A display of unique contemporary automata, moving toys and kinetic sculpture will go on show on London’s South Bank. The free Cabaret Mechanical Festival will be held (December 9 – January 3, except Dec. 25, 26) at Oxo Tower Wharf and Gabriel’s Wharf. There is an accompanying programme of workshops for those who want to make their own ‘mechanical Christmas angel’.

Oxo Tower Wharf has established itself as a centre of creative workshops, with 47 units buzzing with a wide range of designers and craftspeople as well as cafes, bars and restaurants. An eclectic range of contemporary design shops sell objects ranging from fashions, jewellery, lifestyle accessories and ornamentation. It’s an easy side-trip for those visiting the nearby Tate Modern or British Airways London Eye. The design shops open Tuesdays to Sundays; dining places and bars daily – and the nearest Underground station is Blackfriars. Tel: 020 7401 2255.

Websites: www.oxotower.co.uk; www.gabrielswharf.co.uk