Fed up of the cold, dark days of winter? Get ready to say goodbye to them with vodka and blinis (pancakes) at the Russian Maslenitsa Festival in London!

Maslenitsa is the Russian sun festival, marking the end of winter and the start of spring. In London, the Maslenitsa Festival has become a week-long celebration of Russian culture in the capital, marking the contribution of London’s 160,000-strong Russian population.

This year’s festival takes place from 19 to 26 February and offers Londoners the chance to experience many aspects of Russian culture including:

• Food: Try a Russian-themed afternoon tea at the Kensington Hotel or The Dorchester, including caviar blinis, and berry and honey pavlovas (from £25 per person)
• Fashion: See some of Russia’s most celebrated designers in a fashion show at The V&A, 22 Feb
• Nightlife: Experience a Moscow club as top Russian DJs come to DSTRKT, 25 Feb

The main Maslenitsa event takes place in Trafalgar Square on Sunday 26 February. This free event promises fun for all the family, with stalls offering traditional Russian handicrafts, souvenirs and art plus music, dancing and singing on the main stage.

Visit www.maslenitsa.co.uk for more information about the festival.

Where else can you find Russian culture in London? Let us know in the comments below.