“It’s night out meets Night at the Museum”

The walk up from the wrought iron gates to the main entrance of The Natural History Museum on Cromwell Road, in itself is awe-inspiring – the architecture, the history and the spectacular Romanesque arch welcoming you as you enter. This is on a routine culturally expeditious sort of day, not to mention walking up on the evening of New Year’s Eve, ready to celebrate the night away. It’s night out meets Night at the Museum, and it’s a phenomenal idea.

Let’s face it, New Year’s Eve planning in London does not have a shortage of options – from ticketed events, firework watching, bar hopping or simply partying it up until the clock strikes midnight. 

The difference here is the meeting of two worlds – history and heritage, the old, and the celebration of a new beginning, a new year, the new. The event offers, not only, The Hintze Hall known to house Hope, the blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling, doubled up as a massive dance floor with live band and DJ, but also various breakout areas with activities. From lively musical bingo in the T-rex restaurant, where you can rest and grab some nourishment and drinks, Silent Disco in The Earth Hall, meeting and learning about live animals in The Zoo Lab area, to meandering through the exhibitions or Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, whilst gearing up for the countdown, there is plenty on offer. Not to mention the nonchalant dress code, from casual, dressed to impress to fancy dress. It was great fun spotting a gigantic inflatable beetle, variations of light-up fashion garments and an intricately detailed tree duo, throwing shapes on the dance floor.

The music provided by Old Dirty Brasstards alternating with And One DJ, meant there was music for most tastes and elevated the entertainment value. Old Dirty Brasstards, a 10- piece brass band, was on top form providing a medley of songs with a modern and imaginative twist, whilst And One DJ provided a mix of modern and old school tunes.

If you enjoy dancing the night away, live music and the chance to explore a vast section of the museum after dark whilst ringing in the New Year in an iconic London landmark and scientific institution, this is the event for you.