London After Dark: City’s world-famous nightlife scene is back in full swing

  • New London Lates season sees the city bursting back to life with unforgettable experiences supported by world-class actors, DJs, musicians and artists
  • Mayor of London invites the public to celebrate the return of the city’s nightlife
  • Includes unique collaboration between Fabric nightclub and the English National Opera – ‘One Night at the Opera

To celebrate the reopening of the capital’s world-famous nightlife, the new London Lates season presents a series of outstanding experiences that we’ve all been missing over the past 18 months. The season brings together best-in-class actors, DJs, musicians, and artists to create unforgettable experiences for the public to enjoy.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has funded several events for the London Lates programme as the latest phase of his Let’s Do London campaign, encouraging the public to get back out to celebrate the capital’s unique and diverse nightlife. Whether you’re a partygoer, art lover, foodie, opera fan or looking for a late-night adventure, there’s something for every adult, with select events catered to children’s entertainment too.

London Lates will see the city bursting back to life with unique collaborations and partnerships to deliver ‘hottest ticket in town’ experiences. The after dark events will include: Fabric Presents – One Night At The Opera; 30 Decades of Dance at Ministry of Sound, Royal Opera House; Carnaby Lates at the Museum of Youth Culture; Frieze at West End Night; Tate Modern Late; One Night Stand at London Dungeon; Science Museum Lates; Lates at the Saatchi Gallery, Crypt Lates at St Martins in the Fields; 1:54 African Contemporary Art Fair, and more.

Get ready for the return of one of London’s most iconic nightclubs, Fabric, which will showcase a unique collaboration between its famous DJs and the ENO’s award-winning singers to present ‘One Night at the Opera’ at the London Coliseum on 2 December – an event not to be missed.

Continuing the opera theme, the Royal Opera House will be celebrating the magic of the stage and queer club culture on 14 November, giving visitors a fresh look at the worlds of ballet and opera.

Join the world-renowned Ministry of Sound in celebrating its 30-year anniversary with a three-part ’30 Decades of Dance’ celebration in September. With performances from world-famous DJs including Judge Jules, Fat Tony, Armand van Helden, Tall Paul and Carly Wilford, it’s time to hit the dancefloor!

Art lovers can enjoy evening exhibitions of artist Sophie Taeuber-App’s creations at the Tate Modern Late. While explorers can head to the Science Museum for ‘Space Lates’ and the London Dungeon for ‘One Night Stand’ – a unique comedy-fuelled evening centred on breaking taboos around sexual health.

Following the successful launch of the Mayor’s Back to the Big Screen initiative encouraging visitors back to indoor and outdoor cinemas, London Lates provides even more opportunities for late night adventures in the capital. James Bond fanatics can enjoy midnight screenings of ‘No Time to Die’ on 30 September.

And of course, London has a world-class diverse food and drink offer, so there are plenty of late-night bars, pubs and eateries to satisfy all taste buds.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am delighted to unveil London Lates – a season of events and activities for all ages and tastes celebrating all that we love about London at night.

“London’s night-time offering is not only the envy of the world but also a major contributor to our economy and it has been sorely missed during much of this pandemic.

“I’m proud to welcome Londoners and visitors alike to enjoy our capital’s nightlife once again and would like to pay tribute to all those working in the hospitality and cultural sectors who have worked so hard to allow us to enjoy world-class entertainment in a safe and responsible way.”

Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, Justine Simons OBE, said: “Culture is in London’s DNA with our city boasting the very finest theatres, museums and music venues. I’m proud that our Lates season shines a spotlight on the fantastic variety of shows and exhibitions that are available for Londoners and visitors to enjoy. After an incredibly difficult last 18 months, it’s vital that we get out and support these crucial cultural venues and help them to drive our capital’s recovery.”

Night Czar, Amy Lamé said: “London is vibrant and diverse at night, and our city after dark is central to our economic and social recovery. Our nightclubs, pubs, bars, restaurants and cultural venues are renowned across the world; it’s more crucial than ever that we support and help them to survive and thrive. Our Let’s Do London Lates season showcases a wide range of night time events and activities, and I urge Londoners and visitors to go out and enjoy the best of our capital at night.”

Harriet Bliss, Manager, Fabric said: “All of us here at Fabric are so excited for our collaboration with the ENO, bringing together two different sides of music to create something truly unique all under the renowned London Coliseum’s roof. Expect a blend of classic opera singers with live and remixed electronic music producers and DJ’s. Thank you to the Mayor of London’s Office for the support and making this very special event happen.” 

Annilese Miskimmon, ENO Artistic Director said: Our collaboration with Fabric is a wonderful opportunity to show how diverse music can come together to make something truly exciting. This event will unify different genres of music in the beautiful London Coliseum in a unique way. Our gratitude goes to the Mayor of London for helping make this collaboration possible.”

Royal Opera House: Jillian Barker, Director of Learning and Participation, said:  “We are thrilled to be a part of Let’s Do London Lates and can’t wait to welcome you to this special evening of creativity, dance and live music, blending the world-class talents of the Royal Opera House and visiting artists to explore themes of identity and queerness.”

Before the pandemic, London’s night-time economy employed 1.6m people and contributed billions to the economy. It will be at the heart of the capital’s social and economic recovery, and to ensure visitors feel safe when returning to the city’s nightlife scene, venues are following strict Covid guidance.

Full details about the campaign and all London Lates experiences can be found here: https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/nightlife/things-to-do-late-in-london