Arts, festivals and theatre

In 1930 the building was designed as a ‘super-cinema’ in art deco style. It closed forty five years later, then reopened in 1981 as one of the largest theatres in the capital. In its early days the theatre was known as ‘the sing sing’ by London cabbies. It is currently home to Wicked, the untold story of the witches from The Wizard of Oz. Apollo Victoria Theatre, 17 Wilton Road, SW1V 1LL, www.apollovictorialondon.org.uk read less

A free family spectacular in the heart of London to welcome the New Year, passing some of England’s greatest historical sights. Starting at Parliament Square, the thousands of worldwide performers set off as Big Ben strikes noon. The New Year’s Day Parade, Research House, Fraser Road, Greenford Middlesex, UB6 7AQ, 020 8566 8586, www.londonparade.co.uk read less

St John’s is one of London’s major concert venues and favourite historic buildings. Located in a beautiful square, it offers an extremely varied programme of classical music, ranging from choirs and symphony orchestras to solo instrumental recitals. St John’s Smith Square, SW1P 3HA, Box Office: 020 7222 1061, www.sjss.org.uk read less

If you’re in South Westminster during the summer months, watch out for information about SouthWestFest, an annual community festival launched in 2004, now enjoyed by over 8,000 people. It has a two week programme of activities and events including a major open air gala day in St George’s Square, a street float parade, film festivals and a family day at Tate Britain, something for everyone! SouthWestFest, c/o Pimlico Resource Centre, Walston House, Aylesford Street, SW1V 3RL, 020 7931 7999, www.southwestfest.org.uk read less

The SW1 Gallery provides enjoyable and exciting events and exhibitions for local residents, workers and visitors to the area. The exhibitions change regularly, offering artwork that is constantly interesting and varied. It’s a very welcoming Gallery, so next time you’re in Cardinal Place, make sure you drop in to see what’s on. 12 Cardinal Walk, Roof Garden Level, Cardinal Place, SW1E 5JE, 020 7963 4024, Tuesday- Friday 12pm-6pm Saturday 12pm-4pm, www.sw1gallery.co.uk read less

SW1 Radio is a local community radio project, which reaches local people by FM and the internet. It started off as a summer radio show, but hopefully they will soon be on the internet all year around. SW1 Radio is led by a group of local residents who deliver a schedule of diverse shows for the local community. read less

Tate Britain is the national gallery for British art from 1500 to the present day. It holds the largest collection of British art from Blake, Constable and Epstein through to Spencer, Stubbs and Turner. The gallery offers activities for children and adults to explore together, including Art Trolley weekend sessions (every Saturday and Sunday from 11am-5pm). Millbank, SW1P 4RG, 020 7887 8888, www.tate.org.uk/britain read less

Shaped by the personal tastes of kings and queens, the Royal Collection includes treasures and masterpieces from the past 500 years. The Queen’s Gallery is a permanent space dedicated to changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. You can also visit the Royal Mews, one of the finest working stables in existence, and in the Summer (July-Sept), the State Rooms in Buckingham Palace. The Official Residences of The Queen, SW1A 1AA, 020 7766 7300, www.royalcollection.org.uk read less

A theatre has been on this site since 1832, originally as Moy’s Music Hall, well before the coming of the railways. It was rebuilt in 1886 when Victoria Street and Victoria Station were created, and again in 1910, to become what is known today as the Victoria Palace. The foyer is much as it was in 1911 and the exterior has also been recently restored to its former glory. The stage musical of Billy Elliot is currently being shown. Victoria Street, SW1E 5EA, 0844 248 5000, Mon-Saturday 10am-8.30pm, www.victoriapalacetheatre.co.uk read less