This winter, keep warm inside and enjoy free and affordable activities for all ages, taking place across Islington. Costing £10 and less, with many things free, activities range from pantomimes, music and theatre performances to art and craft activities.   

Artbox London at Whitecross Street Gallery  

Until 31 January, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 11am–4pm 
Whitecross Street Gallery, 167 Whitecross Street, EC1Y 8JT  

Charity Artbox London is popping up on Whitecross Street, with their exhibition Familiar, developed by artists with learning disabilities and autism.  

Free, no booking required.  

Art workshops   

Every Friday (except 27 December), 2–4pm 
Hargrave Hall Community Centre, upper hall, Hargrave Road, N19 5SP  

Each week, The Art Laboratory art hub kicks off at Hargrave Hall Community Centre. Adults can join free, with materials, books and refreshments provided. Open to all, but those who feel isolated or in need of a bit of company are especially welcome. No art experience needed.   

No booking required, just drop in.  

Kids art club  

Every Friday (except 27 December), 4-5pm 
Hargrave Hall Community Centre, upper hall, Hargrave Road, N19 5SP  

Encourage your children to use their imagination, get creativity and practice their hand-eye coordination at a free art club at Hargrave Hall Community Centre. No booking required, just drop in.  

Third Age art group  

Every Wednesday, 2–4pm 
Girdlestone Community Centre, under 151 Salisbury Walk, Archway, N19 5DX  

Free weekly art class for elderly people at Girdlestone Community Centre in Archway.  The classes aim to enhance the lives of people living in the local area, providing the opportunity to develop new making skills, as well as sharing and strengthening creative ideas.  

Free for adults over 50.   

Find out more about the art group at Girdlestone Community Centre

Work experience at Park Theatre

Deadline for applications: Wednesday 15 January, 2pm
Work experience dates: 17–21 February 
Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, N4 3JP  

This one-week work experience is an opportunity for young people to gain hands-on experience in all areas of theatre work. A series of masterclasses led by a team of expert professionals, participants will gain an insight into working in areas of theatre such as producing, technical, directing, marketing and more. They will also develop their knowledge of different pathways into the industry.
 
Suitable for students aged 14–18 in school years 10–13 and free for students aged 14–18 in school years ten to 13.  

Apply for work experience at Park Theatre

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof   

Thursday 16 January, 7.30pm 
Almeida Theatre, Upper Street, N1 1TA   

A free performance of Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof for those aged 25 and under. Set in the plantation home of the Pollitts in the Mississippi Delta, relationships are tested as the family prepares for the death of patriarch Big Daddy.    

Visit the Almeida Theatre website for more information

Revelations20  

Until January 2025 
Online  

Revelations20 is a film about Bevin Court in Islington, created over the summer of 2020. A day in the life; a life in the day it follows caretaker John Lynch on his daily routine and introduces some of the residents who make up this brilliant community. It shines a light on the positive aspects of estate life and illustrates the importance of council housing.   

Watch Revelations20 online

The Postal Museum Community access scheme  

Open year-round  
The Postal Museum, Phoenix Place, WC1X 0DL  

The Postal Museum explores more than 500 years of social and communications history. Visitors can experience a ride through the ‘mail rail’ tunnels of the old Post Office Underground Railway. The community access scheme offers up to 16 annual and reusable tickets priced at £1 per person, which can be used for entry to mail rail and museum galleries.   

Learn more about the community access scheme and apply

Free, fun, creative illustration activities   

Access anytime online  

The Quentin Blake Centre for illustration provides free, fun, and creative illustration activities for young people to try at home with their parents and carers.   

Designed by illustrators, activities include step-by-step instructions to help you create characters, comics, games and more. Perfect for those cold, wet winter afternoons.  

Find an illustration activity