The annual day of love is a great opportunity to show the most important people in your life how much you care, which is why we’ve created this list of fun – and unusual – ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in London. From a collaborative drawing group at Selfridges to sultry jazz at Ronnie Scott’s and Mozart by candlelight, there’s no shortage of Valentine’s Day activities to make you swoon this year. Here’s our list of the best London events for Valentine’s Day 2024.
Valentine’s Day in London 2024
SketchSesh at Selfridges
From 7 – 11 February
When it comes to fun and creative ways to spend Valentine’s Day in London, booking a slot at one of SketchSesh’s workshops at Selfridges should be at the top of your list. Running from 7 – 11 February, the collaborative drawing groups are perfect for those looking to unleash their artistic side. SketchSesh founder and artist James Davison will be on hand to guide you through the steps so you can create your very own personalised portrait. All skill levels are welcome and the session promises a relaxed atmosphere, with a complimentary cocktail and DJs spinning the decks included in the £10 ticket price.
400 Oxford Street, Mayfair, London W1A 1AB
thecinemaatselfridges.com
Romeo and Juliet at Backyard Cinema
From 10 – 18 February
Pop-up cinema purveyors Backyard Cinema are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, and to mark it they’re hosting a week of special Valentine’s screenings. From 10 – 18 February you’ll find them at the atmospheric Union Chapel in Islington, where they’ll be showing Baz Luhrmann’s modern classic Romeo and Juliet. Screened entirely by candlelight, the film will be accompanied by a live choir – who’ll be singing new, reimagined tunes from the soundtrack for the first time – while actors will play out the tragic final scenes. Tickets for these shows tend to sell out fast, so act quick if you want to nab one.
19b Compton Terrace, Islington, London N1 2UN
backyardcinema.co.uk
Valentine’s Day with Mélanie Dahan at Ronnie Scott’s
Wednesday 14 February
There are few spots in the capital better for a romantic date night than Ronnie Scott’s. The legendary Soho jazz club is famous for its heady atmosphere and the world-class jazz acts that perform there, who never fail to impress. To celebrate Valentine’s Day 2024, they’ve booked Paris-based singer Mélanie Dahan for a one-night show. Known for her expressive, engaging and evocative voice, Dahan is one of France’s best-loved storytellers. Expect to be swept away by her mesmerising vocals and her powerful songs, which have been described as “poetry meets jazz”.
47 Frith Street, Soho, London W1D 4HT
ronniescotts.co.uk
Luisa Omielan: Bitter at the Clapham Grand
Wednesday 14 February
Bafta-breakthrough-winning comedian Luisa Omielan isn’t a fan of Valentine’s Day – as you’ll discover in her new V Day-themed show, Bitter. Following on from four hit shows and sold-out runs in the West End, she promises to rip up the rulebook with this new offering, which is being held at the iconic Clapham Grand. Expect rants against the patriarchy and witty musings on her single, childless status, as well as a lot of laughs. Afterwards you can hit the dancefloor, which will be open until late into the night.
21-25 St John’s Hill, Clapham, London SW11 1TT
claphamgrand.com
Mozart & Moonlight Sonata by Candlelight
Wednesday 14 February
What could possibly be more romantic than to be serenaded by Mozart and Beethoven on Valentine’s Day? Only if that concert just so happened to also be lit entirely by candlelight. That’s exactly what you’ll get if you book a ticket to this Valentine’s Day event, which is organised by the Belmond Ensemble of London, one of the finest chamber orchestras in the capital. Held in the beautiful Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church on Shaftesbury Avenue, you’ll be treated to renditions of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, as well as music by Mozart, Chopin, Bach and Scarlatti, all performed by some of London’s finest musicians.
243 Shaftesbury Avenue, West End, London WC2H 8EP
belmont-ensemble.com
