London in February 2026: ROSL’s Curated Events Guide

Beneath February’s pale winter skies, London awakens to a rich cultural calendar, showcasing the best of theatre, art and seasonal festivities. From West End premieres and landmark exhibitions to Lunar New Year celebrations and London Fashion Week, this guide presents a curated selection of the month’s most notable events.

Shadowlands: The Extraordinary C.S. Lewis Story

5 February – 29 March
Aldwych Theatre, 49-51 Aldwych, London WC2B 4DF

Hugh Bonneville stars as C.S. Lewis in this multi-award-winning stage drama. Set in 1950s Oxford, the play explores his evolving relationship with American poet Joy Davidman, portrayed by Maggie Steed. A deeply moving story of friendship and love, this revival offers audiences a profound exploration of a man transformed by personal and emotional discovery.

Find out more

Kew Gardens Orchid Festival

7 February – 8 March
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London TW9 3AB

The Orchid Festival celebrates springtime with a spectacular focus on China’s biodiversity, heritage and design traditions. Now in its 30th year, the exhibition includes 1,710 orchid species arranged in immersive installations within the Princess of Wales Conservatory. Visitors can admire large-scale plant sculptures, lanterns, dragons and themed displays that capture the country’s horticultural diversity and rich cultural history.

Find out more

Cynthia Erivo in Dracula

7 February – 30 May
Noël Coward Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4AU

Cynthia Erivo assumes all 23 roles in this bold new production of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Opening this month, the piece sees Erivo portray the Count alongside the entire ensemble, delivering one original song inspired by early horror films. Following the creative team behind Sarah Snook’s one-woman The Picture of Dorian Gray, this all-encompassing performance transforms the iconic gothic tale into a spellbinding theatre event.

Find out more

74th ROSL Annual Music Competition

10 February – 24 March
Royal Over-Seas League

The Annual Music Competition showcases emerging classical musicians and chamber ensembles. Now in its 74th year, the competition offers prizes, mentoring and performance opportunities. Section finals take place in the Princess Alexandra Hall, concluding with the Gold Medal final at Wigmore Hall. Performances on Tuesdays at 7pm provide a chance to hear some of the most promising talent at an early stage in their professional careers.

Find out more

Pancake Day

17 February
London

Indulge in a mouth-watering array of pancakes this Shrove Tuesday. For those in pursuit of the capital’s most sumptuous offerings, food critics acclaim our neighbours at The Wolseley and Fluffy Fluffy, famed for their award-winning soufflé pancakes, including the caramel-infused Biscoff Bliss and the decadently layered Tiramisu Stack. Mildreds offers light, fluffy pancakes, with highlights such as Biscoff and Banana and Berries and Cream, alongside vegan options.

Discover London’s acclaimed pancakes:

Fluffy Fluffy

Mildreds

The Wolseley

Lunar New Year: Year of the Fire Horse

17 February (Official Lunar New Year)
21 – 22 February (Parade)
London

The capital marks the Year of the Fire Horse with festivities from 17 to 22 February, featuring traditional lion dances and a procession of around 50 floats, adorned with dragons and horse-inspired motifs, from Trafalgar Square through the streets of Chinatown. At ROSL, the award-winning Chef Patron Daren Liew of Nanyang Blossom, recognised in the Michelin Guide 2025 and holder of two AA Rosettes, has curated a bespoke Chinese New Year set menu, available exclusively for members from 9 February to 3 March.

Find out more

London Fashion Week

19 – 23 February
Various venues across London

London Fashion Week presents Autumn/Winter 2026 collections from established and emerging designers. Historic venues host runway shows, installations and talks. Highlights include work from international design houses alongside new talent, with a programme that reflects the city’s reputation for both creativity and innovation in fashion.

Find out more

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap

Ongoing
St Martin’s Theatre, West Street, London WC2H 9NZ

Celebrating 75 years in the West End, The Mousetrap remains one of London’s longest-running productions. Set in a remote hotel during a snowstorm, the play follows the investigation of a murder. Booking stalls seats offers an optimal view of Christie’s precise plotting and subtle suspense.

Find out more

Tracey Emin: A Second Life Exhibition

27 February – 31 August
Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG

The largest exhibition of Tracey Emin’s career spans more than 40 years and presents both familiar and unseen works. Visitors can trace her early exhibitions before encountering pieces such as My Bed and Exorcism of the Last Painting I Ever Made. This comprehensive survey offers insight into Emin’s influence on contemporary British art and her continued engagement with personal and cultural themes.

Find out more

Ramses and the Pharaoh’s Gold Exhibition

28 February – 28 June
Neon, Battersea Power Station, London SE11 5RH

A major exhibition exploring Ancient Egypt through over 3,000-year-old artefacts, focusing on the reign of Ramses II, the ‘builder pharaoh’. Ramses and the Pharaoh’s Gold presents monumental statues, intricately carved reliefs and gilded treasures, offering insight into Egypt’s architectural and artistic innovations. Visitors can trace the pharaoh’s ambitious building projects and uncover the enduring legacy of one of history’s most prolific rulers.

Find out more

Best recommendations for West End musicals according to London’s top critics in 2026:

For members wishing to dine before heading to the West End, our new à la carte menu will be available from Monday to Saturday in the 1910 Dining Room, along with our Chinese New Year menu from 9 February. Reservations can be made online or by emailing dining@rosl.org.uk

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

Until 18 April
Tuesday to Saturday 19.30
Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday 14.30
Theatre Royal Haymarket, Haymarket, London SW1Y 4HT

This musical charts Harold Fry’s 500-mile walk across the UK after a letter from a dying friend. Along the way, he meets strangers who bring hope, love and renewal. Following a sold-out Chichester run, the five-star, pitch-perfect musical praised by ‘The Times’ transfers to the West End, with a moving adaptation.

Find out more

Back to the Future

Until 12 April (final performances)
Monday & Wednesday – Saturday 19.30
Thursday & Saturday 14.30
Sunday 15.00
Adelphi Theatre, Strand, London WC2R 0NS

The musical adaptation of the 1985 film concludes its West End residency this month before a UK tour. Following Marty McFly’s journey to 1955, the production combines humour, spectacle and nostalgia, with the DeLorean ensuring a dynamic and inventive staging.

Find out more

Matilda The Musical

Ongoing
Tuesday – Sunday 19.30
Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday 14.30
Sunday 15.00
Cambridge Theatre, Earlham Street, London WC2H 9HU

Roald Dahl’s timeless tale comes to life in this seven-time Olivier Award-winning musical, celebrated for its dazzling sets and feel-good songs, captivating audiences for 15 years. Follow Matilda as she triumphs over her neglectful parents and the fearsome Miss Trunchbull, with the help of her kind teacher, Miss Honey.

Find out more

To download or print our full London Events Guide: February 2026 Edition, click here.

Members, to book an overnight stay during February, please click here or email reservations@rosl.org.uk