Another week of the lockdown has come and gone, and now it’s time to relax, let our hair down a little and log on for some virtual and online fun this weekend.
There’s the biggest gig of the year to look forward to, as well as cocktail masterclasses and virtual parties to keep us all entertained.
Things are tough out there, but with millions of us have been tuning in for these online events, as well as theatre shows, live comedy and art exhibitions from our sofas, there are plenty of ways to feel connected even in isolation.
These are our top picks of the things to get up to this weekend – make sure to check out our main guide for things to keep yourself occupied with at home, too.
Tune in for Gaga’s coronavirus support concert
Tune in to BBC One for one of the biggest gigs of the year, which is taking place on Sunday from 7.15pm. Lady Gaga is the master of ceremonies for this virtual concert, which is set to feature remote performances from the likes of Billie Eilish, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Lizzo, Christine and the Queens and the Killers.
Enjoy a pub gig from your living room
The Big Drop Brewing Co. is helping people get their pub fix while indoors by a hosting weekly gig with a live band. This Sunday, tune in from 4pm to see The Dunwells and singer songwriter Allman Brown perform from their online boozer.
Take a virtual cocktail class
Prepare your drinks trolley in time for a virtual cocktail class this Saturday at 7pm, with the Humble Bartender teaming up with Boë Gin on Facebook Live. There’ll be a chance to ask for top cocktail-making tips and learn more about the art of mixology. Don’t worry if you don’t have a cocktail shaker, either – there’ll be advice on how to use household items to make the perfect drink.
Try an online meditation class
The School of Meditation is the place to head for free half-hour sessions this Saturday at 11am. Everyone can take part, with the introductory classes designed to help people relax and relieve tension during the lockdown.
Party with Bongo’s Bingo
One of the best nights out in the UK is going virtual this weekend, with Bongo’s Bingo bringing the party to streaming platform twitch. There’ll be music, prizes, and virtual audience participation, with the chance to win a holiday package to LA. Organisers are encouraging fans to donate to the NHS, too. Tune in at 8am on Saturday to be part of it.
Head to a virtual festival
Bob Sinclar, Purple Disco Machine, Natasha Diggs, Melvo Baptiste and Dimitri from Paris are among the names taking to the decks for the new virtual Glitterbox festival, which is taking place on Friday. Head over to the Instagram page to get involved throughout the day.
Tune in for the V-Art Show
It’s a frustrating time for art lovers at the moment, but a collective is helping bring culture to people’s front rooms with a new virtual art festival. The V-Art Show is the brainchild of eight artists, who are inviting viewers to take part in an online exhibition from 7-10pm on Saturday. It’s a chance to talk to exciting talents and get to know their work, with discussions taking place over Zoom.
Discover foreign-language film
More people than ever, it seems, are looking to discover foreign-language film, with Bong Joon-Ho's Parasite winning Best Picture at the beginning of the year. Check out our guide to the best international cinema available on streaming services here, and discover new movies this weekend. Check out our beginner's guide to French film, too.
