for the rink vary throughout the festive season, so make sure to check their website for up-to-date information. Each skating session usually last around 50 minutes.
Harrods
The Harrods Christmas Grotto opens this Saturday at the iconic department store. Children will get the chance to meet Father Christmas, take home special Christmas gifts and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The grotto will run until 24th December, and is located on the 4th floor of Harrods.
Hyde Park
The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run will take place this Sunday, kicking off at Hyde Park. According to the official website, the veteran car fun “…commemorates the Emancipation Run of 14 November 1896 which celebrated the passing into law of the Locomotives on the Highway Act, which raised the speed limit for 'light locomotives' from 4 mph to 14 mph and abolished the requirement for these vehicles to be preceded by a man on foot”. Interesting origins, indeed! Over 500 classic cars will be taking to the 60 mile stretch between London and Brighton. Those wishing to view the start of the race can head on over to Hyde Park, as the vehicles will gather along Serpentine Road and depart in groups of 15-30 from around 7am onwards.