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Richard Jones returns to English National Opera to direct this new production of Offenbach's The Tales of Hoffmann at the London Coliseum, conducted by Anthony Walker. Hoffmann belatedly fulfilled Offenbach's ambition to write grand opera but, tragically, he died during rehearsals. 

Get into London Theatre cheers up those dark winter nights with reductions for over 50 shows through to mid February. Whatever your interest, from musicals to high drama, classic comedies to brand-new plays or opera and ballet, you'll find something for the whole family.

David McVicar's sumptuous Scottish Opera production of Richard Strauus' Viennese "romcom" Der Rosenkavalier is revived for the first time at the London Coliseum. English National Opera's music director Edward Garnder conducts Amanda Roocroft, Sarah Connolly and Sir John Tomlinson.

Carnivorous lampshades and pole-dancing robots might sound like elements of a very disturbed person's dream, but Kinetica Art Fair at London's P3 displays exactly these sorts of weird exhibits. See seriously cool kinetic, electronic and new media art.

The National Portrait Gallery's prestigious Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize celebrates the best in contemporary portrait photography. The diverse photographic styles, advertising and fine art images are submitted by a range of photographers, from professionals to amateurs and photography students.

Romantic any night of the year, London's iconic Tower Bridge is especially lovely on Valentine's Day. Celebrating its amorous atmosphere, a special champagne-and-chocolate package held on its walkway allows lovers the perfect platform on which to whisper sweet nothings (or a proposal).

Some 50 years on from the actual events, Iain Softley and Stephen Jeffreys' Backbeat recreates the birth of the Beatles and, specifically, the band's first bassist Stuart Sutcliffe, who fell in love with German photographer Astrid Kirchher. David Levraux directs.

The International Art Fair held at the Royal College of Art showcases a wide selection of modern and contemporary art from across the globe, alongside Modern British and contemporary work. Artists include Matisse, Miró, Picasso, Henry Moore and David Hockney.

Organised by the British Fashion Council, London Fashion Week is a major biannual fashion event at Somerset House that showcases the latest season's collections. Watch the glitterati of the fashion media set the tone for next year's styles.

Richard Jones returns to English National Opera to direct this new production of Offenbach's The Tales of Hoffmann at the London Coliseum, conducted by Anthony Walker. Hoffmann belatedly fulfilled Offenbach's ambition to write grand opera but, tragically, he died during rehearsals. 

Throughout its 2011/2012 Barbican season the BBC Symphony Orchestra programmes all Sibelius's symphonies. Sakari Oramo conducts Symphony No 3, Jukka Pekka Sarase both Nos 6 & 7, Kirill Karabits No 4, Neeme Järvi No 2, John Storgårds No 5 and Alexander Vedernikov No 1.

David McVicar's sumptuous Scottish Opera production of Richard Strauus' Viennese "romcom" Der Rosenkavalier is revived for the first time at the London Coliseum. English National Opera's music director Edward Garnder conducts Amanda Roocroft, Sarah Connolly and Sir John Tomlinson.

The Banff Mountain Film Festival tours dozens of different countries, presenting award-winning films with topics ranging from remote landscapes to daredevil action sports. Visit London's Union Chapel in Islington for some jaw-dropping and thought-provoking features.

Playwright Simon Stephens returns to the London stage with Katie Mitchell's production of The Trial of Ubu at the Hampstead Theatre. Together they bring Jarry's Ubu into the 21st century to set him before the International Criminal Tribunal in The Hague.

Never far from a stage since its première, Michael Frayn's Noises Off is back in a 30th anniversary production directed by Lindsay Posner at the Old Vic. A farce of truly theatrical proportions it turns tables on the actors and shows us what happens backstage!

Updated and transposed from Goldoni's original 1743 Italian comedy The Servant with Two Masters, Richard Bean's Brighton-set One Man, Two Guvnors has been a massive National Theatre hit. Nicholas Hytner's hysterical production, starring James Cordon, transfers to the Adelphi Theatre.

Although not as high-profile as the FA Cup, in recent years the Carling Cup has enjoyed something of a renaissance, and the winners earn potentially lucrative UEFA Cup qualification. The final is played at Wembley Stadium.

The Imagine Children's Literature Festival, at the Southbank Centre, installs a love of literature and creativity in kids of all ages. The UK's best contemporary children's writers, storytellers and illustrators enrapture and enthuse young audiences with readings, discussions and workshops.

Find antique and modern bears for sale, teddy bear books, clothes and best-dressed bear competitions in Kensington Town Hall at the biannual Hugglets Teddy Bear Festival. Teddies is the September event and the Winter BearFest takes place in February.

David McVicar's sumptuous Scottish Opera production of Richard Strauus' Viennese "romcom" Der Rosenkavalier is revived for the first time at the London Coliseum. English National Opera's music director Edward Garnder conducts Amanda Roocroft, Sarah Connolly and Sir John Tomlinson.

With Nixon in China and Doctor Atomic already staged at the London Coliseum, English National Opera now adds John Adams' second-composed opera The Death of Klinghoffer to its repertoire in this new production by Tom Morris. Baldur Brönniman conducts.

Richard Jones returns to English National Opera to direct this new production of Offenbach's The Tales of Hoffmann at the London Coliseum, conducted by Anthony Walker. Hoffmann belatedly fulfilled Offenbach's ambition to write grand opera but, tragically, he died during rehearsals. 

Bringing to London some of the finest vocal talent around, the Rosenblatt Recital Series is now an established part of London's classical music season. The one-a-month, mid-week concerts (usually Wednesdays) bring top singers to St John's, Smith Square.

The BBC Symphony Orchestra's chief conductor Jirí Belohlávek brings his tenure to a close at the Barbican Hall. In a touch of his Bohemian homeland, this follows his acclaimed Martinu symphony cycle and opera Julietta, and Smetana's The Bartered Bride.

With Nixon in China and Doctor Atomic already staged at the London Coliseum, English National Opera now adds John Adams' second-composed opera The Death of Klinghoffer to its repertoire in this new production by Tom Morris. Baldur Brönniman conducts.

Sample international beers, ciders and perries at the The London Drinker Beer & Cider Festival in the Camden Centre. Curious UK beer names include Pressed Rat & Warthog and Steaming Billy's Last Bark - the latter honouring a deceased pet.

Richard Jones returns to English National Opera to direct this new production of Offenbach's The Tales of Hoffmann at the London Coliseum, conducted by Anthony Walker. Hoffmann belatedly fulfilled Offenbach's ambition to write grand opera but, tragically, he died during rehearsals. 

Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year is owned by London's Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife Magazine. The museum displays the work of the winners and runners-up of this annual competition devoted to the world's finest photography of wildlife.

Ever thought of yourself as a budding master of watercolour? The Royal Watercolour Society Open Competition invites hopefuls to submit up to three water-based paintings for the annual exhibition at Bankside Gallery.

London's BFI Southbank celebrates the UK's thriving animation scene at the British Animation Awards. Across the country, 27 venues lead up to the big night with Public Choice Tour screenings, where audiences can vote for their favourite films.

For the first time ever, a show from Regent's Park Open Air Theatre transfers directly into the West End. Artistic director Timothy Sheader's production of the Gershwins' and Ken Ludwig's Crazy for You brightens up autumn and winter nights at the Novello Theatre.

The processional Head of the River Race involves a staggering 420 eights, making it the largest continuous rowing event in the world. The journey from Mortlake to Putney Bridge is certainly no mean feat.

The BBC Symphony Orchestra's new formula for its contemporary music programming is enshrined in an annual trio of "Total Immersion" days at the Barbican Hall. This season Jonathan Harvey, Brett Dean and Arvo Pärt are the featured composers.

London bursts with a huge festival and parade on St Patrick's Day, starting from Hyde Park and ending at Trafalgar Square. Traditional and contemporary Irish music take over the stage at Trafalgar Square and the fountains pump out green water.

The art market has long been recognised for peddling its wares at over-inflated prices. The Affordable Art Fair (AAF) in Battersea Park provides an antidote, offering a relaxed, unstuffy environment for visitors to browse, buy and learn about art.

Incredible lights, lasers and special effects make the Classical Spectacular at the Royal Albert Hall a unique experience. Over 250 performers ensure the hall resounds to the world's best classical music, with brand new pieces as well as time-honoured favourites.

Those with an eye for a real fashion bargain visit the Designer Warehouse Womenswear Sale at Islington Studios. Find catwalk samples, international designers and current collections at up to 80% off original prices. Major names include Prada, Armani and Missoni.

The British Antique Dealers' Association (BADA) Antiques & Fine Art Fair is an annual showcase of quality antiques in Duke of York Square in Chelsea. Furniture, paintings and more are exhibited and on sale to the public.

The Human Rights Watch International Film Festival, held at London cinemas including Brixton's Ritzy Cinema, screens world and UK premières documenting the fight to highlight injustices inflicted against humanity. It is organised by the NGO Human Rights Watch.

Strictly Come Dancing stars Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace bring their own Midnuight Tango to London's Aldwych Theatre after massive success on tour. Directed by sometime-Strictly choreographer Karen Bruce, and co-produced by Arlene Phillips, this comes with established dance credentials.

One of Alan Bennett's most celebrated plays, The Madness of George III arrives in the West End in Christopher Luscombe's accalaimed Peter Hall Company production from Bath's Theatre Royal. David Haig reprises his role as the mad king at the Apollo Theatre.

Patrick Stewart returns to London theatreland not to play in Shakespeare, but actually star as Shakespeare in Edward Bond's Bingo at the Young Vic.  Angus Jackson's Young Vic co-production received rave reviews at Chichester Festival Theatre's Minerva Studios in 2010.

Pick up a present for your home at Earls Court Exhibition Centre's Ideal Home Show. From billiard tables and antique mirrors to solar-powered garden lights, this is the place to go for innovative and inspirational home accessories.

London's annual Lesbian and Gay Film Festival (LLGFF) is dedicated to promoting sexual diversity and queer visibility in cinema. Its expansive programme aims to capture the diversity of themes tackled by gay film.

The Royal Choral Society presents its annual Good Friday performance of Handel's masterpiece, Messiah, at the Royal Albert Hall. The Easter tradition is performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and has been going yearly since 1878.

American playwright Richard Nelson returns to the British stage with Farewell to the Theatre at the Hampstead Theatre, directed by Roger Michell. It's not Nelson's swansong, but that of fellow-dramatist Harley Granville-Barker who retired from the stage in America.

Dating from 1829, this university boat race is billed as "the world's longest surviving sporting challenge". Competitors row a gruelling four-and-a-quarter-miles along the Thames from Putney to Mortlake, often against waves and bitter winds, in their quest for the coveted title.

Legally Blonde The Musical continues its award-winning sucess at the Savoy Theatre, directed by Jerry Mitchell. Join Elle Woods as she buckles down to some serious study to get educated to get her own back on ex Warner.

The Greenwich Theatre presents its annual festival of Children's Theatre, with a range of performances at venues across the borough. With puppets and poets, folk tales and fairy tales, magic and music on offer, the programme is full of surprises.

David Hockney RA: A Bigger Picture, at London’s Royal Academy, is the first major exhibition of the artist’s landscape work in the UK. New prints and paintings trace the changing of the seasons in the East Yorkshire countryside.