London can be a daunting place. If you’re not the kind of person who’ll go out to a bar on your own, chat to strangers and get everyone up dancing on the tables, you might need a helping hand.
There are numerous Aussie-specific events and groups that hold regular meet ups for like-minded people, whatever you’re into, so you’ll immediately feel more at home.
Australian Voices
What: Learn how to sing the Aussie way with this merry bunch of classical singers. Their vocally driven music incorporates
the sound of the rainforest, the reef and the desert, combined with choral and didgeridoo rhythms.
They’re on tour through the UK and reach London this month. Each workshop takes place before their concerts, lasts an hour and is included in the ticket price.
When & where: Performances include Croydon, Oct 31; Ealing, Nov 1. See website for full show details. £15 per ticket.
theaustralianvoices.com
AFL footy
What: This month London hosts a rare treat – a live AFL game for the first time since 2006. The match between the Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide Power at the Kia Oval is expected to lure 15,000 fans, the ideal setting to meet fellow Aussies.
Where & when: Nov 3, bounce at 3.30pm. Kia Oval, Surrey County Cricket Club, Kennington, SE11 5SS. £20.
kiaoval.com
Bogan Bingo
What: “This show contains coarse language, strobe lights… and traces of nuts. Let’s play some fuck-en bingo,” announced the mullet-sporting callers Tim and Trev on our visit.
It’s all about Aussies not taking themselves too seriously, going wild on a school night and bouncing ball jokes around the room.
Where & when: Every Thursday, 7pm. £6. The Underdog, 16a Clapham Common South Side, SW4 7AB.
facebook.com/boganbingouk
Battersea fireworks
What: Join the friendly Australian Expats In London group for a jolly that’s especially designed for meeting new people here. They’ll be getting in the spirit of the city by swapping boardies for a scarf and gloves, then watching this bright lights bonanza
to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night a couple of nights early. If you can’t make this date, the group hosts a number of regular events,
such as greyhound racing at Wimbledon or a casual monthly drinks session, and welcomes all Aussies.
When & Where: Nov 3, 7pm. Battersea Park, SW11 4BJ. £10.
meetup.com/australian-expat
Sunday at The Church
What: This hedonistic affair will blow any homesick thoughts into orbit.
While boring Brits are spending the day eating a roast and talking to gran, hundreds of Aussies, Kiwis and stragglers consume copious amounts of booze and dance outlandishly in fancy dress, while comedians, strippers and more perform – all as if it’s not Monday tomorrow.
This Sunday’s a special Halloween-themed day.
When & where: Sundays, 12pm. The Clapham Grand, SW11 1TT. £7 (Halloween party, Oct 28. £11).
thechurchlondon.com
Photos: Llewellyn Cass, Getty
