Dear Hampsteadians,
As usual I’ve been looking through our local venues to bring you a run down of what’s happening in the area this week…
Burgh House is back. Like many of us it’s taken them a couple of weeks to get going this year.. but they’re opening a few exhibitions this week which look interesting. There are a few very good looking films being shown at local film clubs, which is a nice alternative way to watch films. And magic is in the air at the Well Walk Theatre, which is aimed at kids… but I’m quite tempted anyway!
I hope you had a great week and a lovely weekend, the weather certainly was milder today. Here’s a photo I took on the Heath earlier that I think captured the particularly gentle Sunday feeling in the area…
As for what’s on this week…
Theatre & Film
The Ghost of White Hart Lane — Jacksons Lane, Highgate (N6) — Mon 19–Sat 24 Jan (times vary)
A theatrical story with a North London thread — check the booking page for the date/time that suits.
Link: https://www.jacksonslane.org.uk/events/the-ghost-of-white-hart-lane-2026/
Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead (screening) — Tufnell Park Film Club @ The Vine (NW5) — Tue 20 Jan, 20:00–22:00
A local film club night in a proper neighbourhood setting (and a great excuse to try a new pub).
Link: https://www.tufnellparkfilmclub.com/coming-soon
Touch (Film Society screening) — Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution, Highgate (N6 6BS)
Film Society night with screening and discussion.
Thu 22 Jan: 19:30–21:30.
Link: https://hlsi.org.uk/whats-on/touch/
My Life With Kenneth Williams (one-man show) — Circle & Star Theatre, Hampstead (NW3 6TE)
David Benson’s celebrated portrait of Kenneth Williams (centenary edition).
Fri 23 Jan: 19:30–21:30 • Sat 24 Jan: 15:00 & 19:30.
Link: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/circleandstar
Local Art Exhibitions
Portraits of Slovak and Czech Britain (exhibition) — Burgh House, Hampstead (NW3) — Wed 21–Sun 25 Jan, 10:00–16:00
A timely local history angle through portraiture, shown at Burgh House.
Link: https://www.slovaktheatre.com/event-details/exhibition-portraits-of-slovak-and-czech-britain?utm_campaign=0525a284-35fb-4d89-9101-1c68b2027063&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=35c4f567-118f-4056-aa72-f8d49317a7b8
VIP exhibition opening: — Tue 20 Jan, 18:00
Women Artists of Hampstead (new Burgh House display) — Burgh House (NW3) — From Wed 21 Jan
A Hampstead focused display spotlighting local women artists (great “take visiting friends” option).
Link: https://www.burghhouse.org.uk/whats-on/whats-on/exhibition/women-artists-of-hampstead
Migration Stories (new Burgh House display) — Burgh House (NW3) — From Wed 21 Jan
Local stories and context — a gentle, thoughtful visit that feels very “Hampstead”.
Link: https://www.burghhouse.org.uk/whats-on/whats-on/exhibition/hampstead-artists-residents-and-history-381
A look at the weather for the week ahead - not much to get excited about! https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2647553
Live music in the area
Live at HLSI: The Aquilae Quartet (concert) — Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution (N6 6BS)
String quartet programme in the Victoria Hall.
Wed 21 Jan: 19:30.
Link: https://hlsi.org.uk/whats-on/
Poetry Jam Night (spoken word / open mic) — The Fiddler’s Elbow, Kentish Town (NW5)
Open mic for poetry / spoken word (audience welcome).
Tue 20 Jan: listed on venue calendar.
Link: https://www.thefiddlerselbow.co.uk/
The 502s — O2 Forum Kentish Town (NW5) — Sat 24 Jan (Doors 19:00)
A lively, upbeat gig at the Forum (good one if you want “big room” energy locally).
Link: https://www.livenation.co.uk/o2-forum-kentish-town-tickets-vdp5597
Wednesday Night Live Jazz — The Woodman, Highgate (N6) — Wed 21 Jan, 19:45–23:00
Weekly live jazz in a pub setting — easy, local, and genuinely good midweek plans.
Link: https://www.the-woodman.com/wednesday-night-jazz/
Sound and Furiant (Dvořák / Martinů / Novák) — Lauderdale House, Highgate (N6) — Sun 25 Jan (see listing)
Chamber music in a small venue — one for anyone who likes classical without the trek into central.
Interesting fact of the week
There was once a cable tramway in Highgate…
Highgate Hill's 1884 cable tramway was Europe's first; from Archway to the Village, inspired by San Francisco's system. Despite carrying livestock and passengers on its double-decker cars, it faced operational issues including runaway incidents. This lead to its closure in 1892.
Local Markets
Parliament Hill Farmers’ Market (NW5) — Sat 24 Jan, 10:00–14:00
A solid Saturday produce stop right by the Heath.
Link: https://artisanfoodtrail.co.uk/events/locations/parliament-hill-farmers-market/
West Hampstead Farmers’ Market (NW6, nearby) — Sat 24 Jan, 10:00–14:00
Easy “shop + coffee” market run if you’re staying local.
Link: https://artisanfoodtrail.co.uk/events/locations/west-hampstead-farmers-market/
Highgate Village Farmers Market (Old 271 bus stand) (N6) — Sat 24 Jan, 10:00–14:00
A newer village-style market initiative (small, local, and worth a browse).
Link: https://highgatesociety.com/update-on-the-former-271-bus-stand/
Hampstead Saturday Indoor Market — Hampstead Community Centre (NW3) — Sat 24 Jan, 10:00–17:00
Indoor stalls for a slow Saturday wander (handmade, gifts, bits and pieces).
Link: https://www.stallandcraftcollective.co.uk/hampstead-saturday-indoor-market-56221-event
Deals and Discounts for Locals
EXCLUSIVE DEAL FOR READERS - 20% OFF JEWELLERY
20% off the beautiful jewellery of Atelier Modernista, a local designer that makes Bauhaus and modernist art inspired jewellery. Code at checkout - Hampsteadian20
Family fun
Out of the Hat (family theatre / show) — Well Walk Theatre, Hampstead (NW3) — Sat 24 & Sun 25 Jan (14:00 + 16:00 shows)
A small-venue family show in Hampstead — perfect if you want something local and low-fuss.
Link: https://shop.beyonk.com/3mInLEsJP0/out-of-the-hat
Jack and the Beanstalk (Sort of) (family show) — Jacksons Lane (N6)
Family theatre (ages noted by venue).
Sun 25 Jan: 11:00 & 14:00.
Link: https://www.jacksonslane.org.uk/events/jack-and-the-beanstalk-sort-of/
Origami Sessions (after-school) — Well Walk Theatre, Hampstead (NW3) — Tue 20 Jan, 15:30–16:30
Hands-on, calm, creative — ideal for kids who like making things.
Link: https://shop.beyonk.com/3mInLEsJP0/origami-sessions-tuesdays-in-january-after-school
Wild About Hampstead Heath: Big Birdwatch (drop-in) — Hampstead Heath — Sat 24 Jan, 13:00–15:00
A relaxed drop-in session with wildlife interpreters — good for families.
Link: https://www.heath-hands.org.uk/events/wild-about-hampstead-heath-big-birdwatch-24-january-2026/
OTHER NOTABLE MENTIONS (Burns night special)
Burns Night Whisky Tasting & Haggis Supper (with Rare Find) — The Old White Bear, Hampstead (NW3 1LJ)
A Burns Night themed evening hosted by North London Whisky Club, combining a guided whisky tasting with a haggis supper in a local pub setting. Fri 23 Jan 2026 (19:00).
Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/burns-night-whisky-tasting-haggis-supper-with-rare-find-tickets-1979305112874
Burn’s night Ceilidh - Dinner and dancing
Traditional Scottish dancing & Haggis!
Date/time: Friday 23 Jan (19:00–22:00)
Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/burns-night-ceilidh-with-dinner-and-dancing-tickets-1857004353009?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&_gl=1vtlutl_upMQ.._gaMjE0NTY0MzMwLjE3Njg3NjA1ODQ._ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3Njg3NjA1ODMkbzEkZzAkdDE3Njg3NjA1ODMkajYwJGwwJGgw
That’s all for this week. Thank you so much for reading, I hope you’ve found something you’re interested in exploring. Have a great week and I’ll be back same time next week with an update of what’s coming up.
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