January event highlights

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Tower Hamlets has a vibrant arts scene, and a host of family and community activities. We hope you find something to enjoy.

For more events taking place in Tower Hamlets this month, visit our What’s on Guide for arts and entertainment listings.

What's on in Tower Hamlets >

Holocaust Memorial Day

Holocaust Memorial Day takes place on 27 January each year as an important reminder of how humanity can come together to learn from the past, empathise with others and help to build a better future. In 2024 a series of events will take place from 24 to 28 January, in line with the theme, ‘Fragility of Freedom'.

On 24 January residents are invited to an inter-generational conversation on remembrance and memorialisation of the Jewish Holocaust. On 25 January there is a free screening and discussion of My Father's Secrets. This is a poignant, and at times funny, rendition of one family's journey to reconciliation after the trauma of the Holocaust.

On 28 January, a walking tour takes in sites connected to Jewish heritage and the stories of those who fought for freedoms around home, work and worship. Book your place. This is followed by the Interfaith Memorial Event. Residents are welcome to join members of the Interfaith Forum to reflect on this year’s theme. Booking advised.

Canary Wharf Winter Lights

Winter Lights returns in January. Canary Wharf will be transformed into a huge outdoor art spectacular, lit up by works new, returning and specially commissioned.

For this eighth edition, the trail will take you on a journey through 12 spectacular temporary installations, as well as the ever-popular permanent light artworks.

Showcasing some of the most innovative light artists across the globe, the lineup shines a light on the intersection and juxtaposition of nature and technology: allowing for moments of stimulation and pause, of beauty and technicality. See the Winter Lights from Wednesday 17 - Saturday 27 January.

Free School Holiday Activities at Young V & A

Join the team at Young V & A in Cambridge Heath Road for free drop in activities.

Renew Restore: Sashiko: Join an Open Studio at 12noon – 4pm on 4 January to learn about the ancient Japanese Art of stitch repair called sashiko. Experiment with using patches to not only mend but also decorate and embellish. Discover how simple skills like patching, mending, and sashiko stitching can breathe new life into the clothes we already own. Bring an item of clothing or create your own sashiko patch to take home. For ages 8-14, children must be accompanied by an adult, Last admission 3.30pm
Toy Surgery: Bring your old, broken and worn out toys to be fixed by the expert team, 1 - 3pm on Friday 5 January. Starting with a toy consultation you will drop your toys off for repair, or in some cases be given the tools to make the repair yourself. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment and allow around an hour for the repair to be made.

Art Classes at The Brady Arts Centre

Come along to art classes at The Brady Arts Centre on Wednesdays, 1 - 3pm and 6.30 - 8.30pm to develop your skills and learn how to use a variety of media. For the first half of the spring term students will be looking at accessories as a subject; jewellery, boots shoes, hats and bags. This will prioritise drawing. After half term the focus will be on cats and dogs! There will be the opportunity to display this work in a summer exhibition at the Yurt cafe called "It’s Raining."

Pop Goes Green

Join Poplar Union in January 2024 for a celebration of sustainability and nature. The annual 'Pop Goes Green' promises fun-filled activities that are good for you and the planet. Activities include creative journaling, DIY skincare, non-alcoholic sip and paint, and lino printing! Book activities online at the Poplar Union website.

"This is Our History" Exhibition Launch

Join Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives on Saturday 20 January for the long-awaited FREE launch event of the exhibition ‘This is Our History’ produced in partnership with Tower Hamlets Schools Library Service. The launch event will be a fun-packed afternoon suitable for the whole family, including badge-making, collage map activities and tote bag printing. There will also be surprises to bring to life some of the unknown stories of the East End. The exhibition features artwork produced by school children who attended workshops at the Local history Library & Archives. Book your Place.

Light refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon. ‘This is Our History’ was supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Collective Patchwork

Young creatives have worked with artists, designers and craft practitioners to develop this new exhibition for the Gallery Café at St Margaret’s House The exhibition is influenced by workshops at The Brady Arts Centre. The artworks on display are inspired by abstract and textural forms found in and around the Brady Centre. They are a response to how the young creatives feel about the space and what the sessions mean to them.

The exhibition features multiple techniques; cyanotype, embroidery, weaving and coiling, all of which are new processes learnt by the young creatives. Each coil is made by an individual and then tied together to represent their individual selves in their creative community. Each yarn woven represents the colourful and unique identities that come together.

A Team Arts Education is a community arts organisation. Sessions at The Brady Arts Centre are free and open to young creatives, living and studying in Tower Hamlets, aged 11-19.

Tots at The Docks

Fun play sessions for under 5s and their carers at The Museum of London Docklands.

Free monthly play sessions inspired by the history of London's Docklands. Dive deep in the river, stack cargo, put on a puppet show or build the tallest tower! Tots at the Docks is an unticketed drop-in session that usually takes place on the last Wednesday of the month.

On selected dates there will also special events for under 5s with a range of fantastic early years partners. Take a look at the museum website for play session themes and special event information.

"This Is Us" - Exhibition Continues at The Brady Arts Centre

"This Is Us" exhibition at The Brady Arts Centre

This is Us is an exhibition which showcases the amazing work produced by the Social Care Art Groups at the Bromley by Bow Centre. Creativity plays a big part and is a catalyst for expression, learning and communication. Each person is encouraged to have their own ideas and style. Students used a variety of media to create a character and a story. These have been depicted using painting, collage, ceramics, textiles, mosaics and sculpture. Come and celebrate their achievements and talents.