London Design Festival 2019: top events, the big names to watch and installations not to miss at this year’s design show

London’s biggest design festival is back with over 400 events to tempt design enthusiasts and celebrate the city's status as the design capital of the world.

Now in its 17th year, the festival celebrates the best of architecture and design with installations and pop-up events across the city.

In various locations across London, from September 14 to 22, this year’s event covers 11 design districts, among them Bankside, where the Oxo Tower Wharf will showcase 25 of the best makers in design, craft and innovation, and Mayfair, where artist Camille Walala’s graffiti-covered benches and planters adorn South Molton Street.

This year, King’s Cross is a design district for the first time and, as well as major show Designjunction that's happening there, visitors will be treated to installations from Tom Dixon, who will explore the senses with a touchy-feely exhibition, as well as a collaboration between Central Saint Martins, LVMH and Maison/O on sustainable graduate projects.

Some highlights of the festival include Paul Cocksedge’s Please Be Seated, the transformation of Finsbury Square with sanded scaffold boards into wave-like seats, and Sea Things by Sam Jacobs, a dramatic mirrored cube at the entrance to the V&A which focusses on the blight of single-use plastics.

Meanwhile, also at the V&A is a sculpture celebrating all things bamboo, a donut-like structure curved into a ring that celebrates the sustainable nature of the material.

And pattern duo Patternity have created a dramatic monochrome structure outside Westminster Cathedral. They will make a "labyrinth" with tranquil resting points in their signature shades of black and white.

Also included in this year's Designjunction show is furniture and product designer Steuart Padwick's 16-foot "Talk to Me" sculpture, to encourage opening up the conversation about mental health.

As well as the 11 design districts, there are four major shows highlighting the best of craft and design around the world...

When: Wednesday 18 – Saturday 21

Where: Olympia London

Open to the public on Saturday 21

Now in its 25th year, meet more than 400 exhibitors across the world of architecture and design.

There’s also a celebration of emerging talent as chosen by our very own Barbara Chandler.

Ticket info: 100percentdesign.co.uk

When: Thursday 19 – Sunday 22

Where: King’s Cross

Open to the public throughout

Set across several locations in King’s Cross, Designjunction brings together the world’s leading designers and undiscovered talent in furniture, lighting and accessory design, including Steuart Padwick's "Talk to me" sculpture.

Ticket info: thedesignjunction.co.uk

When: Sunday 15 – Friday 20

Where: Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour

Open to the public from Wednesday 18 to Friday 20

Alongside over 600 international brands, there will be creative discussions and talks and new product launches to watch out for.

Guest pop-ups and conversations with makers such as Anthony Collett and Paolo Moschino are also included in the programme.

Ticket info: dcch.co.uk

When: Thursday 19 – Sunday 22

Where: Old Truman Brewery

Open to the public on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22

This year’s London Design Fair brings together 550 exhibitors from 40 countries.

Among them are independent designers and established brands for the best in furniture, lighting, textiles and conceptual installations.

Ticket info: londondesignfair.co.uk

Pick up the festival guide at the V&A and plan your journey to see the best of design in the city.

The London Design Festival is on from September 14 to 22, in various locations across the city. For more information visit their website.