Cirque Du Soleil: Kooza, at the Royal Albert Hall

The consistently innovative and spellbinding Cirque Du Soleil bring Kooza to the UK for the first time, which fuses acrobatics and clowning to create a breathtaking and memorable show. Kooza tells the story of The Innocent, who receives a mysterious package that opens up his lonely life and helps him find his place in the world. A return to the original style of Cirque Du Soleil, the production has received rave reviews in other countries and will surely be a spectacular way to start 2013. 5 Jan – 14 Feb

Disco Loco at Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club

Head to Bethnal Green for some unusual family fun – a disco in which kids and their parents can party together! Between 3pm-6pm families can dance to music from DJs, watch live acts and enjoy a range of other activities and surprises. The disco is designed to make children appreciate their parents’ music, so you won’t be dancing to the Peppa Pig theme tune! Entry costs £3. 6 Jan

Festival of Winter Walks, Across London

This weekend is your last chance to participate in the Festival of Winter Walks, an initiative by British walking charity The Ramblers to encourage people to explore places on foot. There are lots of great walks around London, which are all free and present a perfect opportunity to discover hidden parts of the city. Check out The Ramblers website for full details of routes and start times. Until 6 Jan

London Short Film Festival, Various Venues

Described as “the Best Short Film Festival in the World” by the Guardian newspaper, the London Short Film Festival offers a diverse menu of shorts from talented filmmakers. Not only does the programme feature cutting-edge films from the UK’s finest, but it also contains networking events, panel discussions and film surgeries. Get into the festival spirit at the opening night party at the ICA on Friday night. 4-11 Jan

Cockroach Tour of the Science Museum

See things from a completely different perspective during this entertaining and fascinating tour. After you’ve put on the special cockroach shell costume you’ll spend 45 minutes exploring the Science Museum’s galleries and looking at human innovation from the hardy insect’s point of view. The free Cockroach Tour is a great way for people to rediscover this fantastic museum, although it is essential to book in advance. Saturdays and Sundays throughout 2013

A slightly nutty London video for this Friday lunchtime. While it’s not all factually correct (we’re fairly sure Johnson was writing to his friend Boswell when he made his famous “tired of London” quote; and the musical Cats is long gone), there’s certainly some fun renditions of London’s popular landmarks.

Look out for the British Museum; the London Eye; Natural History Museum; St Paul’s Cathedral; Buckingham Palace; Changing the Guard; Science Museum; V&A; and, of course, Big Ben.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.

From the rural beginnings with speeches from Shakespeare, through the Industrial Revolution, with nods to our great institutions (the NHS, Great Ormond Street Hospital, the inventor of the World Wide Web), with comedy from Messrs Bean and Bond, Boyle’s show stretched both our imaginations, and it seemed, the walls of the stadium, as the show seemed to encompass the whole world inside the “steel O” to misquote Shakespeare! Here are my top 10 moments from the show, with tips on places to visit in London if you were similarly impressed.

1. Bradley Wiggins and that Huge Bell
What a way to start. Winner of the Tour de France and in possession of a snazzy new yellow jersey, Londoner Bradley Wiggins rang the largest harmonically tuned bell in the world, at 23-tonnes cast by the Whitechapel Bell Company (est in 1570). Fancy visiting their factory? You can.

2. Kenneth Branagh as Isambard Kingdom Brunel
I’m a huge fan of actor Kenneth Branagh, and his reading of the “Isle is full of noises” speech was fantastic. He was representing Isambard Kingdom Brunel, an engineer responsible for many of the UK’s bridges and dockyards. You can learn more about this famous chap at the Brunel Museum, and take a tour through his Thames tunnel in Rotherhithe.

3. London Symphony Orchestra (and, of course, Mr Bean)
Have you ever seen a better one-finger ostinato than that performed by Rowan Atkinson as Mr Bean? It was one of several very funny moments, but behind it all was the London Symphony Orchestra, with Vangelis’ tune from Chariots of Fire swelling under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle. You can see the orchestra play throughout the year in London.

4. James Bond Visiting Buckingham Palace
Another brilliant comic turn, this time from HM The Queen herself. A pouty Daniel Craig took a trip to Buckingham Palace before executing the most incredible arrival at a party ever; you too can visit the Queen’s residence during the summer months. And if you’re a big Bond fan, don’t miss the current Barbican exhibition about our most famous spy.

5. JK Rowling Reading Peter Pan
Another of my highlights was hearing Harry Potter author JK Rowling reading from Peter Pan, before a team of hundreds of children performed a piece representing the wealth of children’s literature from Great Britain. If you were inspired by the literary display, why not try our Peter Pan Day Out, or visit the Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter to see behind the scenes of JK Rowling’s incredible world.

6. Tim Berners-Lee – Inventor of the World Wide Web
An unsung hero of the modern age, and a key player in the digital revolution, Londoner Tim Berners-Lee made a guest appearance in the Ceremony, live tweeting “This is for everyone” which certainly made me want to cry! You can learn more about computer scientists like Tim at the Science Museum in London.

7. Dancer Akram Khan’s Moving Nod to Mortality
Earlier silliness was tempered with stillness as another Londoner, British Bangladeshi dancer Akram Khan performed a moving dance work called Mortality. Having held the post of associate artist at the Southbank Centre, he’s currently associate artist at Sadler’s Wells, and regularly performs in London. Keep an eye on our dance pages to see him perform again in London.

8. David Beckham’s Speedboat Along the Thames
Later, the mood changed again, as we were treated to the view of the lovely David Beckham sweeping along the Thames on a speedboat. Were you tempted? I’ve done it too, on one of the Speedboat Tours available in London, and I totally recommend it. (I can’t promise you’ll get the same fireworks as you pass under Tower Bridge, but the adrenaline rush is the same!)

9. The Olympic Cauldron by Thomas Heatherwick
There were so many well-kept secrets surrounding the ceremony, but one of the best was the cauldron and the identity of the final torchbearers. It was yet another emotional moment when the young athletes circled the stadium, and lit the 204 petals representing each country, which then rose together to create the cauldron. Want to know more about the Thomas Heatherwick Design Studios? There’s an exhibition dedicated to the team on at the V&A until 30 September.

10. The Great British Music
Finally, what about the amazing music that played throughout? So many great British musicians were given a moment in the spotlight: from Elgar to Underworld; from Charles Parry to the Arctic Monkeys; from the Sex Pistols to Dizzee Rascal. If you’re a fan of Sir Paul McCartney, make sure you visit the famous Abbey Road zebra crossing next time you’re in London; you can also pay tribute to the history of British music at the British Music Experience at The O2.

What were your favourite moments? Let us know in the comments below.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens after dark in London’s museums and attractions, here’s your chance to find out. Family sleepovers are on the increase, and you can now spend the night at many of London’s top attractions. Kids must be accompanied by an adult at most sleepovers, so grown-ups can join in the fun too!

Natural History Museum
Discover what goes on at the Natural History Museum after staff and visitors have gone home. Monthly Dino Snores sleepovers for kids aged eight to 11 include a torch-lit trail through the famous Dinosaurs gallery, a live show about creatures that bite and sting, a fossil workshop, and a chance to sleep under a diplodocus skeleton. The fun continues in the morning with breakfast and a session with Animal Man Nick Spellman.

Science Museum
Fancy spending the night among the Science Museum’s exciting models, machines and exhibits? Once a month, the museum holds Science Nights for children aged eight to 11, with hands-on workshops and a 3D film screening in the impressive IMAX cinema. At the end of the evening you’ll snuggle down for a night in the museum, before enjoying a tasty breakfast in the morning.

ZSL London Zoo
Don’t be surprised if you hear rustling in the night at ZSL London Zoo’s BedBUGS sleepover. Kids aged eight to 11 are invited to spend the night in BUGS! with the spiders, beetles and tamarins. (Don’t worry, they are all safely behind glass!) Activities include animal talks, games, storytelling and a torch-lit tour around the zoo, where you can find out what animals get up to during the night.

Golden Hinde
Experience life as a member of Sir Francis Drake’s crew on the Golden Hinde’s Family Overnight Living History Tour for kids aged six to 11. On arrival you’ll be dressed in Tudor costumes as an officer, barber surgeon or gunner. After an evening of activities and a Tudor dinner, you’ll spend the night among the cannons on the gun deck. Continental breakfast in the morning signals your return to the 21st century.

Chelsea Football Club
Perfect for young football fans, Chelsea FC sleepovers offer the chance to stay overnight at Stamford Bridge. Kids aged five to 10 can take part in an evening of fun-filled activities including a game of five-a-side football, a look around the home dressing room and a walk through the players’ tunnel. Plus they’ll get to meet Chelsea mascot Stamford the Lion before settling down for a night in the Chelsea FC Museum.

Wow. Robotville at the Science Museum this weekend looks fantastic!

Their Robotville Festival is being attended by more than 20 robots from across Europe and the UK. We hope they’re all nice and friendly towards each other! The festival celebrates European robotics culture and advances in robotics design and technology.

Robotville is a free event, open until Sunday 4 December. Visit www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/robotville to find out more.

How will you entertain your kids in London over the school summer holidays? Luckily, London’s attractions are on hand to help with a host of fun activities…

The Science Museum is inviting families to spend their summer in space. Pick up a passport and make your way through the Solar System. Gaze at satellites, explore the Apollo 10 Command Module and see a telescope made from baked bean cans. There are lots of out-of-this world activities too.

Madame Tussauds is declaring a Marvel-ous summer in celebration of new film Captain America: The First Avenger. You can have your photo taken with the “star” of the movie, check out some authentic props, and step behind the superhero’s indestructible shield. Plus, the first 20 kids dressed as a superhero get in free on Mondays between 25 July and 22 August!

Ahoy there! The National Maritime Museum has a seaside theme this summer, with loads of events exploring what the sea means to young visitors. You can find out how people have interacted with the sea through the ages, have a go in a specially designed play area, and take part in hands-on nautical workshops.

Crafty kids can make everything from Japanese slippers to butterfly mobiles, koi-shaped biscuits and garden gnomes at the Geffrye Museum this summer. The brilliant creative workshops are themed around English and Japanese homes and gardens, to coincide with the current At Home in Japan exhibition.

When the sun comes out, head to the beach! There’s a 70m urban beach outside London’s Southbank Centre over the summer as part of the Festival of Britain celebrations. You’ll also find a row of colourful beach huts containing art exhibitions and installations, a pop-up Indian eatery, Dishoom Chowpatty Beach, and some great free events.

Have you spotted any other fun summer holiday events in London? Let us know in the comments below.

London’s Science Museum was full of woolly monsters at the weekend as Stitch London took up residence to explore science through craft.

Stitched Science included an exhibition of scientific objects made by knitting, crochet and sewing, from embroidered cells to a rather charming knitted Professor Brian Cox. The highlight was the incredibly beautiful Orion Nebula pictured above, which was knitted by Lisa Bentman.

Craft workshops took place under a large knitted solar system. The workshops included pompom planets, knitting Mars monsters, recycling plastic bags into yarn and cross stitch classes. In case you’re wondering how scientific this actually was, I joined the Knit a Neuron workshop and while we knitted, PhD students explained enthusiastically how neurons work and their role in the brain. The Woolly Thoughts workshop explored maths and the science behind altered perspectives.

If you’re sad you missed the opportunity to make a Martian at Stitched Science this weekend, the Science Museum will be holding a Real-Life Gaming Festival at the end of September where you can enjoy being chased round the museum by aliens and rope other visitors into playing games you’ve invented.

www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Free entry. Real-Life Gaming Festival 28 September – 2 October 2011.

So far, we’ve done a little swimming and are going to see both Shrek 4 and Toy Story 3. My daughters are assisting me in my training for the Palace to Palace bike ride even though that isn’t until 26 September.

I’ve always loved London for the parks and theatres but not everyone wants to venture into the City for entertainment, so after appealing on air to my Magic 105.4 listeners for a number for suggestions, the following came through:

• Science Museum: “A fantastic free day out for children of all ages – so much to do and it’s educational!” Pete, Kingston
• In the Night Garden at The 02: “It looks fantastic so I’ve booked tickets to take my two year old. A real holiday treat for fans of Igglepiggle or Upsy Daisy”. Anna, Walthamstow
• Westfield London: “Lots of activities for kids over the summer – we’ll be going to the face painting and storytelling. And a cinema, loads of restaurants and a chance to do some shopping”. Zoe, Cricklewood.
• London Zoo: “You really can’t go wrong with a day out at the zoo. It’s the perfect outing for my five and eight year olds who love seeing all the different animals. There are also loads of daily activities – penguin feeding time is a big hit”.  Nicola, Clapham
• Ceramics Cafés: “There are many in and around the outskirts of London where you can paint your own pots, plaits and cups”. Sam, Hackney.

I’ll definitely be updating the list as the weeks of the holiday go by, so do remember to check in regularly with www.magic.co.uk

On the eve of the new Who Am I? galleries opening at the Science Museum, Jenny Wong, Content Developer of the gallery, explores how London cab drivers learn The Knowledge.

“Everyone recognises the black cab as a London icon, but have you ever wondered what makes London cabbies different from the rest of us?

Science Museum staff caught up with seasoned cab driver Al Fresco and a novice taxi driver in action for the Who Am I? gallery to bring the story of London taxi drivers’ brains to life.

In order to become a cabbie, you have to remember “the Knowledge” – 320 routes and all notable landmarks in the six-mile radius around Charing Cross Station. After achieving this feat of memory and surviving a gruelling face-to-exam at the Public Carriage Office, wannabe cab drivers gain their licence to start taking fares.

So what does this process do to you? Scientist Eleanor Maguire scanned London taxi drivers brains to find out. Using a technique known as MRI scanning, she investigated an area of the brain called the hippocampus which supports spatial navigation and memory. The back of this small, seahorse shaped area of the brain was bigger as a result of the learning each taxi driver had been through.

Something to think about next time you’re in the back of a black cab…”

The new Who Am I? gallery is open from 26 June 2010. Visit www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/whoami for more information

Who am I? What makes me unique? A new gallery at the Science Museum addresses these questions and more, with exhibits ranging from a cat with seven toes, to a chimpanzee’s brain, and models of the average UK man and woman.

I took a look around the Science Museum’s new Who Am I? gallery this morning and it was fascinating stuff. 

I learnt how DNA profiling has allowed people track their ancestry with surprising results; how the latest scientific techniques can help repair people’s bodies; and that the human brain might be the most complex structure in the known universe!

The new gallery also looks at sleeping and dreaming, memory, intelligence, phobias, gender identity and ageing.

And on 30 June, there’s a chance to visit the Science Museum after hours, at a free evening event entitled The Science of You, where you can listen to expert speakers, dance to a silent disco, and play with hands-on exhibits normally reserved for kids. 

Who Am I? opens at the Science Museum on 26 June 2010. Entry is free