For the shortest month of the year, February packs in a lot of activities. Here’s the Melan Magazine roundup of the best things to see, do and visit this month.
With the start of Chinese New Year, Black History Month (across the pond) and Valentine’s Day all being celebrated this month, there’s already so much going on February. We’ve curated a list of fun and educational things to do, from catching a show, expanding your knowledge at an exhibition or baking a cake with your bestie.
Enjoy!
See Queens of Sheba at Soho Theatre
Remember that 2015 incident where four Black women were turned away from DSTRKT nightclub for being “too Black”? Queens of Sheba is loosely inspired by this and tells the hilarious, moving and uplifting stories of four passionate Black Women battling every-day misogynoir; where sexism meets racism.
Written by Jessica L. Hagan, directed by Jessica Kaliisa and adapted by Ryan Calais Cameron, Queens of Sheba returns to the London stage for its longest run to date and stars its original National Tour cast – Tosin Alabi, Eshé Asante, Kokoma (Koko) Kwaku and Elisha Robin.
When? 7 to 26 February 2022
Visit: Soho Theatre
Explore the “Legacies: London Transport’s Caribbean Workforce exhibition”
Did you know about London Transport’s (LT) advertising recruitment campaign to attract employees directly from the Caribbean to London during 1956 to 1970?
Legacies: London Transport’s Caribbean Workforce exhibition celebrates the contribution Caribbean people have made to transport in London since the 1950s to the present day, while also documenting the struggles these individuals and their families endured, especially at the start of their new lives in the Capital.
Expect to see striking archive photography, oral recordings of family history, new films, some never-before-displayed objects and advertising posters explore how generations of Caribbean workers have shaped London and its transport.
From 12-20 February, keep the children entertained by bringing them along to participate in activities inspired by the exhibition. Young visitors can take part in an imaginative storytelling session about Gabrielle – the grandchild of a London Transport worker who first travelled from Jamaica to London in the 1950s.
When? Friday 11 February
Where? London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza, London, WC2E 7BB
Visit: London Transport Museum
Where to find the best Black-owned restaurants in London? Black Eats LDN
Grab a meal deal at Camden’s markets
The eclectic eateries at Camden’s three iconic markets “Camden’s Markets, Lock, Stables, Buck Street and Hawley Wharf” are offering tasty treats to suit all palates for just £5 – until 13 February.
From premium picks to authentic street food, Camden Markets favourites such as Mac Factory, Clean Kitchen and Baoziinn are just a few of the deliciously unique vendors taking part, with more than 80 traders offering mouth-watering dishes for just £5 across the markets.
For a full list of over 80 participating vendors click here
When? Until 13 February
Visit: Camden Market
Watch the 56th Super Bowl at BOXPARK
Touch down at BOXARK for the 56th edition of the Super Bowl in style on Sunday 13 February, with screenings at BOXPARK Croydon and Wembley.
With huge screens, surround sound, DJs, cheerleaders, beer pong, giveaways & games, and plenty of booze from Coors, BOXPARK is the ultimate venue for American football fans to unite for the late-night game.
The game is set to kick off at 11.30pm so only a small handful of restaurants will be staying open until the early hours to serve food. But be prepared for the real entertainment during the halftime show featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar.
When? 13 February
Visit BOXPARK
Learn about civil rights leader Marcus Garvey in this new doc
Catch the UK premiere of African Redemption: The Life and Legacy of Marcus Garvey, a documentary directed by Roy T Anderson on Saturday 5 February 2022, at BFI Southbank in London.
The 85-minute documentary sheds light on the world’s foremost Pan-Africanist and looks at the extraordinary achievements of a man considered by many as the greatest mass leader of the twentieth century and provides a window into the life of a man rarely seen in contemporary culture.
the film features interviews and conversations with world-renowned leaders, scholars, and personalities, as well as present-day followers of Marcus Garvey teachings. Even after his death, Garvey’s philosophy has impacted many social and political movements in Jamaica and around the world; United States’ civil rights leader Malcolm X, once said, “Every time you see another nation on the African continent become independent you know that Marcus Garvey is alive.”
KOL Social and BFI, in collaboration with African Odysseys, are hosting the documentary-film which will be followed by a panel discussion with key speakers including director Roy T Anderson.
When? 5 February
Where? BFI London
Visit: BFI London
See Britain’s Got Talent’s Magical Bones – LIVE
Breakdancing magician and finalist of Britain’s Got Talent 2020, Magical Bones is taking his new magic show Black Magic back on the road this month following an impressive sold-out run at the 2019 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Black Magic challenges the connotations usually associated with this term and the show culminates with a tribute to the Black Magician Henry Box Brown, a 19th century slave from Virginia who escaped to freedom at the age of 33 in 1849 by arranging to have himself shipped inside a wooden crate to abolitionists in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Bones is a unique performer, so expect to be taken on an awe-inspiring journey that includes the coolest breakdance moves, back-flipping card tricks and of course jaw-dropping street magic.
When? 9 February to 28 April 2022
Where? View the full tour locations and dates here
Visit: Magical Bones website
Bake with the team at The Big London Bake East
This February 2022, the The Big London Bake, is expanding to East London, with the launch of their third baking tent The Big London Bake East, in Haggerston. Opening to budding bakers and novices alike, on 24 February, groups of friends, families, birthday parties, date night and corporate groups can get together, don an apron and a whisk and start baking some exceedingly good cakes!
The baking tent will showcase 12 fully equipped baking stations, including AEG ovens, fridges and stoves, Kenwood mixing appliances, with all ingredients and equipment ready for award winning cakes to be created!
These 90-minute sessions are ideal for exciting, experiential days out with loved ones, a chance to get everyone back together again, whatever their age, and most importantly, just have fun!
When? Starting from 24 February 2022
Where? Railway Arch 323, Under the bridge, Lee Street, Haggerston, London, E8 4ED
Visit: www.thebiglondonbake.com
What to expect from Get up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical: A Review
Catch the Bob Marley ‘One Love Experience’ at the Saatchi Gallery
Don’t miss the chance to see the Bob Marley One Love Experience as it makes its global debut at London’s iconic Saatchi Gallery for a limited ten-week exhibition this February.
This unique experience will showcase unseen Marley photographs and memorabilia whilst immersing audiences on a journey through his lifestyle, passions, influences, and enduring legacy.
Cedella Marley, CEO of Bob Marley group of companies said: “We’ve been wanting to launch a Bob Marley touring exhibit for many years and we’re thrilled to see it come to life and debut in London, which had a very special place in Daddy’s heart. The experience can be enjoyed by all generations, and we look forward to continuing to spread Daddy’s music and message to the globe.”
When: 2 February – 18 April 2022
Where: Saatchi Gallery, Duke of York’s HQ, King’s Road, SW3 4RY
Visit: www.saatchigallery.com
