Stow the nativity scene, take down the tree and pop Richard Curtis back into mothballs for another year. Christmas is officially over and perhaps you’re willing to admit that you’re a little relieved. It’s a brand-new year and, for Chelsea locals in pursuit of pampering, culture and couture, it is going to be a good one.

If you are wondering where to start, don’t worry, we’ve got your back with our recommendations for making 2024 a year to remember.

Exhibitions

Craving a little culture? Your first stop has to be Saatchi Gallery on the King’s Road. From 14 February to 6 May, the space will be home to BURTYNSKY: Extraction / Abstraction, the largest exhibition of works by world-renowned photographer, Edward Burtynsky. Curated by Marc Mayer, former director of the National Gallery of Canada and the Musée d’Art Contemporain de Montréal, the exhibition will feature 94 of Burtynsky’s large-format photographs as well as 13 high-resolution murals, and an augmented reality (AR) experience.

For a jolt of electrifying glamour, we recommend DIVA at the V&A, which is running until 10 April. It “celebrates the power and creativity of iconic performers, exploring and redefining the role of ‘diva’ and how this has been subverted or embraced over time across opera, stage, popular music and film”. So, think Tina, think Elton, think Beyoncé and, of course, think Cher.

Theatre and music

Rounding out Chelsea’s cultural offerings are the Royal Court Theatre and Cadogan Hall. The former is high-kicking 2024 off with a “rollicking queer Western like nothing you’ve seen before”. From 11 January to 10 February, the Royal Shakespeare Company presents Cowbois by Charlie Josephine, a joyous romp that sees handsome bandit Jack Cannon arriving in a sleepy frontier town and subsequently lighting a fire under the petticoat of every one of its repressed inhabitants. 

If you prefer your comedy in stand-up form, The Court has an exciting 10-day line-up of award-winning comedians planned from 15 March, including John Kearns, Ahir Shah, Lucy Beaumont, David Baddiel and more. 

Cadogan Hall’s roster for 2024 is jam-packed with musical talent, from the Kensington Symphony Orchestra presenting Beethoven’s Eroica on 6 February to acclaimed vocalist Lizz Wright singing a set of soaring reflections on the cultural fabric of America. 

And legendary ‘70s folk-rock pioneers Lindisfarne are making their Cadogan Hall debut on 24 May with a classic five-piece line-up of long-time members fronted by founder-member Rod Clements on vocals, mandolin, fiddle and slide guitar. And this doesn’t even scratch the surface of the iconic venue’s immense 2024 line-up, so make sure to check its website – there truly is something for everyone.

Fashion

Sabato De Sarno stepping into the role of creative director at Gucci marks another step change at the iconic fashion house. “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of creative director of Gucci,” said De Sarno. “I am proud to join a house with such an extraordinary history and heritage that over the years has been able to welcome and cherish values I believe in. I am touched and excited to contribute my creative vision for the brand.” Head to 18 Sloane Street to take a little piece of his new legacy home.

Last, but by no means least, have you visited Anya’s Village on Pont Street recently? The inimitable designer’s unique collection of spaces (which has become a Chelsea landmark since opening in 2021) is ever-evolving, so no matter when you visit, you’re sure to find something new and exciting. In addition to The Village Hall, which holds a series of quirky pop-ups throughout the year, there is also Anya Life, Anya Café, The Labelled Shop, The Collection Shop and The Bespoke Shop to visit in 2024.

Afternoon tea

One of England’s greatest traditions has been elevated with Afternoon Tea at The Cadogan by Benoît Blin. Distinctively seasonal, this fresh iteration from the pastry chef (who is also an author and judge of Bake Off: The Professionals) gives a French twist to our beloved afternoon tea with delicate paprika-smoked cornbread sandwiches and sublime religieuse pastries. 

If you prefer to keep your afternoon tea classic, The Chelsea Townhouse is the place for you. Nestled in the serene and leafy Cadogan Gardens, a stone’s throw from Sloane Square, this new addition to the neighbourhood is a much-needed oasis for indulging in a spot of quiet luxury. Its Chelsea Garden Afternoon Tea at sister property, 11 Cadogan Gardens, is designed to evoke the flavours and aromas of the garden and create a memorable experience for visitors. The only problem? You may never want to leave.

Events

Chelsea is never short on things to see and events to be seen at. Chelsea in Bloom, the world-class alternative floral art show will also be back in May 2024, transforming the streets of Chelsea into a verdant botanical celebration. The annual extravaganza is London’s largest free-to-attend festival of flowers and while the 2024 theme is yet to be revealed, 2023’s Flowers on Film inspiration saw floral tributes to cinematic icons bloom around the neighbourhood. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know all the details.

And then there is Chelsea Dog Day, an area-wide celebration of pups and their owners and, of course, Duke of York Square’s weekly fine food market, curated by local grocer Partridge’s which offers a selection of artisanal culinary – many of which are produced locally. It’s the ideal place to find something special ahead of a dinner party.  

A little further afield (just one stop away on the District line from Sloane Square) is South Kensington’s world-renowned museums. Inside the V&A, Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, you’ll find incredible displays of fashion, fine art, scientific wonders and much more. They’re all refreshed frequently and hold regular events hosted by curators, artists, musicians and the like, so be sure to visit often to appreciate the collections in full.

Films and books

Judging by the must-watch film lists of 2024, this is going to be a year of sequels and remakes. And there’s no better place to enjoy them than in a plush scarlet seat with a cocktail in hand at the Everyman Chelsea. 

January is kicking off with a new Mean Girls film, but this time, it’s a musical. It’s written by Tina Fey – an icon of comedy and one of the original film’s creators, and promises a similarly iconic and influential dose of fashion inspiration – and quotable moments – as last time. See it on Wedneday and wear pink in tribute, it’ll be ‘fetch’. March brings Dune: Part Two starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, while Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga led by Anya Taylor-Joy hits screens in May. 

For the kids (and all the adults who secretly loved it too), Inside Out 2 is a no-brainer in June and at the other end of the spectrum, those who enjoyed Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker may be intrigued to learn that the sequel (Joker: Folie à Deux out in October) is actually a musical co-starring Lady Gaga. Should be an interesting one.

A Chelsea institution since 1957, independent bookshop John Sandoe Books is always a treat to visit. Plus, we all know supporting local businesses is good for the soul. Some novels to order from the neighbourhood’s cosiest spot this year are Come and Get It by Kiley Reid, author of Such a Fun Age, who is back with a tension-filled novel about money, privilege and bad behaviour. Looking for a fast-paced thriller? End of Story by A.J. Finn (who previously penned The Woman in the Window) is our top pick. For non-fiction-lovers, Just Friends: On the Joy, Power and Influence of Friendship by Gyan Yankovich is all about the complex relationships that make our lives worth living.

New openings

There are several exciting openings planned across the neighbourhood for 2024 but, until then, why not explore Chelsea’s newest destinations? There is incredible seafood at David Yeo’s ‘boat to table’ restaurant on Sloane Street; glittering jewels at Jessica McCormack‘s new boutique and classic French cuisine and a seductive cocktail bar at the intimate new hotel, …At Sloane.

And to stay in the loop with all the exciting and inspiring things happening on Sloane Street, be sure to follow us on Instagram at @SloaneStreetSW1.