Everything On In March

Staying In

Act II by Beyoncé

Get your cowboy hats and bandanas ready because Beyoncé’s Renaissance Act II is set to drop later this month. The anticipation for the second instalment of her Renaissance trilogy reached fever pitch when she confirmed its release by the end of the month, with the electrifying announcement during the 58^th Superbowl. Queen B wasted no time giving us a taste of what’s to come with the release of two songs from the project: ‘TEXAS HOLD ‘EM’ and ’16 Carriages’, making fans yeehaw with excitement across the globe. With these tracks hinting at more country-infused goodness to come, it’s time to saddle up, embrace your inner cowboy and prepare for a ride through Beyoncé’s country universe as we gear up for the album’s drop.

Listen to Act II from 29th March.

The Irish Wish (Netflix)

Room for another binge-worthy rom-con in your life? Then look no further than Netflix’s Irish Wish dropping later this month. Featuring iconic Mean Girls star, Lindsay Lohan, who plays a mousy book editor, Maddie, as well as Ed Speelers—known for his appearances in You and Downton Abbey—Irish Wish is a telling tale of being careful for what you wish for. When the love of her life gets engaged to her best friend, Maddie makes a wish for true love, only to wake up as the bride-to-be in the remote countryside of Ireland. With dreams turning into reality, Maddie swiftly realises that her real soulmate is someone else entirely.

Stream from 15th March.

Revolutionary Acts: Love & Brotherhood in Black Gay Britain by Jason Okundaye

With his essays and features gracing prestigious such as The Guardian, Evening Standard and GQ, Jason Okundaye is now turning his literary talents towards his debut novel. Titled Revolutionary Acts: Love & Brotherhood in Black Gay Britain, Okundaye meets an elder generation of seven Black gay men, each brimming with courage, charisma and wit eager to share their collective past—of nightlife, resistance, gossip, political fights and vulgarity. Tracing these men’s journeys and arrivals to South London across the seventies, eighties and nineties, Revolutionary Acts not only uncovers forgotten chapters of queer British History but electrifies it back to life.

Available to buy from 7th March.

The Gentlemen (Netflix)

In 2024, the macho character narratives of a Guy Ritchie project feel joyfully tongue-in-cheek. If you’re ready to re-indulge the director is back with a spin-off of his 2019 film of the same name The Gentlemen, now available on Netflix. It’s an action dramedy, which will plunge you into a new dangerous, drug-filled world of gangsters and the mega-rich. Theo James stars as the lead, the posh Eddie Halstead, with supporting characters played by Vinnie Jones, Ray Winstone, Joely Richardson and Max Beesley. Over eight episodes, Ritchie explores class, Britishness and the criminal underground. Refreshingly there is a female, Kaya Scodelario cast as Susie Glass, standing as the big boss of dangerous operations.

Stream on Netflix from March 7th

Going Out

BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film

The UK’s biggest queer film event BFI Flare is returning for its 38th edition, promising a vibrant celebration of queer cinema from around the world. Running from March 13th to 24th at the BFI Southbank, this year’s festival marks the 10th year of #FiveFilmsForFreedom, a global initiative launched with the British Council, which promotes solidarity with LGBTQIA+ communities worldwide. Highlights of the 2024 lineup include ‘Layla’, directed by London-based drag performer Amrou Al-Kadhi and ‘Close To You’, starring Elliot Page in his first major film role since coming out as trans in 2020. With an eclectic offering of film screenings, talks and DJ nights, the extensive programme has something for everyone.

Runs 13th – 24th March. Check out the programme here. 

St Patrick’s Day Parade London

Guaranteed to brighten a rather dull start to spring is Irish craic, which will taking over and bringing parties to the British Isles on Sunday 17th March. St Patrick’s day celebrations will no doubt be coming to a pub near you, but for some more cultural immersion consider London’s official, annual extravaganza. Kicking off in Traflagar Square, the St Paddy’s pageant features Irish food, dancing and music which will be winding with a colourful parade of floats through Hyde Park, Piccadilly and Whitehall. A turnout of over 50,000 are expected to attend this year, so stock up on guinness and prepare to dress to impress.

Parade begins 17th March in Trafalgar Square and across central London.

High and Low – John Galliano

Released to cinemas today (8th march), ‘High and Low – John Galliano’ is more than a biopic or fashion documentary. Directed by Academy Award-winner Kevin Macdonald, this highly anticipated film tells the gripping rise-and-fall story of fashion designer John Galliano – whose comeback at Maison Margiela has of late launched him back into the spotlight. A championed maverick of the industry between the 90s and 2000s, Galliano fell from grace following a racist outburst in the streets of Paris in 2011. Delving into his public and private life, the documentary unpacks the designer’s struggle with addiction and industry pressure. With inputs from Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Anna Wintour, the documentary taps into a pertinent discourse around cancel culture, separating the art from the artist and the sustainability of the current fashion system. 

Releasing 8th March to various cinemas.

Acts of Resistance

Opening today, this important new exhibition at the South London Gallery is a challenge to conventional notions of protest photography. Created in partnership with the V&A, ‘Acts of Resistance’ explores the urgent themes of feminism and activism as well as showcasing the power of collaboration. Through the lens of photography, artists including Nan Goldin and Guerrilla Girls explore intersectionality, transnational solidarity, and the use of digital technology for social change. Reflecting on recent global events such as anti-rape protests in Bangladesh and ongoing demonstrations against oppressive regimes, the retrospective presents a poignant commentary on societal issues and encourages us all to engage. 

Open 8th March – 9th June 2024. Entry is free, find out more here.