On the agenda: Latin American art; I Blame Coco; eating al fresco at the National; hotguysreadingbooks.com; Wychwood Festival; Martin Margiela
We're all set to marvel at Margiela, blame Coco and have a picnic with Alan Bennett
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Art
Think Latin American art, and most of us might find it hard to think beyond Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. But not for much longer. Transferring from New York, the Pinta Art show comes to London's Earls Court from Friday, where more than 50 renowned galleries (some UK-based, such as White Cube and Riflemaker) will show off a panorama of leading and emerging Latin American talent, including the Mexican installation artist Damian Ortega. Runs until next Sunday, pintaart.com Adam Jacques
Music
For a glimpse of the next crop of young musicians poised to make it big, the return of this year's Sanderson Predicts gig series – set in the London hotel's stunning inner courtyard – is worth a peek. Last year it showcased Little Boots and Marina and the Diamonds, and this year, Sting's daughter Coco Sumner and her band I Blame Coco kick off the series, which will run every Thursday for the coming month. The gigs are free – although you'll need to book a table in advance and there's a minimum spend of £40 per table. Tel: 020 7300 1444, sandersonlondon.com AJ
Food
London's National Theatre has created a tasty tie-in to its late-summer programme: al fresco meals served before select performances. Work is afoot to convert its terrace into a luscious rooftop garden replete with blossom trees and manicured grass where you can chill on a deckchair and feast on a pre-made picnic before heading down for one of four performances including Alan Bennett's The Habit of Art. There are only 10 dates available, so places are likely to be snapped up fast. 2-20 August, £55 per person including picnic and play, nationaltheatre.org.uk AJ
Books
A new study of more than 70,000 people in 27 countries has shown that having just 20 books in your house will increase your child's academic success – and keeping a 500-book library results in a child remaining in education for an average of three years longer. But the tricky problem remains: how to persuade teenage boys to read? How about showing them the website hotguysreadingbooks.tumblr.com, where they'll soon learn that girls swoon over intelligent men? Girls like guys who read books, fellas. See you in the library. Katy Guest
Kids
Cheltenham's annual arts and music festival Wychwood has all the usual family fare next weekend: tales from Roald Dahl, clay-sculpting for tiny tots... and one of the world's great ballet companies? Yes, the English National Ballet's troupe of expert teachers will be running a series of six one-hour workshops for kids of all ages. It's first come, first served, so check out the programme brochure, available on the day, for information on reserving a space – and prepare to see your child turn into Billy Elliot. wychwoodfestival.com AJ
Fashion
The exhibition the fashion world has been waiting for has finally reached our shores: Maison Martin Margiela 20, a retrospective of the Belgian designer's glittering career, opens at Somerset House on Thursday and is sure to be a hit, after enjoying international success in Margiela's hometown of Antwerp. Marvel at the ingenuity, wit and sheer beauty of his pieces; gasp at the feats of design, width of shoulder pads and complexities of his wig-coats. This publicity-shy designer has much to offer beyond the catwalk, and here is an exhibition to do him justice. somersethouse.org.uk Harriet Walker
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments